On the Number 999

Today's date, 09.09.2009 (which can be shortened to 09.09.09 or even briefer as 999), has been perceived by many as a significant number that could bring certain changes or be meaningful as the start of a new phase. Some associate it with the counterpart to the number 666, or the number of the beast, and await some kind of global turning point in their life or in world history, while others have chosen this day as their wedding day so that this peculiar number would be written on their documents or engraved on their rings. The internet has also been filled with all manner of speculation about the possible interpretation of the number 999. Well then, let me page through a numerology, astrology or arithmetic book.

According to numerologists, 9 is a wise and powerful number. It closes the sequence of single digits, as the next one, 10, is already a repetition of one. (For reference - in numerology, when calculating a destiny number, name number, profession number, relationship number and goodness knows what else, multi-digit numbers are added together, for example 10 is 1+0=1, and so on.) A circle closes after 360 degrees, and 3+6+0=9. In Roman numerals 999 is CMXCIX.

The positive meaning of the number 9 - lofty spiritual and spiritual achievements, a magnanimous and bright outlook on life, idealism, romanticism, compassion, charm, helpfulness and friendliness, strong willpower, enthusiasm, attractiveness, inspiring. The negative meaning of the number 9 - excessive impulsivity, lack of tolerance, self-love and egocentrism.

As to the latter - egocentrism - this is evidenced by the fact that any number multiplied by 9 yields an intermediate sum of 9, for example 2×9=18=1+8=9, 3×9=27=2+7=9, and so on. No matter what transformations happen to this number, it always returns to its own prime. Now isn't that something! :)

Let us play a little more, taking the entire number sequence 123456789, multiplying by 9 and adding each subsequent previously unlisted digit:
1×9+2=11
12×9+3=111
123×9+4=1111
1234×9+5=11111
12345×9+6=111111
123456×9+7=1111111
1234567×9+8=11111111
12345678×9+9=111111111, i.e., 1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1=9
Is that not a fascinating number tree?!

But now, a few more interesting facts about 9 beyond arithmetic operations. It turns out that in ancient Hebrew systems, missing letters were supplemented with the Greek alphabet. The number 9 is absent altogether, because according to ancient beliefs the number 9 represents the unutterable nine-letter name of God. Following this taboo, masters of occultism in the past assigned no letter to this number. In modern numerology, all numbers from 1 to 9 are used.

999 is also used to denote precious metals of the highest purity. Although in astrology the number 9 is associated with Mars and the zodiac sign of Aries, whose corresponding metals are iron, nickel and cobalt.

I find it amusing again that in several sources the year is written with a two-digit abbreviation, i.e., 09.09.09 - how is one to know that this is 2009 and not 909 or 2109? :)