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 Sacred Geometry is the Metaphor of Universal OrderThe primary geometric forms are considered to be the crystallization of the creative thoughts of God.The geometric cosmology is part of a mystic doctrine of creation known as anthropocosmic, a doctrine which is fundamental to the esoteric tradition in philosophy since the earliest times, and which has been restated in our time by Rudolf Steiner, R.A. Schwaller de Lubicz and others. The first principle of this theory is that Man (I am using the word Man here in relation to its Sanskrit root manas, meaning 'mind', or the consciousness, which can reflect upon itself.) is not a mere constituent part of this universal, but rather he is both the final summarizing product of evolution and the original seed potential out of which the universe germinated. We may use the analogy of the seed and the tree: the tree of the universe is the actualization of the seed potential, which is Cosmic Man. Geometry means 'measure of the earth'. In ancient Egypt, from which Greece inherited this study, the Nile would flood its banks each year, covering the land and obliterating the orderly marking of plot and farm areas. This yearly flood symbolized to the Egyptian the cyclic return of the primal watery chaos, and when the waters receded the work began of redefining and re-establishing the boundaries. This work was called geometry and was seen as a re-establishing of the principle of order and law on earth. Each year the areas measured out would be somewhat different. The human order would shift and was reflected in the ordering of the earth. The Temple astronomer might say that certain celestial configurations had changed so that the orientation or location of a temple had to be adjusted accordingly. So the laying of squares upon the earth had, for the Egyptian, a metaphysical as well as a physical and social dimension. This activity of 'measuring the earth' became the basis for a science of natural law as it is embodied in the archetypal forms of circle, triangle and square.
The circle ("one") and the vesica piscis ("two") were considered by ancient mathematical philosophers to be the parents of numbers, then their firstborn, the triangle "three"), is the first and eldest number. Its geometric expression, the equilateral triangle, is the initial shape to emerge through the portal of the vesica piscis, the first of the Many. The square ("four") is the second born. What Is Sacred Geometry?Mathematics, arithmetic and geometry are rightly called sacred when they are applied functionally (not just intellectually) to facilitate the growth and transformation of consciousness and are grounded in the experience of self-awareness. Awareness is the ultimate sacred wonder and wherever we go we bring the sacred within us to the sacred around us. We are Light Beings and are serving as antenna from earth to sky.Mathematics and sacred geometry can take us beyond our ordinary limits to the cosmic depths. Plato at his Academy required the study of mathematics as a prerequisite for philosophia, a term signifying "the love of wisdom" and "to lift the soul to truth." Symbolic mathematics provides a map of our own inner psychological and sacred spiritual structure. Functional ApplicationBy studying the recurring harmonious patterns inherent in mathematics, music, and nature, ancient mathematical philosophers recognized that consistent correspondences occur throughout the universe. Through the process of studying and drawing the sacred geometries we can gain understanding and awareness of the universe within us as well as the universe surrounding us.The Vesica Piscis
Constructing The Vesica Piscis
The vesica piscis is constructed by drawing two equal circles so that the center of each lies on the circumference of the other. To draw the vesica piscis, first mark a center and spin a circle with the compass. Lift the compass without changing the size of its opening and reverse it. Place its sharp point anywhere on the circumference to make a new center and swing another circle. The second center is actually an emanation of the original circle since it resides on its circumference. The overlapping space between the two circles is the vesica piscis. The vesica piscis is also the vagina form - the light portal through which we come when we are born. The overlapping circles are an excellent representation of a cell, or any unity in the midst of becoming dual. Symbolically this region joins together heaven and earth, above and below, creator and creation. The TriangleThe triangle is the first area enclosed by straight lines. It is the birth of surface and structure. The emergent triangle has equal sides and equal angles: hence, it is referred to as an "equilateral" triangle. A triangle is a statement about relationship and balance. As the centers of the two circles repel and tug at each other, a reconciling third point occurs naturally above the place where the circles cross and agree. Thus the ancient mathematical philosophers referred to the Triad as prudence, wisdom, piety, friendship, peace, harmony, unanimity, and marriage. We see this balanced path between extremes in periodic phenomena such as a swinging pendulum and a heartbeat.Constructing The Equilateral Triangle
The SquareThe square is an obvious symbol of fourness and is associated with equality, reliability, fairness, firmness and solidity. The construction of the square requires the facility of rational thought: one goes through a sequential, logical procedure in order to discover the hidden points to connect. (Some people are called "squares" and "blockheads" for being too rational.) Regardless of the culture, the square was the preeminent symbol for the ancient Earth Mother and goddess. The association of the earth with the number four, femaleness, and justice is very ancient, far preceding recorded history
Constructing The Square
ConclusionI encourage you to study, contemplate and use sacred geometries to open your mind to new influences. Begin to see, as never before, the geometric code of the wonderfully patterned beauty of Creation. Feel the delight that comes through the philosophical study of geometry of moving toward the presence of the One.Taken from: Sacred Geometry: Philosophy and Practice by Robert Lawlor Taken from: A Beginner's Guide to Constructing the Universe: The Mathematical Archetypes of Nature, Art and Science by Michael S. Schneider.
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