Symbolic Meaning of 666

Last Updated on October 11, 2024 by Avia

This article strives to bring some common sense to the symbolic meaning of 666. There are citations from valid resources, including the Bible. With these citations is a logical approach as to what 666 really means. Also discussed are some very cool meanings from numerology.

I got an email from someone inquiring about the symbolic meaning of 666.

Question About the Meaning of 666

Here’s his question: “I am a Christian and I have been wondering about the significance of the famed ‘number of the Beast’ 666. I was wondering if you could shed any light on this number and of the concept of the antichrist in general. Thank you.”

Great question, and here’s my response:

What Manly P. Hall Says

Of all the theories surrounding the meaning of 666 and, alternatively, 999 (commonly understood to represent Christ in Biblical numerical terms), my favorite is espoused by Manly P. Hall. This is a direct excerpt from his book, The Secret Teachings of All Ages:

“All higher numbers can be reduced to one of the original ten numerals, and the 10 itself to 1. Therefore, all groups of numbers resulting from the translation of names of deities into their numerical equivalents have a basis in one of the first ten numbers. By this system, in which the digits are added together, 666 becomes 6+6+6 or 18, and this, in turn, becomes 1+8 or 9. According to Revelation, 144,000 are to be saved. This number becomes 1+4+4+0+0+0, which equals 9, thus proving that both the Beast of Babylon and the number of the saved refer to man himself, whose symbol is the number 9. This system can be used successfully with both Greek and Hebrew numeric values.”

“If we are honest with ourselves, we have to admit that sometimes our assumptions and preconceived notions are wrong, and therefore, our interpretation of events is incorrect. This causes us to overreact, to take things personally, or to judge unfairly.”

~Elizabeth Thornton

What the Bible Says About the Meaning of 666

I’ve looked into the Bible verses, and consulted Biblical numerologists and most can substantiate this view.

A gnostic look at the Bible reveals 666 is a sum that is opposite number of the sum selected souls saved referenced in Revelations. In essence, it 666 simply refers to souls remaining on earth, which is why the number is also known as the number of man.

666 Meaning in Numerology

In numerology, 666 (and its counterpart, 999) are symbolic of unpredictability. 666 implies a tornado of actions, outcomes and behaviors that amount to a whirlwind of energy.

Yes, 666 can have an unstable energy. However, it is also a number that demands harmony. In other words, 666 meaning is about the fight for balance until composure is restored.

The whole “666” subject is, of course, Biblical in origin, so researching its symbolism (including its potential representation of “the beast”) would logically need to start with the Bible. Interpretation then, may vary according to which Bible is consulted.

What do I think about 666? I have to set my Bible aside for one moment to answer that.

Although I’m utterly lousy at math, I love numbers – how they fit, how they are so orderly, law-abiding, yet even though they are well-behaved organizers, their function and potential are imbued with mystery. Numbers are simple, yet vastly complex simultaneously.

I digress…

Another Perspective on 666

Both 6s and 9s remind me of spirals. Specifically, spiraling awareness/consciousness, capable of withdrawing itself from Source and also re-connecting itself back to its Source. [Note: reference to “Source” may be akin to a deity of one’s own understanding or omnipresent divine energy]

If you think of walking a labyrinth (Christian monks have been known to do this), you begin at the center. Metaphysically speaking, this would be the seat of the soul – the Source of cosmic inception. Every pass through each expanding curve in the spiral (labyrinth) represents a radiation of Source outwardly. Alternatively, walking back to the center of the labyrinth represents a return to the beginning. Esoteric labyrinth-walking practices require the journeyer to return to the Source. Reversing trajectory to return to its center implies introversion or regression.

So, in this spiral/labyrinth example, 666 represents a reverse path back to Source (the beginning, inception) – a return back to “start.”

Alternatively, 999 represents a progressive path radiating from Source (inception) and ever expanding outward.

In simple terms, I think 666 forms a symbolic narrative that says something like: “I am the retrograde side of consciousness, propelled back to safe-harbor of Source. I continually seek balance, by any means necessary. As I am written in triplicate (666) there is a reproductive theme implied (three’s are essential symbols of creation – physical and metaphysical). Therefore, I seek to re-seed from Source to counteract imbalance.”

A symbolic narrative for 999 might go something like: “I am the progressive side of consciousness, propelled to constant expansion, taking what Source provided and consistently radiating outwardly with that seed. I seek evolution by creating momentum. I am written in triplicate (999), therefore, I create in proportion of my extension.”

Final Thoughts About 666 Meaning

In the end, I can see some Biblical corollaries. One number represents a creative retrograde, maybe even a vacuum (666) which could be considered a withdraw from expansion and hence seen as base or primitive. As parable, this could translate to a primitive devil, but moreover, an opposing force moving in counter to its alter, balancing the equation.

Vice versa for 999.

But, if we look at the individual meaning of these numbers (6 and 9), we get a core meaning that speaks of harmony. One is governed by the planet Venus (6) and suggests a creative bent, a theme of unity and certainly one of balance. Venus-energy is also quite primitive in that this energy re-connects to Source through primal things like animals, nature (tomes have been written about gardening by the “morning star,” Venus), and even sex.

Nines also represent harmony, and these harmonious similarities (in both 6 and 9) are due to their kinship with the number three. Nines are ruled by the planet Neptune, so we’re dealing with long-range expectation, long lasting, and expanded consciousness, enlightenment even. Nine also emits a cosmic, universal influence in areas of intuition/heightened consciousness. In many ways, nine is an embodiment of Christlike consciousness.

Interestingly, all these numbers return to Nine. 6+6+6=18, 1+8=9. 9+9+9=27, 2+7=9.

From a minimalist perspective, the narrative of both numbers (666 and 999) suggests a universal balance in play (canceling out – contrasts in proportion) in which all consciousness (human, plant, animal, etc) is united.

I find it no coincidence these number fall within the book of Revelation.

At any rate, I’m grateful for the question question about the symbolic meaning of 666. I hope this article on 666 meaning has offered insight.

Take Away Tips About the Meaning of 666

As always, thanks for reading!

Mighty brightly,

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