Gematria: (n.) the practice of using alphanumeric codes to convey symbolic messages through the assigning of numerical values to letters.
- originated over 4,000 years ago in Sumeria and Babylon
- studied by Greek philosopher Pythagoras
- remains a major theme in the spiritual practice known as Kabbalah
- a symbolic language found in literature and other works of art
- often abused by governments, big business and mass media for subliminal persuasion