The number 108 holds a unique position across various disciplines, resonating with profound significance in spiritual traditions, mathematical properties, and even modern cultural narratives. From the sacred beads of a Japa mala to the stitches on a Major League Baseball, and from the philosophical depth of yoga to the fervent hopes of a sports franchise, 108 appears as a recurring motif. This article explores the multifaceted nature of the number 108, examining its numerological vibrations, its historical and spiritual weight, and its specific, documented connection to the Chicago Cubs baseball team.
Numerological Significance of 108
In numerology, numbers carry specific vibrational energies that influence people, locations, and events. The number 108 is a compound of the digits 1, 0, and 8, and it also reduces to the single digit 9 (1+0+8=9). Each component contributes to a complex and powerful resonance.
The Composite Energy
The energy represented by the number 108 resonates with initiating projects to benefit humankind. It contains idealism, philanthropy, and a tendency to explore new avenues for getting things done. The energy is realistic and a self-starter. The number combines the humanitarianism of the energy the number 9 represents with the self-reliance of the number 1. It also includes the wholeness of the number 0 and the efficiency of the number 8.
The numerology number 108's resonance is imbued with compassion, tolerance, and independence. It is self-determined, business oriented, and inclusive. It feels comfortable being and acting alone. People who work or live within 108 energy are likely to be affected by its resonance.
The Individual Digits
- Digit 1: The number one is a symbol of leadership, independence, and self-sufficiency. It represents the primal force of creation and the spark of individuality. People influenced by the number one are often seen as pioneers and innovators, blazing new trails and setting trends.
- Digit 0: The number 0 represents potential and/or choice. It is considered to represent the beginning of a spiritual journey and highlights the uncertainties that may entail. It amplifies the influences of the numbers it appears with.
- Digit 8: The number 8 resonates with authority, material freedom, and the management of power. It is associated with the accumulation of wealth and the execution of material goals.
- Digit 9 (The Sum): The number 9 represents humanitarianism, philanthropy, and universal love. It signifies completion and the wisdom to understand the broader perspective of existence.
Angel Number 108
In spiritual circles, 108 is often viewed as an angel number. It serves as a reminder to align your thoughts, actions, and intentions with your higher purpose. According to one source, the rating for the number 108 is 100/100, indicating a high level of positivity. The energy encourages humanitarianism and initiates philanthropic projects. Locations with the number 108 generally are a good fit for organizations with an agenda related to broad positive effects for humanity.
Sacred Geometry and Spiritual Context
Beyond numerology, 108 is a sacred number in various Eastern traditions.
Yoga and Chakras
The number 108 is a sacred number in Yoga. There are 108 Marma points (vital points of the body) in Ayurveda. In yoga practice, a mala (prayer beads) typically consists of 108 beads, used for counting mantras. The practice of performing 108 Sun Salutations is a common ritual during the equinox. The number connects the individual to the cosmos, representing the wholeness of existence.
Historical and Mathematical Connections
The number 108 appears in various mathematical and astronomical contexts. For example, the distance of the Sun from Earth is approximately 108 times the diameter of the Sun. The diameter of the Sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth. This sacred geometry reinforces the idea of 108 as a bridge between the microcosm (human) and the macrocosm (universe).
The Chicago Cubs and the "Magic Number" 108
While 108 holds universal spiritual and mathematical significance, it has taken on a specific, culturally potent meaning for the Chicago Cubs baseball team and their fans. This phenomenon is characterized by a series of synchronicities that link the number to the team's history, performance, and infrastructure.
The Historical Drought
The most prominent connection is the duration of the Cubs' World Series drought. The Cubs last won the World Series in 1908; 108 years ago (as of the reporting in 2016). This 108-year period became known as the "Curse of the Cubs," and the number itself became a focal point for superstition and hope.
Grant DePorter and Cubs Numerology
Grant DePorter, president and managing partner of Harry Caray's Restaurant Group and a Cubs game broadcast analyst, is recognized as a leading expert in Cubs numerology. DePorter, who co-authored the 2008 book "Hoodoo: Unraveling the 100 Year Mystery of the Chicago Cubs," has documented a remarkable list of "108" appearances that relate to the team. He has stated, "Everywhere you look, it's 108. You just can't get away from it."
Documented Synchronicities
DePorter and other observers have cataloged numerous instances where the number 108 appears in relation to the Cubs:
- Baseball Construction: A standard baseball has 108 stitches.
- Gameplay Mechanics: It takes 108 outs to win the National League Championship Series (NLCS) and 108 outs to win the World Series (27 outs per game x 4 games won = 108 outs).
- Wrigley Field:
- Wrigley Field was assigned Planned Development #108 by the City of Chicago (out of over 1,300 developments).
- The distance from both the left field and right field foul poles to home plate at Wrigley Field is 108 meters.
- The first World Series game at Wrigley Field was played on October 8th (10/8).
- The Cubs' last World Series game win (prior to 2016) was also on October 8th.
- Legal and Administrative History: The Cubs' lawsuit against the State of Illinois to have games at night at Wrigley Field is documented in Volume 108 of the Illinois Supreme Court Reports.
- Corporate Connections: The Cubs' owners, the Ricketts family, made their fortune with Omaha-based TD Ameritrade. The corporate headquarters is located on 108th Avenue.
- Broadcasting: Cubs game broadcasts are transmitted from the top of the Willis Tower, which is 108 stories tall.
- Pop Culture: Two movies featuring the Cubs winning the World Series—"Taking Care of Business" and "Back to the Future Part II"—are both 108 minutes long.
- Player Connections:
- Cubs star pitcher Jake Arrieta is known to practice yoga six days a week (connecting to the sacred nature of 108).
- Pitcher Jon Lester was born in Tacoma, Washington, the 108th largest city in the US (per the 2010 Census).
- Pitcher Kyle Hendricks was born on 12/7/89. Summing the digits (12+7+89) equals 108.
- Astronomical/Atomic: The World Series trophy is made of silver, which carries the atomic weight of 108.
- Game Scheduling: During the 2016 playoffs, Cubs games were scheduled to start at 7:08 PM (19:08 in military time).
The "Magic Number" Concept
In baseball, the "magic number" is the combination of wins needed by the leading team and losses by the trailing team to clinch a playoff berth. For the Cubs in 2016, the convergence of the 108-year drought and the pervasive appearance of the number 108 created a narrative where the number itself became a symbol of destiny and the end of the "curse."
Conclusion
The number 108 serves as a powerful example of how numbers can weave together the spiritual, the physical, and the cultural. In numerology, it represents a blend of leadership, infinite potential, and humanitarianism. In spiritual practice, it is a key to unlocking deeper consciousness and connection. In the realm of sports, it transformed from a measure of time and statistical trivia into a potent symbol of hope and eventual triumph for the Chicago Cubs. Whether viewed through the lens of mathematics, spirituality, or superstition, 108 remains a number of profound depth and recurring significance.