A
bit of 'symbology':
Squared
circle:
A
circle is a common sign found in all cultures. It is the symbol of
the sun, of completeness, of eternity, and of the soul. It can also
symbolise boundary & enclosure, completion, and returning, as
well as representing the infinite, the immeasurable, the spiritual
world, while the square represents the manifest, measurable and
comprehensive world. Together they may symbolise the conjunction of
eternity and time, of matter and spirit, or of heaven and earth. The
square circle also represents the inter-relation of male (the square)
and the female (the circle) - thus a metaphor of unity.
In
alchemy a triangle within a circle within a square was used (from the
17th century) to represent the philosopher's stone - the ultimate
goal of alchemy. In the 1618 book by Michael Maier 'Atalanta Fugiens'
there is an illustration of a man using a compass to draw a circle
around a circle within a square within a triangle; and within the
smaller circle are a man and a woman, the design thought to represent
the uniting of the two halves of human nature through alchemy.
In
geometry, 'squaring the circle' was a long standing puzzle, said to
have been proved impossible in 1882, and the expression is used as a
metaphor for the attempt to achieve the known impossible. As an
image, Vitruvian Man may or may not help!
Chalice
and Blade:
Traditionally,
the blade is considered a symbol of masculinity - a phallic
representation of strength - as well as being symbolic of aspiration
and of fire. Its image is that of the upward moving triangle
The
downward moving triangle, or chalice, represents the
female/feminine/goddess - a receptive vessel of life. It is also the
symbol of water, of the grace of heaven, and of the womb.
Together,
the blade and the chalice form the Star of David (or Seal of Solomon,
in which the lines of the two triangles are inter-woven),
representing balance and union - of male/female, god/goddess - and
the Sacred Marriage.
However,
it has been suggested that every woman has her own blade, and every
man his chalice, since each person is whole and complete in and of
themselves, and not co-dependent with a partner. The blade held
within by the woman is the concept of masculine strength; the chalice
held within a man is the divine feminine. When soul mates meet, they
both unite and exchange their blades and chalices, thus superseding
the purely physical, sexual aspects of bodily love with unity of
spirit. An interesting idea!
I
also find it interesting to think that, like the hand game scissors,
rock, paper, it is water that has the potential to overwhelm fire:
the best that fire can do is to make hot water! :-)
No comments:
Post a Comment