(First published on the Internet in Email Without Tears vol. 2 issue 6, 1 June 1993 and slightly edited since then. –sk4p)

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.

Consider the word Ευρηκα (“Eureka”). Herein, as we shall see, is a wealth of symbolism. We shall demonstrate that this word contains a potent formulation of the Law of Thelema and the Word of the Aeon of Horus.

First, we note that the word has six letters. Six is the number of Tiphereth, the center of the Tree, and the Holy Guardian Angel, the attainment of whose Knowledge and Conversation is the central task of every Thelemite.

Now let us consider the meanings of the individual letters. The initial Epsilon, having the value 5, is suggestive of Geburah, the Sephira of Strength and of Mars. It suggests conflict and power. The second letter, Upsilon, has the value 400. It is equivalent thus to the Hebrew KShP, “to use magick or witchcraft.” This is a clarification of the first letter, and emphasizes the magical nature of the aforementioned conflict. The third letter is Rho, standing for 100. 100 stands for “vessels or vases”, signifying that we should make ourselves fit vessels for magical strength.

The last three letters give indication of how this may be done. The fourth letter, Eta, has the value 8. 8 is equivalent to both “to will, to intend” and “desired, beloved” — a concise statement of the Law of Thelema. The fifth letter, Kappa, has the value 20, being the number of “fraternity.” And the final letter, Alpha, is the letter of Unity, bearing the value 1. So it is seen that the word “Eureka” gives a clear formula for use in cases of Magical Conflict: that the Strength needed to endure is to be obtained through Fraternity, and through Unity, and through Love, which is “the law, love under will.”

Now let us consider the meanings of 534, which is the total value of the Word Eureka. 534 itself is equivalent to an obscure reference to “a certain name of GOD” (Qeldeseq). But we may find that there are numerous hidden meanings within.

First, let us look at factorizations of 534. There are but three prime factors of the number: 2, 3, and 89; hence the three factorizations to be considered are 2 x 267, 3 x 178, and 6 x 89.

2 x 267 is a comment on duality, signified by 2. A look at Sepher Sephiroth shows that 267 signifies “illicit, forbidden,” which is the nature of duality – illicit, to be avoided. But conversely, 2 is the number of Chokmah, and thus the number 534 reveals how Chokmah, the sphere of wisdom, is “forbidden” to the uninitiated.

3 x 178 also yields valuable information. For 3 is the number of Binah, “Understanding” – the reconciliation of the duality implied by 2. And 178 represents “the loins”, or “the lower part” – the foundation upon which growth and development is based. It also represents “good pleasure, choice, decision, will” – again, a possible allusion to the Law of Thelema. Decision and free will is seen as the basis for reconciliation (3), which in turn may be seen as the basis of good pleasure.

Finally, 6 x 89 recalls once again Tiphareth, Beauty, the sixth sphere of the Tree of Life. 89 stands for “Silence”, or “Shut up.” It represents the Beauty inherent in Silence, in calmness, in the ability to remain quiet.

It is hoped that the student will proceed to discover words so rich in meaning as “Eureka”, and learn how to apply the principles of Qabalistic exegesis demonstrated above. Of course, a good Qabalistic lexicon such as Sepher Sephiroth (published in 777 And Other Qabalistic Writings of Aleister Crowley) is invaluable for this process.  My own Gematria Calculator and Database incorporates the entries from this book and many more.

Love is the law, love under will.