In this article I’ll be discussing some basic symbolism
behind circle, square and triangle , as well as their practical
use in spiritual work and magick.
Are those not basic geometry stuff ? Yes and no, for they are both older,
and carry more value, than their
“geometric doppelganger” images. These are the patterns present in nature
probably since creation, shapes that
came to be cornerstones of, other , more complex shapes. Circles, Squares and Triangles form cubes,
pyramids , spheres, and so much more.
They unite the vertexes, while constraining and limiting the space
within, which in magickal sense then becomes transcending area. One that
surpasses physical limitations, and interacts with more planes of existence at once. They make one of the first ideograms , as well
as pictograms in some cases ( for example
circle representing the sun ).
Circle
It would be presumptuous and
plainly, silly of me, or anyone else
for that matter, to say that
they can explain the nature of the
circle completely, and all the meaning it encompasses. For they are, much like
the Circle itself, limitless in a way.
Circle is a well known shape, and possibly one of the oldest ideograms, which
had been, along with spirals, engraved
and carve into stones, bones and cave walls during Paleolithic era [1] Circle
is without beginning and end, and thus represents wholeness, absolute,
perfection, sky, cosmos, eternity. It’s all-inclusive and it illustrates the
infinite nature of things on various
planes.
Each circle may be seen as sacred, but certain places, all
over the globe are considered to be
powerful thresholds of magickal energy, and are more often than not
circular. Such as Stonehenge, and various stone circles across the England,
Ireland and Scotland, Germany, Italy and
other places. Some of them are ancestral
heritage and places were the ancient powers reemerge.
Circle symbolizes the
path which Sun takes across the sky during the year- time, and also symbolizes
the Sun itself , or the Full Moon. The circle is ideogram of Sun in astrology,
and gold , sun and sometimes soul in Alchemy. Medicine wheel of Native American
Indians is essentially a circle, and according to some beliefs of Native
American people , spiritual forces that come into this world ( physical plane )
act and spread in circles.
In fact according to
some sources , among Native American’s circle is believed to be an embodiment of spiritual energy [2] It’s also symbolic of repetitive time cycles,
hence being base for the clock/s . In China it is representative of the
Heavens. In Christianity Circle is a symbol of wholeness, Sanctity ( Halo ) and
eternal life. Sometimes also symbolizes chastity and innocence, in Christian
art. Concentric circles in Christianity
represent hierarchies of kind ( such as angelic hierarchies ), or like in
Dante’s Inferno, hierarchy in
organization ( the 9 circles of He*l ) .
It also stresses the symbols and images that are drawn
within, and beacons the focus of both the observer or
desired force, for example in magick. Talismans, often limited with a
circle are a fine example of utilization
of it’s beaconing and focusing power, so is the opening of the circle, of the
Ceremonial ( High, also Higher )
magick.
Also Circles are symbols or unity and equality. Images of
people sitting around some kind of fire, or flame in circle or Arthurian Round table come in mind, as
illustrative examples of this
quality. A circle of equals , If You will J Crown is a circle that represents the perfection of the ring
and the continuous loop. Crown of Thorns originally mocking crown, had
become a symbol of sacrifice and consecration.
It may be combined with other symbols , lines, it can be
“full” , or “empty”, or two or more circles can c cross or interlace, and depending on this may have additional
meanings. Some examples are given bellow:
·
Circle halved with a line ( horizontally ) that
extends beyond it’s perimeters ( both ends exceed circle diameter ), is an old ideogram found on pictures carved into Stones in the middle
of Sahara. In modern interpretation may mean: open(ed)
·
Circle halved with a line ( “diagonally” ) that extends beyond it’s perimeters ( both
ends exceed circle’s diameter ), is a
symbol for a Greek letter Phi, and represents a diameter of the circle.
·
Circle crossed with Equal Armed Cross that extends
beyond it’s perimeters ( both ends exceed
circle’s diameter ) is
an alchemical symbol of/for oil
or wax. In music it means : repeat
·
Circle halved with horizontal line, inside the circle’s
perimeter only, not crossing the border, represents Greek letter theta , and
Sun in early Chinese calligraphic writings
·
Circle
“hanging” , or touching a vertical line,
in Ancient Greek was a sign for Aphrodite, in Alchemy representing
nighttime
·
Circle with a Cross inscribed inside, inside the
circle’s perimeter only, not crossing the border, or circumference , represents Earth, and/or union of four
elements in which case is known as Cross of Elements. Also a symbol of
Fiat brand
·
Three Circles crossing and forming a Triqutrea
In the centre , represents The Holy Trinity in Christian Art. In occultism, the
symbols is belied to possess protective
and enchanting qualities
·
Double ( one smaller, and inside other, forming thus a relatively narrow ring
) or
a “ringed “ circle is a symbol of charisma in Buddhism , and Halo in
Christianity. In Talismanic magick it’s a common motif, where the words ( text
) or symbols are inscribed in the ring
appearing betwing the two circles
·
Five fold Circle
is Celtic symbol created by interlacing five circles, equidistantly, thus
forming a Quatretra in the centre, around which a Circle is drawn, and it represents the union of the four elements
with the central element which is the Spirit element [3]
·
Circle crossed
with a “diagonal” Cross, inside it’s perimeter only, not crossing the
border, is a symbol of some neutralizing
quality. If it has small circles touching the circle boundary on four spots where the Cross arms end, it’s
a seal of Jupiter.
