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Laleh Bakhtiar, Sufi Expressions of the Mystic Quest
Many ancient cultures viewed the world as being an ordered and harmonious cosmos. The study of
geometry was considered a sacred science because it was believed to be the key to understanding how
the universe is designed. It was perceived that beneath the material world existed vast patterns of energy
that were universal, repeating, and geometric. Although invisible to the senses, these energy configurations
represented very real and dynamic forces at work, continually creating, sustaining and transforming all life
forms. Modern theories of physics acknowledge a universal order that is very similar to this ancient
geometric / harmonic view.
Many traditional healing practices involved the use of Sacred Geometry. Healers experienced that
contemplation on these symbols restored balance to the human energy field and promoted healing. Sacred
Geometry seemed to encode subtle energies that had the power to harmonize our psyches and elevate our
spirits. Thus meditation on sacred art became an important practice in many spiritual traditions,and was
recognized as an effective tool to promote psychological wholeness and enhance spiritual evolution.
The circle, the triangle, the square and the spiral were experienced as particularly powerful in invoking a
sense of the sacred. These shapes have been used throughout history, in many different cultures, to design
places of worship and in the creation of sacred art.
THE CIRCLE
The circle represents the Self, our deepest, most authentic being. It is symbolic of wholeness,
unity,completion. This experience of the Self has been expressed in different ways, throughout history, by
mystics and saints in many different spiritual traditions. It can be understood on many levels, from
psychological integration to unity of the soul with God. Words that have been used to express this deepest
experience include the following: Self-Realization, Union with the Divine, Ultimate Reality, the ground of
Being, the Source of All That Is, the Unmanifested, God-Realization, Christ Consciousness, Liberation,
Enlightenment, Oneness, Eternity, Heaven. This "Divine" or "heavenly realm" refers not to a physical place,
but to a state of consciousness in which the individual experiences his or her union with all of creation.
Saints and sages in all traditions have demonstrated that it is possible for human beings to personally
experience this dimension. It is buried deep inside each one of us and , like a treasure, awaits our discovery.
THE TRIANGLE
The equal-sided triangle symbolizes strength, self-sufficiency, balance and wholeness. Since ancient times
the upward pointing triangle has been symbolic of the spiritual realm, and was used to focus power. It
represents spiritual aspiration, the Sacred Masculine, solar energies, light. The downward pointing triangle
is the oldest known symbol of the Sacred Feminine, and is associated with rebirth, renewal and
transformation. It represents the natural world, grace, lunar energies and the creative womb of the universe.
THE SQUARE
The square is associated with the earth element, and is connected with manifestation in the physical world,
in the world of form. This shape is symbolic of the material plane of existence, and connotes stability and
being "grounded".
THE GOLDEN SPIRAL
Widespread in the natural world (spinning galaxies, planetary orbits, the unfolding of leaves and embryos),
this spiral pattern is depicted exquisitely in the chambered nautilus fossil. In Sacred Geometry, it represents
renewal and transformation, as well as maintaining balance and a feeling of dwelling calmly in one's "center"
amidst dynamic growth and change.
RESOURCES: For more information on Sacred Geometry, I highly recommend Michael Schneider's
wonderful book, A Beginner's Guide to Constructing the Universe, HarperPerennial, 1994.
