During my research through the significance of the circle, I’ve tried to focus on the symbolic value of the shape as a pure vehicle meanings. What I found out is that as the square is something related to the man, to architecture and to structures, the circle has divine relationships and has always represent something superior to human nature. That’s the reason why I focused my research on the mystic and religious meanings of the circle.
Eternity God Sun Moon Flower of Life Astrology and Alchemy Magic circles Balance of nature Mind and meditation Theocentricism and Anthropocentrism
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Bibliography
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Eternity
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The circle does not have a start or an end. This is why it always represents: • infinte or unending time; • a state to which time has no application; • timelessness; • Theology endless life after death. Eternity is often symbolized by the image of a snake swallowing its own tail, known as Ouroboros (or Uroboros ) and by the Celtic simbol of Annulus.
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Ouroboros The Ouroboros often represents self-reflexivity or cyclicality, especially in the sense of something constantly re-creating itself, the eternal return, and other things perceived as cycles that begin anew as soon as they end. It can also represents the idea of primordial unity related to something existing in or persisting from the beginning with such force or qualities it cannot be extinguished.
The snake is also present in the symbol of asklepian, an ancient symbol associated with astrology and medicine. Another ancient symbol is the egg of the Universe: the snake around it is considered as symbol of life.
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Annulus In mathematics, an annulus is a ring-shaped geometric figure, or more generally, a term used to name a ring-shaped object. Or, it is the area between two concentric circles. The adjectival form is annular (for example, an annular eclipse).
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Armenian Eternity The Armenian symbol of the Eternity is represented by a shape who remember a flower enclosed into a circle. The engraved stone underneath represent a more complex version of it and it is located in the Hripsime Temple, Khachkar.
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Infinity/ Lemniscate Infinity is a concept in mathematics and philosophy that refers to a quantity without bound or end.
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God
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Eye of God An ancient text says that God is a circle, which has the center everywhere and its circonference anywhere.
The Eye of God, NASA picture.
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Sun God Ra Ra is the ancient Egyptian sun god. By the fifth dynasty he became a major deity in ancient Egyptian religion, identified primarily with the mid-day sun, with other deities representing other positions of the sun. Ra changed greatly over time and in one form or another, much later he was said to represent the sun at all times of the day, and started to be represented simply by a glowing disc.
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Sun
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Sun The symbol of the Sun is represented by a circled dot too. It also symbolise: • The solar Masses symbol used in modern astronomical equations • The sun /the day in the Chinese writing • The atom of hydrogen, the oldest, simplest and most abundant chemical element in the universe. (Fittingly, hydrogen makes up most of the mass of the Sun.) • Gold in Alchemy
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Sun Rays A circular disk with alternating triangular and wavy rays emanating from it is a frequent symbol or artistic depiction of the sun. Minimally, there are four straight rays and four wavy rays but there can be a higher number. Sometimes the rays have a positive value, radiating good energies on the Earth; other times rays are formed by arrows and pitchforks: they have an aggressive significance and are associated with bad omens.
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Sun Cross/ Sun wheel The “sun cross” or “solar wheel” is often considered to represent the four seasons and the tropical year.
The swastika can be derived from the sun cross, and represent another solar symbol. It is used (not as a solar symbol in particular) among Buddhists, Jains, and Hindus in addition to its infamous Nazi associations.
The Black Sun is another type of ‘Sun wheel’: it is a symbol of esoteric or occult significance, notable for its usage in Nazi mysticism.
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Sun spirals Some forms of the triple spiral or triskelion signs are considered to be solar symbols.
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Sun movement The arrows indicate the movement of the sun: the sunset and the sunrise.
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Moon
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Crescent In art and symbolism, a crescent is generally the shape produced when a circular disk has a segment of another circle removed from its edge, so that what remains is a shape enclosed by two circular arcs of different diameters which intersect at two points (usually in such a manner that the enclosed shape does not include the center of the original circle). In astronomy, the crescent is the shape of the lit side of a spherical body (specially the Moon) that appears to be less than half illuminated by the Sun as seen by the viewer. Though the crescent was originally a secular symbol of authority for Muslim rulers, it is now often used to symbolize the Islamic faith.
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Triple goddess The triple goddess has been used to refer both to goddess triads and to a single feminine deity described as triple in form or aspect. The central concept comprises the idea of three separate female figures being united; frequently described as the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone, each of which symbolises both a separate stage in the female life cycle and a phase of the moon. The Maiden represents enchantment, inception, expansion, the promise of new beginnings, birth, youth and youthful enthusiasm, represented by the waxing moon. The Mother represents ripeness, fertility, sexuality, fulfillment, stability, power and life represented by the full moon. The Crone represents wisdom, repose, death, and endings represented by the waning moon.
