Tag: <span>Sacred Geometry</span>

Published August 31, 2024 by

Sacred Studies: Geometry

Geometry is a study of shapes and spatial relationships.  And, it can be seen as a way  to understand the earthy/physical/natural world in all it’s manifestations. 

 

The process of constructing these patterns using a compass and a straight edge, the traditional tools of the geometer, offers something safe, joyful and therapeutic.   Each time we place the compass point our minds quiet.   Whether we are drawing circles, squares, triangles, spirals or mandalas, each session offers an opportunity to finding the still point within themselves. 

 

 

With it’s focus on shape, patterns and symmetry it is considered sacred in that it reveals the underlying structure of the universe. The principles are universally agreed upon…no one argues the shape of a square.

The process offers something that feels free and safe, where the mind can unfold, reflect and shed some of the chatter.

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WHO BENEFITS?

These studies attract a diverse group of practitioners.  Anyone & everyone can learn something.  I have been in classes with: artists, hobbyists, architects, musicians, teachers: math, science, art, philosophy, physics, dance, astrologers, psychologists, therapists, alternative therapies, yoga and meditation teachers. 

Some added benefits include:

  • Stress Reduction
  • Removal of obstacles to one’s creativity,
  • Increased Self-Awareness
  • Creates community & supports common purpose
  • Advances mindfulness practices

EXPLORING ONENESS …..

 A square is different than a circle.  We are one in our agreement of that.   

FINDING THE SACRED IN THE STILLPOINT… 

Constructing various patterns by such simple means satisfies the brain and warms the heart.  Feelings of harmony, satisfaction, and delight arise….as does frustration, perfectionism, and self-judgement.   In that way it’s a perfect opportunity to practice self observation without judgement.  In this way, our drawing becomes a meditation leaving one at peace.  Namaste. 

Drawing the ‘creation’ patterns with the traditional geometer’s tools of compass and straightedge, in this mindful way, becomes an  in-the-body experience that words can’t describe.

 

Tools of the Trade..

 
Compass   The compass is your most important tool and I urge you to get the best one you can find.   Here’s one to look for.   The attachment to hold different pens is great.    

Straight Edge   (ruler/triangles)

Hard & Soft Pencils,  Sharpener, Erasers

Drawing Paper   8×10 or larger,   11×14 is fun.  

Tracing paper, masking tape, soft pencil and spoon for transferring patterns.  We might not get this far in one workshop, but you’ll need this for later.

Coloring patterns might be the best part of the process for some.  Anything can be used:  colored pencils, markers, pastels, paints, etc.  Watercolors are my favorite.  It’s totally up to you. 

I will not be instructing the coloring but participants are welcome to bring whatever supplies they choose to color it in.   Other supplies will be suggested as we go along.  

Gallery….

 

Bring a workshop/class to your location!

Contact Ida for more information. 

geometer Geometry Sacred Geometry

So Many Circles!
Published November 26, 2023 by

So Many Circles!

Geometric drawing has taken me on quite a cultural journey.  Today, I understand why geometry is sacred.

Initially I became interested in what is known as Islamic geometry.  Examples of it’s artistry are found around the world and on this website.   In holy and humble places, the patterns are everywhere once you *see* them.  Straight lines dominate but movement, fluidity, and spiraling is evident, especially with the addition of the biomorphs.

Ready to jump into a new genre, I found Lucie Rose, a teacher in Paris.  When I saw her course in May, 2023 on the South Rose Window of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris I signed up. Whereas Islamic geometry is mostly straight lines, gothic geometry requires a multitude of circles, hardly a square to be found.

I was there in July, 2015 with my grandkids and the pictures from that day are a treasure.  I watched with shock and gratitude that I had been there before the fire. Having an emotional connection to a project steps up the preparation.

Architectural achievements that display man’s faith, trust, and reliance on a higher power fuel my personal beliefs.

So, I cleaned up the entire art room and reorganized it to tackle this ONE project, rather than the many I usually have going at the same time.    It took nearly the entire summer to complete the drawing and transfer it to the Khadi watercolor paper, which was a very risky choice.  The first layer of color came from my coffee cup.

Built in 1260 to echo the North Rose 1250

Rose Windows  are saturated with symbolism, combining earthly and heavenly qualities,   the tracery and the glass.  Customarily they are placed opposite a cross at the altar.   The feminine stands in balance with the masculine.   

To complete my project I began to consider it a tool for meditation, like drawing a mandala. Fighting with the inner perfectionist became crystal clear!  Letting go, in every way, became a joy.

It’s still a work-in-progress. I’ve been adding some silvery shine which doesn’t really show well for a blog post. 

As Fall approached I got distracted and began a second Rose Window.  More circles.  Still on the risky paper.  But loving the new colors, and now I can use all the gold & copper colors I have!  We’ll see how it goes.

In December I’ll be re-directing my creative energy towards drawing the Tree-of-Life for the Winter Solstice.  Want to join me for our Solstice Sadhana?  LMK.

Ancient Wisdom Geometric Art Meditation My photos Watercolors

Rose Windows Sacred Geometry

Published December 12, 2018 by

Sri Yantra

Last year I stumbled upon an online course teaching the basics of Islamic Geometry as an art form.  With joy I dug into the box that held my old drafting tools from college. I found my compass, triangles, and even some old architectural drawings from my classes.

I’ve been fascinated with the Sri Yantra  for years.  During some of our  yoga workshops we spent some time coloring it in, being mindful and present and watching our thoughts/feelings/sensations during the practice. Everyone enjoyed it.  It is a good way to practice dharana and dhyana, concentration and absorption.

 

The Sri Yantra, is considered the Mother of all Yantras, and there are many of them.  Together they, and many other geometric forms and patterns make up the library of sacred geometry, a science that has fascinated me since my teens.  As I attempted to recreate this ancient pattern I was reminded of the rich symbolism that permeates all  the Vedic sciences, including geometry & mathematics.   As I painted it. layer by layer, I once again recognized impatience., my yearning for perfection, and my struggle with ‘is it enough?’.

Sri Yantra is composed of 9 interlocking triangles, four point up representing the masculine principle and 5 point down representing the feminine.  Everything begins at the Bindu point  The circle represents cosmic rhythms.  The 8 and 16 lotus petals represent on-going creation and expansion.  The four gates representing the directions within a square representing earth, manifestation, and stability.

The Sri Yantra is sacred geometry, meaning that meditation upon it leads to expanded consciousness, enlightenment, or, as some report, extremely good fortune.

All that said, it has been amazingly pleasant to paint the Sri Yantra and I’m on my 4th one.  My patience is growing and I feel serene at completion.   Spiritual practice and meditation can come in many forms.

 

Geometric Art Meditation Yoga

Sacred Geometry Sri Yantra Vedic Science