| Shapes and Symbols
The Dot
This is the beginning. The dot or point. Every word you write begins with a dot or point as you set your pen to paper. Before anything else can be created, a dot must be made. The dot symbolizes the self and the beginning. It also shows us much about creation, because upon the initial creation of the dot itself is the act of creating something in a space which previously contained nothing.
The Line
A line symbolizes boundaries and divisions. A straight line symbolizes infinity because it continues on in either direction forever. A vertical line is representative of the spiritual world, and a horizontal line the temporal.
The Spiral
The spiral represents the yin and the yang, expanding and contracting. There are numerous examples here of this, such as the waxing and waning of the Moon and life and death. The spiral was sacred to the Celtic people and demonstrated the eternal rhythym of life. It represents the journey of the consciousness towards the inner being and the understanding that we are all One. An inward spiral, otherwise known as going clockwise, symbolizes the focus and projection of an intention, like a prayer. The outward spiral, going counter-clockwise, represents fulfilment of that intention, and as such an answer from the god's. Double spirals have been used to symbolize opposing forces and the androgyne, opposites joining to make a whole.
The Circle
The circle represents the ultimate protection, gold, and the zero. It is the universal symbol for unity and infinity. Instinct, persistence, determination, wisdom, inspiration, and rejuvenation are represented by the concentric double circles. The past, present, and future are represented by three concentric circles . In Zen Buddhism, an empty circle represents enlightenment. The circle represents all cycles, such as the turning of the seasons, life and death, the movement of the planets. The circle tells of one's self, eternity, and God as one large circle. "God is a circle whose center is everywhere and circumference is nowhere..." - Hermes Trismegistus. The Sun is often seen symbolized by a circle with a dot in the middle of it.
The Six Point Star
A double pentagram, also known as the Star of David and Seal of Solomon, represents the Goddess and her five phases of life: birth, menarche, maternity, menopause, and death. The intersecting triangles depict the duality of both masculine and feminine energies. Fire and water combined. As above, so below. Equilibrium and harmony. Protection and Balance It was a symbol of the joining and balance of opposites. It is also considered a potentl good luck amulet.
It is made of two interlaced triangles, one pointed upward and the other pointing downward. The six point star. The upward triangle, associated with the element of fire and masculine energy, combines with the downward triangle, which is associated with the element of water and feminine energy. And at the center earth and the spirit.
The Triangle
The three sides of a triangle are symbolic of multiplicity, creative power, and growth . Triangles represent strength and all things with a triple nature. The downward pointing triangle is a feminine symbol; the upward pointing triangle is a phallic, masculine symbol.
The Square
The square is a stabilizing force. It grounds and focuses the physiological system. It is a symbol of stability, honesty, justice, shelter and safety; limitation, security, and permanence. The four sides of the square represent quaternary concepts: the elements: air, fire, water, and earth; the seasons: spring, summer, winter, and fall; the motions: linear, vibratory, rotary, and mixed; four-letter names of God, the archangels: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Auriel; the directions: -north, south, east, and west; and the emotions of compassion, affection, love, and fairness. There are too many to name.
The Cross
The cross sets the perfect balance of feminine and masculine energy. The cross is the universal symbol of Life and the Sun. The vertical line of the cross is symbolic of the intellect: the active, e male principle. Equilateral crosses represent balance, twins and couples, and the union of opposites.
Pentagram
The five-point star is the foremost symbol of the divine, the celestial presentation and it symbolizes the highest attainment possible in the heavens. It has been labeled many things, such as the Star of Knowledge, Pentalpha, Pentacle, Witch's Cross, and the Wizard's Star. The pentagram is a symbol of life, perfection, protection, wholeness, and mystery. It is also representative of higher learning, education and spiritual practices.
The five-pointed star is widely associated with the Occult. It is symbolic of a man with arms and legs outstretched. With the point (head) upward, it represents summer, the power of light and is often associated with white magic. It is also symbolic of the spirit ruling matter (the mind ruling the body). With the point downward, it represents winter, and the powers of darkness. It has been misinterpreted by many and has been called a symbol of Satan. To have balance, you must have the day and the night, the light and the dark, and you must also have the upward pentacle and the downward pentacle.
The Octagram
The octagram is thought to be the symbol of hope and is often associated with the Star of the Magi. It is also viewed as male and female, a symbol of the balance between spirit and matter, the inner and outer bodies . It represents protection, spiritual enlightenment, and abundance.
| |
