Sacred spirals in spirituality symbolize the cyclical nature of life. It is a common theme across cultures worldwide. What is the spiritual meaning of the spiral symbol? You find it everywhere in nature. Learn how you can use this powerful symbolism on your spiritual path.
The circular vortex shape is a universal typology. It conveys a variety of concepts. In some cultures, it represents the spiritual journey. This corkscrew shape is often used for concepts like energy and time. Typologies can evoke deep and sometimes unconscious responses, which trigger deep emotions, such as fear.
Scared Geometry Spiral Meaning
Like any other geometric shape, the spiral has a specific formula that dictates its structure. The center or nucleus and the line which winds away is the tail. The formula is based on a logarithm spiral equation.
A spiral or helix is a plane curve that expands constantly based on the initial conditions of the polar coordinates. Unlike parallel lines with fixed distances, polar coordinates give a point and angle, which determine the growth. A spiral begins from a point and moves farther away as it expands outward.
There are several kinds of spirals: (1) starting with a basic circle and increasing in complexity through the helix, corkscrew, logarithmic, golden, or Fibonacci spiral. Each of these is found in various artifacts around the world. Each culture gives the sacred geometry spiral meaning.
When this shape appears in dreams, it is often a portal to another dimension. This icon is a part of the culture, as exemplified by the TV show The Twilight Zone from 1959 featured spirals and the opening of different dimensions. You can watch the opening and closing themes on YouTube. (2)
Spirals are just one of the iconic typology symbols. Their presence in nature sets them apart, highlighting their distinctiveness. Other universal typologies represent classic themes. The cross, the circle, and the triangle are among the most used human-made symbols. Another such symbol is the hexagonal shape of the beehive.
The spiral symbol is an archetypal symbol that represents cosmic force. ― Carl Jung
Many ancient traditions use the spiraling form as a central point. The shape suggests a moving labyrinth. The symmetric growth of the form leads to or from the Source. Even as a solid form in rock, it appears to be moving. It is often considered one of the first uses of the symbol for what we know today as psychotherapy. (3)
When the symbols are ‘public’ they usually act in an oblique manner, revealing themselves as archetypal symbols, which, though familiar, have their central meanings obscured as is usual in esoteric imagery. — Kenneth Coutts-Smith
The Spiritual Meaning of the Spiral Symbol in Culture
Many sacred spirals in spirituality represent the path to enlightenment. They convey several important benchmarks on the path of spiritual development. Like many spiritual icons, spirals in religious art often contain multiple layers of meaning. The symbol of a spiral holds various meanings across different cultures and contexts. It often represents spiritual energy and the spiritual path.
1. Growth
A spiral starts small and expands outward, symbolizing development and progress. This idea of growth is prevalent in ancient Celtic and Hindu cultures, where the spiral is used to depict the spiritual journey of life and personal evolution.
2. Expansion of Knowledge
Sacred spirals in spirituality are often used to symbolize expansion. In many Native American and Celtic traditions, the spiral also signifies expansion. As the spiral grows, it illustrates the broadening of knowledge and awareness, reflecting how individuals and societies expand their understanding.
3. The Cycle of Life
Spirals are often found in relation to the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. This cyclical nature is recognized in Native American, Celtic, and various African cultures, where the spiral is used to show the continuous loop of existence.
4. Connection
Connection is another key spiritual meaning of the spiral symbol in culture. It represents the interconnectedness of all things in the universe, a concept embraced by Native American and Aboriginal cultures. The spiral’s endless loop signifies how everything is linked, from the smallest atom to the vast cosmos.
5. Evolution and Change
Change is inherent in the spiral’s design, with its continuous movement symbolizing the ever-evolving nature of life. This idea is significant in Native American and Celtic cultures, where the spiral is used to depict the constant state of flux in the world.
6. Balance of Energies
Lastly, the spiral represents balance, with its inward and outward movements illustrating the harmony of opposing forces. This balance is a common theme in Native American, Celtic, and African cultures, where the spiral is used to show the equilibrium between distinct elements of life. The sacred spiral in spirituality is a symbol of balance and harmony.
