posted December 01, 2004 09:51 AM         

The title came to me too. So I did some numerology on it, and the compound number is 12. A somewhat difficult number, but it may be appropriate, given the subject matter. I expect that this novel could be quite controversial, as it deals with a dark, painful subject. Now, the number 12 reduces to the number 3, the number of Jupiter and Sag, which are quite lucky. The novel idea itself was born as a Sag, with a Cancer moon and a Mercury in Sag, too. Not sure yet about its rising.

So I guess what I'm wondering, is if the title still infuses the book with what it needs to be successful, as a number 12.

If I add the word "the" to the title, it works out to number 17. But I don't like the title as much; it waters it to put in the "the."

Any thoughts, please?

Oh, and it's notable that publishers do often change titles. But this title seems to be so perfect...

posted December 01, 2004 10:15 AM         

Here is some stuff I posted on another thread about the number 12:

12 - The Hanged Man - Mem - The Sea
THE HANGED MAN / NEPTUNE / POSEIDON
Surrender, change of viewpoint.
Suspension, study, the human form.
Samadhi - absorption into the infinite through meditation

· Number 12 is a probationary period in the realm of the soul, reflected in the primary colors, red, yellow, and blue, that are predominant.

· He hangs from a "T" shape made from tree parts. "T" is Tav (The World) and Tet (Strength)- concepts rendered in a human construction of living parts, like Ets Chaim, the Tree of Life.

· "Mind" and "Man" share the same Sanskrit root - here we have the "Mind in Suspension."

· Here, human will surrenders to divine will, represented by the tree/cross.
The Hanged Man shows reflection, among other things. The letter assigned to number 12 is Mem - which means waters, or oceans. Water was the first mirror - and the mirror gives us pause, forces us to re-evaluate.

· The number 12 shows the 12 signs of the Zodiac, a cycle of completion, and a balancing of the archetypes. Recall the 12 labors of Hercules, after which the young man is "left out to dry." This circular cycle is reflected on the opposite side of the Tree of Life, with the number 10, Wheel of Fortune.

· This is where the numerical flip occurs in the tree. This is the transition zone, where the polarity is reversed.

· Inversion is part of a process of mixing; the man, hanging pendulum-like, waits meditatively. It is his only option, being bound by circumstances.

· His position is an inverted alchemical glyph for sulphur, the chemical assigned to the Emperor card. His legs, in red, form a 4, number and color of the Emperor. The sulphur glyph is also a symbol of "Accomplishment of the Great Work-" a successful transformation of lead into gold. (or the heart of man into the heart of god)

· His relationship to the Emperor goes deeper. Aries, home sign of the Emperor, is impulsive, always leaping ahead. The Hanged Man shows holding back, a poised waiting, an assessment of the situation.

· His Red/Yellow/Blue color scheme refers to the Gevurah/Tiparet/Chesed triad.

· His position also suggests Hatha Yoga, a system of exercise. "Yoga" means "yoke," another form of restraint, or discipline. This is not hanging as in "lynching," or punishment, this is self control for a higher purpose.

· His calm expression tells us that he has chosen his position willingly. His feet are rooted in Heaven.

· Number 12 shows inversion, reversal, mirroring, seeing the other point of view.

Neptune

Neptune's placement at birth influences the person's connection to the superconscious, to their generational position.
Neptune shapes how a person will identify with their peers, how their spiritual love will develop. Neptune is the higher octave of Venus. Afflictions to Neptune create delusions, obsessions, psychoses, addictions, being an outcast, a two-dimensional person.
Troublesome Neptune transits can lend a dreamlike quality to life, lack of focus, confusion and ambiguity. Good transits can be "Dreams Come True," flashes of insight, and inspirational dreams or encounters.
Neptune takes 164.8 years to complete its orbit through the zodiac.
Neptune moves so slowly, that its house placement is considered of more vital importance.
Neptune is Exalted in Cancer, and Rules Pisces. Neptune's detriment is Virgo and its fall is Capricorn.
The Sepher on the Tree of Life associated with Neptune is Kochma.

Kochma
The Second Path
Oceanic Consciousness / Wisdom / Revelation / Light / Memory
As previously mentioned, Kochma's planet is Neptune.

Kochma is the realm of the third eye, deepest meditation, ultimate benevolence, masterful creativity.

Kochma is Wisdom. It is also known of as "Ab-" the "Father."

KOCHMA, or "Oceanic Consciousness," is the second sphere after the abyss; It is the midst of the spiritual realm, on the same level as BINAH, balancing the highest energies in readiness for KETER.

Kochma, forming a triad with Binah and Keter, balances three forces: Spiritual love and awareness (Binah), Spiritual will and purpose (Kochma), and the infinite realized self (Keter). These three spheres could be compared to the 'Father, Son, and Holy Ghost' in the Christian pantheon.
Kochma is the wisdom beyond reason. Spiritual leaders and people who inspire us can embody this quality.

Potentials of Kochma: Developing purpose and initiative, manifesting the universal plan in the world, genius, logos, pure spirit, transformation.

Kochma is the first real manifestation of en soph, containing the ideal plan of all the worlds.

Kochma is pure, undifferentiated mind, before words - the tools of differentiation. With words come the "olam ha pirud," the "world of distinctions."