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Tanit Tanit was a Phoenician lunar goddess, worshiped as the patron goddess at Carthage where from the fifth century BCE. Goddess of war, a virginal mother goddess and nurse, and, less specifically, a symbol of fertility.
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Flower of Life
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Flower of Life The Flower of Life is the modern name given to a geometrical figure composed of multiple evenly-spaced, overlapping circles, that are arranged so that they form a flowerlike pattern with a sixfold symmetry like a hexagon. The center of each circle is on the circumference of six surrounding circles of the same diameter. It is considered by some to be a symbol of sacred geometry, said to contain ancient, religious value depicting the fundamental forms of space and time. There are many spiritual beliefs associated with the Flower of Life; for example, depictions of the five Platonic Solids are found within the symbol of Metatron’s Cube, which may be derived from the Flower of Life pattern. These platonic solids are geometrical forms which are said to act as a template from which all life springs. Another notable example of that which may be derived from the Flower of Life is the Tree of Life. This has been an important symbol of sacred geometry for many people from various religious backgrounds.
Leonardo Da Vinci’’s drawings of the Flower of Life 26
Seed of life The “Seed of Life” is formed from seven circles being placed with sixfold symmetry, forming a pattern of circles and lenses, which acts as a basic component of the Flower of Life’s design. According to some, the Seed of Life is a symbol depicting the seven days of creation in which God created life. The first day is believed to be the creation of the Vesica Piscis, then the creation of the Tripod of Life on the second day, followed by one sphere added for each subsequent day until all seven spheres construct the Seed of Life on the sixth day of Creation. The seventh day is the day of rest, known as the “Sabbath” or “Shabbat.”
1st day
4th day
2nd day
5th day
3rd day
6th day
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Vescica piscis The Vesica Piscis is formed from two intersecting circles of the same diameter, where the center of each circle is on the circumference of the opposite circle. Its design is one of the simplest forms of sacred geometry. • the second stage in the creation of the Seed of Life, • geometric formula which represents the electromagnetic spectrum of light • symbol of the fusion of opposites and a • passageway through the world’s apparent polarities. • geometry for the human eye • basis for the Ichthys fish, which is a Christian symbol representing “The Son,” Jesus Christ.
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Tripod of Life/ Borromean rings The “Tripod of Life” (also known as “Borromean rings”) is formed from a third circle being added to the Vesica Piscis, where the third circle’s center point is placed at the intersection of the first two circles’ circumferences. To some, it represents the mind, body, and spirit. Most notably, in (Christian) religion, the Tripod of Life symbolizes the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit of the Holy Trinity.
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Egg of life The “Egg of Life� symbol is composed of seven circles taken from the design of the Flower of Life. The shape of the Egg of Life is said to be the shape of a multicellular embryo in its first hours of creation
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Fruit of Life The “Fruit of Life” symbol is composed of 13 circles taken from the design of the Flower of Life. The Fruit of Life is said to be the blueprint of the universe, containing the basis for the design of every atom, molecular structure, life form, and everything in existence. It contains the geometric basis for the delineation of Metatron’s Cube.
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Metatron’s Cube and Platonic solids Metratron’s cube is twodimensionally flattened versions of the five platonic solids. Metatron’s cube is also considered a holy glyph, and was often drawn around an object or person to ward off demons and satanic powers. Metatron’s Cube is a template that delineates the Platonic solids. Due to their aesthetic beauty and symmetry, the Platonic solids have been a favorite subject of geometers for thousands of years.
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Tree of Life The Tree of Life is a mystical concept, a metaphor for common descent, and a motif in various world theologies and philosophies. This mystical concept has historically been adopted by some Christians, Jews, Hermeticists, and pagans. Along with the Seed of Life it is believed to be part of the geometry that parallels the cycle of the fruit tree. This relationship is implied when these two forms are superimposed upon each other. The Tree of Life is used to understand the nature of God and the manner in which He created the world ex nihilo (out of nothing). The Kabbalists developed this concept into a full model of reality, using the tree to depict a “map” of creation. The tree of life has been called the “cosmology” of the Kabbalah.
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Astrology and Alchemy
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Astrology Astrology is a group of systems, traditions, and beliefs which hold that the relative positions of celestial bodies and related details can provide information about personality, human affairs, and other terrestrial matters. Central to horoscopic astrology and its branches is the calculation of the horoscope or astrological chart. This twodimensional diagrammatic representation shows the celestial bodies’ apparent positions in the heavens from the vantage of a location on Earth at a given time and place. The horoscope is also divided into twelve different celestial houses which govern different areas of life. Calculations performed in casting a horoscope involve arithmetic and simple geometry which serve to locate the apparent position of heavenly bodies on desired dates and times based on astronomical tables.