Spiral symbols can be found around the world. They appear in nature, such as in the structure of snail shells, pine cones, and the whorls of fingerprints. (4) They are also present in man-made structures, like the Dean’s Staircase at St. Paul’s Cathedral, the exterior and interior of the Guggenheim Museum in New York, and the Vatican Museum’s spiral staircase. Spirals are seen in ancient art from Stone-Age Europe, the Near East, pre-dynastic Egypt, Peru, China, and the Maori and Polynesian societies in the Pacific.
The Spiral Labyrinth
Spiral labyrinths can be found in various locations around the world, often serving as places for meditation, reflection, and spiritual journeys. One of the most famous spiral labyrinths is located at Chartres Cathedral in France, which dates back to the early 13th century (5). Many walk this labyrinth, seeking a meditative experience.
In the United States, spiral labyrinths can be found in places like the Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, California, and the Spiral Labyrinth in Ringwood, Illinois. These labyrinths are designed for personal reflection and are often used in spiritual practices.
Additionally, spiral labyrinths are present in natural settings, such as the one at the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge in Arizona (6). These labyrinths blend with the natural landscape, providing a serene environment for contemplation.
The spiritual meaning of the spiral symbol in culture is often individualized. You can change its meaning and function depending on individual beliefs and circumstances. For example, if you experienced a devastating loss because of a hurricane, this symbol may evoke negative emotions. Or, the shape might remind you of walking on the beach with someone you love and finding a seashell with this shape, so it evokes positive feelings.
A circle is the reflection of eternity. It has no beginning, and it has no end – and if you put several circles over each other, then you get a spiral. — Maynard James Keenan
This iconic spiraling shape appears in nature and is the first art form of ancient cultures. It can stand alone, as in many ancient cave paintings and carvings. However, the spiraling structure is also accompanied by other symbols, characters, and images that make up themes and icons that embody universal meaning. The shape and its prevalence in art and nature make it immediately recognizable.
It is common for people to see this swirling vortex when they close their eyes. Some researchers think it could be a sign this symbol is embedded in our psychic structure. (7)
We can use a pattern as a focal point for everything from meditation and contemplation to energy collection and hypnosis. The hypnotic effect of this shape is no accident. It suggests that this pattern is part of the structure of memory.
The shape is a powerful force beyond the mind. Our galaxy and many other celestial forms are moving spirals. (8)
The spiral in a snail’s shell is the same mathematically as the spiraling of the Milky Way galaxy, and it’s also the same mathematically as the spirals in our DNA. It’s the same ratio that you’ll find in very basic music that transcends cultures all over the world. — Joseph Gordon-Levitt
The meaning of the spiral symbol in culture transcends religious boundaries. You can find a meaning that resonates with you and which conjures positive emotions or energy.
What is more of a symbol of eternal growth and change than the Goddess? The eternal spiral of creation. Coiled like a serpent, our Shakti energy sits, waiting to be awakened within all of us. ― Emma Mildon, Evolution of Goddess: A Modern Girl’s Guide to Activating Your Feminine Superpowers
Harnessing the Power of Sacred Spirals In Spirituality
Since this shape is a fundamental building block, it makes sense to use this pattern to express and convey important messages and themes. Nature does the same thing, from flowers to the Nautilus Shell. We can spot this symbol in the swirling energy vortex of storms and tornados.
These examples in nature help us recognize the importance of this structure. Could it be because we are on this tiny planet whirling around one of 100 billion suns in a spinning spiral galaxy?
A circle is the reflection of eternity. It has no beginning, and it has no end – and if you put several circles over each other, then you get a spiral. ― Maynard James Keenan
1) Make it Your Own
Make this symbol your own. Draw it, look for it. See it when you close your eyes. You can find this marvelous corkscrew form in the art of almost all cultures, from ancient primitive rock carvings on all continents to today’s corporate logos. They show up in Celtic art, Native American petroglyphs, Nazca earthworks, Arabic architecture, Japanese rock gardens, Hindu spiritual texts, Australian aboriginal paintings, and African art. (9)
The Earth is alive and contains the knowledge you seek. It is your consciousness that determines what it reveals. How to access this knowledge? And where are the keys to open it and make it yours? The Earth speaks. Love her, honor and respect her and she will reveal her secrets. — Barbara Marciniak
No single religious or political group can claim exclusive rights to the shape. The meaning of the spiral symbol is universal. It is used in shamanic practices to facilitate entrance into the dreamlike state of Shamanic Consciousness. Hypnotists use this form to induce a similar trance-like state.
