Exploring Sacred Geometry: 11 Symbols and Their Meanings - Centre of Excellence (2024)

Have you ever marvelled at the beauty of a snowflake or the intricate patterns within a seashell? These are just a few examples of sacred geometry, an ancient science that explores the geometric patterns underlying the very fabric of our universe.

This ancient practice has intrigued philosophers, architects, artists, and scientists for centuries and is often seen as a visual expression of the harmony and order of the universe. Discover more about these fascinating symbols in our comprehensive guide.

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What is Sacred Geometry?

Sacred geometry is a term that describes the geometric laws which create everything in existence. It delves into the spiritual and philosophical meanings behind shapes and patterns, offering a deeper understanding of our world and its hidden order. Sacred geometry connects the mind and the heart, spirit and matter, science and spirituality. This intriguing field suggests a divine order to the universe and that this order can be observed in the natural world around us.

11 Sacred Geometry Symbols and Their Meanings

1. The Flower of Life

The Flower of Life’s harmonious form is considered a visual expression of connection through all living beings. The symbol's structure lays the foundation for the design of everything from the molecular to the galactic scale. This pattern has been showcased throughout history in manuscripts, temples, and art across cultures and continents. It symbolises the idea of unity, the interconnectedness of all things.

The central circle represents the 'Source' or the 'Creator', with each extending circle symbolising a new step in the creation process, illustrating how life evolves from a single source.

2. Metatron's Cube

Metatron’s Cube is a symbol of sacred geometry containing every shape in the universe, including 13 circles derived from the Flower of Life. These shapes are the building blocks of all physical matter, known as the Platonic Solids, which are deeply embedded in the design of everything in our physical reality.

Named after the Archangel Metatron, this symbol represents the journey of energy throughout the universe and the balance of energy within. It's believed to act as a template from which all life springs.

3. The Tree of Life

In sacred geometry, the Tree of Life is used to represent the idea that all life is related and interconnected. The roots of the Tree of Life dig deep into the earth, acknowledging its connection to, and the nourishment from, the Earth, while the branches reach up to the sky, acknowledging the sun and accepting the energy that it transforms into life-giving nourishment.

This universal symbol is common in systems of theology, philosophy, and mythology and is found in many spiritual and mythological traditions around the world.

4. The Platonic Solids

These are the only known three-dimensional shapes with the unique property of having equal sides, equal angles, and identical faces. The ancient Greek philosopher Plato first theorised about these shapes and their significance.

The solids consist of the Tetrahedron (fire), Cube or Hexahedron (earth), Octahedron (air), Dodecahedron (spirit or aether), and Icosahedron (water). Each solid is believed to represent the foundation of nature’s elements. They are seen as the universe's building blocks, bridging the gap between the spiritual and the physical, symbolising the principle of balance and harmony in nature.

5. Sri Yantra

The Sri Yantra is an ancient symbol of great significance in Hindu philosophy and spirituality. Composed of nine interlocking triangles that radiate from a central point, it forms 43 smaller triangles, creating a web symbolic of the entire cosmos. These triangles represent the cosmos and the human body, with their interplay symbolising the union of the Divine Feminine and Divine Masculine.

The Sri Yantra is often used in meditation and worship in Hindu Tantra, serving as a tool for contemplating the divine and the universe. It is considered one of the most powerful symbols in Hinduism, embodying the essence of divine harmony and balance.

6. The Seed of Life

The Seed of Life, a symbol of seven overlapping circles, is a fundamental design from which the Flower of Life develops. This sacred pattern represents the seven days of creation, with its interlocking circles symbolising the universe's interconnectedness.

It is often viewed as a symbol of creation, representing the origin of all things, and is a visual expression of the connections that run through all beings and the cosmos itself. In various spiritual traditions, The Seed of Life is used as a symbol of blessing and protection and a metaphor for the interconnectedness of life and spirit.

7. Spiral

The spiral is a simple yet powerful symbol found extensively in the natural world. From the galaxies above us to the shells on the seashore, the spiral is a recurring theme that signifies growth, evolution, and the universe's dynamic nature. It’s symbolic of life's unfolding mysteries and the perpetual motion of the cosmos.

In many cultures, spirals represent the journey from the outer ego to the inner core of your consciousness. They are also seen as symbols of change and the progression of time and seasons.

8. Golden Ratio (Phi)

The Golden Ratio, denoted by the Greek letter Phi (Φ), represents a mathematical ratio of 1.6180339887... that appears frequently in the natural world. This ratio is found in the spirals of shells, the arrangement of branches on trees, and the proportions of the human body, among many others.

It is often considered the most aesthetically pleasing proportion, symbolising the essence of beauty and harmony in the universe. The Golden Ratio is a testament to the mathematical precision in nature's design, often used in art, architecture, and design to achieve balance and elegance.

9. Merkaba

The Merkaba is a complex symbol comprising two tetrahedrons intersecting to form a three-dimensional star. Often depicted as rotating in opposite directions, this symbol represents the light, spirit, and body; the Merkaba is said to be a divine light vehicle. It is believed to represent deep spiritual enlightenment and the connection with higher realms of consciousness.

In various esoteric traditions, the Merkaba symbolises spiritual transformation, a chariot for the soul's journey across different dimensions.

10. Vesica Piscis

The Vesica Piscis is a shape formed by the intersection of two circles of the same radius, with the centre of each circle lying on the circumference of the other. This symbol represents the union of opposites, merging the physical and spiritual worlds.

It symbolises creation, depicting the fundamental forms of space and time. The Vesica Piscis is also associated with the divine feminine, as it resembles the shape of the female genitalia, symbolising the gateway of life.

11. Fibonacci Sequence

The Fibonacci Sequence, a series of numbers where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones, is a fundamental pattern that emerges repeatedly in the natural world. Starting with 0 and 1, this sequence continues infinitely, with each number being the sum of the two before it (0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21...).

In nature, it appears in the arrangement of leaves, the branching of trees, the spirals of shells, and the flowering of artichokes. The Fibonacci Sequence represents the natural order of growth and the inherent beauty found in the mathematical structure of the universe.

The Many Forms of Sacred Geometry

Sacred Geometry in Nature

Nature is perhaps the most splendid teacher of sacred geometry. From the spirals of galaxies to the curve of a snail's shell, nature flourishes with geometric patterns. These shapes and patterns are not just a source of beauty; they represent the fundamental building blocks of life.

Sacred Geometry in Architecture and Art

Throughout history, sacred geometry has influenced art and architecture. From the pyramids of Egypt to the Gothic cathedrals of Europe, many structures have been built using principles of sacred geometry, with the belief that these shapes and ratios induce harmony and spiritual insight.

Sacred Geometry in Everyday Life

Sacred geometry subtly makes its presence known in the world around us. The patterns and designs in everyday objects, from the furniture in our homes to the clothes we wear, often reflect its principles. It even extends to the art and music we enjoy.

Sacred Geometry Across Cultures and Religions

Sacred geometry extends beyond any single religion or belief system. It's a universal language, demonstrating a shared understanding of the interconnectedness and harmonious balance throughout the universe. It highlights how different societies and faiths, across time and geography, have found common ground in the patterns and shapes that underpin the world around us.

Exploring Sacred Geometry with the Centre of Excellence

If you’re fascinated by the beauty of sacred geometry, we offer a comprehensive Sacred Geometry Diploma Course designed to guide you through the fascinating world of geometric symbolism and meanings.

You can access this enriching course for just £29 for a limited time using the link above.