Sacred Geometry: Meaning of Symbols and Figures (Top #11)
Sacred geometry is the science seeking to understand the world (and all that is sacred in it) through the study of geometric shapes. Many esoteric teachings make this art a key to understanding creation and the mysteries of the universe.
According to the principles of sacred geometry, there exist certain very specific forms which contain within them the mysteries of complex esoteric secrets. Through understanding the meaning of these shapes, we could understand our world, our soul and a whole bunch of other things.
Is your curiosity piqued?
That's good, we will now discover together the secrets of sacred geometry through the analysis of its most powerful figures!
Contents :
What is sacred geometry?
Angles, straight lines, spirals and curves: sacred geometry is based on the study of geometric figures through a spiritual prism. We took an interest in this oh-so-intriguing doctrine, and even created a collection bringing together its symbols and motifs in the form of lucky charms ( which you can find here ).
Halfway between a hard science (geometry) and a religious esotericism, this art is based on very precise mathematical formulas. A basic idea of sacred geometry is that these formulas govern everything in the universe, that we are talking about matter but also the soul and the spirit.
According to the teachings of sacred geometry, everything that exists, whether manifested or not, is governed by these same rules. Since geometric shapes respect them, their analysis could therefore allow us to understand these rules, then to apply them to other areas.
This is the thinking at the basis of sacred geometry.
As we will see at the end of this article, this idea according to which the universe respects complex mathematical equations is not new. A long time ago, Greek, Egyptian and even Babylonian philosophers had conceptualized it.
More than a simple understanding of the world, the application of sacred geometry (in particular through the use of the symbols that we are going to discover) would offer great powers linked to energies.
It would indeed seem that certain forms possess vibrations, special kinds of auras which allow them to act directly on our existence. Healing, spiritual awakening, transformation or transmutation, connection to the divine or to our deep being... Some esotericists swear only by the figures of sacred geometry and, as we will see, this is perhaps not meaningless
The Shri Yantra
Meaning of this symbol:
- Union of masculine and feminine
- Fundamental energy of the universe
- Contemplation of the truth
The Shri Yantra is arguably the most respected sacred figure in India.
Often nicknamed “rajayantra” (which means “queen of yantras” or “queen of forms”), the shri yantra expresses a universal principle at the source of all creation : that of the meeting of two poles forming a complementary duality.
Most Hindu sages will describe this figure to you as the sacred union of the god Shiva (who represents masculine energy) and the goddess Shakti (feminine energy). In Shri Yantra, this is represented by the triangles pointing upwards (Shiva) and those pointing downwards (Shakti).
Through their encounter, this symbol tells us about the creation of the universe. It is for this reason that many spiritual schools in India, particularly Tantric, advise meditating on Shri Yantra to get closer to the essence of the world.
For them, meditating on this figure of sacred geometry amounts to opening their eyes to the original truth, observing one of the only true things... and thus purifying themselves.
If you ask us, such meditation can only have great virtues. This is undoubtedly what the many members of our community who have chosen to wear this amulet at Shri Yantra think!
The Star of David
Meaning of this symbol:
- Total reign of the Lord
- The different facets of divine creation
- Unity of the Jewish people
The Star of David is a symbol associated with the Jewish religion. In Hebrew, it is also called “ Magen David ”, which translates as “ shield of David ”.
In short, many Jews today wear jewelry representing this star as a sign of unity and rallying. The state of Israel even added it to its flag when it was created.
More than the simple emblem of a religion, the Star of David has strong esoteric meanings.
A common interpretation is that it represents the total character of God's reign, with the six points of the star designating the directions in which His kingdom extends (up, down, east, west, in the South and the North).
Some mystics rather describe our figure as the superposition of two triangles. It would then represent the way in which Jews see their relationship with the Lord: the triangle which points upwards designates God, who is in heaven, while the other expresses the human and the material world, which is below.
