SimplyNumbers

The Situation Room

By now you've seen this situation room photo of President Obama watching live as Navy Seals infiltrated into the compound where Osama Bin Laden was secretly living. The grim reality stands out on the faces of all present. It speaks to the difficulties that many of these people face on a regular basis, and makes them all seem more human and accountable.

However, I'd like to look at the image from a compassionate, symbolic, deeper and more intimate perspective, outside of the political world. For some people viewing the photo in this way may be difficult. Looking at any image from a symbolic point of view isn't about the outside world, rather it's about looking within. If you can consciously reflect on the photo, outside of the political realm, it might begin to help you to catch a glimpse of something within yourself that is normally hidden, unseen or ignored. This photo has the potential to help you to look into your own shadow as it is connected for many of us with painful events, especially September 11th.

I'm not trying to be insensitive to anyone's pain or grief. It's the opposite. I believe that this photo has the potential for us to deeply connect and work with your difficult emotions, memories and fears, as well as compassion and centered-ness. By connecting with the shadow aspect of the photo, you may be able to begin to heal trauma and let go of certain fears which may be restricting or limiting you. The results can be dramatic, although the process may be hard at first.

I do feel that the photo has much to say about the world today. How do you feel? For me, the photo connects with helplessness. I remember the helpless feeling in the pit of my stomach as I watched the planes crash into the buildings. As I look at the photo this feeling comes up. I also recognize that this feeling, although not necessarily as powerful, comes up when I'm feeling stressed or doubtful.

I feel that the photo also speaks to the connectedness and closeness of the world today. For me personally, the photo speaks volumes about a need for compassion. Working with it, I came to the realization that I'm not helpless and my actions, or inaction, can have far reaching impact. I matter. What I do matters. I recognize that having compassion for my feeling, and not simply dismissing it, and believing in myself can be a way to step past some of the helpless feelings when they arise.

Of course, these feelings won't just go away forever. We're human and we have feelings. Other situations could trigger a feeling of helplessness for me, but coming back to compassion and being willing to recognize the feeling can help to alleviate it, instead of pushing it away or ignoring it. Whatever you learn about yourself will probably be part of an ongoing process of insights, realizations and acceptance. It's not an easy or fast process and it may take some time to recognize, accept and move through your feelings and emotions. With acceptance comes new choices and possibilities.

Symbolically, for me, this image allows me to more deeply connect with helplessness, which helps me to recognize that I have value and my presence is important. For you, the photo may connect you to something entirely different. Recognize whatever it is that comes up for you, and be willing to look for a way to process, accept and finally release it. It might be that you recognize your own humanity, and that you begin to take your relationships more seriously. Whatever unfolds for you, allow it to have meaning for your life and be willing to take action that can help you step past restrictions or limits, and bring greater connection and vibrancy to your life.

Facebook poll: Royal Wedding

Did the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middelton bring up any long forgotten emotions or memories for you? Take our facebook poll or leave a comment on how the events may have stirred something deep within your soul.

Numerology of William and Kate

Let’s take a quick look at the Numerology of the names William and Kate. Now, Kate is not her full name, but now the world knows her in this way and the primary name by which people come to know you is very important in Numerology. Your name is how people relate to you, and it is the way by people begin to develop an understanding of your inner nature and abilities.

Numerologically, the name William works out to be Personality Number 7. These are typically people who appear to be persistent, down-to-earth, competitive, and entrepreneurial. They tend to can flourish at activities, and pursuits which allow them to harness their independence and competitive nature. They also, have the capacity for being highly recognized in the business world, as they usually are quick on their feet and are well spoken.

The W in William, as the first letter, relates to the “King of Wands” Tarot card. It also relates to being strong, loyal, dependable and honest.

William was born June, 21 1982. This gives him Life Path #2. The 2 Life Path is about cooperation, passion, service and balance. Being generous, honest and caring will help these people to bring out the best in themselves and others. Often others will seek them out for information, guidance and direction. They can be exceptional at organizing and fact finding and these things can make them the most happy.

Through experience these people have learned that trust, honesty, pride and self-confidence are vitally important. They will come to recognize that being oversensitive, deceitful, afraid, indecisive, or non-committed will not help them to accomplish their goals and may even have turned others away from them.

 

Numerologically, the name Kate works out to be Personality Number 1. These are typically people who appear to be independent, determined, individual, and brash. These people do well in roles where they have relative autonomy, with good reliable friends and associates in the background. Their secret is that they really need support although they rarely will ask for it.

The K in Kate, as the first letter, relates to the “Justice” Tarot card. It also relates to being charming, charismatic, determined and decisive.

Kate was born January, 9 1982 as Catherine Elizabeth Middleton. This gives her Life Path #3. The 3 Life Path is about socialization, and stepping forward. Speaking out, especially in a public forum, can be very important for these people. Social skills, creativity, and looking good are extremely important for them. Balancing material needs and the need to relax can often pull these people in many different directions

In order to fully realize their potential those people living with a Life Path #3 will generally need to learn that they can ask for help, and don't always have to "go all out". Although they may like to network and socialize, they need to learn to make time for themselves. They may need to recognize that every party doesn't have to turn into a 3 week celebration. Although socializing can be extremely important for these people, gossip is not their cup of tea. They enjoy the intimacy of socializing, but deeply understand the ramifications and difficulties that gossip can bring.

Learning to scale back, and not to over-react to difficult situations can be important life lessons. When they learn to develop balance and compassion, these people can muster the stamina, and strength to get their work done and still have time to enjoy themselves.

The Symbolism of the Royal Wedding

And think not you can direct the course of love,for love if it finds you worthy directs your course ~ Kahlil Gibran

 

By now, you've probably been fully immersed in news and images from the British royal wedding. Today, the wedding of Prince William and Catherine "Kate" Middleton was streamed and broadcast around the world. Many people fell under its spell and were glued to their tv or computer to watch the ceremony in the early morning hours.

