Flower of Life
Ancient symbol of creation consisting of overlapping circles representing the fundamental forms of space and timeConstruction & Geometry
The Flower of Life is created through a simple yet profound geometric process:
- The First Circle: Begin with a single circle— representing unity, the void, or pure consciousness.
- The Vesica Piscis: Draw a second circle of equal size, with its center on the circumference of the first. The overlap creates the vesica piscis, the womb of creation.
- The Seed of Life: Continue adding circles, each with its center on the intersection points, forming seven circles—the Seed of Life.
- The Flower: Expand outward, adding more circles in the same pattern, creating the full Flower of Life with 19 complete circles.
This pattern is composed of perfect circles in a hexagonal arrangement, creating a flower-like pattern that has captivated mystics, mathematicians, and artists for millennia.
The Patterns Within
The Flower of Life is remarkable because it contains numerous other sacred geometric patterns within its structure:
- Seed of Life: The first seven circles represent the seven days of creation
- Fruit of Life: Thirteen circles that form the blueprint for Metatron's Cube
- Tree of Life: The Kabbalistic diagram of divine emanation can be found within
- Platonic Solids: All five perfect solids can be derived from the pattern
- Vesica Piscis: The fundamental shape of sacred geometry and the golden ratio
- Golden Ratio: The divine proportion φ appears throughout the pattern's relationships
It's as if the Flower of Life is a complete library of the geometries that structure reality— encoded in a single, elegant design.
Ancient Appearances
The Flower of Life has been found carved, drawn, and built into temples and sacred sites across the globe:
- Temple of Osiris (Osirion), Egypt: Found at Abydos painted in red ochre on ancient granite blocks. While the temple structure itself is ancient, archaeological evidence indicates the Flower of Life symbols are later additions—likely Ptolemaic or early Christian era graffiti (1st-6th century CE), as evidenced by Greek text appearing alongside the patterns.
- Forbidden City, China: Found beneath the paw of the guardian lion statues, suggesting ancient Chinese knowledge of this pattern.
- India & Turkey: Appears in ancient temples and manuscripts, transcending cultural and religious boundaries.
- Israel & Europe: Medieval churches, Jewish synagogues, and Renaissance art all contain variations of this pattern.
- Modern Rediscovery: Leonardo da Vinci studied the Flower of Life extensively, drawing Metatron's Cube and the Platonic Solids from it.
Symbolic Meaning
Unity & Interconnection: The overlapping circles demonstrate that all things are connected—separate yet one.
Creation Pattern: The progressive unfoldment from one circle to many mirrors the process of creation itself, from the void to manifest reality.
Consciousness Map: Some traditions view it as a blueprint of consciousness, showing how awareness expands from unity into multiplicity.
Cellular Division: The pattern remarkably mirrors the first stages of embryonic development, from one cell to many.
Harmonic Resonance: The hexagonal structure reflects the most efficient packing arrangement in nature—seen in honeycombs, crystals, and molecular structures.
Universal Language: Found across cultures that had no contact, suggesting it may be a fundamental pattern woven into reality itself.
Modern Applications & Science
Beyond its mystical significance, the Flower of Life appears in various scientific and practical contexts:
- Chemistry & Biology: The pattern mirrors molecular structures, cell division, and crystalline formations at the microscopic level.
- Architecture: Used as a design principle for creating harmonious, aesthetically pleasing spaces with optimal acoustic and energetic properties.
- Art & Design: Artists and designers use the pattern as a foundation for creating balanced, harmonious compositions.
- Meditation & Consciousness: Contemplating the Flower of Life is said to activate both hemispheres of the brain, promoting holistic thinking and expanded awareness.
- Water Structuring: Some researchers claim that exposing water to this pattern improves its molecular structure and energetic properties.
Related Geometries
Structural
Derived From
- Circle Dot(Built from overlapping circles)
- Seed of Life(Expanded from seed)
Transformational
Transforms Into
- Fruit of Life(Evolves into fruit pattern)
Conceptual
Resonates With
- Metatron's Cube(Universal geometric blueprints)