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Sun
Saturn
Planets and metals Metals were “dominated” or “ruled” by one of the seven planets known by the ancients. They were usually symbolized by the planet’s symbol.
Moon
Venus
Mars
Jupiter
Uranus
Neptune
Pluto
• Gold dominated by Sun • Silver dominated by Moon • Copper dominated by Venus • Iron dominated by Mars • Tin dominated by Jupiter • Mercury (quicksilver) dominated by Mercury • Lead dominated by Saturn The planets Uranus and Neptune and the dwarf planet Pluto were discovered after the time alchemy had been largely replaced by chemistry, and are not part of traditional Alchemical symbols. Some modern alchemists consider the symbols for these planets to represent the radioactive metals uranium, neptunium and plutonium, respectively.
Earth
Mercury
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Seasons
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
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Elements Fire
Air
Water
Earth
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Magic circles
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Magic circles A magic circle is circle or sphere of space marked out by practitioners of many branches of ritual magic, either to contain energy and form a sacred space, or as a form of magical protection, or both. It may be marked physically, drawn in salt or chalk, for example, or merely visualised. Its spiritual significance is similar to that of mandala and yantra in some Eastern religions.
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Black magic circles Black magic is the belief of practices of sorcery that draws on assumed malevolent powers. During the performance of magic rituals, the circle has the power of protection from the demons. Also In Jewish weddings it used to be a custom for the guests to circle the bride and groom seven times, bearing lighted candles. This is believe to drove away demons, spirits of darkness.
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Balance of nature
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Yin Yang The relationship between yin and yang is often described in terms of sunlight playing over a mountain and in the valley. Yin (literally the ‘shady place’ or ‘north slope’) is the dark area occluded by the mountain’s bulk, while yang (literally the ‘sunny place’ or ‘south slope’) is the brightly lit portion. As the sun moves across the sky, yin and yang gradually trade places with each other, revealing what was obscured and obscuring what was revealed. Yin is usually characterized as slow, soft, insubstantial, diffuse, cold, wet, and tranquil. They are generally associated with Femininity, birth and generation, and with the Night.Yang, by contrast, is characterized as fast, hard, solid, dry, focused, hot, and aggressive. They are associated with Masculinity and with the Daytime.
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Enso Enso is a Japanese word meaning “circle� and a concept strongly associated with Zen. Enso is one of the most common subjects of Japanese calligraphy even though it is a symbol and not a character. It symbolizes enlightenment, strength, elegance, the Universe, and the void; it can also symbolize the Japanese aesthetic itself. In Zen Buddhist painting ome artists will practice drawing an enso daily, as a kind of spiritual exercise. The enso is also a sacred symbol in the Zen school of Buddhism, and is often used by Zen masters as a form of signature in their religious artwork
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Tomoe, Taeguc, Gankyil A tomoe or is a Japanese abstract shape that represents the cycle of life.The tomoe is very similar in design to the Korean sam-taegeuk, Tibetan Gankyil and Chinese yin/yang symbols. Taegeuk is the Korean version of yin and yang. In South Korea, the Taegeuk symbol is typically portrayed in blue (earth) and red (heaven). The red and blue are portrayed upside down to accommodate the harmony of nature. The Gankyil is a symbol and ritual tool in Himalayan Shamanism and Tibetan Buddhism. It is symbolic of primordial energy and represents the central unity and indivisibility of all the teaching, philosophical and doctrinal triune of Dzogchen, the natural condition of the mind.
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Mind and Meditation
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Labyrinth According to Carl Jung, the unconscious is often symbolized by corridors, labyrinths or mazes. Many labyrinths set in floors or on the ground are large enough that the path to the center and back can be walked. They have historically been used both in group ritual and for private meditation.
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Mandala Mandala is a concentric diagram having spiritual and ritual significance in both Buddhism and Hinduism. In various spiritual traditions, mandalas may be employed for focusing attention of aspirants and adepts, as a spiritual teaching tool, for establishing a sacred space, and as an aid to meditation and trance induction. The psychoanalyst Carl Jung saw the mandala as “a representation of the unconscious self,� and believed his paintings of mandalas enabled him to identify emotional disorders and work towards wholeness in personality. Mandala
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Gothic rose window Always according to Carl Jung, abstarct mandalas also appear in European Christian art. Some of the most splendind examples are the rose windows of the cathedrals. These are representations of the Self of man transposed onto the cosmic plane.
