Mandala Monday – Flower of Life Symbolism in Modern Art by David Weitzman
This week I had planned to bring you more images from the new Flower of Life Mandalas I created this year. But first I thought it might be interesting to give you some information about this symbol. For that I have turned to an article by David Weitzman, whose beautiful jewelry was featured in another post titled Mondala Monday – Mandala Jewelry by the Artist David Weitzman – Guest Post.
I hope you enjoy David’s article, and come back next week to see the third set of Flower of Life Mandalas. To see more images of the symbols David writes about I recommend you see the Wikipedia article on the Flower of Life.
Flower of Life
Flower of Life Symbolism in Modern Art by David Weitzman
A sacred geometrical figure, the Flower of Life has been revered by practically all cultures and religions, ancient as well as modern. The figure is made of a number of overlapping circles that are placed in such a symmetrical hexagonal arrangement that it results in a flower-like pattern.
Though the pattern has been extensively used as a decorative motif, it is believed to have great spiritual significance. The Flower of Life contains several other famous geometric symbols within itself, including the Seed of Life, Egg of Life, Tree of Life and Fruit of Life. All these are considered to be symbols of Sacred Geometry in which geometric forms and numbers are accorded sacred meaning. Sacred Geometry is based on the belief that specific geometrical shapes carry particular spiritual and emotional implications. The Flower of Life is believed to contain patterns of creation, the building blocks that form the basis of molecules, cells and practically everything in this cosmos. The Seed of Life is considered to be a symbolic representation of the seven days of creation of the universe by the divine power, God. The Egg of Life is a structure that is considered to be at the base of music as the distances between the circles in the pattern is same as that between the notes & half-notes in music.
The Flower of Life, which is one of the oldest revered symbols known to mankind, is found in art, manuscripts and architecture (especially temples) of different civilizations across the world. The oldest use of the symbol has been found in the Temple of Osiris at Abydos in Egypt. It is believed to be more than 6,000 years old. It has also been sighted in The Forbidden City and several temples in China. In India, the pattern has been found in the Golden Temple in Amritsar, temples at Ajanta and Hampi. Masada in Israel, Mount Sinai in Egypt, several ancient Roman sites in Turkey, and various temples in Japan are some other places where the Flower of Life has been seen. Italian art too has been observed to have made liberal use of the symbol.
The renowned artist, Leonardo da Vinci had based many of his works, including the famous Vitruvian Man on the Flower of Life. Even in the modern times, the symbol has continued to have mystic powers. Numerous modern day artists are engaged in creating works of art based on this pattern, believing it to be an eternal source of wisdom that holds the entire cosmic history and human consciousness within itself. There are many who have devoted themselves to the study of this symbol of sacred geometry and have derived emotional, mental and spiritual enlightenment from their pursuit.
The spiritual symbolism of the Flower of Life has also led to the use of this pattern in making jewelry pieces having healing benefits. Wearing this Flower of Life Pendant is considered to be helpful in connecting with the inner self, dissolving fears, creating sharper self-awareness and promoting a general sense of harmony and well-being. Considering its immense popularity, the symbol has even been generously used on posters, cards, prints, etc.
This deceptively simple Flower of Life pattern is symbolic of unity in diversity, and the inter-connectivity of everything that exists. Understanding it can help you discover your unlimited potential and connect with the divine power inside you.
About the Author:
My name is David Weitzman, and I’m a cosmic jewelry artisan. My biggest inspiration in jewelry design comes from the knowledge that with my art, I can touch the lives of people. My work takes the spiritual power of sacred symbols worldwide and geometry, to bring you to carry my sacred jewelry happiness, vitality, excitement and love. My jewels were painstakingly created to influence and consciously or unconsciously arouse inspiration in the lives of people.
