To preface the letter below, Mr. Mandela (after enduring a 27 year prison sentence, no less) stated on the 46664.com website that, "...people must never be reduced to simple numbers".  I understood in my head why he said it, but my heart wanted to give another view point, another way to understand why he was labeled with those numbers.  Heart in throat, I had to write the 46664 Foundation:

As I read through Mr. Mandela's words about being reduced to numbers, it stirred me up inside... "he has demonstrated and communicated to the world that people must never be reduced to simple numbers - we are human beings, all equal..."   Yes, I definitely agree that we are all human beings and that we deserve to be treated equally; however, to a person so passionate about numbers, I shiver a bit when I read the negative connotation behind being reduced to a simple number.  I am by no means suggesting that Mr. Mandela was not unfairly tortured and treated like an animal for 27 years of his life in that horrid prison.  I cannot even imagine the horror he endured.  I am; however, going to come to the defense of the numbers that were chosen to reside with Mr. Mandela throughout those years, because (to me) those few simple numbers tell me everything about the person labeled "beneath" them.  It tells me that there were no coincidences that Mr. Mandela was pegged with those two vibrations for so many years.

First and foremost (and I'm not at all surprised), Mr. Mandela has a Life Path number of 8.  A Life Path number is the most significant vibration one must connect with and play out in life to find deep satisfaction, balance and happiness.  I come to a Life Path number by adding his complete birthday: 18 July 1918
1+8+7+1+9+1+8=35 // 3+5=8

The 8 is definitely a power number, in fact, it is the most powerful number of them all when it comes to numerology.  8s are abounding visionaries, they are THEE strongest individuals walking the earth... in body, mind and spirit.  Many 8s are political figures and have the power inside to bring about historical change to the masses.  8s want control and want to use their power for the betterment of humanity. So, it's not a big surprise that Mr. Mandela's most important number (Life Path) is an 8!  I love this stuff... The 8 is also the infinity symbol when turned on it's side ∞.  This is the symbol that goes great distances, and has very low-lows and high-highs in this thing we call life.  We all know the low-lows and high-highs Mr. Mandela has endured throughout his 90 years...  infinitely amazing!

So, then we get to his prison number; which blew me away when I first saw it, and then quickly noticed that it was linked to Mr. Mandela.  46664!!!!  Oh my goodness! You would think that I'd be inclined to run right to the fact that he had three 6s smack dab in the middle, right?  Ohhhh yeah, the diabolical connotation of that number 6...  NO!  In fact, the 6 is far from its stereotypical "devilish", religious stamp of the past.  When you throw aside religion all together, there is so much more to that 6...  a side of the number 6 so many do not know about.

The 6 is the nurturer and sets an example for all of his/her "kids".  The 6 takes good care of his tribe/family and gives unto them unconditionally.  The 6 will sacrifice his own self for the betterment of another.  The 6 is the ultimate counselor and healer.  Being that there were (3) 6s in a row, tells me that his drive to take care of his "children/people" was so great, that he would withstand anything to do so - even 27 years in prison...

Now, that the 6 is understood, those two 4s on either end are screaming out for attention!    Those 4s just make me smile setting there like two book ends.  The 4 is the ultimate life teacher.  The 4 is the seeker of truth in life and soaks up as much knowledge as he/she possibly can... not to internalize it, but to share it with the world.  The 4 wants us to see all side of the equation.  The 4 male seeks security in life and wants to be able to fully provide for his family.  4s have much integrity and will tell it to you straight up - there's no beating around the bush for a 4.

So, now that we've seen the meaning behind the 4 & the 6, when you add all of those numbers together, we get to the ultimate and most important meaning behind Mr. Mandela's prison number. 4+6+6+6+4=26 // 2+6=8  Ahhhh...  and we come back full circle to the VISIONARY number once again.  The number able to withstand great struggle to ultimately provide a profound message to the people.

So, there you have it...  a somewhat different way to look at a tragic label placed upon an amazing individual.  I believe there is so much meaning behind the numbers.  There is energy and truth there...  there is light and hope in the numbers...  they tell us so much if only we can open up and see their beauty.  When we see their beauty, we can see our own a little bit better.

I love you Mr. Mandela...  thank you for all you do, have done and endured for human kind.  You are, by far, my most favorite number 8!

Go to 46664.com for more information about Mr. Mandela's AIDS Foundation
Go to http://www.happybirthdaymandela.com to wish Mr. Mandela a happy 90th birthday!