What Is the Merkaba Symbol?

December 10, 2019

There are many different symbols when it comes to sacred geometry, and many of these are printed on clothing and/or used in jewelry designs.

One of the most common is the combination of two three-dimensional opposing triangles, which is called the Merkaba. At this point though, you might be wondering what does Merkaba mean?

To delve more deeply into this, it’s helpful to give an overview of sacred geometry in general. All of these symbols have some roots in ancient traditions or religions and are designs that are revered for different purposes. Each also has its own history and significance.

Overall, it can be said that these symbols focus on personal development, the achievement of enlightenment and well being, and/or communication with higher forms of consciousness.

Merkaba Meaning

The word Merkaba comes from a Hebrew word which means "chariot", & when broken down phonetically means "light, body, spirit" from an ancient Egyptian translation. If you consider both meanings, it essentially refers to a way of connecting with light, body, and spirit through the means of this 'vehicle' or symbol.

As opposed to some of the other symbols we have explored, such as the Sri Yantra symbol, this one is more rooted in Jewish and Christian tradition. If we consider some similar concepts and symbols from Christianity, the three elements of the word can be likened to the three aspects of the holy trinity.

If you'd like to visualize this symbol in concrete mathematical terms, the Merkaba is a three-dimensional symbol which is made up of two triangles that face opposite directions and connect or overlap at the center.

The bottom triangle represents femininity and rotates in a counter-clockwise direction, and the top relates to masculinity and rotates in a clockwise direction, all simultaneously. The design looks like a six-pointed star when looked at from a two-dimensional perspective.

What is the Merkaba?

So what is the merkaba and what does it entail? To explain this, it's helpful to note that this symbol or concept has roots that are evident in ancient scripts like the Bible and seems to have been inspired by visions and experiences that biblical figures like Ezekiel had of connecting with celestial beings (which is talked about in the Book of Ezekiel, and other sacred Jewish texts).

From a Chassidic Jewish perspective, the Merkaba is more about having a multi-layered approach to the nature of man, the world and the ecosystem, and sees this symbol as a means to contemplating a way to become better as people. Interestingly, the Merkaba symbol also closely resembles another symbol in Jewish religious tradition, the Star of David.

Even if the religious aspect doesn’t necessarily resonate with everyone reading this, this symbol can be used in meditation to access higher realms of consciousness and to create a protective forcefield around oneself. One recommendation is to visualize this shape surrounding you while you are meditating, which can take some practice but is said to be able to raise your vibration.

With the balance of the spinning triangles, the energetic force field that is created is very powerful, and can help you gain valuable spiritual insights and even travel interdimensionally.

In addition to connecting with higher realms, the use of this symbol, when combined with meditation and breathing techniques, can also help you to access your personal power.

Merkaba Star

While spinning in different directions, the two three-dimensional triangles make up a Merkaba star that is simultaneously pulling power up from the earth (feminine) and drawing energy down from the heavens (masculine). This combination of forces is said to bring about balance through the energy field that it creates. If we think about the energetic power of an actual star in the universe, this becomes an even more inspiring symbol.

It might be difficult to capture and print this kind of three-dimensional image onto clothing, but when viewed from a two-dimensional perspective, one can still appreciate all of the different facets of the design, just like you can appreciate the inspiring power of a star.

Whether you choose to wear the symbol on your clothing or a piece of boho jewelry, just contemplating this design is sure to bring about a connection with light, body, and spirit.