Baron Von Hellenbach, The Magic of Numbers as the Basis of All Diversity and the Apparent Fate, first published in Germany in 1882 first edition published in English 2023, Translated to English by Dr. Will Pollard. Availableon Amazon, click HERE
This text, written approximately 144 years ago in German, presents a simple yet profound exploration into the nature and concept of numbers. Initially titled The Magic of Numbers, it was only translated into English and published for English review in 2023. The current translator, Dr. Will Pollard presented the work as The Magic of Numbers as the Basis of All Diversity and the Apparent Fate.
For theosophists, this text is a must-read. While its interpretations and conclusions may not all be completely aligned with the theosophical worldview, still it adds depth to some of the content in The Secret Doctrine, written by H.P. Blavatsky. In fact, she cites Hellenbach and his work several times therein. For the deeply versed in theosophical study, this work will likely bring to light connections within the mind stream that were not fully enlightened before.
The text begins by examining the application of scientific principles to the concept of numbers and logically concludes by considering the possibility of a trans-phenomenal intelligible entity, a cosmic aspect of our being that transcends our phenomenal egoic nature. The idea of “magic” is explained in his work as not being related to its use in ancient or conventional thought. (He does have a chapter on the magic of numbers in ancient history). Rather magic applies to the underlying numerical patterns, their relation to rhythms, music with its octaves, periodicities, and oscillations inherent in life that are observable, measurable, and provable. These patterns are made demonstrable through the use of the tetragram or “magic square” used as a tool to better understand relations and the manner of an underlying vibratory presence. To be fair, many of the alleged uses, factors and applications of the typical “magic square” are not accepted by Hellenbach, but nonetheless, as he stated, he will not discard the baby with the bath water.
Thus, magic, as Hellenbach uses the term within its applied limits, is a science! This science includes the underlying numbers related to the periodicity of vibrations applied to, the periodic table of chemical elements and their properties and formations, the role of number “7” in nature and its presence in the cycles of periodicity related to color, music, human growth cycles and development, and in the course of human life as to events. He includes the possibility of the importance of other numerical patterns as well. He also includes a chapter entitled “The Periodic Vibrations of the Soul”. This latter chapter points to something in operation beyond the limited range of perceptions and understandings of the ego and more related to a transcendental realm of functionality, or transcendental intelligibleness.
The concept of “Time” as a quantity other than space is explored. Geometry unfolds in space, progress and development through time; hence they are not the same. Hellenbach makes the point that time, as space, are related to consciousness or intelligence, a subjective entity not found in space, as we typically conceive it.
A chapter is devoted to the likelihood of a transcendental operating element of our being, whose scale of time can be likened to the scales of the yugas and manvantara’s, and whose time perceptions of perhaps one second or minute might be related to a lifetime for the ego. (See Karmic Visions by HPB) Hence the ideas of prophecy, the knowledge awoken in somnambulism, and the possibility of fate, can be understood as different modalities of perception of the transcendental aspect of our being. Once introduced, this transcendental aspect of our nature, still based on the foundation of number and its operation, for Hellenbach necessitates understanding the need for learning through all types of experience. A development of something greater than an ego achieves having only a fleeting life. It points in the direction of the need for a moral life, in harmony with the intentionality of something greater than ourselves.
There is so much more present in this work for the theosophist who studies it deeply, and in light of our teachings. It is highly recommended, to be studied concurrently with The Secret Doctrine.
This edition of Notable Books was compiled by Eugene Jennings.