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- This article deals with the Flower of Life in real-world references. For the same-named flower in fiction, see Flower of Life (fiction).
The Flower of Life (FOL) is a geometrical figure composed of multiple evenly-spaced, overlapping circles, that are arranged so that they form a flower-like pattern with a six-fold symmetry like a hexagon. The center of each circle is on the circumference of six surrounding circles of the same diameter.
The FOL symbol is over six millenia old. Throughout human history, philosophers, artists, and architects around the world have known the FOL for its perfect form, proportion, and harmony. It is considered to be sacred geometry, containing ancient, religious value depicting the fundamental forms of space and time. It is a visual expression of the connections life weaves through all mankind, believed by some to contain a type of Akashic Record of basic information of all living things. In particular, depictions of the five Platonic Solids are found within the FOL and act as a template from which all life springs.
Author
Occurances
The Flower of Life is one of the oldest symbols known to man and has represented important meaning to many people throughout history. It can be found in the temples, art, and manuscripts of cultures from all over the world. The following are some of the locations in which the FOL symbol has been sighted.
- Egypt - The Temple of Osiris in Abydos and at Mount Sinai.
- Israel - Masada
- China - The Forbidden City and various temples.
- Japan - Various temples.
- India - The Harimandir Sahib (Golden Temple), Hampi, and the temples at Ajanta.
- Turkey - Various old Roman sites.
- Spain
- Austria
- Italy - Italian art from the 13th century (Wolfram 2002, p. 43).
- North Africa - Morocco
- Middle East - Lebanon and various Islamic mosques.
- South America - Peru
- North America - Mexico
Egypt, the oldest known example
The Temple of Osiris at Abydos, Egypt contains the oldest known examples of the Flower of Life. They are at least over 6,000 years old (Rawles 1997). and may date back to as long ago as 10,500 B.C. or earlier. If this is the case, it would seem unimaginable for a tribal culture to have constructed the pyramid, given the size and shape of the stones used in its construction.
The FOL pattern was placed upon the granite siding of this temple. It appears that it had not been carved into the granite and instead may have been burned into the granite or somehow drawn on it with incredible precision.
It has been said that the FOL may possibly represent the Eye of Horus, a sacred symbol which pertains to the authority of the pharaoh.
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Christianity
Christianity has many symbolic connections to the Flower of Life. Most notably, the Seed of Life and components within the Seed of Life, being the Spherical Octahedron, the Vesica Piscis, the Tripod of Life, and the Tree of Life, all have Christian meaning to them. Also the symbol of Metatron's Cube is delineated by a component of the Flower of Life and apears in Christian art.
- (See the Seed of Life section of this article)
- (See the Spherical Octahedron section of this article)
- (See the Vesica Piscis section of this article)
- (See the Tripod of Life section of this article)
- (See the Tree of Life section of this article)
- (See the Metatron's Cube section of this article)
Judaism
In Judaism, the symbol of the Tree of Life is studied in reference to the Kabbalah and is a design which may be derived from the Seed of Life. Also the symbol of Metatron's Cube is in early Kabbalist scriptures and is delineated by a component of the Flower of Life.
- (See the Tree of Life section of this article)
- (See the Metatron's Cube section of this article)
New Age
In New Age thought, the Flower of Life has provided what is considered deep spiritual meaning and forms of enlightenment to those who have studied it as sacred geometry. There are groups of people all over the world who derive particular beliefs and forms of meditation based (at least in part) on the Flower of Life. FlowerofLife.org, for example, coordinates workshops at locations all over the world, in which they teach their New Age beliefs, methods, and interpretations of the Flower of Life.
Other religions
The concept of the Tree of life has been adopted by some Hermeticists and pagans. The symbol of the Tree of Life may be derived from the Flower of Life.
One of the earliest known occurances of the Vesica Piscis, and perhaps first, was among the Pythagoreans, who considered it a holy figure. The Vesica Piscis is a basic component of the Flower of Life.