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Halo We may regard as mandalas the haloes of the Christ and the Christian saints in religious paintings. The halo denotes the sunbeams, the luminosity, radiating from divine or holy persons. It’s the indication that they are God’s equals, that they wielded the supreme power.
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Theocentricism and Anthropocentrism
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Theocentricism and Anthropocentrism Theocentricism is the belief that God is the central aspect to human existence. Opposing to this phylosophy is the theory of Antropocentrism (centers upon man). It states that humans are the central and most significant entities in the universe, and observes the reality through an exclusively human perspective. Theocentrism (God in the centre) and anthropocentrism (Man in the centre) are the most important beliefs of human philosophy: the passage from one to the other defines the start the Modern society, which finishes after the Middle Ages and starts with the Renaissance.
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Vitruvian man The Vitruvian man is the artistic symbol which resumes perfectly the Anthropocentrism philosophy. In fact, it exemplifies the blend of art and science during the Renaissance and provides the perfect example of Leonardo’s keen interest in proportion. Encyclopaedia Britannica states, “Leonardo envisaged the great picture chart of the human body he had produced through his anatomical drawings and Vitruvian Man as a cosmografia del minor mondo (cosmography of the microcosm). He believed the workings of the human body to be an analogy for the workings of the universe.�
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Divine Comedy The Divine Comedy is an epic poem written by Dante Alighieri between 1308 and 1321. The poem’s imaginative and allegorical vision of the Christian afterlife is a culmination of the medieval world-view as it had developed in the Western Church. On the surface the poem describes Dante’s travels through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven; but at a deeper level it represents allegorically the soul’s journey towards God. God resides in the center of the Paradise, as equal is His position in the medieval life and thought.
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The Nine Circles of Hell The Hell is depicted as nine circles of suffering located within the Earth. The damned souls are ordered in different circles, following the Law of retaliation: each sin corresponds to a precise punishment. • First circle: Limbo • Second circle: Lust • Third circle: Gluttony • Fourth Circle: Avarice or Greed • Fifth Circle: Wrath and Sullenness • Sixth Circle: Heresy • Seventh Circle: Violence • Eight Circle: Fraud • Ninth Circle: Betrayal
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The Seventh Terrace of Purgatory In the second part of Dante’s Divine Comedy, Dante climbs up the Mount of Purgatory, guided by the Roman poet Virgil. In the poem, Purgatory is depicted as a mountain in the Southern Hemisphere, consisting of a bottom section (Ante-Purgatory), seven levels of suffering and spiritual growth, and finally the Earthly Paradise at the top. Allegorically, the poem represents the Christian life. The Purgatory consists of: • First terrace: The Proud • Secondterrace: The Envious • Third terrace: The Wrathful • Fourth terrace: The Slothful • Fifth terrace: The Convetous • Sixth terrace: The Gluttonous • Seventh terrace: The Lustful
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The Spheres of Heaven Paradiso (Italian for “Paradise” or “Heaven”) is the third and final part of Dante’s Divine Comedy. It is an allegory telling of Dante’s journey through heaven, guided by Beatrice, who symbolises theology. In the poem, Paradise is depicted as a series of concentric spheres surrounding the earth, consisting of the Moon, Mercury, Venus, the Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, the Fixed Stars, the Primum Mobile and finally, the Empyrean. Each of them symbolise a virtue: • The Moon: the Inconstant • Mercury: the Ambitious • Venus: the Lovers • The Sun: the Wise • Mars: the Warriors of the Faith • Jupiter: the Just Rulers • Saturn: the Contemplatives • The fixed Stars: Faith, Hope and Love • The primum mobile: The Angels
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Bibliography
Gibson Clare, Signs & symbols : an illustrated guide to their meanings and origins, London : Grange Books, 1996. AugĂŠ Marc, Anthropological circle, Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 1982. Frutiger, Adrian Signs and symbols, London : Studio Editions, 1989. Carl G. Jung, Man and his symbols, New York : Dell Pub., c1964, 1968. Binder, Pearl, Magic symbols of the world, London : Hamlyn, 1972. Lehner, Ernst, Symbols, signs & signets, New York : Dover Publications London : Constable, 1969. Tresidder, Jack, Symbols and their meanings, London : Duncan Baird, 2000. Alighieri Dante, translated by Dorothy Sayers, The Divine Comedy, Edinburgh: Penguin Books, 1955
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Daniela Meloni
John Bateson - tutor group LCC MA Graphic Branding And Identity - 2010 64