This symbol of sacred geometry has twelve lines to form its outline. There, some rabbis saw a connection with the twelve tribes of Israel.
Latest interpretation, that of Kabbalah describes the Star of David as a sketch of seven facets of God's fundamental creation. Each of the parts delimited by our symbol would then describe one.
The merkaba
Meaning of this symbol:
- Self-understanding of beings
- Illumination and light source
- Vitalization and protection of humans
Merkaba, also spelled merkabah, is another concept resulting from the meeting of ancient Jewish mysticism and sacred geometry.
This term literally translates as “light – spirit – body” (mer – ka – ba). The figure used to represent it is composed of two tetrahedra which intersect and rotate in opposite directions. Yes, the merkaba is not a fixed figure but does have movement. The representation you see above therefore only represents an instant, you must instead imagine it rotating.
In short, many esoteric traditions use the merkaba to represent the understanding of something by itself, the complex phenomenon of self-awareness and the great power that results from it.
If this sentence resonates with you, you will have understood: the merkaba is an almost biblical figure which constitutes a key to understanding many mysteries of the divine.
In the West, this figure of sacred geometry is used by a whole host of occult schools and secret societies for the spiritual powers it could apparently provide.
The merkaba is described as the source of a great light, a blazing fire that can ignite the inner flame of human beings. Some esoteric practitioners even say of this figure that it can act directly on our cells, providing them with protective and vitalizing energy.
In any case, here we are faced with a figure well linked to energies. It is also for this facet of the merkaba that this particular energy pendulum was created, which benefits from both the power of this symbol and that of certain natural stones.
The circle
Meaning of this symbol:
- Total and absolute perfection
- Basis of all figures in sacred geometry
- Protective barriers (mental, energetic or spiritual)
The circle is one of the most common shapes in nature… Or so we might think.
Indeed, although many things try to approximate it, no path can be a perfect circle. Absolutely none.
This figure of sacred geometry therefore represents perfection, a sort of unsurpassable absolute.
Even more interesting in the context of our art, the circle is the basis of absolutely all other geometric figures. All of them can be traced in a circle and can be approximated by a succession (even if it is infinite) of this shape.
Many magical rituals involve tracing circles. This is not trivial: its symbolism defines a kind of limit, a border between what is inside and what is outside. The circle is thus a great symbol of energetic protection.
We also clearly see the paradox inherent in this motif: it represents unity, but also barriers. Like the world and life themselves, the circle is made up of seemingly incoherent philosophical secrets... but whose true meaning can be revealed to us if we think correctly.
The torus
Meaning of this symbol:
- Continuous movement of energy circulation
- Model for the creation of matter
- Taking spiritual journeys
The word “torus” comes from the Latin “torus” which means swelling. When we look at this symbol, we have to admit that the term is rather well chosen. The torus represents a sort of three-dimensional disk which would expand to infinity, winding on itself in perpetual movement.
If you don't quite see what we are describing, consult the Wikipedia page dedicated to the torus : it shows you many models, all rather well made.
In short, this spiral-like momentum that the torus has represents the process by which all energy, when properly aligned, flows continually, up, down and around, between spirit and matter.
In sacred geometry, the torus is further described as the first form that emerged during the creation of the world, and the one on which all living things were based. Atoms, for example, would have been built on the model of the torus, as would planets, galaxies, etc. The torus is a sort of concentrate of primordial energy.
From a more religious point of view, this motif serves to express the descent of the Holy Spirit into matter and the ascent of the soul towards heaven. Some meditation practitioners also like to describe it as a channel of energy through which we can travel.
As with all spiritual journeys, the path taken by the energy of this sacred geometry pattern will in fact return to its starting point in a great revolutionary movement.
The flower of life
Meaning of this symbol:
- Complete development of the being
- Benefits of the natural order of things
- Opening of consciousness to the true and the just
The flower of life is one of the most common sacred geometry designs you will encounter. Made up of 13 circles that overlap each other, this figure has perfect symmetry.