- (See the Tree of Life section of this article)
- (See the Vesica Piscis section of this article)
Secret societies
The Flower of Life has purportedly been the subject of study by groups such as the Freemasons and the Illuminati. They believed it to be the oldest recorded language which held clues to the workings of the universe.
Alchemy
Components of the Flower of Life have been apart of the work of Alchemists. Metatron's Cube is a symbol derived from the Flower of Life which was used as a containment circle or creation circle.
- (See the Metatron's Cube section of this article)
Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci has studied the Flower of Life's form and its mathematical properties. He has drawn the Flower of Life itself, as well as components therein, such as the Seed of Life. He has drawn geometric figures representing shapes such as the platonic solids, a sphere, a torus, etc., and has also used the golden ratio of phi in his artwork; all of which may be derived from the Flower of Life design.
Da Vinci's Challenge
Main article: Da Vinci's ChallengeRecently there have been a number of games by the name of Da Vinci's Challenge (board game, card game, etc.) which use da Vinci's studies of the Flower of Life as the games' theme.
Flag of Padania
In some renditions, the rosette on the unofficial flag of Padania is a Seed of Life (part of the Flower of Life) pattern. A rosette from the FOL pattern is also used as a basis for traditional Pennsylvania Dutch building ornamentation (see Folk Art of Rural Pennsylvania by Frances Lichten, 1946), and in the Queyras Park logo.
Sacred geometry
Main article: Sacred geometryThe FOL is considered to be sacred geometry, containing ancient, religious value depicting the fundamental forms of space and time. It is a visual expression of the connections life weaves through all mankind, believed to contain a type of Akashic Record of basic information of all living things. In particular, depictions of the five Platonic Solids are found within the FOL and act as a template from which all life springs.
Sacred geometry can be described as a belief system attributing a religious or cultural value to many of the fundamental forms of space and time. According to this belief system, the basic patterns of existence are perceived as sacred because in contemplating them one is contemplating the origin of all things. By studying the nature of these forms and their relationship to each other one may gain insight into the scientific, philosophical, psychological, aesthetic and mystical laws of the universe.
Composition
There are many symbols found within the Flower of Life's design, each believed to possess significant meaning.
Seed of Life
The "Seed of Life" is formed from seven circles being placed with six-fold symmetry, forming a pattern of circles and lenses, which acts as a basic component of the Flower of Life's design.
According to some religious beliefs (particularly Christian), the Seed of Life is a symbol of depicting the seven days of Creation in which God created life; Genesis 2:2–3, Exodus 23:12, 31:16–17, Isaiah 56:6–8. 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."
In the 13th Century, a Cabalist's group from France succeeded, through geometric interpretation, in dividing the entire Hebrew alphabet in its correct order using the Seed of Life. The resulting alphabet was remarkably similar to that of the Religious sage Rashi who wrote his commentaries on the Old Testament at that time in France.
Spherical Octahedron
The first step in forming the Seed of Life (or Flower of Life) is to begin with a circle (as in a 2D model) or a sphere (as in a 3D model).
According to some religious beliefs (particularly Christian), the first step in building the Seed of Life was the creation of the Octahedron by a divine "Creator" (or "God"). The next step was for the Creator to spin the shape on its axes. In this way a sphere is formed (see diagram). The Creator's consciousness is said to exist within the sphere and the only thing that physically exists is the membrane of the sphere itself. This "first step" is not to be confused with the "first day," the latter being in reference to the seven days of Creation.
Vesica Piscis
Main article: Vesica piscisThe 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. It has been depicted around the world at sacred sites, most notably at the Chalice Well in Glastonbury, England , and has been the subject of mystical speculation at several periods of history. One of the earliest known occurances of the Vesica Piscis, and perhaps first, was among the Pythagoreans, who considered it a holy figure.