These are just few
examples to illustrate the complexity of the Circle symbolism there are many more, that could on their own fill pages
of a large book , hence can not be discussed here more thoroughly and comprehensively
In occultism, as mentioned above Circle has protective, and
sometimes compelling and restrictive powers, as well as power to tie two or
more planes of existence. Technically speaking, when a practitioner opens a circle they create a direct column of
energy , that causes ethereal and physical plane to collide in the
very perimeter/ area, [4] hence create
something like “sacred space” or sacred circle. The benefit of such work is that this perimeter is strictly limited and hence
influence during the ritual is channeled somewhat faster and more precise,
although not more effective than any spell/ritual done without a circle. Furthermore, if the spell is desired to take
swift effect on physical plane, affecting more targets at once ( living
and/or inanimate ) ritual in circles can
be less proficient in terms of result.
The really important role of the ritual circle is
protection. In Higher or Cemremonial magick , circle is actually required, for
without it the practitioner would easily fall prey to attack of the spirits
they invoke, particularly if they are of
malevolent nature. Hence the circle
represents the boundary that evil can
not pass, nor can spread it’s hazardous effect in area limited by it,
and this is why the summoner/conjurer
remains in the circle’s perimeter.
According to Plato , alongside the circle, square represents beauty and perfection, and
for Pythagoreans, the square represented soul.
For the Ancient Egyptian’s it was an “emblem “ of success. In Islam
square is the shape used to represent
human heart, because the faible human heart is susceptible to four influences,
being : human, Celestial, Divine and Infernal, while the heart of prophets in
Islamic artwork, was depicted as
triangle, for it was believed to be immune of the last influence listed. In abstract sense squares
are symbolic of physical plane and existence, stability, foundation,
immutability, home, often represents the Earth, and sometimes the Cosmos.
As opposed to the infinity of the Circles and spirals,
Squares come with limitations, which can
even be seen from
not-so-positive perspective, hence the phrase “blocked”. The limiting and constricting power though,
really refers to secluded, separated or isolated spaces, such as camps,
altars, temples or castles. Squares also represent basic blueprints, or
cornerstones, building blocks, and that is very justifying of their association
with stability and foundations.
Squares also represent:
·
The four elements, four seasons four quarters/corners / cardinal
directions
·
Four phases of human life
·
Four basic cosmic elements ( Suns, Moons, Planets,
Stars )
·
May represent four Archangels ( Michael,
Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel )
Combined with lines, inscribed into other symbols such as
circle, or combined with them squares get additional meanings, for example:
·
Square inside circle, touching the rim in four
cardinal points, which also make corners
( vertexes ) of the square is a Chinese symbol representing Earth temple,
frequently seen in Baying. In occultism , a common pattern in magickal
grimoires in talismanic arts
·
Square divided pn quarters with a cross , inscribed in it, whose line do not
exceed the perimeter of the square ( inscribed in the square ) is a Chinese
symbol, ideogram for field, ground or
area
·
Square with
containing a dot in the centre ( where the diagonals cross ) is a Chinese ideogram representing village. In meteorology the same
symbols represents damp soil, and in Alchemy
urine
·
Double square, somewhat smaller square drawn
inside and parallel to the larger ( much like double circle or concentric
circles ) is s modern symbol indicating need for restraining, incarceration,
captivation, guard , or may indicate the same.
Square can be combined with another symbol , to form a new
one, which would bear different meaning.
Sometimes the two symbols may merge, and as a
good example we have octagon, which many feel is sort of “hybrid” between the square and the circle.
In magick and occultism square is used in money conjurations ( see example later
in the text ), legal matters , home and consequently harmony, as well as limiting someone, although for such, a block,
as a 3D structure, that combines 6 squares is used.
In magick also prominent are palindrome squares consisting
of numbers , or letters, that give equal sum or word in rows and lines. Such
example is Sator square , or for example various planetary squares called kameas , for
example that of Saturn, I used in Freezer spell, in another article.
