Atlas 33 & the Tree of Life by Tommy Truthful
In the realm of spiritual numerology, the number ’33’ holds a profound significance, often seen as the pinnacle of spiritual enlightenment achievable by humans. This concept finds resonance in various ancient and modern esoteric traditions.
Three particular instances where the number 33 emerges as significant in human spirituality and biology are noteworthy. Firstly, the human DNA’s complete sequence is remarkably made up of 33 turns. This intriguing biological detail, possibly known to ancient civilizations, suggests a deeper scientific understanding than commonly acknowledged in mainstream education and media.
The second instance involves the human spine, which comprises 33 vertebrae. In the ancient practice of Kundalini Yoga, there’s a belief that a serpent-like energy, known as Kundalini, ascends from the base of the spine, moving through these 33 vertebrae, to reach the crown chakra, symbolizing spiritual awakening.
This concept finds parallels in Western occult traditions as well. The Kabbalistic ‘Tree of Life,’ a symbol in Hebrew mysticism, is depicted with 33 states of consciousness. This tree is often illustrated with a serpent winding around it, indicating a path towards higher spiritual realms.
Dion Fortune, in “The Mystical Qabbalah,” elaborates on this imagery. Fortune describes the serpent on the Tree of Life as a symbol of wisdom and initiation. The serpent’s positioning on the tree is thought to guide the seeker through various stages of cosmic realization and spiritual growth.
In another symbolic representation, the lizard is seen as a metaphor for the limbic system and kundalini energy in the teachings of Aurum Solis. It epitomizes the eternal cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, reflecting the universal flow of energy.
Genevieve Lewis Paulson, in “Kundalini and the Chakras,” emphasizes that Kundalini is not a novel concept but an ancient science. In earlier times, this knowledge was esoteric, passed down under strict guidance, but in modern times, it has become more accessible.
The biblical story of the serpent in the Garden of Eden, interacting with Eve, is often interpreted as an allegory of this spiritual enlightenment process. Similarly, the caduceus, a symbol associated with Hermes and now used in the medical field, features two snakes winding up a pole, ending in a winged crown. This imagery is thought to represent the intertwining of the physical and spiritual, paralleling the DNA structure and the spinal column.
Ancient myths, like those of Atlantis, also echo these themes. Frank Joseph, in “The Atlantis Encyclopedia,” connects the myth of the Tree of Life in Atlas’ garden, guarded by the Hesperides and a coiled serpent, to the concepts found in Kundalini Yoga. This myth suggests a link between the Tree of Life, the spinal column, and the chakras, implying that these spiritual practices might have originated from ancient Atlantis.
Thus, the number 33, especially revered in Freemasonry, seems to hold a key to understanding spiritual consciousness. The Masonic symbolism of a pillar upholding the Earth resonates with the Atlantean myth where Atlas carries the world on his shoulders. Interestingly, the topmost vertebra, supporting the head, is named ‘Atlas,’ symbolically holding up our world of thoughts and consciousness, intertwined with the concept of seven chakras guarding the path to enlightenment.
“Through the silent whispers of signs and symbols, the world finds its rhythm and direction, not in the rigid lines of man’s laws, but in the fluid dance of universal meaning and unseen connections.” Tommy Truthful
This enigmatic connection continues to intrigue and inspire those exploring the depths of spiritual traditions and consciousness.
