We looked at the archetype of the student last month, so this month we turn to the other half of the learning equation – the teacher.
A teacher holds the key to learning. We all remember very well that a good teacher can ignite a flame of curiosity in any student, even the least engaged, while a bad teacher… well, you remember that experience too, right?
In numerology, the number of the teacher is six. I have actually written about this number in a previous column when I discussed the father archetype. You may wish to go back and read (or reread!) my column for June to find out about that aspect of six energy.
So how could six also contain the energy of the teacher?
The broad energy of the single digit six is that of love, nurturing and service. Clearly that energy is applicable to a parent, as well as to other family members and to lovers. It is applicable to any role that holds responsibility for the nurturing and growth of another human being. The role of teacher certainly qualifies.
Teaching is service-oriented, true to the number six, and is often considered a calling. Typically, not just anyone becomes a teacher. Many teachers (especially the best ones) feel drawn to the essence of the role – that of a guide, one who takes joy in seeing others discover their own gifts, passions and ultimately wisdom.
Yes, you may be familiar with the old saying “Those who can’t do, teach.” The implication? People who can’t master and perform a skill settle for teaching about it. Fortunately, that stereotype is changing. In fact, the title of the textbook in a class I took about teaching is “Those Who Can, Teach.”
Teaching is itself a skill, as well as an art embodied in the teacher archetype and in the energy of six. If you have strong six energy in your numerology chart, you may well have a job as a teacher. If not, others may seek you out for advice and hold your opinion in high regard no matter what your job. Sixes ideally support, nurture and inspire others.
One challenge of the number six is to make sure that you are not giving until you have nothing left – teachers need to receive too! Another challenge, however, is to make sure you don’t become addicted to giving advice. True teaching empowers others to make their own discoveries, as opposed to simply telling others what to do. Sixes can sometimes become rescuers, motivated by the feeling of being needed.
Ultimately, the essence of six comes back to love and service. The teacher archetype at its highest level is sensitive, empathetic and aware on a societal level. The teacher knows that the most powerful wisdom comes from the heart, in combination with knowledge provided by the intellect. If this energy is strong for you, you have a vital role to play in society, whether for your family, a classroom, individuals or an organization.
At the same time, the teacher archetype may currently be one of the least understood. In a world that has experienced an information explosion and is now moving past that preoccupation to consider the question “What should we actually do with all this information?” – what is the role of the teacher?
In a world where we as individuals are being called on to question the experts, take more responsibility for our own education and make our own meaning from all this information – what is the role of the teacher?
One explanation for the image of “an apple for the teacher” may date back to the Middle Ages. Knowledge was considered a gift from God, and one wouldn’t charge money for giving such a gift. The teachers were poor and had to be given apples so they didn’t starve!
Today, we need good teachers and role models more than ever. We are re-inventing what makes a good teacher. To help us in that quest, we may benefit from remembering that love and service are at the heart of six energy. When we find those qualities in ourselves and in others, we may want to reward their presence with more than just apples.