Why are magical symbols, circles of protection, pentagrams, etc. only two dimensional?

Question

Does that suggest that the spirit world only operates in two dimensions? It seems to me to suggest a lack of imagination on the part of the designer instead.

Answer 1

They're not.  Especially the pentagram which is a Tibetan Bon symbol.  It looks a little different in its original incarnation and each point contains a color because there are really five colors and five energies that run through all things (by the way "spirit" is not the fifth element). Anyone who says this is not the origin has no idea what its uses really are..  It is an energy amulet on which much of the Bon teachings are based.  The Bon Nag weren't big on writing things down--those who have copied it in its two dimensional form don't know how to read it in its three dimensional form.  That becomes apparent only after you have worked with the two dimesnional form.

Answer 2

That's just how the early superstitious pagans who first created them drew them. Do not expect too much artistic genius from witchdoctors and shamans. They are superstitious squiggles. They're just squares and circles that have had symbolism and imagery adopted to them over time. They're not "magic(k)al" or mystical. People had to make up meanings and other stuff to go with them, and these attributes have changed over time.

Answer 3

theres plenty of magical things that are 3 dimensional...  like an altar and a robe, wand.  obviously symbols are usually going to be 2 dimensional because, well they're symbols. and i guess it's easier for the person to draw?

Answer 4

your question kinda makes me angry..... it makes me think i am a demon or something even though i am not. i have been practiceing and learning those symbols.... so if u want to ask a question like this again make sure you wont hurt anyones feeling like mine!

Answer 5

Now, while I don't know much about all this (I like reading up, here and there, but don't "practice" anything myself), here's my question to you:

How, exactly, do you propose symbols are drawn, if not two dimensional? I think the lack of imagination is really on the observer...

If I were to draw a protection circle, I know I can only draw a circle, but I'm pretty sure I would be protected all around (like in the middle of a protective sphere)...

Answer 6

Actually, whilst it maybe called a circle of protection, these are usually three-D. Symbols too can be any dimensional, not just 2 or 3.

It doesn't show lack of imagination on the part of what you call the "designer", but maybe more of a lack of understanding the interpreter.

I am not at all offended by the question. I think it's an excellent question, I love being challenged so thank you for asking.

Answer 7

They are two-dimensional because humans have not yet learned to "draw" things in three dimensions. Think about it. What can you use to make a permanent (or semi-permanent) marking in the air or in water? (the only places a three-dimensional object is possible).

Most of the time, symbols, circles and pentagrams are drawn on paper, flat objects, or the ground. The surfaces of these objects are two-dimensional. Therefore, the symbols themselves couldn't be truly three-dimensional.

Now, if we're talking about perspective, that has only been around since the Rennaissance, and the ideas of the pentagram, magical symbols, and circles have been around way before that. Maybe it's just tradition that keeps people from depicting these symbols in three-dimensional perspective.

Answer 8

Okay, actually, circles of protection are 3 dimensional, at least the way I've read it. As above, so below. I always use a sphere, which is 3D. It can appear to be 2 dimensions if you look at a picture. As for pentagrams being two dimensional, it's just a physical representation of all the elements and the spirit realm, which, as you breath, bathe and live, do surround you and are mostly certainly in 3 dimensions.

Maybe you should research things before you judge them.