Have you paused to think about what the wedding might symbolically represent? Looking at it in this way can help you to touch on some of the more personal and deeper meaning that the event can have for us. The Royal Wedding can be viewed as a deeply personal story, fairy tale or myth. Viewing it in this way can allow you to better recognize, and be honest about, the feelings and memories that the event stirred within you. You might also connect to where this event fits in your own life story. Treating the wedding as a myth is not saying that it is about a fantasy, but about connecting with something larger than life, with an important story to tell. The story being told is a powerful one, with the potential to show you a glimpse of yourself that you might not otherwise get.

What parts of this story speak to you? You can work with those parts to learn more about your own inner needs or issues. You might recognize that something was stirred within you as you watched the wedding unfold. Did you recognize it? What was it? You might not notice immediately. Perhaps, the wedding reignited long forgotten dreams about your own expectations of a magical wedding. Perhaps, it allowed you to remember your own commitments in your intimate relationships.

Today, a large part of any story comes through in images. Do any images from the proceedings strike a chord within you? Many people were clamoring for the first kiss. For some, especially young woman, the image of Kate and William kissing may help them to connect with their inner bride to be. The part of themselves that wants to be cared for, respected and honored. Of course, there are other aspects of ourselves that need to be felt, nurtured and supported as well. This image speaks deeply about caring and desire.

Perhaps, although to a lessor degree, the image speaks to men about their dignity, pride and courage. It might speak to a man's desire to be honorable and stand up for what must be defended. Again, not all men will be stirred in the same way. But, in general, they can feel the dynamic that calls them to lead and be courageous.

As a man I can't help but compare myself to William. Of course, this is simple human nature. Yet, some men may not admit to doing it, for fear of how they might be perceived. The wedding does touch some small aspect of envy within me. Viewing the wedding as if it were a myth allows me to see this on a larger scale. Of course, I am not a prince and I don't have millions of admirers. But, what if I was? The potential feels intoxicating to me. I do recognize the part of me that wants to be have control and be in a position of power. However, I'm not fully sure of all of the places. where this feeling might play out in my life, but I'm willing to look. To do that, I can work with the images in a variety of ways. One of the simplest might be to simply hang a picture of the couple for a few days. Then I can record the thoughts, feelings and ideas that come up as I happen to look at it.

Delving deeper into the story may be another way to develop a deeper personal understanding of it. Writing may be of some here. Writing a new or different ending to the wedding, with you as the main character, might help you to tap deeper into the power of the story. Of course, you would want to write in a way that mythologized the story. You might begin by writing "Once upon a time.." or “They lived happily ever after..” and allowing your story to come to life. When you finish, you might find a few willing and compassionate partners to help you act out your story. Be gentle, as this may welcome feelings and emotions to be felt as you feel the impact of the story within your life.

Those familiar with the Tarot might work with the scenes from the wedding as if you were reading a Tarot spread. The kiss on the balcony might represent the Lovers card, or perhaps some of the qualities of it and some of your own feelings about love that have emerged from this story. Instead of choosing words to tell a mythic story, you might choose to work with some of the Tarot cards that speak to you and use them to continue writing the story by creating new cards of your own. Don't be afraid to let your creativity spill out and fill up poster boards with the images that speak about your emotions and have vibrancy for you.

I wish you luck in however you choose to explore the meaning behind this incredible story.

 

Some questions to ponder:

• What does the royal wedding stir in me?
• What do I feel when I see Kate?
• What do I feel when I see William?
• What memories came to mind as you watched the wedding?
• What feelings arose as you watched the wedding?

 

Apology speech from Tiger Woods

"I don't get to play by different rules. I was wrong. I was foolish."

That quote is from an apology speech given by Tiger Woods on Feb 19, 2010. In his speech he admitted to wrong doing and emotionally hurting his wife. He says that he is in therapy to work out his intimacy problems. Although he spent time with a variety of women, he did not mention any names in particular. However, it was clear that he somehow got caught up in the excitement and passion of his infidelities.

This is interesting in a Numerological context as this is the Year of the Tiger. And of course, this is Universal Year #3, which can allow us to connect with celebration and relationships.

According to the Chinese Zodiac, this is the Year of the Tiger. Some keywords for this year can be opportunity, intensity, transition, passion and drama. This can be a year when we need to learn to let go, and to learn to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. It is not a time to sit back and wait, as events can transpire quickly. This year can be a time when you make the most of what you have to offer, perhaps by “making lemonade out of lemons.”

The flip side to celebration is over indulgence and excess. We can experience these opposites when we lead our lives as if there are no rules or don’t think about the outcome. In his speech he said, "I knew my actions were wrong, but I convinced myself that normal rules didn't apply,", but he admitted that, "What I did was unacceptable. I have only myself to blame."

Numerologically, Tiger Woods has an Outer Number of 1. On the balanced side, this can indicate someone is seen as strongly brave, independent and a “go getter”. On the unbalanced side, it can also represent someone who is needy and has dependency issues. Only through conscious effort can you be aware of whether you are living in a balanced or unbalanced manner.

We’ll wait and see what happens for Tiger Woods. However, he did say, "I have a lot of work to do, and I intend to dedicate myself to doing it. Part of following this path for me is Buddhism, which my mother taught me at a young age. People probably don't realize it, but I was raised a Buddhist, and I actively practiced my faith from childhood until I drifted away from it in recent years. Buddhism teaches that a craving for things outside ourselves causes an unhappy and pointless search for security. It teaches me to stop following every impulse and to learn restraint. Obviously, I lost track of what I was taught."