Friday is August 8, 2008, and the numerologists are once again going crazy.  We saw this on May 5, 2005, we saw it in a big way on June 6, 2006, and now we are re-experiencing it for 08-08-2008.  Numerology does not use the two-digit abbreviation for the year, so June 6, 2006 actually added up to 6-6-2006 or 20, which is a 2 rather than a 6.

August 8, 2008, however, actually does add up to 8:  8-8-2008, or 16 + 10 = 26 = 8.  In China, the Summer Olympics will open on August 8 at 8:08:08 pm.  The word for “8” in Chinese is similar to the word “wealth” or “fortune.”  Chinese couples are rushing to marry on August 8, believing it to me an extremely auspicious day. 

In Indian numerology the number 8 is ruled by Saturn and denotes a hard worker and eventual success. Still, ignoring the significance of my pal Saturn whom Indian astrologers term a “malefic” planet, many Indians nevertheless beleive that Friday will be a day of good luck and good fortune.

August 8 has been declared Galactic Freedom Day calling for the end of secret government agreements concerning extraterrestrial life.  Since 8 is the number of Pluto and Scorpio, the exposure of that which is hidden is also signified.  

Many esoteric teachings reveal that the number 8, the lemniscate or infinity symbol turned on its side, represents the achievement of balance and correction of imbalance.  In the Tarot, 8 is the number of accomplishment and achievement.

So, for my friend D whose birthday is Friday and who may be anxious about the meaning of all of these 8s:  Let’s make 8-8-08 a day to correct any imbalance in our lives, to work hard at what is truly important to us, and enjoy the faith and knowledge that success is just on the other side of the doorway.