Sacred Geometry Definition: 5 Sacred Geometry Symbols

Sacred geometry refers to both basic and ornate shapes common throughout nature and spiritual symbolism. For example, in Hinduism, meditators use Sri Yantras and mandalas as objects of focus to further hone their aptitude for mindfulness.

These geometric forms crop up in so many different locales and cultures throughout history, it begs the question of whether these structures lie at the deepest roots of the human psyche. Many exist on their own in nature as well, suggesting yet another possible layer of importance to the shapes.

As an example, consider the fact both the Mayas of Mesoamerica and the ancient Egyptians of Northern Africa built pyramids to honor their dead and perform religious rituals despite remaining unaware of one another’s existence.

Sacred geometric patterns occur in a wide array of different scenarios. Here are just a few ways humans have applied or celebrated the shapes over the years:

• Buildings of worship: Certain churches, mosques, and synagogues rely on forms of sacred geometry for their basic architectural blueprints. For instance, in medieval Europe, builders constructed cathedrals using a cross as a template. This lent these houses of worship a deeper spiritual meaning. In addition, consider the similarities between two of the most impressive religious monuments in history: the Pyramid of the Sun in Mexico and the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt.
• Classical art: Painters, sculptors, and sketch artists have represented sacred geometry in their subject matter. Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man drawing showed how the human body itself obeyed the rules of these shapes. The golden ratio (also known as the golden mean or phi) is another sacred pattern artists have relied on to give their works a greater sense of symmetry and beauty.
• Natural patterns: Sacred geometric forms present themselves throughout the natural world as well. Sunflowers look like the flower of life symbol in three dimensions. Nautilus shells follow a Fibonacci sequence according to the golden mean. Mystics believe this is even further proof these shapes lie at the heart of reality, conveying connection and mystery between all things.
• Religious symbols: Iconography of different traditions share sacred geometric patterns. For example, when you break down the vesica piscis (a set of overlapping circles) into smaller parts, it starts to resemble the fish symbol early Christians used to identify themselves.

Mystical patterns emerge in all different types of shapes. These are just a few of the most common sacred geometry symbols worth noting:

1. 1. The flower of life: This ornate mandala builds on the seed of life symbol to create an interlocking set of patterns within one giant circle. Similar to the fruit of life icon, it symbolizes the connection between all forms of life. For some, it’s a pretty reminder of interdependence; for others, it represents the very foundation of existence itself.
2. 2. Metatron’s cube: This geometric symbol’s name derives from the archangel Metatron, the alleged scribe of God in Judeo-Christian tradition. It includes multiple other sacred shapes, like the egg of life and the Platonic solids, to form an interpenetrating web of woven lines and circles.
3. 3. Platonic solids: The Greek philosopher Plato believed you could break down most of reality’s components into a series of geometric forms made of straight lines. These included the tetrahedron, hexahedron, octahedron, dodecahedron, and icosahedron.
4. 4. The torus: This sacred geometry shape looks like an ominous vortex or whirlpool. The spiraling circles conjure up the idea of energy revolving around itself, seeking ways to either raise or diminish its frequency. This concept plays into the Hindu idea of chakras, as well as the general premise you can improve yourself on a spiritual level until you reach true enlightenment.
5. 5. The tree of life: This sacred geometrical pattern is formative to the study of Kabbalah, Judaism’s most mystical tradition. The tree of life symbol represents a path toward the individual’s journey into oneness with the Godhead itself. The Merkabah or Star of David is another of the most common Jewish sacred shapes.

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