Triangle
The triangle is
particularly sacred symbol in Religion,
magick, and alchemy. It makes either a base or sides of a
pyramid, but is essential for building one nevertheless. It’s meaning and symbolism may, though vary
depending on the position of the triangle’s apex, or the length of the edges , and
consequently the angles. Equilateral Triangle is a symbol of The Most Holy
Trinity in the Christianity, and If it contains an eye in the centre, it’s
called “The Eye of Providence” and in such ( exact ) form is purely a Christian
symbol that holds no negative connotations of or in itself . Regardless of what
some silly and misinformed people with paranoid tendencies will say/claim. More on this particular symbol , hopefully on
another occasion. In Islamic artwork triangle is used to depict the heart of
the Saints and/or prophets, as well as human(s) consciousness , and the principle
of harmony.
Tribe “Pueblo” from Southwestern States, see upward pointing
Triangle as a symbol of Sacred mountain, whereas the downward
pointing one represents clouds. [5] In general occult thought , upward pointed
triangle represents male principle, element of fire and success. With it’s
point upwards, symbolically
aspireing to reach the Heavens, it’s also the symbol of ambition.
Also , it’s connected
to arrowheads , as they are triangles themselves and thus represents
spiritual journeys and spiritual
searching.
In a way “opposed” to it , is the downward pointing
triangle, associated with the female
principle, water, introspection, meditation and drawing something inward.
Another special
geometrical, or rather, image for is that formed by ten dots that are
arranged in four rows , each having one less dot than the previous,
hence the last row having four and the
first only one dot.
This image is called
Tetractys or Triad, and it was sacred to the Phytagoreans which can be noted by it’s appearance in
certain their prayer and oath , referred
to as “Mystic Tetrad” in these [6]
Similar figure, is found in
Kabala, where instead the dots, which represented the
four first numbers, thus giving the summation of ten ( unity of a higher order,
for Pythagoreans , also called the Dekad ) , letters of Tetragrammaton were used.
Some occult authors claim that the units
( monad, dyad, triad, tetrad ) are associated with the four top spheres of Tree of Life yet such
claim is very loose and debatable. The Tetractys arrangement had even spawned a specific
Tarot card spreading method.
In occultism, certain magick words such as Oknotinos, for
example were “waved” into charms, by writing them in a form of decreasing, or
growing triangle ( starting with word, ending with single letter or otherwise )
depending on the purpose. The Oknotinos charm ( see example latter ) is used to decrease the fewer.
Akin to the circle and the square, triangle too gains
Even more symbolic meanings and attributes , If and when
combined with lines, dots or other figures. Or even when merged with them, or
oneself. Let’s go through few examples:
·
Equilateral Triangle pointed upwards represents
the element of fire
·
Equilateral Triangle pointed downwards
represents the element of water
·
Equilateral Triangle pointed upwards crossed with a line that exceeds the
perimeter of it is a symbol of Air
·
Equilateral sided Triangle pointed downwards crossed with a line that exceeds the perimeter
of it is a symbol of Earth
·
Triangle with one 90’ angle ( a and a dot
near the very angle, is an old apothecary symbol for lead ( metal )
·
A triangle, whose base halves a circle ( whose diameter
is approximately 1/3 of the triangle ‘s
base length ) is a Alchemical symbol of
Salty water
·
Triangle with all sides of different length and one 90’ angle ( a is not equal to the b
nor c, “right triangle” ) is s classic Pythagorean triangle emblem
·
Equilateral , downward pointed triangles with
altitudes meeting in orthocenter , but not expanding from it to the edges is called “Eye of the
Dragon” or “Dragon’s eye” and is an old Germanic ( and Nordic ) ideogram representing danger
Hexagram or the Star of David, symbol of Judaic faith, as
well as prominent occult symbol, can be
formed by combining the upward and
downward pointing triangle. If inscribed
into circle, it’s s symbol for alchemy, or a magickal pentacle for invocation,
evocation, banishment, exorcism and protection.
Money symbol spell
Draw the square symbol given at right in sand, near the sea. Place Your palms over it and say:
some prosperity, send my way
Spirits and Sea hear my plead
send me some money, my debts to pay"
You can use Your own words or power . As the waves wash awa y the symbol, the spell is done. Prefferably done when the Moon waxes.
Triangular charm healing spell
When the Moon is on the last day of waning
cycle, day before it shall start to wax again, do the following;
On 4 pieces of paper , preferably old, but clean , or that thorn up from a brown grocery paper bag, write the word: morbus in decreasing triangle fashion, meaning start with the whole word, then remove one letter in each row, starting from the last one
"morbus
orbus
rbus
bus
us
s"
As You write it down say: "Morbus ( ego ) occidam tibi !"
