When I study the 33 degrees of human growth, I am reminded of the human spine — which itself holds 33 vertebrae, carrying both our physical posture and our symbolic journey.

At the top, the 7 cervical vertebrae form the neck. These are delicate yet essential, just like the 7 stepping stones to heaven. Without the neck, the body cannot lift its head — and without spiritual stepping stones, we cannot look upward to higher realms.

The 12 thoracic vertebrae make up the chest, anchoring the ribs that protect the heart and lungs. Symbolically, they call to mind The 12 Disciplines (yes... disciplines, not disciples), that safeguarded the teachings and carry the breath of faith into the world. Just as the thoracic bones keep life’s rhythm safe, the disciplines carried the heartbeat of your Gospel/Values.

Descending further, we meet the 5 lumbar vertebrae, the strong pillars of the lower back. Here I see the Star of David — two interlocking triangles, symbolising the balance between spirit and matter. The lumbar bones give us strength to stand upright in both the physical and spiritual sense, teaching us that endurance and balance are essential to carry the weight of life.

Beneath them lie the sacral vertebrae, fused within the pelvis. “Sacral” reminds us of sacred — a reminder that sexuality is holy, not to be squandered but revered. The pelvis is both a cradle of life and a seat of discipline.

Finally, the coccyx, the vestigial tail, closes the journey. Together with the sacrum, it makes 4 vertebrae. In numerology, 4 is the number of foundation and stability — the four directions, the four seasons, the four corners of the earth. It reminds us that even the humblest part of our anatomy forms the groundwork for balance and rootedness.

In Summary: The 33 Degrees of (human) Growth are often seen as a combination of symbolic steps of moral, intellectual and spiritual growth. You will need to practice these through a deep ritualistic routine. Many interpret them as stages of personal evolution.

Stage 1: Cervical Spine (7 Vertebrae → 7 Stepping Stones to Heaven)

Theme: Foundation of growth — awakening and discipline.

These 7 bones form the neck, connecting the head (spirit) to the body (life). They are the gateway to Heaven — the 7 stepping stones.

1. → Beginning the path (first step).

2. → Building intellect & discipline.

3. → Spiritual maturity & foundation.

4. → Obedience & duty.

5. → Honesty & integrity.

6. → Loyalty & confidentiality.

7. → Justice as divine order.

Stage 2: Thoracic Spine (12 Vertebrae → The 12 Disciples) 

Theme: Moral service, wisdom, and balance.

These 12 bones are the rib cage — they protect the heart and lungs (faith, service, discipleship). They are the "12 Disciplines" carrying the heart of humanity.

8. → Responsibility & leadership.

9. → Truth revealed.

10. → Freedom from ignorance.

11. → Selfless service.

12. → Wisdom in creation.

13. → Spiritual mystery.

14. → Alignment with divine law.

15. → Liberation & resilience.

16. → Governance & responsibility.

17. → Balance of spirit & matter.

18. → Faith, sacrifice, and virtue.

19. → Bridging divine & human.

Stage 3: Lumbar Spine (5 Vertebrae → Star of David)

Theme: Strength, balance and service

These 5 strong bones carry the weight of the body. Just as the Star of David balances heaven & earth, these vertebrae balance spirit & matter — the “crossroads of strength.”

20. → Stewardship & order.

21. → Humility & truth.

22. → Dignity of labor.

23. → Discipline in sacred service.

24. → Devotion to divine law.

Stage 4: Sacrum (5 fused Vertebrae → Sacred Sexual Discipline)

Theme: Transformation, healing, and protection of sacredness.

Fused into one sacred shield, the sacrum represents the sacred fire of sexuality and life force. This is where sacred discipline preserves divine energy.

25. → Healing & transformation.

26. → Forgiveness & benevolence.

27. → Protection of the sacred.

28. → Enlightenment & reason.

29. → Service to humanity.

Stage 5: Coccyx (4 fused Vertebrae → Foundation of Growth in Numerology)

Theme: Completion, judgment, mastery, foundation.

The tailbone (4 bones) is small but powerful — it’s the foundation of stability. In numerology, 4 = structure and grounding. These final degrees anchor the spirit to the earth while reaching divine heights.

30. → Defender of truth against corruption.

31. → Self-judgment & introspection.

32. → Harmony of opposites.

33. → Mastery, wisdom, ultimate service.

The 33 vertebrae of the spine mirror the 33 Personal Growth degrees:

• Neck (7): Stepping into heaven.

• Chest (12): Service through the "disciplines".

• Lower Back (5): Balance of Star of David.

• Sacrum (5 fused): Sacred life force.

• Coccyx (4 fused): Foundation & mastery.

Thus, the spine is not only the body’s support but also a map of personal and spiritual ascent. Thus, the 33 vertebrae of the spine mirror the foundations of stability, guiding us from earth to (our) heaven, from foundation to enlightenment, from discipline to sacred growth.

This is the spinal cord of life — the architecture upon which the Mohapi Growth Theory is built.