The general meaning of the flower of life is that of a complete cycle of creation and, above all, the idea that everything that exists comes from the same source, the same vital force.
To fully understand what we are talking about, it is interesting to break down our symbol into several others that form it. This is actually what we are going to do now.
The seed of life
The seed of life is made of 2 concentric circles, inside some 6 others are placed symmetrically to form various shapes.
Its name is not insignificant: seeds are the matrices of life, powerful vectors of energy that nature creates to develop again and again.
Through the code (genetic or otherwise) that they contain, the seeds possess a formidable intelligence, a vital intelligence which will allow them to recreate a new being. The seed of life somehow has the same power.
A seed also knows how to remain dormant for years, sometimes even centuries, before hatching. It is only once the right conditions are met that it will decide to open up.
This adds to the seed of life a sense of transmission over time and between generations.
The egg of life
If a seed contains the information necessary for the creation of a living being, the egg is the matrix that allows its development.
From a geometric point of view, the egg of life is made up of 7 circles, 6 forming an outer loop while the last one overlaps them all in the center of the pattern.
When we look at the egg of life, we can think of a cluster of cells. This is precisely how most sages describe it, making a connection with procreation.
To add to this idea of birth, some draw a parallel between the 7 circles of the seed of life and the 7 days of creation according to the Bible...
The fruit of life
The fruit of life is the last symbol present inside the flower of life. Made up of 13 circles placed on the model of a snowflake, it represents the transition between worlds and spiritual dimensions.
It is often described as the basis of the flower of life, the element that welcomes others and binds them together with its petals. The fruit of life would therefore be an allegory of the forces that govern our world, whether we are talking about gravity, the attraction between beings or any other inexplicable power.
The flower of life
By combining the seed (the vital source transmitted between generations), the egg (the matrix which brings the breath of life) and the fruit (the force which unites everything), the flower of life has all the elements which make our world such that we know him. Understanding it is therefore a key to the discovery of great secrets… This is what sacred geometry presumes.
In terms of its benefits, this symbol would offer those who wear it a greater connection, a more enlightened awareness of the order of things and a stronger link with the sacred.
So this is what you will benefit from (and more!) if you choose to wear this flower of life bracelet that we offer on our site.
Let us also point out: many mystery schools make the flower of life a major esoteric symbol. Alchemists, Wiccas and even astrologers give it a prominent place.
Platonic solids (tetrahedron, cube, octahedron, dodecahedron, icosahedron)
The ancient Greeks have been interested in the secrets of sacred geometry since the very beginning of their civilization. Among all the wise men who have looked into the question, one will interest us here: Plato.
He conceptualized a vision of the world according to which all matter would be formed from a list of a few “elementary blocks”, of a few figures which would form everything.
Known under the name of “Plato’s solids”, these geometric figures have been able to fuel the reflection of the numerous mystery schools of Greece for more than 2500 years.
Because our study mainly focuses on the spiritual side of these solids, here is a more scientific approach from the site maths-et-tiques.fr which should provide you with useful information.
Elegant, original, sacred and transcendent: Platonic solids are certainly of interest, and we are now going to discover them together.
The tetrahedron
Meaning of this symbol:
- Stability and solidity
- Consistency over time
- Bases supporting more complex constructions
The tetrahedron is a solid with four vertices and four absolutely identical triangular faces. In other words, the tetrahedron is a pyramid with a triangular base.
Due to the great rigidity offered by this structure, the tetrahedron is considered one of the strongest forms of sacred geometry, one of the most durable and stable.
In terms of its effects, the symbol of the tetrahedron is used to solidify the foundations on which we wish to build. Obviously, these bases can be material… but also spiritual or mental.
The cube (or hexahedron)
Meaning of this symbol:
- Representative of the earth element
- Anchored in reality and the present
- Concrete action on the matter
The next Platonic solid on our list is the cube, also known as the hexahedron. Made up of perfect squares whose edges meet, the cube is a basic figure.