Burn one paper saying: "Illness, may the fire consume You" , drop another in the river or sea ( or even flush down the toilet If nothing else is available ) saying: "Illness may the water drown You", shred the third and release it in the winds ( or from some high place, such as top of the building, mountain etc. but try and plan to do this when there is some wind ) saying: "Illness may the winds blow and scatter You away" , and bury the final piece saying: "Illness, may the Earth decompose You"
On the first night of the waxing phase of the Moon ( New Moon ) take a single white or natural beeswax candle, place it atop of piece of paper on which You have written "sanitas" in growing Triangle fashion, starting with one letter and finishing with the whole word ( s, as, tas, itas,...Sanitas ) , dress the candle with some healing oil If You have any, then light the candle and say:
Dei ego precor
Morbus evanescit,
Dolorem sistit
Sanitas restituendus sit.
When the candle burns all the way down, take the charm and the wax remaining and bury it all in Your yard, in a flower pot, with some long lasting plant , or in the forest. Under an Olive, Oak or Pine tree would be most suited If possible.
On 4 pieces of paper , preferably old, but clean , or that thorn up from a brown grocery paper bag, write the word: morbus in decreasing triangle fashion, meaning start with the whole word, then remove one letter in each row, starting from the last one
"morbus
orbus
rbus
bus
us
s"
As You write it down say: "Morbus ( ego ) occidam tibi !"
Burn one paper saying: "Illness, may the fire consume You" , drop another in the river or sea ( or even flush down the toilet If nothing else is available ) saying: "Illness may the water drown You", shred the third and release it in the winds ( or from some high place, such as top of the building, mountain etc. but try and plan to do this when there is some wind ) saying: "Illness may the winds blow and scatter You away" , and bury the final piece saying: "Illness, may the Earth decompose You"
On the first night of the waxing phase of the Moon ( New Moon ) take a single white or natural beeswax candle, place it atop of piece of paper on which You have written "sanitas" in growing Triangle fashion, starting with one letter and finishing with the whole word ( s, as, tas, itas,...Sanitas ) , dress the candle with some healing oil If You have any, then light the candle and say:
Dei ego precor
Morbus evanescit,
Dolorem sistit
Sanitas restituendus sit.
When the candle burns all the way down, take the charm and the wax remaining and bury it all in Your yard, in a flower pot, with some long lasting plant , or in the forest. Under an Olive, Oak or Pine tree would be most suited If possible.
Hope You find this little bit of info on symbolism and and the practical application of same in magick interesting and helpful too
Many Blessings, lot of luv, Shadow :)
NOTES: This article was written and composed by myself , should You wish to use any part of it elswhere online, You may, but add credits Shadow of Shadow's magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this post
CREDITS AND RERENCES:
[1] According to “Illustrated Encyclopedia of signs and symbols” by Mark O’Connell and Raje
Airey
[2] As stated on this wonderful and informational website : http://www.whats-your-sign.com/circle-symbol-meaning.html
[3] According to, and for more information; http://www.whats-your-sign.com/five-fold-celtic-meanings.html
[4] According to Western Occult though, discussed in works of Israel Regardie, as
well as Franz Bardo n
[5] According to the source listed under [1]
[6] According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetractys
where both the prayer and the oath are
listed, for the reader’s convenience
IMAGE CREDITS: All the artwork and images is/are created by myself
3 comments:
I'm a relatively new reader of your blog so firstly I'd like to say that as an Occultist/Theurgist (For want of a better term) that has been studying and practicing Magick (again for want of a better term) in The Western Mystery Tradition for well over 10 years...I'm very impressed with the depth of your knowledge you display in your articles with their eclectic mix of "Universal Truths" from across so many cultures and philosophies.
I'm not sure how exactly you refer to yourself but to me you embody the true spirit of Gnostic thought.
But I digress (I do that often)...As a follow Seeker After The Light and Keeper Of The Keys To The Garden Of Pomegranates I'd like to extend my hand and offer you any assistance you may require in expanding the readership or scope of your Blog.
Thank You so kindly, I am very humbled by Your words, as well as with the mere fact someone like You finds my scribbles worth of reading.
More so, when they need grammar and spell-check editing, for due to overly strong intent to post and chronic lack of time, I make mistakes, which are a "turn down" for most people.
I like Gnosticism, High ( Ceremonial magick ) and Hoodoo, but I do believe every path, and spiritual or even philosophy system has something to offer, bits and parts of the greater puzzle :)
I'll certainly have Your offer in mind :) and thank You once again. Many Blessings !
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