2024 by the Numbers

If I've learned anything in my time on the planet, it's that the significance of anything can be determined numerologically. I say numerologically — as opposed to numerically — because I flunked first-year Algebra as a high-school freshman, and a lot of haters still want to hold that against me. But haters gonna hate. They can blow their Cartesian coordinates out their asymptotes for all I care. I am, after all, an Aquarian.

In addition to being an Aquarian (of all the zodiac signs, Aquarius is undoubtedly the most innovative, progressive, rebellious, humanitarian , and modest), my Life Path Number is 5. According to my numerologist, Madame Bologna, I have a strong sense of autonomy. I'm inquisitive and look for the deeper meanings of things. I accept and embrace change as a means of becoming a better version of myself. I'm determined to cultivate a spontaneous existence. I feel stifled by repetition. I abhor being told what to do. I love digressions. And I have a lovely singing voice; although, I suffer from Decantophobia.

But that's not why we're here. We're here because the numerological significance of the year, 2024, is derived by this equation: 20 + 24 = 44 ÷ 4 = 11

That is, indeed, momentous for a number of reasons (no pun intended). First, 20, 24, 44, and 4 are even numbers; that is, each of them is divisible by 2. Yet, the product of the equation is an odd number; that is, it is not divisible by 2. Numerologically speaking, that reflects the immutable and unpredictably chaotic unfolding of the Universe and our stubborn determination to ignore absolutely everything until it all somehow, miraculously straightens itself out.

As a species, we don't have much of an appetite for empiricism and/or for studying — let alone learning from — our own history. That's the good news. The bad news is we're gullible enough to believe everything from COVID to climate change, from voter IDs being bad to open borders being good. C’est la vie.

But there is hope because, as a second reason for the momentous import of 2024's numerical significance, according to numerology.com :

The 4 in Numerology is a no-nonsense number with a heads-down approach to life and work. It is extremely dependable and lends a great amount of stability to a person or situation. The 4 is dedicated to advancing, but in a more conservative way than a progressive one. It sticks to what is tried-and-true instead of attempting methods that are new ... number 4 carries a wise and rational energy that can bring us a sense of security and consistency. It has a strict definition of right and wrong and tends to see things as black and white with no grey in between. The number 4 leads with its head, not its heart, and uses this mental strength to build a life of service and contentment.

What that means, of course, is the determined, level-headed analytical propensities of 4 will lead us consistently down the well-worn path to our proverbial comfort zones. Secure in the knowledge that we won't be challenged by new perspectives or propositions, we can set a course in the New Year that will comprise safe waters, predictable outcomes, and blithe complacency.

Irresistible Forces and Immovable Objects

On the other hand, as a former boss whom we dubbed the Queen of the Malaprop was wont to say, there's a flaw in the ointment. Again, according to numerology.com :

The most remarkable characteristic of the Master Number 11 is its connection to a higher source of wisdom. It is intuitive to the point of being psychic, channeling its knowledge and meaning from a spiritual source ... it's the number 11's duty to use this gift of awareness to deliver cosmic truths that encourage humanity ... The number 11 is at one with the universe. It is open to vast spiritual concepts and the presence of a greater power. It is a channel for truth and answers to reach us and help us on our way ... It is creative and magnetic, a beacon of wisdom and hope for others to follow ... when the 11 is a constant presence in our lives, like a Life Path number, that we must truly embrace its meaning and potential.

Consequently, the straightforward, intellectually denotative characteristics of 4 will be countered by the sensing and emotionally connotative characteristics of 11 — penetrating superficial veils and allowing us to know things beyond what 4 has allowed us to think we've learned. Allowing us to know.

Aye, there's the rub.

Even as 4 leads us to the tried and true respite of complacency, 11 is the incorrigibly nagging awareness that we know better than to settle for the easy and the obvious. It's what makes us uncomfortable with the rote acceptance of narratives. It's why failing to ask questions or to think critically feels like ants in our underwear. It's why odd numbers result from equations comprising positive numbers. And it's why our Spidey Sense makes it impossible to ignore the difference between doing things right because they're subjective and relative — and doing right things because they're innately recognizable, ethically sound, and objectively correct.

Buckle Up

In China, 2024 is the year of the Dragon. The Dragon symbolizes power, nobility, honor, luck, and success. Imbued with the characteristics of innate courage, boundless tenacity, and keen intelligence, dragons are enthusiastic and confident, unafraid challenges, and willing to take risks. The Dragon has no parallel for talent and excellence.

In the West — depending on whether 4 or 11 predominates — 2024 may be the year of the Chump, or it may be the year of the Sage. The Chump symbolizes gullibility, apathy, habit, laziness, a telltale lack of curiosity, and a lethal willingness to go along to get along. The Sage symbolizes skepticism; concern; imagination; energy; independent, critical thought; an insatiable curiosity; and an indefatigable reverence for personal and national sovereignty .

If 11 does prevail, there's going to be some pain involved. But without pain, there's no progress. And with no progress, we'll be stuck with 4 forever.

If 2023 was any indication, we shouldn't get our hopes up .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATH6dIpmgGc