Mem (or Meem, Meme, or Mim) is the thirteenth letter of the Hebrew Alphabet. It signifies the number 40 both forms, but its final form can also represent 600. Mem is tied to water (and thus Christ/YHVH) as it stands for “mayim,” Hebrew for “water,” as in the waters of wisdom, knowledge, and the Torah. Mem represents manifestation, granting us the ability to “dive” into wisdom. We thirst for the Word of God: the waters of life. Water is a vital element in our lives; we are mostly composed of water and the earth is covered with it. When Mem is open it represents God’s blessings in our lives, His providence; when closed it represents the concealed part of the Lord’s Celestial rule.
Mem also represents to us the importance of balanced emotions and of humility, which is key in using Mem in meditations. Water always runs downhill, finding the lowest point. The number 40, which Mem represents, equates to the long periods of time needed for growth. It rained for “40 days and 40 nights” while Noah was in the flood, representing the time it takes to remove sin from man. Likewise, Jesus fasted for 40 days. Mem thus teaches us how to balance emotions with time and wisdom. We balance our feelings, just as one balances him or herself on a boat afloat in the waters of life.