Patterns & Metaphors

Shapes and patterns

Other Names:
Design and figures
Template:
Symbols that appear mainly as geometrical or abstract designs, patterns, shapes, etc, in two-dimensional representation, fall into some general classes. One class for example, is the geometrical, taking in both one and two-dimensional and projections of multi-dimensional figures. This class includes circles, ellipses and polygons of all kinds, and also the straight and the curved line or arc. Each of the shapes of all the letters of the alphabet do not have more than three or four such geometrical elements combined, whether circle, curve or line. (Only three capital letters in the Roman alphabet, excluding serifs have four elements, the rest have less). Another geometrical symbol is the point. From these fundamental elements of points, lines and surfaces can be built up to such symbolic design components as meanders, swastikas, crescents, discs, loops, spirals, curls, beads, pearls, hatching, crosses, tesselations, chequering etc. Partly and wholly geometrical symbolism is found in mandalas and traditional religious art in general. Magic has also employed geometrical sigils, seals and yantras. masons' marks, potters' signs, and alchemists' and early chemists symbols also have been geometrical.
Metaphor:
Geometric figures and designs often symbolize quantity. The square represents the concept of four; the triangle, of three. Some designs refer to time and its properties (as wave-form or cyclical), such as the meander or swastika. Over-all patterns can refer to the macrocosm and to the world of man with some patterns being archetypes of man's relation to the world around him.<