According to some religious beliefs (particularly Christian), the Vesica Piscis represents the second stage in the creation of the Seed of Life, in that it was constructed by "the Creator" (or "God") through the creation of a second Spherical Octahedron joined with the first. It is said that the Creator's consciousness began inside the first sphere and journeyed outside the surface of that sphere to create the second. Purportedly in reference to this, the Old Testament refers to "the spirit of the Creator floating upon the face of the waters."
Continuing with these beliefs, God is said to have created light through the creation of the second sphere (or Vesica Piscis). "Let there be light" is a relevant excerpt from the Old Testament. The pattern of the Vesica Piscis is said to be a geometric formula which represents the electromagnetic spectrum of light. For further information on how this can be done, see Drunvalo Melchizedek's book, The Ancient Secret of The Flower of Life Vol.2.
The Vesica Piscis has been called a symbol of the fusion of opposites and a passageway through the world’s apparent polarities. It has also been noted as the geometry for the human eye. This may have a connection to the symbol of the Eye of Providence, which is said to represent God. It is also known to be the basis for the Ichthys fish, which is a Christian symbol representing "The Son," Jesus Christ.
Tripod of Life
The "Tripod of Life" 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. In physiology, the term "Tripod of Life" represents the three organs of the heart, lungs, and brain; so called because their united action is necessary for the sustenance of life. 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.
Tube Torus
A basic one dimensional depiction of the "Tube Torus" shape is formed by ratcheting the Seed of Life and duplicating the lines in its design. In Physics, the Tube Torus is considered a basic structure in the study of Vortex forms. Some say the Tube Torus contains a code of vortex energy that describes light and language in a unique way, perhaps as something of an Akashic Record.
Tree of Life
The symbol of the Tree of Life may be derived from the Flower 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 most widely recognized as a mystical concept within the Kabbalah of Judaism which 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.
Some believe the Tree of Life of Kabbalah corresponds to the Tree of Life mentioned in Genesis 2:9.
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 multi-cellular embryo in its first hours of creation.
Derived from the Egg of Life is the basis for the following geometrical figures.
- Cube - One of the platonic solids.
- Tetrahedron - One of the platonic solids.
- Star Tetrahedron - Much like the Jewish Star of David.
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, which brings forth the platonic solids.
Metatron's Cube
The Fruit of Life pattern contains the basis for the layout of Metatron's Cube. The Fruit of Life has thirteen circles. If each circle's centre is considered a "node", and each node is connected to each other node with a single line, a total of seventy-eight lines are created, forming a type of cube. Within this cube, many other shapes can be found, including two-dimensionally flattened versions of the five platonic solids.
In early Kabbalist scriptures, Metatron supposedly forms the cube from his soul. This cube can later be seen in Christian art, where it appears on his chest or floating behind him. 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. This idea is also present in alchemy, in which the cube was favoured as a containment circle or creation circle.
Platonic solids
Main article: Platonic solids| Tetrahedron | Hexahedron or Cube |
Octahedron | Dodecahedron | Icosahedron |
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Metatron's Cube is a template that delineates the Platonic solids. The Platonic solids are five structures that are crucial because they are the building blocks of organic life. These five structures are found in minerals, animated and organic life forms, sound, music, language, etc.
In Geometry, a Platonic solid is a convex regular polyhedron. These are the three-dimensional analogs of the regular polygons. There are precisely five such figures (shown below). The name of each figure is derived from the number of its faces: respectively 4, 6, 8, 12 and 20. They are unique in that the sides, edges and angles are all congruent.
Due to their aesthetic beauty and symmetry, the Platonic solids have been a favorite subject of geometers for thousands of years. They are named for the ancient Greek philosopher Plato who claimed the classical elements were constructed from the regular solids.
Drawing
A Flower of Life pattern can be constructed with a pen, compass and paper, by creating multiple series of interlinking circles.
See also
- Sacred Geometry
- Octahedron
- Vesica piscis
- Tree of life
- Torus
- Metatron's Cube
- Platonic Solids
- Da Vinci's Challenge
- Creation theory in which God created life; Genesis 2:2–3, Exodus 23:12, 31:16–17, Isaiah 56:6–8.
