The Flower of Life is the modern name given to a geometrical figure composed of multiple evenly-spaced, overlapping circles, that are arranged so that they form a flower-like pattern with a sixfold symmetry like a hexagon. The center of each circle is on the circumference of six surrounding circles of the same diameter.

It is considered by some to be a symbol of sacred geometry, said to contain ancient, religious value depicting the fundamental forms of space and time. In this sense, it is a visual expression of the connections life weaves through all sentient beings, believed to contain a type of Akashic Record of basic information of all living things.

There are many spiritual beliefs associated with the Flower of Life; for example, depictions of the five Platonic Solids are found within the symbol of Metatron's Cube, which may be derived from the Flower of Life pattern. These platonic solids are geometrical forms which are said to act as a template from which all life springs.

Another notable example of that which may be derived from the Flower of Life is the Tree of Life. This has been an important symbol of sacred geometry for many people from various religious backgrounds. Particularly, the teachings of the Kabbalah have dealt intricately with the Tree of Life.

According to Drunvalo Melchizedek, in the Judeo-Christian tradition, the stages which construct the Seed of Life are said to represent the seven days of Creation, in which Elohim (God/concept of divinity) created life; Genesis 2:2-3, Exodus 23:12, 31:16-17, Isaiah 56:6-8. Within these stages, among other things, are the symbols of the Vesica Piscis (an ancient religious symbol) and Borromean rings (which represents the Holy Trinity).

The "Seed of Life" is formed from seven circles being placed with sixfold symmetry, forming a pattern of circles and lenses, which acts as a basic component of the Flower of Life's design.

According to some[who?], the Seed of Life is a symbol depicting the seven days of creation in which God created life; Genesis 2:2-3, Exodus 23:12, 31:16-17, Isaiah 56:6-8. The first day is believed to be the creation of the Vesica Piscis, then the creation of the Tripod of Life on the second day, followed by one sphere added for each subsequent day until all seven spheres construct the Seed of Life on the sixth day of Creation. The seventh day is the day of rest, known as the "Sabbath" or "Shabbat."

In the 13th century, a Cabalist group from France succeeded, through geometric interpretation, in dividing the entire Hebrew alphabet into an order using the Seed of Life. The resulting alphabet was remarkably similar to that of the Religious sage Rashi who wrote his commentaries on the Old Testament at that time in France.

Spherical octahedron

The first step in forming the Seed of Life (or Flower of Life) is to begin with a circle

According to some religious beliefs, the first step in building the Seed of Life was the creation of the octahedron by a divine "creator" (or "god"). The next step was for the creator to spin the shape on its axes. In this way a sphere is formed (see diagram). The creator's consciousness is said to exist within the sphere and the only thing that physically exists is the membrane of the sphere itself. This "first step" is not to be confused with the "first day," the latter being in reference to the seven days of creation.
 

The vesica piscis

The Vesica Piscis is formed from two intersecting circles of the same diameter, where the center of each circle is on the circumference of the opposite circle. Its design is one of the simplest forms of sacred geometry. It has been depicted around the world at sacred sites, most notably at the Chalice Well in Glastonbury, England [29], and has been the subject of mystical speculation at several periods of history. One of the earliest known occurrences of the Vesica Piscis, and perhaps first, was among the Pythagoreans, who considered it a holy figure.

According to some religious beliefs, the Vesica Piscis represents the second stage in the creation of the Seed of Life, in that it was constructed by "the Creator" (or "God") through the creation of a second Spherical Octahedron joined with the first. It is said that the Creator's consciousness began inside the first sphere and journeyed outside the surface of that sphere to create the second. Purportedly in reference to this, the Old Testament refers to "the spirit of the Creator floating upon the face of the waters."

