One of the recurring numbers which appears while researching the many topics surrounding the Maranatha puzzle or Rennes le Chateau is the number 17. From the puzzle’s introduction on the story of Nicolas Flamel, to the continued study of mystery, one seems to keep encountering this number.
Many times it is specifically the date of January 17. Numerous significant events or incidents concerning Rennes le Chateau or the puzzle have been realized to happen upon this date. The following is a list of some of the most notable:
- Nicolas Flamel’s completion of the ‘Great Work’ (1382)
- The infamous annual appearance of ‘Blue Apples’ at Rennes le Chateau
- Feast day of St. Anthony the Hermit (connected by the grand parchment’s hidden message involving Teniers)
- The publishing of Le Serpent Rouge (1967)
- SigisbertIV arrival at Rennes le Chateau (681)
- Sauniere’s date of occurrence of stroke (1917) (he later died)
- Marie de Negre D’ Ables date of death (1781)(Tombstone used for decoding grand parchment)
- Feast day of St. Sulpice
Other times it is the number itself. Geber, a prominent alchemist of the 8th/9th century, was fascinated with the number 17 and the turning of lesser metals to gold. And according to Clifford Pickover, author of Wonders of Numbers and The Loom of God, Cabalists regarded the path of 17 to be one which led the Righteous to reward.
This path of the Righteous or worthy may have one question a possible connection with the following comment found in The Accursed Treasure of Rennes le Chateau by Gerard de Sede. While speaking of the way to the ‘secret place’ he began by saying, “One must leave at sunrise…”. This seems to echo Proverbs 4:18 which is, “The path of the Righteous is like the first gleam of dawn.” Could Sede have been hinting at the path of the Righteous or the number 17?
Speculation, of course, but it could lead one to consider the 17th Tarot card which is ‘The Star’. This card is believed to symbolize and offer Hope. Interestingly, 17 is also known to symbolize the Star of the Magi. In the Book of Numbers, 24:17, the Star of Jacob is mentioned which prophesized the coming of the Star.
It has been recognized that Berenger Sauniere incorporated a peculiar montage in his journal. It included the Adoration of the Magi and notably a star; central to the image. Perhaps he was hinting at the significant number of 17 or even something more? One will never know, but it would seem the curious number of 17 will forever find its way into mysterious happenings.
Please feel free to share or comment on other occurrences of the number 17.
As true as the half broken Nehushtan
It think it isn’t 17 on its own that’s relevant, it’s the 17th of January. And I think what’s relevant is the angle of the sun at noon on that date, on the specific latitude of Rennes le Chateau and the other buildings in that area.
As it said on the Time Monk website, 17th of January isn’t the feast day of St Anthony the Hermit, but St Anthony the Great. Maybe Sauniere made a deliberate reference to the painting by Teniers when he put the name on the statue of the saint. He might be making a reference to other things as well.
Just found another instance of 17th January: It’s the feast day of St Roseline, mentioned on the clue “The real st rosalines points to where the secret has been held above and below”. Other details that get my attention:
1. St Rose Line?
2. She had many visions and great power over demons
3. Usually represented with a reliquary containing two eyes, because her eyes were removed and preserved apart
Not too sure about what the secret being held above and below means, but it sounds like the Emerald Tablet.
The star in the adoration of the Magi of the montage of Sauniere’s journal looks like a hexagram, rather than the pentagram that is normally drawn nowadays for the star of the Magi. I don’t know if the hexagram would have been common for the star of the Magi in that time and place. I suppose it’s possible that if it was uncommon, Sauniere would have seen significance in that.
Not sure about the connection with Proverbs 4:18. The King James Bible has: “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Looking at the context, the focus is on light and darkness, wisdom and ignorance, and dawn is no more than the beginning of wisdom.