Design Metaphysics: The Octad

The eight-sided polygon known as an octagon, signifies harmony and resonance. The intersection and relationship of two overlapping squares creates an eight-pointed star symbolized by the sun, i.e. the star that represents the center of our solar system. The sun is an energy source that is continuously regenerating itself every moment. The sun exemplifies change.

The eightfold pattern repeatedly vibrates in sympathy within the source of its own frequency. The octad is structured about the parameters of an even greater network.* The sun represents the beginnings of a new source being "formed" within a field of greater complexity. The sun is perceived as a keynote and single point of origin. 

The sun is a source of harmony, a symbol of energy in motion, an involuntary force finding its own equilibrium within the infinity of the cosmos. The sun takes on the form of a nucleus and at the center of a system of energy that harbors a complex mathematical geometry. Multiple configurations and patterns of energy in motion are in perpetual transition and transformation as they swirl about this central core of attraction. 

The image of the sun symbolizes the notion that there are certain vibratory frequencies that appear to harmonize (resonate) to frequencies that parallel the sun's own attributes and qualities. Together these frequencies create patterns and networks of their own while stewing within a cosmic soup of energy in motion. Certain vibrational impressions attract, others repel in an  orchestration of what has been interpreted by Pythagoras as a harmony of the cosmos and the spheres.
* It is important to realize that the formation of an octad appears in every dimension and at every scale.

The final eighth note is sounded to complete every octave. The final note finishes the scale while retaining reference to its original context. The last note represents the beginning of a new octave. This position is made apparent in reference to its frequency or pitch. Every note remains sympathetic to an original blueprint while still bringing into expression to an identity all its own. These are the elements that give expression to an arrangement of notes (vibration) seeking harmony and fulfillment.

What appears to be the end of one scale (density) is actually the beginning of another. The completion of one phase remains impossible if not for the sounding of the final note. The octad represents the natural ending of one level of consciousness (dimension) and the entrance into another. Cyclic in character, periodic in expression and symbolic of major change are the principles that underlie the expression of eight-ness.

The design of the octad resonates to the division of a cell and its relationship to the body. The original eight cells remain identical during the process of conception, a pattern commonly shared by all forms of life (Egg of Life). Here is where eight cells form to become the cube.

The Egg of Life is the name given to the second iteration in the process of construction of the Flower of Life. Therefore, it contains 7+6=13 circles as shown in Figure 1. This figure surely can be translated to three dimensions in several ways. 

Source: Sacred Geometry

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Eight-ness was significant to Pythagoras who prescribed The Law of Octaves because it represented the first polygon that embraced the concept of a musical ratio. The family of eight is also significantly expressed in the Periodic Table of the Elements, atomic properties, the DNA-RNA “dialogue”, phases of the moon, Buckminster Fuller’s Synergetic-Energetic geometry and the I Ching.

This original eight-cell formation creates the base octave from which all other cells experience their life cycles by changing every five to seven years. Located in the center of the body and growing 360 degrees eight cells become sixteen thereby creating the next level of complexity. At this point further cellular symmetry is no longer possible and individual life forms begin to take on their own identifiable shapes.

There is a close relationship between the heptad and the octad. What appears to harbor chaos, diversity and a virtual world of potential and probability  the heptad becomes resolved by a single note indicating the beginning of a new direction and/or reality. A single note harbors the potential to end and finalize the past while still remaining sympathetic to a greater singularity, e.g. the Tao.

Eight-fold consciousness exemplifies both the intensity and flexibility required for change. Harmony is sympathetic to the expression of every substance that contributes to the greater whole. Listen to any symphony to understand the basic eight-fold concept of resonance, sympathy and harmony.

The eight-fold octad describes the formation of an autonomous system of energy in motion. Where the pentad symbolically begins what might be considered an identifiable consciousness, the octad finalizes the process by bringing this awareness to completion through substantiation (form). The eighth note encapsulates a certain awareness that can be discovered in the four elements of earth, air, fire and water.

The summation of four plus four being eight is brought to completion in the octad. Points reach out and a sense of stability is expressed in its two formative squares (duality). 

There appears to be a harmonious balance between the known and the unknown. The octave describes and in sense substantiates, the symbolic middle ground.

Consciousness is contained within a scale of limitations yet aspires to reach beyond these constraints, especially when the complementary square is discovered to be in the shape of a diamond. Central to both squares is a common field where every design takes place. Understanding can be found in this state of awareness where experience is balanced and absorbed within the formative concepts of meaning and purpose (design). The octagon begins to approach the perfection of a circle and in many cultures has been described as the wheel of transformation.

- CODEF19

- Sacred Geometry

- Egg of Life Meaning

- EGG OF LIFE: From the seed of Life

- Sacred Geometery Art, Symbols & Meanings

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Edited: 11.28.2013, 01.19.2014, 01.11.2017, 03.30.2017, 09.11.2019, 02.26.2023, 10.01.2024, 10.06.2024

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