666 Occurs to Me

Before I say anything:

I write this to present the facts of my experiences with the number 666. As most people know, that number, according to the Bible, is supposedly the mark of the beast or the “number of man” (whatever that’s supposed to mean). I just read about the occurrence of 666 in the new testament, chapter 13 in revelations. I don’t know if this blog might have any benefit to anyone reading this. I am not claiming that the number 666 has any valid meaning other than being the number after 665. I have some personal beliefs, but at the same time I will say that my believing  is not necessarily evidence that it is true.  I will say, however, that my experiences are enough to compel me to write this – for what it’s worth (if anything).

I like to place a star above what I write as a personal symbol and invitation for what’s called “The Holy Spirit” to be with me.

For more than 10 years I have played free poker (Texas Holdem) almost on a weekly basis. It has become something of a habit with me. One thing I like about it is being with other people I have come to know and getting out of the house. While I play I enjoy listening to music with my headphones. I keep it at a low enough volume in order to hear others talking. I do fairly well in the game. I have won several tournaments. Of course, getting good cards is helpful, but also using strategy is a big factor for “success”.

Several years ago I went to a bar in Portland to play in a Texas Holdem poker tournament. I usually played in games in Vancouver where I lived, but thought I’d try a new place. I was doing well in that game. I made it to the final table. At one point I won a hand with three-of-a-kind: 666. I jokingly said, “well that’s a scary hand”. Someone sneered, “why?. are you superstitious?” Ignoring his sarcasm with a smile I said, “no – but I still don’t like that number and what it’s supposed to mean”. I felt uncomfortable in that bar. The thought actually occurred to me that the place might be”evil”. The atmosphere was dark and gloomy… and the people playing struck me as also being dark and gloomy . (in retrospect “I” was somewhat dark and gloomy).   I thought about driving back home to Vancouver, WA, But it was free poker and I’ve been in dark bars before. A few hands later I won with 666 again. And I said with a laugh, “damn! … now I’m really concerned!”  That same unfriendly guy sneered again, “I thought you said you weren’t superstitious?”  I just ignored him. I was trying to be light and friendly, but everyone was so so serious about their colored plastic chips. I realized that all the other people playing knew each other. I was a stranger there. Eventually it was down to just myself and that other sneering man – head to head. He said something insulting and offensive to me. I ignored it. I was winning.  I had more than twice the chips he had. Then the jukebox started up playing the song “Highway to Hell” – a negative song to put it mildly. Click here if you’re curious.   I thought to myself “maybe I should start taking this seriously”. For those who don’t play poker, getting three of a kind of anything is not too common. Mr Sneer said something to insult me and offend me again. I lost my temper and said to him, “How would you like to take this outside?!!”  Yes, I know – not a nice way for me to react. And not exactly intelligent. I know how dangerous reacting out of emotion can be.

The owner of the bar picked up my chips and said, “ok… you’re outta here! Nobody comes into my bar and threatens my friends! Now get the f out!”

I said something like, “yeah – I’ll gladly get out of this hell hole!”  While driving home I started to calm down and come more to my senses. Thinking of things such as my reactions and how anger can be so “dangerous”.  I was thankful that it was avoided that I  got the crap beat out of me (I was never good at fist fighting.. I got my ass kicked many times as a young person). It occurred to me that maybe I shouldn’t play poker any more if it causes such violence and danger in me – if it causes me to get out of control.  I decided that I would still play poker but that if 666 came up that I would take that as a sign to leave. Well, over the years 666 did show up and I did turn in my chips and excused myself from the game. I, personally, take 666 to mean that there is something “better” I could be doing – such as going home to my dear wonderful wife and keep her company. Sometimes after quitting a game I would sing a couple of songs at karaoke – which was more pleasing than the poker game.

Some people have suggested that I was “just being superstitious” and even silly to quit a poker game because of 666 showing up. I didn’t want to try and explain myself and didn’t want to try and defend my decision. So I would make light of it by jokingly saying, “well… it would just be too embarrassing if I went to hell over a poker game”.  But nobody laughed at that. Oh well.

Someone said that maybe I’m giving the “devil” too much credit – that I’m letting the devil influence me etc etc.  Four or five weeks ago I decided that maybe I am just being superstitious. So decided not to quit the game if 666 came up. I told myself that maybe if 666 came up twice then I should take it seriously. During that game, within an hour and a half, 666 came up five times! But I didn’t leave the game. And I’m still alive.

I happen to have a high math aptitude. There is a principle that if there is redundancy (repetition) than it is a message.  A pattern repeating itself five times, as I said above, is undeniably redundant. If that is actually a coincidence – so be it – but I’m not taking that chance – If 666 shows up I’m outta there. I will politely excuse myself and walk away.

One final note: it has been suggested that my “preoccupation” with the number 666 actually causes it to manifest. I suppose that is not impossible.

Another number that comes to my attention often is the number 1111 – which also has been given some particular meaning.

Peace and Love !  And may all get a royal flush!

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