A simple internet search for sacred geometry will provide a plethora of different explanations and diagrams, and for those of us who aren’t mathematicians, weeding through this information to get a basic understanding of what it is and why it is important can be overwhelming. So, if you are just starting your journey down this rabbit hole, welcome; we have provided a comfy place to get started, without having to revisit math class. And if you have been on this journey for a while, then we’re happy to be a part of the ride.
It is said that the building blocks and language of the universe is geometry. By studying and contemplating the patterns of geometry that exist in nature, insight may be had into the secrets and laws of the universe itself. Without this organization, the universe would be complete chaos. Sacred geometry allows us to unravel the system of organization that the universe uses to create patterns that ultimately support and create life.
The Platonic Solids
Understanding the platonic solids is an excellent place to start. The platonic shapes represent the building blocks of all physical matter. They are unique in that each point has the same amount of connections at the same angles and each side is identical. They are named after the Greek philosopher, Plato, who in his work “Timaeus,” hypothesized that these solids create the elements of matter: Earth (Hexahedron/Cube), Water (Icosahedron), Air (Octahedron), Fire (Tetrahedron), and Ether (Dodecahedron). However, they were most certainly understood by ancient people that lived before Plato.
Since the times of Plato, scientist have found that many natural phenomena follow the patterns found in the platonic solids. For example, it has been found that the orbit of Mars and Venus can be defined precisely by the dodecahedron, and Dr. Robert Moon asserts that the structures of the platonic solids may govern the structure of any atom. For now, it seems that modern research is giving credence to the assertion made by philosophers for centuries… “As above, so Below,” which asserts that the same pattern that governs the macrocosm (the universe at large) is the same pattern that governs the microcosm (the atomic, subatomic, and the spiritual world.)
And here lies the “magic” of sacred geometry; because the more we look, the more we seem to see that there is a pattern that seems to emerge, in which sacred geometry and the mathematics behind it offer elegant solutions. It is one of the few areas of study that satiates both analytical, left-brain thinking as well as creative, right-brain thought processes. It can be used as a model to understand the physical universe as well as consciousness itself.
If the ancient adage of “As Above, So Below” continues to hold true, then it would make sense that the same principles and patterns would govern both the seen and unseen worlds. When Plato assigned the different elements to each of the platonic solids, he was exploring this link.
Sacred geometry is an excellent tool to explore not only physical creation itself, but also the consciousness behind the creation; and because we are a part of creation, as we explore that consciousness, we are also exploring our own consciousness and what our place is in the cosmos…
If you are new to this subject, then that last sentence might leave you saying, “Whaaat?” Just stick with me, because this (for me) is where it gets really fun.
Geometric Symbols and Maps of Consciousness
For the ancient wisdom-keepers, the physical and spiritual world were reflections of each other; they did not separate the physical from the non-physical in the way we tend to do today. This unified perspective of the universe gives us a model for how both the seen and unseen worlds are built and harmoniously maintained.
Because of the unseen quality of this part of sacred geometry, this is understood as the more esoteric side of the study.
I think it’s important to note here that the subconscious mind thinks in symbols; because nature is comprised of geometry, the subconscious understands what different patterns of sacred geometry mean; making them a potent tool for self-realization regardless of belief system.
Some of the symbols that you might have come across are, The Seed of the Flower of Life, The Flower of Life, and Metatron’s Cube, just to name a few. Whole books have been written on any one of these, so we will not be exploring these in depth. Instead, we will use these as examples of how effective a tool sacred geometry is to convey a huge amount of sacred knowledge in a small and concise package..
To begin, we will start off with the importance of the circle. We have not yet discussed this important shape in sacred geometry. The circle is often seen as being representative of the void and is associated with the sacred feminine and the womb. It is the container from which all life may spring. It could be seen as the sixth element, and for this reason has relevancy in the six-sided star found in Metatron’s cube (more on that in a minute).
A great foundation for understanding the spiritual side of sacred geometry is with the Seed of the Flower of Life; it has meaning that influences and overlaps all of the other symbols that I have listed above, as well as many others.
