The Second...
The straight line is one of the primary symbols. A human being, standing upright, perfectly represents the number 1. Homo sapiens is the only known creature on Earth that naturally stands erect on two feet, and the number 1 graphically embodies this uniqueness, serving as a symbolic reminder that humans are distinct within the animal kingdom. One is the number of confidence and embodies the monotheistic view of a singular deity. It also represents the mythological first man, Adam, and is associated with the World Tree and the Axis Mundi. Interestingly, when turned on its side, this line becomes the horizon, symbolising the potential for new beginnings and perspectives.
1 is generally seen as the number of the individual and the leader. It is often characterised as a male, "yang" number—a solar number. Consequently, the number 1 can also symbolise autocracy and dictatorship, alongside divinity. One stands alone, at ease with its individuality, embodying the ego (the self that feels, acts, and thinks). Followers of the Greek philosopher Plato described 1 as "the summit of the many," indicating its role as the foundation of unity. However, the Pythagoreans did not strictly regard 1 or 2 as numbers at all, viewing 1 as a fundamental unit from which all other numbers emerge, suggesting a deeper metaphysical significance.
Historical Context and Usage
The historical significance of the number one can be traced through several ancient civilisations:
Ta-Mery Empire (c. 6000 BCE and earlier): Encompassing Kemet (modern-day Egypt - c. 3100 BCE - Within Kemet, the number 1 was represented by a single stroke, serving as a foundational element in their hieroglyphic numeral system. It was vital for architectural planning, administration, and understanding cosmic order.) and Kush (modern-day Sudan c. 2500 BCE - The Kushite Empire, part of the Ta-Mery cultural and political sphere, used the number one in their hieroglyphic system. This reflected their understanding of unity and individual entities within their trade and administration, showcasing their cultural continuity and connection to Kemet.), the Ta-Mery Empire represents some of the earliest complex societies in the Nile Valley. This empire laid foundational aspects of civilisation, including early numeral systems and social organisation.
Sumer (c. 3500 BCE): Ancient Iraq employed the number one in their base-60 system, crucial for trade and record-keeping, representing unity and individual items in transactions, which was essential for economic stability.
Bharata (c. 3300–1300 BCE): Ancient India showcased sophisticated urban planning and social structures, which reflected the balance of opposites in nature. This foundational understanding of duality would later influence philosophical thought, particularly in the Tantric tradition, where One, or ekab, symbolises the universality of spirit known as Para Brahman.
Zanghgu (c. 3000 BCE): In ancient China the number 1 held significant symbolic and practical value. It represented unity and the singularity of the cosmos, reflecting early Chinese thought's emphasis on harmony and balance. The number one was integral to their understanding of the universe, symbolising the beginning of all things and connecting to the concept of the Tao, the ultimate source from which all existence flows. In their art and mythology, the number one symbolised the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of maintaining balance in the world.
Mesoamerica (c. 1500 BCE): In various Mesoamerican cultures, such as the Olmecs and Maya (modern-day Mexico and Central America), the concept of one was significant in their calendrical systems and mythologies. The number one often symbolised the beginning of cycles, creation, and the unity of gods and elements in their cosmology.
Hellas (c. 800 BCE): In Greek philosophy, particularly through Plato's teachings, the number one was regarded as the summit of the many, symbolising unity and the foundation of existence, reinforcing the concept of the One as the ultimate principle.
In the Tarot, 1 corresponds to the Magician, the enigmatic loner who possesses the power to amaze and confound. This card signifies potential, resourcefulness, and the ability to manifest one's desires through focused intent, symbolising the transformative power of individuality.
Agreeable Connotations:
New beginnings, creation, independence, uniqueness, motivation, progress, ambition, willpower, positivity, pioneering energies, raw force, activity, self-leadership, assertiveness, initiative, instinct, intuition, masculine attributes, organisation, achievement, success, strength, self-reliance, tenacity, authority, love, inspiration, fulfilment, glory, and the ability to create one’s own realities.
Disagreeable Connotations:
Single-mindedness, intolerance, conceit, narrow-mindedness, emotional detachment, weakness, dependence, passivity, aggression, arrogance, and dominance.