Continuing with these beliefs, God is said to have created light through the creation of the second sphere (or Vesica Piscis). "Let there be light" is a relevant excerpt from the Old Testament. The pattern of the Vesica Piscis is said to be a geometric formula which represents the electromagnetic spectrum of light. For further information on how this can be done, see Drunvalo Melchizedek's book, The Ancient Secret of The Flower of Life.

The Vesica Piscis has been called a symbol of the fusion of opposites and a passageway through the world’s apparent polarities. It has also been noted as the geometry for the human eye. It is also known to be the basis for the Ichthys fish, which is a Christian symbol representing "The Son," Jesus Christ.

Tripod of Life / Borromean rings

The "Tripod of Life" (also known as "Borromean rings") is formed from a third circle being added to the Vesica Piscis, where the third circle's center point is placed at the intersection of the first two circles' circumferences. To some, it represents the mind, body, and spirit. Most notably, in (Christian) religion, the Tripod of Life symbolizes the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit of the Holy Trinity. On the East Coast of the United States, the symbol is often known as "Ballantine rings" referring to the logo of the Ballantine Brewery.

Tube Torus
The geometric figure of a Tube Torus represented by the Seed of Life.

A basic one dimensional depiction of the "Tube Torus" shape is formed by ratcheting the Seed of Life and duplicating the lines in its design. In Physics, the Tube Torus is considered a basic structure in the study of Vortex forms. Some say the Tube Torus contains a code of vortex energy that describes light and language in a unique way, perhaps as something of an Akashic Record.

Egg of Life

The "Egg of Life" symbol is composed of seven circles taken from the design of the Flower of Life.

The shape of the Egg of Life is said to be the shape of a multi-cellular embryo in its first hours of creation.

Derived from the Egg of Life is the basis for the following geometrical figures.

* Cube - One of the platonic solids.
* Tetrahedron - One of the platonic solids.
* Star Tetrahedron - Much like the Jewish Star of David.

Fruit of Life
Fruit-of-Life Stages

The "Fruit of Life" symbol is composed of 13 circles taken from the design of the Flower of Life.

The Fruit of Life is said to be the blueprint of the universe, containing the basis for the design of every atom, molecular structure, life form, and everything in existence. It contains the geometric basis for the delineation of Metatron's Cube, which brings forth the platonic solids. If each circle's centre is considered a "node", and each node is connected to each other node with a single line, a total of seventy-eight lines are created, forming a type of cube (Metatron's Cube).

See : Metatron's Cube

Tree of Life
The Tree of Life derived from the Flower of Life.

The symbol of the Tree of Life may be derived from the Flower of Life. The Tree of Life is a mystical concept, a metaphor for common descent, and a motif in various world theologies and philosophies.[38] This mystical concept has historically been adopted by some Christians, Jews, Hermeticists, and pagans.[39] Along with the Seed of Life it is believed to be part of the geometry that parallels the cycle of the fruit tree. This relationship is implied when these two forms are superimposed upon each other.

The Tree of Life is most widely recognized as a mystical concept within the Kabbalah, which is used to understand the nature of God and the manner in which He created the world ex nihilo (out of nothing). The Kabbalists developed this concept into a full model of reality, using the tree to depict a "map" of creation. The tree of life has been called the "cosmology" of the Kabbalah.

Some believe the Tree of Life of Kabbalah corresponds to the Tree of Life mentioned in Genesis 2:9.

Sacred geometry (Platonic Solids) is geometry used in the design of sacred architecture and sacred art. The basic belief is that geometry and mathematical ratios, harmonics and proportion are also found in music, light, and cosmology. This value system has been found even in human prehistory and is considered by some to be a cultural universal of the human condition. Sacred geometry is foundational to the building of sacred structures such as temples, mosques, megaliths, monuments and churches; sacred spaces such as altars, temenoi and tabernacles; meeting places such as sacred groves, village greens and holy wells and the creation of religious art, iconography and using "divine" proportions. Sacred geometry-based arts may also be ephemeral, such as found in sandpainting and medicine wheels.