The reason why the universe is eternal is that it does not live for itself; it gives life to others as it transforms. ~ Lao Tzu
The Flower of Life is the modern name given to a geometrical figure composed of multiple evenly-spaced, overlapping circles. They are arranged to form a flower-like pattern with a sixfold symmetry, similar to a hexagon. The center of each circle is on the circumference of six surrounding circles of the same diameter.
It is considered by some to be a symbol of sacred geometry, said to contain ancient, spiritual value depicting the fundamental forms of space and time.[1][2][3]
There are many spiritual beliefs associated with the Flower of Life; for example, depictions of the five Platonic solids are found within the symbol of Metatron’s Cube, which may be derived from the Flower of Life pattern. These Platonic solids are geometrical forms which are said to act as a template from which all life springs.[4][5]
In the Judeo-Christian tradition, the stages which construct the Seed of Life are said to represent the six days of Creation, in which Elohim created life; Genesis 2:2-3, Exodus 23:12, 31:16-17, Isaiah 56:6-8. Within these stages, among other things, are the symbols of the Vesica Piscis, an ancient religious symbol, and Borromean rings, which represents the Holy Trinity.[1][2]
The basic symmetry of the Flower of Life - radiating hexagonally outward from the center and branching off into more hexagonally radiating structures - is also the basic shape of a snowflake. Life originally evolved in water, and all life on Earth requires water as the essential compound of life. Therefore, an additional aspect to the symbolism is to be found in the fact that the geometrical structure of crystallized water is also the basic structure of the Flower of Life.[citation needed]
The Flower of Life can be found in the temples, art, and manuscripts of cultures from all over the world. The following are some of the locations in which the Flower of Life symbol has been sighted:
- Assyria – palace of Ashurbanipal.[6]
- Egypt – the Temple of Osiris in Abydos[3][7][8][9] and at Mount Sinai.[citation needed]
- Hungary
- Israel – Masada
- China – The Forbidden City[7] and various temples
- Japan – various temples
- India – The Harimandir Sahib (Golden Temple), Hampi, and the temples at Ajanta[7]
- Bulgaria – ancient city of Preslav(893 BC) and in ruins of Kabile, near the city of Jambol
- Turkey – various old Roman sites[7]
- Spain[7]
- Austria[7]
- Italy – Italian art from the 13th century (Wolfram 2002, p. 43)[8]
- North Africa – Morocco[7]
- Middle East – Lebanon and various Islamic mosques[7]
- South America – Peru[7]
- North America – Mexico[7]
- Great Britain – in Westminster Abbey within the 13th century Cosmati pavement.
