If you look for it, you’ll find this pattern everywhere. What exactly is the meaning of the spiral symbol? What does a spiral symbolize? It’s a building block of nature, an ancient symbol that conveys powerful messages. Learn about how you can use this in your 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. They are unique because we see them occurring in nature. Other universal typologies represent classic themes. The cross, the circle, and the triangle are among the most used human-made symbols. The hexagonal shape of the beehive is another such symbol.
“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. This 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
What Does a Spiral Symbolize?
The meaning of the spiral symbol can change depending on what you want it to convey. For example, if you experienced a devastating loss because of a hurricane, this symbol may evoke negative emotions. On the other hand, if the shape reminds you of walking on the beach with someone you love and finding a seashell with this shape, it may evoke 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. We also see the spiraling structure with 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. So, the meaning of the spiral symbol varies from culture to culture.
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. (4)
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. (5)
“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
Ask yourself, what does a spiral symbolize? Let your curiosity guide you. Chances are, you will be drawn to one type of spiral. Does it illest positive or negative emotions?
“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 Meaning of The Spiral Symbol
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. (6)
“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.
“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 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 (7). 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?
References
(1) List of spirals.
(2) The Twilight Zone Opening and Closing Theme Features the spiraling vortex and doors, creating spirals to open other dimensions.
(3) A Review of Transpersonal Theory and Its Application to the Practice of Psychotherapy.
(4) Spiral Structures of Neurons, Autapse-Induced Spiral Wave in Network of Neurons under Noise.
(5) Motion Law of Gravitation in Three-Dimensional Space and Its Influence on Star Distribution of Spiral Galaxy.
(6) Archaeological Investigations at a Wisconsin Petroglyph Site.
Chaco Canyon petroglyph may represent ancient total eclipse.
Australian Aboriginal Art Symbols and their Meanings:
(7) Fibonacci, Golden Ratio, and Vector Bundles.