External links
- SpiralofLight.com - Sacred Geometry & Images by Mika Feinberg
- SanGraal.com - Information regarding the FOL, from the son of a Mason.
- Mendhak.com - Sacred Geometry
- FlowerofLife.org - Information on the FOL, how to draw the FOL, as well as a focus on meditation relating to the FOL.
- FlowerofLife.org : The Golden Mean Spiral and The Merkaba
- Home.cc.UManitoba.ca : Leonardo da Vinci Drawings - Geometric figures such as the platonic solids.
- PaganAndProud.BravePages.com - Sacred Geometry
- Mathworld.Wolfram.com
- About.com : Religious symbol listing
- KA-Gold-Jewelry.com : Flower of Life Jewelry - by David Weitzman
- EarthMandalaKeepers.com : Magi Mandala - based on Flower of Life by Komra Atiri Moriko
Further reading
- Drunvalo, Melchizedek. The Ancient Secret of the Flower of Life Volume 1.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - Drunvalo, Melchizedek (2000). The Ancient Secret of the Flower of Life Volume 2. Clear Light Trust. 1-891824-21-X.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - Reti, Ladislao (1990). The Unknown Leonardo. New York: Abradale Press, Harry Abrams, Inc., Publishers.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - Reti, Ladislao (1974). The Unknown Leonardo. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Book Company.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - Lawlor, Robert (1982). Sacred Geometry: Philosophy and Practice. London: Thames & Hudson.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help)
References
- FlowerofLife.org - Overview: Page 2
- Da Vinci's Challenge
- PaganAndProud.BravePages.com - Sacred Geometry
- Da Vinci's Challenge
- FlowerofLife.org - Meditation workshops
- SanGraal.com - Information regarding the FOL, from the son of a Mason.
- PaganAndProud.BravePages.com - Sacred Geometry
- Da Vinci's Challenge
- PaganAndProud.BravePages.com - Sacred Geometry
- Platonic Solids
- FlowerofLife.org - Overview: Page 8
- Metatron's Cube
- SanGraal.com - Information regarding the FOL, from the son of a Mason.
- Mendhak.com - Sacred Geometry
- Weisstein, Eric W. "Seed of Life." From MathWorld--A Wolfram Web Resource.
- FlowerofLife.org - Overview: Page 2
- Da Vinci's Challenge
- FlowerofLife.org - Overview: Page 2
- FlowerofLife.org - Overview: Page 2
- Mendhak.com - Sacred Geometry
- FlowerofLife.org - Overview: Page 2
- FlowerofLife.org - Overview: Page 2
- FlowerofLife.org - Overview: Page 2
- Mendhak.com - Sacred Geometry
- Mendhak.com - Sacred Geometry
- Mendhak.com - Sacred Geometry
- FlowerofLife.org - Overview: Page 2
- Mendhak.com - Sacred Geometry
- Weisstein, Eric W. "Seed of Life." From MathWorld--A Wolfram Web Resource.
- Mendhak.com - Sacred Geometry
- Mendhak.com - Sacred Geometry
- Mendhak.com - Sacred Geometry
- Mendhak.com - Sacred Geometry
- FlowerofLife.org - Meditation workshops
- Da Vinci's Challenge
- Mendhak.com - Sacred Geometry
- Weisstein, Eric W. "Seed of Life." From MathWorld--A Wolfram Web Resource.
- FlowerofLife.org - Overview: Page 2
- SanGraal.com - Information regarding the FOL, from the son of a Mason.
- SanGraal.com - Information regarding the FOL, from the son of a Mason.
- FlowerofLife.org - Overview: Page 2
- SpiralofLight.com - Sacred Geometry.
- The Illuminati (2005), by Chris Everard
- Drunvalo, Melchizedek. The Ancient Secret of the Flower of Life Volume 1.
- Drunvalo, Melchizedek (2000). The Ancient Secret of the Flower of Life Volume 2. Clear Light Trust. 1-891824-21-X.
