The Third...
The vertical line of the number 1, when joined by another, forms a pair—the Roman numeral II. The Pythagoreans regarded 2, or the Duad, as a symbol of opposition and audacity, for it had the boldness to separate itself from the revered first number, the Monad. While they celebrated the unity of 1, the 2 was often seen as a lesser symbol of polarity. If 1 represents the Heavens, then 2 embodies the depths of the seas, reflecting the Heavens and thus possessing the capacity for illusion, becoming associated with Maya, the Great Void.
The magi carried mirrors as reminders of this illusion, as mirrors reflect—another quality inherent to the number 2. This number encapsulates duality, representing the positive and negative aspects of existence; without the number 2, the very concepts of positivity and negativity would not exist. Day and night, light and dark, good and bad, male and female, attraction and repulsion, life and death—all are encompassed by the number 2.
Two signifies balance but can also represent conflict. In the Tantric system, the number 2, or Dwau, symbolizes the two paths of opposites: the Vama Marga (left hand), which is materialistic, literal, and straightforward, and the Dakshina Marga (right hand), which is subtle, spiritual, and oblique. In the Tarot, 2 corresponds to the High Priestess, emphasising the feminine, yin nature of the number, sacred to all female deities.
Historical Context and Usage
The historical significance of the number two can be traced through several ancient civilisations, highlighting the concept of duality and its profound impact on cultural development:
Ta-Mery Empire (c. 6000 BCE and earlier): Encompassing Kemet (modern-day Egypt) and Kush (modern-day Sudan), the Ta-Mery Empire represents some of the earliest complex societies in the Nile Valley. The number two was integral in their understanding of duality in nature and cosmic balance, often reflected in their mythology and religious practices.
Sumer (c. 3500 BCE): The Sumerians (modern-day Iraq) recognised the concept of duality in their cuneiform writing system, where the number two was used to denote pairs and oppositional elements in trade and record-keeping. This recognition of duality influenced their understanding of social and economic structures.
Bharata (Indus Valley Civilisation) (c. 3300–1300 BCE): The early civilisations in Bharata (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 Dwau symbolises the paths of opposites.
Zanghgu (c. 3000 BCE): Cultures in the Zangzhou region (Ancient China) recognised dualities within their spiritual practices, often depicted in their art and mythologies. This understanding was essential to their worldview and societal organisation.
Mesoamerica (c. 1500 BCE): In various Mesoamerican cultures, such as the Olmecs and Maya (Ancient Mexico and Central America), the concept of duality was reflected in their mythology and calendrical systems. The number two often symbolised dual gods and opposing forces in nature, reinforcing the significance of balance in their spiritual beliefs.
Hellas (Ancient Greece) (c. 800 BCE): Greek philosophers, including the Pythagoreans, saw the number 2 as embodying conflict and duality, a departure from the singularity of the Monad. This perspective significantly influenced philosophical thought on opposites, shaping ideas about balance and conflict in human experience.
Agreeable Connotations:
Service and duty, balance and harmony, adaptability, diplomacy, charm, cooperation, consideration, friendliness, receptivity, love, understanding, personal will, the peacemaker, gentleness, kindness, art, insightfulness, ambition, sensitivity, placidity, justice, selflessness, sociability, attention to detail, decisiveness, poise, intuition, caution, flexibility, grace, devotion, mediation, partnerships, relationships, encouragement, happiness, musical rhythm, trust, and living your divine life purpose.
Disagreeable Connotations:
Indifference, inability to take responsibility, fearfulness, pessimism, dependency, indecisiveness, hesitation, lack of balance, instability, insensitivity, inflexibility, stagnation, lack of consideration, unemotionality, unloving tendencies, and fears such as fear of unplanned changes, making mistakes, being alone, and fear of the unknown.
