The Monad symbol meaning kicks off the numerical archetypes by representing the number one. Each pure number, in its innate abstraction, has an archetype, a story to tell, a character that it brings to every countable instance and scene of calculation. Internalizing the often-forgotten numerical archetypes can give one a deeper intuition about nature and the world around us. Sometimes, math too.
What we call “unity” in math is the number one, also known as x/x, and by many other names. Mathematicians know how many infinite different ways we can write “one”.. since it’s often needed to find an equivalent form of an expression. Unity is the number we can multiply or divide by to preserve identity (i.e. 5 x 1 = 5, 34/1=34.)
The Monad in numerical archetype construction is simply a perfect circle. A circle is drawn freehand, traced, or using a compass. Because a circle is defined as a set of points all equal distance away from its center, drawing a circle with a compass gives the best connection with its meaning. (Unless of course, you are well-practiced enough to draw a very fine freehand circle, such as Giotto of the 13th century..)
Monas Hieroglyphica
There is a more complex symbol called the Monas Hieroglyphica. The Monas Hieroglyphica, created by occultist John Dee in 1565, incorporates a variety of astrological symbols to represent “oneness” or “everythingness.” His exact explanation is a bit debated, and you can read his full theorems about the Monas Hieroglyphica here.
Monad Symbol Meaning: The Whole, Never-ending Cycle
To internalize a numerical archetype we really need no tools, but only to observe nature. So let me simply point out where you may want to direct your attention.
The number one as described here already has a bit in common with water. In Feng Shi, The shape of a circles, oval, dark blue and black, or anything with curves and waves is associated with the element of water. But 0 can also represent water, and 1 represents the element of wood or water. Also, odd numbers are Yang and therefore represent masculine elements, while even numbers are Yin. When do we start counting, 0 or 1?
What we would like to represent is the seed of all other numbers. An empty expanse that all other shapes can fit into. Any regular polygon can actually be inscribed in the circle, and it represents the empty template that starts off creation.
“One-ness” can also invoke the archetype of paradise, heaven, eternity, or enlightenment. People often try to “unify” .. all modes of thought into one, in physics, the search for a unified field theory, in theology, all beliefs into one, in philosophy, whatever it is they try to do. However we don’t need to “return” to one-ness because it already is. The seeking of paradise is the denial of its pervasiveness. We fragment into stages of cycles just to apprecate the endlessness.. examples:
Monad Symbol Meaning Examples
For more circles in nature, you may see encircled bubbles, flowerheads, and seedpods. The all “choose” the circle or spherical shape as a matter of efficiency. It is clear from examination that a circle is the shape that maximizes area per perimeter. Likewise, a sphere maximizes volume per surface area. So nature’s calculator uses this when it would like a minimized interface and maximum enclosure.
Circles in Logos to Entrance Us
Nasa, Pepsi, ABC, Spotify, Pinterest, Beats, Dell, Bayer, General Electric, HP, Motorola, Proctor & Gamble, CBS, Mercedes.. even ones that have a few shapes of logos usually have a circular version. Of course, there are only so many shapes to choose from. But in psychology, the radial circles draw our minds in. Like the hypnotic swing of a pendulum, our eyes want to find the center of the pattern.
Circles in Cycles
Many processes in nature are described as cycles without a clear beginning or end. We have water cycle in which water evaporates and condenses, while traveling through air and ground. Formation of rocks undergo progressing subduction from the Earth’s core, melting, cooling, pressurization, and release. Everything on Earth is recycled from its beginning, (or else pummeled here from meteors).
So circles also open up time, which can be seen as having no beginning or end. This is why calendars and clocks are best built on circles. Now we have rectangular calendars which don’t always confer this appreciation of a cyclic nature.
A Blurred Many As One
To see a multi-segmented cycle as a singular process, think of a turning wheel with defined spokes. When it is turning fast enough, we only see a disc.
Those with ceiling fans are also familiar with its slowing and speeding up. Slowly the image morphs from distinct blades into a single blurry disc.
Monad Oneness Archetype Significance
Constructing a circle is simple and you don’t need a compass. You can use a skewer, needle, or anything with a point, with a marker or pencil tied to it. The length of the string provides the radius. And so, even on a deserted island you can draw a nice circle in the sand using a stick and a piece of vine.
If you practice drawing circles or picking them out in nature, you can remember these principles of its numerical archetype. The monad symbol meaning encompasses a silent force of creation and production of space. Cycles all follow a circular progression and nature optimizes space when it makes physical circles. And in math, we pull a “one” out of thin air to transform expressions.
My numerical archetypes series posts are based out of Michael Schneider’s book, a Beginner’s Guide to Constructing the Universe.
