Eight

Eight has essentially the same symbolic value as four, "a number for the individuation process" (Anatomy of the Psyche, p. 71). It primarily expresses wholeness. But unlike four in general, eight has an eternity or infinity quality, or more accurately, timelessness. The number 8 can be seen as an infinite loop; it is also a standing version of the symbol for infinity (∞).

The octagonal shape can be seen as a development of the square towards the circle, and thus shares more of the circle’s symbolism; that is, a kind of transition from earthly wholeness to spiritual.

While seven suggests an uninterrupted series, the step to eight implies some hesitation and uncertainty; a circumstance that bears similarities to the relationship between three and four. Eight is the fulfillment of seven, the step to a new order. (Mysterium Coniunctionis, par. 574.)

In European fairy tales such as "The Seven Ravens", as well as in Taoist legends, the "eighth" is a girl; which again evokes the relationship between three and four. (In other contexts, "the eighth" is the leader, the lord, etc.) In Christian mysticism, the eighth can be considered as the mother of the series of seven, since it tends to have a feminine quality. (Mysterium Coniunctionis, par. 579.)

Baptismal fonts are often octagonal. It is an expression of the idea of the connection between the earthly/human and the heavenly/divine, but more explicitly the eighth day of creation, that is, the resurrection of Christ, or the eight people saved by the flood. Thus, eight can be an expression of rebirth.

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