The Power of 9 – The Fire of Summer

The Power of Nine

The weather in New York has been summer like for weeks even before the ‘official’ start of the season. The exact date and time of the solstices vary from year to year, but in 2024, the summer solstice falls on June 20 at 4:50 PM.

In technical terms, this solstice marks the beginning of summer, the onset of Cancer season, and the point in the year when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, directly above the Tropic of Cancer.

Solstice is a marriage of the Latin words for “sun” and “to stand still,” and the summer solstice equates to the longest day and briefest night of the year. This also equates with the most yang time of the year, meaning the most active.

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I have written of the Fire element’s association with the summer season in a previous newsletter and you’ll find many tips there to enhance the Fire element or calm it down depending on your need at this time.

You may know by now that each sector of the feng shui template (bagua) is associated with an element and a number. Fire or the Li sector (gua) is represented by the number 9, a number that has many significant meanings in traditions from around the world

In feng shui the number 9 represents auspiciousness and completion. Many of the feng shui adjustments and empowerments are done 9 times or a multiple of 9 (18, 27, 26, 54 etc). In another recent newsletter I wrote about that fact that this year we entered a new 20 year cycle associated with the Period 9 in the Flying Star system of feng shui..

In some systems of numerology 9 represents patience and harmony and in others it is considered the number of love and faith. Some other qualities of 9 include friendship and ability to see things clearly. In many spiritual and mystical traditions, the number 9 is considered a symbol of spiritual enlightenment and completion. It is often associated with higher consciousness, selflessness, and compassion.

In mathematics, the number 9 has some unique properties as well. It is the highest single-digit number, and any number multiplied by 9 will always result in a number whose digits add up to 9. And while it may not always be obvious, the number 9 plays a surprisingly important role in many aspects of our lives. For example, the human gestation period is approximately nine months.

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The Number 9 in Chinese Culture:

The ancient Chinese considered numbers a mystical part of the universe. As an odd number, the number “9” belongs to the “yang” category, which represents strength and masculinity. In the royal palace or a monastery, the doors, windows, stairs or fixtures existed in multiples of nine or a number that contains nine.

The numbers of the gilded knobs on the double doors of the major gates of the Forbidden City is a good example.

The number 9 sounds like “long lasting” in Cantonese, so it is often used in weddings as it represents the maximum level of mortal happiness, longevity, and good luck.

In feng shui a house number with 9 exudes a welcoming energy that is known to radiate warmth and love to everybody coming into the house, and thought to invite accomplishment and success to its residents.

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The Fire element and summer are good times to bring light to those dark areas of your house or unconscious areas of your life and clear them out. As we know the summer goes so fast and soon the light with wane.

Here are some suggestions for working with the Power of 9:

• • I for one will resume my 9 day challenge of tossing out 9 things a day that clutter my space. Perhaps you’ll join me?
  • If there is something you want to manifest write it down and put it in a red envelop, empowering it everyday with your intentions for 27 days.
  • Using 9 plants to ‘feed’ the FIRE element in the South sector of your home can increase your acknowledgment and success, especially if 3 of them are red with pointed leaves like the one pictured below. But take them away if things get too intense, remembering that feng shui is all about balance.
  • I empower my home for protection with the 3 Secrets, 9 times each time I leave.
  • I invite you to schedule a free call to discuss your situation and how feng shui, space clearing and the power of 9 can support you.

Wishing you an auspicious start of summer!
Judith / Sacred Currents