Sacred Geometry symbols may have its roots in Ancient Greece, or even further back. It describes the belief that God, when creating the universe and everything in it, used a consistent kind of geometry or repeating regular shapes as the building blocks for existence.
Sacred Geometry, therefore, places meaning in geometric shapes, ratios and proportions. It ascribes to them a holy significance.
The shapes and ratios of Sacred Geometry can be found in the study of nature. Common examples include the nautilus shell, which forms a logarithmic spiral, and the regular hexagonal shapes found in beehives. Similar geometric ratios can be found in the human body, as evidenced in Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous Vitruvian Man sketching.
In Medieval Europe, churches and religious buildings were designed and constructed in keeping with the shapes and ratios believed to be divinely inspired. Much art of the period also made use of Sacred Geometry’s holy ratios and proportions. This was thought to bring the worshiper closer to God.
Sacred Geometry can also be found in Hindu teachings and many Hindu temples are laid out in accordance with geometric rules thought to have religious connotation. Islamic scriptures and holy sites also make significant use of geometric patterns.
The European Renaissance was when the principles of Sacred Geometry came to the fore, with a treatise written by Leon Battista Alberti, describing an idealized church building designed through use of Sacred Geometry. Modern-day visitors to Rome, in Italy, can see many examples of Sacred Geometry in the churches and temples from this period.
Sacred Geometry symbols - Sacred Geometry meanings
Icosahedron
The Icosahedron is one of the five Platonic solids. Platonic solids are each made from the same equilateral, equiangular polygons. Only five such shapes exist and are considered, in Sacred Geometry, to be geometrical ideals. The icosahedron represents water.
Dodecahedron
The Dodecahedron is one of the five Platonic solids. Platonic solids are each made from the same equilateral, equiangular polygons. Only five such shapes exist and are considered, in Sacred Geometry, to be geometrical ideals. The dodecahedron represents spirit, or aether.
Octahedron
The Octahedron is one of the five Platonic solids. Platonic solids are each made from the same equilateral, equiangular polygons. Only five such shapes exist and are considered, in Sacred Geometry, to be geometrical ideals. The octahedron represents air.
Cube
The Cube is one of the five Platonic solids. Platonic solids are each made from the same equilateral, equiangular polygons. Only five such shapes exist and are considered, in Sacred Geometry, to be geometrical ideals. The cube represents earth.
Tetrahedron
The Tetrahedron is one of the five Platonic solids. Platonic solids are each made from the same equilateral, equiangular polygons. Only five such shapes exist and are considered, in Sacred Geometry, to be geometrical ideals. The tetrahedron represents fire.
Perfect Right Triangles
Perfect right triangles are right-angled triangles in which the proportions of the lengths of the three sides are whole numbers. For example, 3/4/5, 5/12/13 and 7/24/25 triangles are examples of right triangles. These symbols can be found as far back as Ancient Egypt, engraved on walls inside the Great Pyramids.
5 Pointed Star – Golden Ratio
The Golden Ratio is a mathematical formula defining proportions that can be expressed as “the small is to the large as the large is to the whole.” It is found in art, music, nature, and even in sections of our own bodies.
Stellations of the Platonic and Archimedean Solids
The symbol depicts a stellation (extended polygon) of a dodecahedron, in which each face is a pentagon that is then topped by a pyramid composed of five golden triangles. The result is to create a shape that resembles a three-dimensional five-pointed star.
Fractals and Recursive Geometries
Fractals are shapes made using a consistent ratio to create a repetitive pattern that can be scaled from the extremely small to extremely large. In the context of Sacred Geometry, fractals are said to be a “fraction” of the whole – the building blocks from which atoms and universes are formed.
The Moonflower
The Moonflower depicts the eponymous flower placed within a triangle surmounting a square. Within the geometrical lines of the symbol and the petals of the flower, a star shape is discernible.
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The Syringa Bush
The Syringa Bush depicts the eponymous bush placed within a square. It represents the universal importance of the number four within Sacred Geometry. The number four is considered the root of all things in existence, and the source of everything in nature.
The Lily
The Lily symbol depicts the eponymous flower placed within a triangle, with its petals reaching outwards towards three points. Another triangle sits at an angle to this, and is attended by three smaller petals.
The Daisy
The Daisy symbol depicts the eponymous flower placed within a circle, with each of its petals of equal size and radiating from a central point. It represents the sun and its life-giving force.
Metatron’s Cube
The Metatron’s Cube symbol takes as its base the Fruit of Life symbol and connects the center of every circle from which it is composed to the center of every other circle. Within this symbol can be found the five platonic solids. The Metatron’s Cube symbol is said to protect against evil spirits.
Fruit of Life
The Fruit of Life symbol comprises thirteen circles: equal-sized circles, each of which is connected to a further circle, surrounding one central circle. This pattern can be found within the Flower of Life symbol. It represents the sacred pattern of the universe and the origin of everything, all creation. The symbol provides the base image upon which the Metatron’s Cube.
Tree of Life – Sephiroth
The Tree of Life is a symbol created from the connection of 10 different points, or nodes, that are created from the intersectional points between seven circles. It represents the idea of common ancestry. In the Jewish tradition, the symbol is said to promote understanding of the nature of God.
Seed of Life
The Seed of Life is a shape taken from the inner seven circles of the Flower of Life symbol. The seed forms the base element of the larger design. The seed of life, in its sacred context, represents the consciousness of God, the creator.
Vescica Piscis
The Vesica Piscis consists of two equally sized circles, where the center of each circle connects to the circumference of the other. The symbol resembles a Venn diagram. The space between the two circles, at the point where they overlap, represents the cosmic womb and the mother of creation.
Flower of Life
The Flower of Life is a geometrical shape involving a series of overlapping circles, which have the appearance of a flower. The center of every circle lies on the circumference of six other surrounding circles. They symbol represents perfection and harmony. It is said to reflect the fundamental forms of space and time.