Who is wise? The one who learns from everyone they meet.

The Talmud

The person who operates from Kochma can even learn from evil. Only on the lower levels, starting with Binah, where words and language begin, does differentiation between good and evil occur.

Balance, always a core concept in Qabala, manifests itself in the transpersonal triad as a synthesis of our highest thinking, feeling and awareness.

Transpersonal Triad "colors" are light, the absence of light (dark), and half-light.
The fragrance ascribed to Kochma is Musk. The characters associated with Kochma are Poseidon, and Neptune.

Commandment: Do not worship idols.

Also, Trillian, don't forget that 12 is a reflection of 21, a very good number.

posted December 01, 2004 06:53 PM         

I think it's really a very powerful. The readers may walk away thinking "wow, I've learnt so much" and then go on to explain some theories to others and help teach the message. It might not be as successful as others, but then I guess you could try to increase the success by asking for a successfull launch date - like the 24th. That way, you get the 3 and 6 which in turn might have some sort of overall powerful 9 vibration...

posted December 01, 2004 07:01 PM         

If the soul of the book is best reflected by the essence of the number 12, then I would go with that truth. Zeus is a blessing in that although he represents abundance, he also represents an awareness of the darker vibrations.

Good Luck

posted December 02, 2004 11:34 AM         

Oh Dean, you're not bad at all. I'm sorry if my words made it seem so. I have nothing but the highest regard for you. And I agree, after thinking a bit about the number 12 yesterday, that it is quite powerful, and important for this book.

quote:

---

The readers may walk away thinking "wow, I've learnt so much" and then go on to explain some theories to others and help teach the message.

---

You couldn't have consciously known it, but this hits the nail on the head. If I am able to write this the way I envision it, it could have a very powerful message...though unconventional and not intended to be taken, well, literally (at least not some of the darker plot points).
Dean

Aphrodite, it's always a joy to see you here. I will write to you soon. And you too are correct, the essence of htis book is right to be associated with 12.

posted December 02, 2004 10:36 PM         

Thorshammer, neither book is about numerology. They are both novels. I just like to see how the numerology for the titles works out. Something Linda too was very conscious of.

FK...still contemplating. I can be slow for an Aries sometimes.

posted December 03, 2004 10:48 AM         

I'm mostly earning my way as a writer right now, and I love those times when a story or a novel or a show is born full grown in my mind like Athena from the head of Zeus. I had such a novel come to me about a year or so ago, but I have yet to get to the point of downloading it from my head to my computer. Maybe if you start yours and I start mine, we can be writing buddies. The only person I have trusted with the whole story is Ra, and I'm sure he has grown tired of waiting for me to commute it from a Pisces dream into a solid reality. (Though I still plan to impose upon his wisdom by e-mailing the chapters as I go.)

posted December 05, 2004 12:24 AM         

I'd love to read your first novel. Since it's published, would you mind telling us the title? I too have a book idea, but I think it will never manifest, but then, I will allow it to if it really wants. I like the idea, but the plot is unravelling very slowly in my head, and I don't have the patience to type it out. But maybe...

posted December 05, 2004 10:18 AM         

I have read your post several times, and have come to appreciate the karmic implications of the number 12 more and more, in reference to this novel. While the two main characters may not be or become spiritualy exhalted in this book (and it's likely they will not), my ultimate hope is that the reader will see through their actions and understand their intent, their needs, and that in part, the novel is metaphor. If I am able to write it the way I envision it, it will not rest easy with some people (assuming it will be published ).

It is very Neptunian. But your post also includes reference to Aries. And there is Aries drive and aggression involved. In fact, one of the two main characters probably has a lot of Aries influence. She may even be an Aries.

And at its very heart, it is about changing your perspective to empower and heal yourself. Though again, the subject is dark and painful.

Your post resonated for me, and I thank you FK.

Now, about writing. When I began my first novel, I was a little intimidated. You know we Aries are often known for starting and not finishing a project. But I wanted to fulfill my heart and soul's desire, so I wrote a contract to myself which included a commitment to write for two hours every day, six days a week. I woke at 4 a.m. every day to write for two hours before getting ready for work. The first draft was written by hand, on big artists notebooks. This method worked for me; it enabled me to get the basic plot on paper, though I much preferred writing on the computer when it came to the 2nd and 3rd drafts.

I have a Pisces friend who said to me "I could never do that. I have to write when the inspiration hits." Which has meant that he doesn't write very often. For me, I need the discipline of commitment. Currently I am carrying a small artist notebook in my purse, writing down plot points, etc. as the occur, and I will begin to write in earnest very soon, and will dedicate two hours a day to it. This time, I think I will write at night. I have fewer doubts in myself, and am far more conscious at night than at 4 a.m.

I have never had a writing buddy, FK, but I am open to new things! Let's explore it. Why don't you email me? I think it's just trillian@linda-goodman.com. If that doesn't work, let me know.

Lalalinda, thank you. You're a good friend.

Dean, I'm sorry if I was unclear, but no, the first has not yet been published. But it will be! I will not give up in finding a publisher and/or agent. And I will be happy to tell you the title when that happens. It's been copyrighted, but I am still...protective.