From an elemental perspective, it is associated with the earth and everything essential that it represents. The cube can thus help us reconnect with the energies of nature and re-anchor us in the present.
Few symbols of sacred geometry are as grounded in matter as the cube, whose energies can affect our health, prosperity and stress levels (to name just a few areas).
The octahedron
Meaning of this symbol:
- Work on the emotional body
- Regulation of our feelings
- Creation of forgiveness and compassion
An octahedron is a solid with eight faces. These faces being triangles, it has six vertices at which four faces meet each time.
If the cube is to be linked to our physical body, the octahedron will rather work on our emotional body. When it comes to relational and sentimental problems, for example, this sacred geometry solid will prove to be of precious help.
People who are too impulsive and angry or, on the contrary, those who have difficulty listening to themselves will also benefit from its presence.
The other key element that this figure will bring concerns compassion and forgiveness. Through its energy, the octahedron will be able to develop these two very important facets of the human being, but which are nevertheless lacking in so many of us.
The dodecahedron
Meaning of this symbol:
- Spiritual elevation
- Connection with ethereal substances
- Increase in vibration rate
The dodecahedron is made of pentagons, namely regular polygons with five sides. Put together, these pentagons give twelve edges to our Platonic solid.
In most spiritual traditions, this geometric shape expresses the ideas of ascension, of elevation of the soul. Among Christians, a parallel will be made with the Ascension. Hindus will see it as an allusion to the exit from the cycle of reincarnations. Buddhists talk more about enlightenment.
If an element had to be associated with the dodecahedron, it would be ether which would be chosen, the highest of all. In India therefore, it will be a question of prana, and in China of chi. Finally, you get the idea.
This figure of sacred geometry thus offers access to higher spheres of consciousness and its vibration brings new possibilities to existence. In particular, placing a dodecahedron in your environment will increase its vibration rate, and therefore also yours.
The icosahedron
Meaning of this symbol:
- Creativity and inspiration in our works
- Transformation capabilities
- Contains the power of the water element
The icosahedron is undoubtedly the most difficult Platonic solid to draw. It actually has 20 triangular faces, 30 edges and 12 vertices.
The icosahedron is known for its power to unlock creativity and its ability to bring us more inspiration. Artists would therefore do well to take an interest in sacred geometry through it!
In addition to this, the icosahedron is associated with great transformative force. This transformation can be physical, yes, but also interior. Those who would like to see change come to their lives would do well to look their way too.
It is often said that the icosahedron expresses the power of water, this power which knows how to change shape (hence the idea of transformation), which acts in the long term and, above all, which knows how to soothe emotions too much. lively.
Metatron's Cube
Meaning of this symbol:
- Secrets of how the world works
- Principle of divine creation
- Link with an angel of Kabbalah
The figure of Metatron's cube must tell you something. Indeed, it is built on the basis of a flower of life!
Added to this are five particular solids that we have just talked about: the Platonic solids.
It goes without saying that this symbol is one of the most powerful in sacred geometry, such is the amount of power it contains!
Metatron's cube actually serves to represent the universe in its entirety, the universe as God wanted it and created it. There we find the principle of life (through the flower of life) and the union of the five elementary principles (with Plato's five solids).
Etymologically, the term "Metatron" first appeared in mystical texts of Kabbalah where it served as the name of an angel. Certain legends tell us how this angel created our symbol from his sacred essence.
An angel… just that! After all, it is not for nothing that this amulet with Metatron's cube arouses so much interest among the curious who visit our site.
The best way to understand the meaning of Metatron's cube, however, remains that of divine creation which, like our figure formed from the intertwining of a whole bunch of others, is undoubtedly complex and mysterious.
The triangle
Meaning of this symbol:
- All trinities
- Vehicle for certain “trips”
- Feminine-masculine duality
Basically, the triangle represents all the trinities present in the universe.
