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The Tetractys Symbol

This page is about the meaning, origin and characteristic of the symbol, emblem, seal, sign, logo or flag: The Tetractys Symbol.

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The tetractys (Greek: τετρακτύς), or tetrad, is a triangular figure consisting of ten points arranged in four rows: one, two, three, and four points in each row, which is the geometrical representation of the fourth triangular number. As a mystical symbol, it was very important to the secret worship of the Pythagoreans.

The first four numbers symbolize the harmony of the spheres and the Cosmos as: Unity, Dyad - Power - Limit/Unlimit (peras/apeiron), Harmony & Kosmos.

The four rows add up to ten, which was unity of a higher order (The Dekad).

The Tetractys symbolizes the four elements — fire, air, water, and earth.

The Tetractys represented the organization of space:

the first row represented zero-dimensions (a point)

the second row represented one-dimension (a line of two points)

the third row represented two-dimensions (a plane defined by a triangle of three points)

the fourth row represented three-dimensions (a tetrahedron defined by four points)

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Graphical characteristics:
Symmetric, Closed shape, Colorful, Contains both straight and curved lines, Has crossing lines.

Category: Religious Symbols.

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Religious symbolism is the use of symbols, including archetypes, acts, artwork, events, or natural phenomena, by a religion. Religions view religious texts, rituals, and works of art as symbols of co… read more »

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    "The Tetractys Symbol." Symbols.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 22 Dec. 2024. <https://www.symbols.com/symbol/the-tetractys-symbol>.

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