The Seed of the Flower Life models how creation came to be. When this pattern is shown in 3D, it is known simply as the Seed of Life, and takes the same shape as an egg that has undergone fertilization.
Seed of the Flower of Life:
Now that nature knows the pattern it has to take to create life, it continues that pattern, eventually creating the Flower of Life. The flower of life is the matrix of all life in the Universe. We can find the platonic solids, Metatron’s Cube, and the Fruit of Life, among other sacred symbols and patterns woven into its configuration.
Flower of Life:
Do we see our old friends, the platonic solids? Now, when we apply Plato’s theory and assign an element to each of the platonic shapes hidden in this design, what we have is a model of how all the elements, along with void (which is the circle), work together to create the Universe. Earth (Hexahedron/Cube), Water (Icosahedron), Air (Octahedron), Fire (Tetrahedron), and Ether (Dodecahedron).
This is not just for physical matter, but also a model for harmonious consciousness. As we discussed above, to the ancient sages, the physical and spiritual worlds were reflections of each other. To understand this, we must understand the esoteric side of the elements, and what they represent to human beings from an energetic perspective, below is a brief overview of each…
Earth (Hexahedron/Cube): Is the element associated with safety and security, it is concerned with the bones and flesh of the body, among other things. It is our foundation. It is not a mere coincidence that the cube is the “building block” of the elements. When we don’t have a firm foundation in life and feel unsupported, we tend to go into a fearful state, leaving us unfocused, anxious, and disconnected from our body because the mind is racing. When we have support and stability in our lives, we feel more harmonious, and the rest of life seems to be more graceful because of this foundation. This is what is typically referred to as being “grounded.”
Water (Icosahedron): This is the element of emotions. It nurtures our creativity, and through our passions gives us information on what actions to take at the right time. In the body, it is associated with reproduction and the urinary tract. When this is in harmony, we are in the “flow” of life. We feel pleasure and pain with equanimity.
Fire (Tetrahedron): This is the element of action, courage, and ego. In the body, it is associated with digestion. When in harmony, we have healthy boundaries with others; we are neither people pleasers nor do we isolate ourselves from others. We have discernment to take healthy risks.
Air (Octahedron): This the element of love and is said to be the bridge between the ethers (heavens) and earth. In the body it is associated with the respiratory system. When this is in harmony we feel unconditional love first and foremost for ourselves, and then this ripples out and reflects in the world around us, allowing us to unconditionally love others.
Ether (Dodecahedron): Ether is many times translated as “space” and to some extent, this is accurate, since ether is everywhere. However, it is not a complete description. Modern science is catching up to what ancient people already knew, that everything is made up of vibration. Ether can be understood as the medium that vibration travels through to make any and all matter and energy exist. This is the element of connection or Spirit. In the body it is associated with the crown of the head. When this is in harmony, we feel a “oneness” with the Universe. We are divinely inspired.
Do you also see 2 triangles overlapping, one pointing down, the other pointing up? This makes a six-sided star and is a sacred symbol among many cultures, having many different meanings to them all. One of the oldest and of the utmost importance for our purposes here is that of the upward triangle representing the sacred masculine energy (evolution, letting go/death, liberation) and the downward triangle as the sacred feminine energy (involution, limitation, creation), please note that we are not defining gender here, but energy.
So, put this altogether, and what do you got? A harmonious creation where all elements are in line with and balanced by the opposite poles of the sacred masculine and feminine energy. When we study the details of the different parts of the symbol, we are given a map of how to live in balance with nature, and what harmonious consciousness is. This is only a tiny piece of the sacred knowledge hidden in this glyph, to explore this in detail would be a book.
Can you see how efficient a system sacred geometry can be to convey a large amount of information? Because of its depth, sacred geometry often feels very complex. At the same time, however, the way it unifies the unseen and physical world is elegant and simplistic. Study and contemplation of it has a way of unifying the seeker, connecting them with both their power and compassion. As the external, physical world starts to reflect the inner world of the heart and mind, it can give a fresh new perspective on the nature of the universe and assist in answering the heart’s calling to fulfill one’s life mission. It is my hope that as more seekers heed the call of curiosity to dive down this rabbit hole of wisdom, that together we can create just a little bit more heaven on earth.