Because this shape is so common, it remains nonsectarian. In this way, it belongs to everyone as our cosmic connection. Some consider this a symbol of the ultimate spiritual journey. It also represents the evolutionary process of learning and growing. Life doesn’t proceed in a straight line but in a spiral.
2) Create Your Own Meaning and Rituals
Create your own ritual to focus on the power of this symbol. For example, walking in a labyrinth is a tradition in many cultures. Create your spiral labyrinth with stones. Many cultures use this exercise to symbolize the inward journey. Some are large enough that waking them creates a hypnotic effect. It is part of a psycho-spiritual process for centering consciousness. Many spiritual practices use the sacred spirals in spirituality as a focal point.
Create your own myths; that is how the gods got started. — Stanislaw Jerzy Lec
Create artwork using this archetypal symbol as inspiration. Let the shape guide your intuition and discover your cosmic connection. Behold the power and mystery of the sacred spiral. Have a Reiki healing session. The healer will use the spiral in several forms as a part of many healing techniques.
Learning about the mathematical precision of this form is one of the most powerful ways to discover which helix structure resonates with you. What does a spiral symbolize when you draw it or make a three-dimensional form from clay? As you are making your art, allow your intuition to guide you.
You can find spiral jewelry in necklaces, earrings, or key chains. Wear one to remind yourself of the spiraling cosmic energy of our universe. Use it as a reminder to engage in your spiritual practice.
Fibonacci Sequence & Golden Ratio
This is perhaps one of the most recognizable spiral shapes. It follows the geometrically expanding proportion known in mathematics as the Fibonacci numbers or the Golden Ratio (10). Some call it an equiangular and geometrical spiral. It is a precise mathematical progression in which the radius angle increases at the same rate as its polar angle.
Energy moves in cycles, circles, spirals, vortexes, whirls, pulsations, waves, and rhythms rarely if ever in simple straight lines. — Starhawk
We may not understand the geometry, but almost everyone can spot the symmetry of this shape. We can tell if it is in perfect alignment without measuring. Our ability to identify with precision speaks to our cosmic connection with this symbol. Try it yourself. Find a picture of a spiral. See if it flows in a perfect progression.
Pick up a pinecone and count the spiral rows of scales. You may find eight spirals winding up to the left and 13 spirals winding up to the right, or 13 left and 21 right spirals, or other pairs of numbers. The striking fact is that these pairs of numbers are adjacent numbers in the famous Fibonacci series. — Stuart Kauffman
In Conclusion
Develop your own meaning for this incredible symbol. Make it your own. The symbol’s meaning is almost limitless, and it’s likely why it is prolific in many ancient cultures. There’s no doubt about the utility and power of this archetype symbol. But it is readily available and easy to create. We can put it into motion with the turn of our hands. What does a spiral symbolize in your life? Sacred spirals in spirituality provide a focal point for meditation and visualization that can alter awareness and bring us peace.
References
(1) List of spirals.
(2) The Twilight Zone Opening and Closing Theme features a spiraling vortex and doors, creating spirals that open to other dimensions.
(3) A Review of Transpersonal Theory and Its Application to the Practice of Psychotherapy.
(4) The ancient enigma that still resonates today. www.bbc.com
(5) Labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral
(6) Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. fsw.gov
(7) Spiral Structures of Neurons, Autapse-Induced Spiral Wave in Network of Neurons under Noise.
(8) Motion Law of Gravitation in Three-Dimensional Space and Its Influence on Star Distribution of Spiral Galaxy
(9) Archaeological Investigations at a Wisconsin Petroglyph Site.
Chaco Canyon petroglyph may represent an ancient total eclipse.
Australian Aboriginal Art Symbols and their Meanings:
(10) Fibonacci, Golden Ratio, and Vector Bundle