- FlowerofLife.org
- Vesica piscis
- SanGraal.com - Information regarding the FOL, from the son of a Mason.
- The Illuminati (2005), by Chris Everard
- SanGraal.com - Information regarding the FOL, from the son of a Mason.
- Plus.Maths.org : Maths and art
- Home.cc.UManitoba.ca : Leonardo da Vinci Drawings]
- FlowerofLife.org : The Golden Mean Spiral and The Merkaba : Page 9
- Crystalinks.com - Article on Leonardo da Vinci.
- PaganAndProud.BravePages.com - Sacred Geometry
- Drunvalo, Melchizedek (2000). The Ancient Secret of the Flower of Life Volume 2. Clear Light Trust. 1-891824-21-X.
- Reti, Ladislao (1990). The Unknown Leonardo. New York: Abradale Press, Harry Abrams, Inc., Publishers.
- Da Vinci's Challenge
- FlowerofLife.org - Meditation workshops
- SanGraal.com - Information regarding the FOL, from the son of a Mason.
- PaganAndProud.BravePages.com - Sacred Geometry
- Da Vinci's Challenge
- PaganAndProud.BravePages.com - Sacred Geometry
- Platonic Solids
- FlowerofLife.org - Overview: Page 8
- Metatron's Cube
- Sacred geometry
- Weisstein, Eric W. "Seed of Life." From MathWorld--A Wolfram Web Resource.
- FlowerofLife.org - Overview: Page 5
- KA-Gold-Jewelry.com - Seed of Life
- KA-Gold-Jewelry.com - Seed of Life
- Mendhak.com - Sacred Geometry
- KA-Gold-Jewelry.com - Seed of Life
- KA-Gold-Jewelry.com - Seed of Life
- Mendhak.com - Sacred Geometry
- FlowerofLife.org - Overview: Page 5
- FlowerofLife.org - Overview: Page 4
- Vesica piscis
- Vesica piscis
- KA-Gold-Jewelry.com - Seed of Life
- Mendhak.com - Sacred Geometry
- KA-Gold-Jewelry.com - Seed of Life
- Mendhak.com - Sacred Geometry
- The Ancient Secret of The Flower of Life Vol.2, by Drunvalo Melchizedek
- SpiralofLight.com - Sacred Geometry & Images by Mika Feinberg
- SpiralofLight.com - Sacred Geometry & Images by Mika Feinberg
- Eye of Providence
- Ichthys
- FlowerofLife.org - Overview: Page 4
- TheFreeDictionary.com - Tripod of Life
- Sacred-Texts.com - Pt. 2, Ch. 2, P. 135
- PaganAndProud.BravePages.com - Sacred Geometry
- GloriaDeiWichita.com - Depicts a Holy Trinity banner with the Tripod of Life
- HolyTrinity.us - Uses the Tripod of Life to symbolize the Holy Trinity.
- en.LinuxReviews.org - Draws the Tripod of Life
- SanGraal.com - Information regarding the FOL, from the son of a Mason.
- FlowerofLife.org - Overview: Page 5
- Tree of life
- Tree of life (Kabbalah)
- SpiralofLife.com - Sacred Geometry
- Tree of life (Kabbalah)
- Tree of life (Kabbalah)
- FlowerofLife.org - Overview: Page 6
- KA-Gold-Jewelry.com - Egg of Life: Silver pendant
- SanGraal.com - Information regarding the FOL, from the son of a Mason.
- FlowerofLife.org - Overview: Page 6
- FlowerofLife.org - Overview: Page 7
- KA-Gold-Jewelry.com - Seed of Life
- Metatron's Cube
- FlowerofLife.org - Overview: Page 7
- PaganAndProud.BravePages.com - Sacred Geometry
- Metatron's Cube
- FlowerofLife.org - Overview: Page 8
- Metatron's Cube
- PaganAndProud.BravePages.com - Sacred Geometry
- Platonic solids
- Platonic solids
- FlowerofLife.org - Overview
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