Obviously, there is the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit… but also the earth, the sky and the sea… the body, the soul and the spirit, etc.
By its simplicity, the equilateral triangle is one of the first symbols of sacred geometry. It is in fact the first polygon we can draw and the building block of most of the solids we have discovered together.
In some esoteric traditions, the triangle is described as a vehicle that we can take on our journeys. We don't have time to go into depth here, but this idea is worth thinking about.
Through its base and the single point above it, the triangle also expresses an idea of alignment leading to enlightenment, to a higher state that we can reach when we do things correctly.
Another way to see this figure of sacred geometry is to consider the upward triangle – downward triangle duality. In many magical traditions in fact, this figure pointing towards the sky will express masculinity, fiery energy and that which creates, while the downward triangle will be associated with femininity, calm and that which transmits.
Let us also point out that certain schools of alchemy make the equilateral triangle the symbol of fire.
The tree of life (from Kabbalah)
Meaning of this symbol:
- Representation of the sephirot of Kabbalah
- Divine Energy Channels
- Total description of the universe
First of all, let us clarify that the term “tree of life” can designate the symbol of sacred geometry that we are going to talk about, but also another representing a tree from the pagan Celtic tradition. Obviously, here we will be talking about the first.
The tree of life is in any case one of the most popular figures of our sacred art... and in particular of a mystical tradition which includes it: Kabbalah.
A Jewish esotericism, Kabbalah uses the tree of life to understand its concept of sefirot, or “10 degrees of the divine world”. Each of the ten circles of our tree will therefore represent one in particular.
A sefirot is in fact a channel of divine energy which represents a facet of the sacred. According to Kabbalah, understanding them (them, but also their interactions) is therefore a privileged way of understanding the mysteries of the universe and God.
Some esotericists even see the sephirot as direct channels of divine creation, perceptible residues in our plane of matter from an intermediate stage in the formation of the universe...
You may also have noticed: the tree of life is built from the flower of life, a symbol which definitely continues to surprise us.
The vesica piscis
Meaning of this symbol:
- Allegory of the disciples of Christ
- Energy of piety
- Probably divine, sacred origin
The vesica piscis will thus be the last of the motifs that we will talk about today.
Coming from the Roman, this term would translate as something like “vessel of the fish”. It is true that when we look more closely, the two circles of the vesica piscis form a kind of fish at their intersection.
You should know that, in Christianity, fish occupy a particular symbolic place. Sometimes an emblem of the disciples of Christ (and therefore of the apostles, but also of all Christians) sometimes an allegory of certain passages of the Gospels, this animal in any case has what seekers of truth are questioning.
Rather than a fish, some see it in the shape of an almond, which gives this figure its second name, “mandorla”. A mandorla is an oval-shaped structure in which Christian religious figures (such as Christ and the Virgin, but also Saints) are placed in churches.
Like most forms of sacred geometry, the roots of vesica piscis are not exactly clear. In fact, we find it in so many different places and times that many researchers attribute a divine origin to it.
Sacred geometry in religions and cultures
This idea according to which the entire universe is governed by simple laws is absolutely obvious. Modern science is based on this consensus and we must admit that its models explain a whole host of observable phenomena.
In itself, the principle of sacred geometry is not really different. Whether it concerns laws of physics or models based on geometric figures, the approach remains the same.
It is therefore not surprising that for millennia now, almost all cultures and religions have seen some truth in sacred geometry and, even if they did not give it that name, the included in their corpus of knowledge.
We will also talk about a few examples (among hundreds of others) which testify to the importance of this esoteric science.
If you want to delve deeper into this subject yourself, here is already a list of several enlightening works on the subject.
Anyway, let's continue.
Christianity
We have seen it with most of the figures of sacred geometry: this art is closely linked to Christianity. Whether it is an idea of creation, transcendence or fidelity to Christ, many of our symbols can take on an absolutely Christian meaning.
