Meaning of Flower of Life

January 30, 2019 5 Comments

The Flower of Life is a geometric symbol that typically consists of nineteen overlapping circles that are spaced evenly apart from one another. The pattern formed by the circles creates images of perfectly symmetrical flowers. Some Flower of Life symbols use as little as seven circles within the design so there are some different variations of the symbol.  

 

Architects, artists, and philosophers have known the perfect form, harmony, and proportion. Pagans consider it to be a form a sacred geometry that depicts the basic forms of time and space. Sacred geometry refers to the geometric patterns and laws that create everything in the universe. They believe the Flower of Life symbol to be a visual representation of the interconnectedness of life and all beings.  

The Meaning of the Flower of Life 

The meaning behind the Flower of Life symbol is that it is believed to represent the cycle of creation. It depicts how all life comes from one singular source - represented by the circle in the middle of the pattern.  

There is believed to be a secret symbol hidden within the Flower of Life symbol, which is said to hold the most significant and sacred patterns of the universe. It is believed to be a sort of blueprint for all life, with the fundamental patterns for everything from atoms to planets and everything in between.

Image Attribution: TomRuen

Flower of Life Symbolism 

Flower of Life symbolism has become more and more prominent within New Age groups and movements. It holds a deep spiritual meaning that many people of varying religions and cultures have derived more specific beliefs and sentiments from. The Flower of Life provides enlightenment to those who study the symbol and its perfect form.  

Certain variations of the Flower of Life hold different meaning and significance. The Seed of Life is formed with seven overlapping circles that create a more singular flower design. To some, this symbolizes the 7 days of creation during which God created life.  

The Egg of Life is also formed from seven circles, which only just overlap each other. The shape made is said to be similar to that of a multi-cellular embryo in its early stages.  

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The Fruit of Life consists of thirteen circles selected from the classic Flower of Life symbol. This shape is said to be a basic design of the universe and holds the geometric foundation for Metatron's Cube.  

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Metatron's Cube illustrates the five platonic solids, which are the believed to be structures that act as a foundation for all organic life. These five structures are the star tetrahedron, hexahedron, octahedron, dodecahedron, and icosahedron, which are found in life forms, minerals, music, sound, and language. Metatron's Cube is also considered a holy symbol which can be used as protection from evil.

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The History of the Flower of Life 

The Flower of Life is a fascinating and ancient symbol. It has been found to hold significance in multiple cultures all around the world as the Flower of Life symbol is seen in ancient manuscripts temples, synagogues, and art. However, it was only dubbed as the 'Flower of Life' quite recently in the 1990s.  

The oldest known depictions of the Flower of Life were found in the Temple of Osiris in Egypt and date back to at least 6 000 years ago, and recent research has concluded that they could not have been made earlier than 535 BC. These depictions of the symbol are fascinating because they were not carved into the rock, but rather burned or drawn onto the granite with red ochre with great precision. Some believe that the symbol could have been used to represent the Eye of Ra.  

Leonardo da Vinci was known to have studied the Flower of Life pattern and derived the five platonic solids, as well as the Golden Ratio of Phi, from the symbol. 

 

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Nowadays, the Flower of Life symbol is commonly found on jewelry pieces, tattoos, decor items, and other decorative products. New Age groups use and study the symbol to try to attain enlightenment and find deeper meaning in life. 

The Flower of Life is also found in several religions and some believe that the Tree of Life, which is associated with the teachings of Kabbalah, may have been derived from the symbol.   

The Flower of Life in Different Cultures and Religions 

Judaism/Kabbalah 

The Tree of Life has been theorized to have come from the Flower of Life and is a prominent symbol in the Kabbalah discipline of esoteric Judaism. The Tree of Life contains ten spiritual symbols, called the 10 Sephiroth. Each Sephiroth represents a specific aspect of God, so when put together in the Tree of Life, they depict the name of God.

Image Attribution: Michelle Ahin

In Kabbalah, the 10 Sephiroths also refer to the Chakras, each of which aligns to specific energy within the human body. The Tree of Life symbolizes the 'idea of common descent' in the teachings of Kabbalah. this tree of life is believed to be similar to that of the tree of life found in the Book of Genesis.

Christianity 

Multiple connections have been made between the Flower of Life and Christianity. The Seed of Life is of particular relevance in Christianity as it symbolizes the seven days of creation with its seven overlapping circles.  The Tree of Life can be found within the Flower of Life and is associated with the Tree of Life that is referenced in the Book of Genesis 2:9 in the Old Testament.  

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New Age Groups 

New Age movements and groups study the Flower of Life and see it as a form of sacred geometry that can be used to achieve enlightenment and understand the deeper spiritual meaning in life. They use the symbol to create new meditation practices and beliefs from it.

Alchemy 

Several works belonging to alchemists have depicted the use of the Flower of Life and its symbolic pattern. Metatron's Cube has been used in Alchemy to form creation or containment circles.  

 

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