Informed researchers will be able to make numerous links between certain passages of the Bible and sacred geometry, particularly through numerology. Some verses speak of so many fish being miraculously caught or so many disciples.
Sacred geometry is, however, present in a much more pragmatic way in the lives of the faithful… through their places of worship. Churches and cathedrals are in fact built according to precise proportions, with thoughtful patterns and more or less hidden symbols. This falls within our line of consideration.
Aside from this, we can of course speak of Christian art, where illustrations, paintings and sacred sculptures almost always seek to take the proportions of nature into account.
Islam
Sacred geometry, like any art, can be in accordance with Islam if it is practiced with the aim of paying homage to Allah, his greatness and his creation.
Islamic art is also full of references, for example with the repeated use of motifs in the construction of mosques.
One of the first principles of Islam is that Muslims can only worship Allah, and that only Allah can bring the truth. Sacred geometry will therefore not be a key to direct understanding of the world but rather a means of getting closer to the Almighty.
Human beings often tend to only believe in what they see. Using sacred figures in everyday art can thus be a way of reminding him of the importance of his faith, and that of the application of his dogmas and cosmic laws.
Hinduism and Buddhism
The Indian sages (whether they follow the spirituality of the Buddha and the precepts of the Vedas) had established very precise rules in art and architecture millennia ago already. Without too many surprises, most of these rules are in perfect agreement with those of sacred geometry.
We immediately think of mandalas, these perfect shapes known to emit waves of form with particular effects on humans. In fact, each mandala has a special relationship with a unique energy. A natural and primordial energy, almost irrational, and capable of acting on each chakra of the human body.
Besides this, Hindu temples are actually built with the aim of representing the cosmos. Their proportions, the statues, the colors, the materials… Everything aims to create a “mini-universe” contained in a rectangle, a sort of putting into practice the idea that “everything that is above would also be below”.
Representing the world... If this reminds you of something, it's normal: many of the figures we discovered today also pursue this goal.
In Egypt
For the ancient Egyptians, geometry was much more than just the study of shapes. For them, it was a key to understanding absolutely everything, a way to create harmony and beauty and a way to connect to the deities.
Yes, sacred geometry would indeed originate from Egypt!
Did he have the compass and the square? Did he know the Fibonacci sequence, the golden triangle and divine proportion? The cubit and the meter?
All these questions are still under serious debate. The fact remains that the Egyptians were great builders.
Archaeologists have also found traces of it almost everywhere. The ruins of Cairo, Luxor, Aswan or the Valley of the Kings are just a few examples. And what about the Great Pyramid? And of all the others, the smallest pyramids that run through the land of Pharaoh?
It may also be interesting to look at their alphabet which, in the form of hieroglyphics, included many geometric shapes. All Egyptian works, whether small or large, were careful to include sacred geometry in their proportions.
In Greece
The ancient Greeks are the foundation of modern mathematics. They discussed the golden ratio, natural geometric symbols and the very concept of mathematics.
These great builders erected the Parthenon, the Acropolis and the temple of Zeus according to arithmetic and its laws.
We all learned the names of Pythagoras, Euclid or Thales in our school lessons. It's normal, their impact on science was simply enormous.
That which interests us today, geometry (whether sacred or ordinary), therefore owes them a lot.
Esotericism and occultism also owe a debt of gratitude to the Greeks! Certain philosophical ideas still discussed today are in fact attributed to them.
When we cross these two fields of knowledge, we arrive at geniuses among geniuses such as Plato (of whom we have already spoken) or Pythagoras who, both knew how to combine mathematics and the search for the secrets of the world. Mathematicians and Pythagoreans share the same knowledge of science... but also of esotericism and spirituality.
It would also seem that some of the mystery schools which were created in the wake of these great men were able to transmit the secrets of sacred geometry to the present day, and that we ultimately owe them most of the information presented in this article…
