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THE EYE & THE FISH
The principle of the geometry involved
with this design has been seen on many occasions. It is situated within
the grounds of the original Cistercian Abbey, Coombe Abbey. Many
centuries later the famous Landscape Architect "Lancelot Capability
Brown" redesigned the grounds. The phenomenon could have two profound
representations involved in the design. The first possibility is the use
of the vessel of the Fish, or commonly known as the Vesica Piscis. It has
been seen for the last fourteen years, within countless formations, of
various sizes and complexities.
In 2004 we once again we witness this
principle, within this latest design. This surprising event, in an area
unknown to formations, shows the Vessel of the Fish in dramatic form,
demonstrating the importance of the meaning within our modern day
society. But what is the history to this mystical shape?
The meaning
The shape has profound symbolism in
history, and is the basic figure of sacred geometry and Architecture. It
is no coincidence that the design is indicating the magnified principle,
from the diagrams overlaying the formation. If the formation is
highlighting once again the message of the Vesica, then we have cause to
be becoming extremely excited.
The figure is not merely an example of
abstract geometry, as it occurs within the structure of nature itself. It
clearly represents the perfect equilibrium
between two equal forces. Within the
architecture and geometry of old, it was the interpenetrating worlds of
heaven and earth, spirit and matter. But of course the reason for its
emergence within religious circles, was the symbol of the Piscean age,
the figure associated with Jesus Christ. The reason for the Fish, can be
seen in the Grecian interpretation, which was a mystical word, under
which Christ was denominated, "E'o quod in hujus mortalitatis abysso,
velut in aquarum profunditate, sine peccato esse potuerit, quemadmodum
nihil salsedinis a marinis aquis pisci affricatur; That is, Because
in the unfathomed deep of this mortal life he could exist without sin,
even as a fish in the depths of the sea is not affected by its saltiness.
Two equal circles passing
through each other at their centres. The two circles also represent a
specific stage of the intermarriage of the Higher Self and the Lower
Self.
Alternative Masonic connection.
Its close proximity to the 12th century
Cistercian Abbey could also have some significance to its shape. St
Bernard of Clairvaux born in 1091 was probably the greatest champion of
the Knights Templars, and was one of the foremost political figures of
the medieval world. He officially recognized the Knights Templar as a
military and religious order. Basically the Templars were seen as the
"armed fists of the Cistercian monks".
The Cistercian
architecture owed everything to St Bernard, and he clearly was the master
builder of what are now the remains of his influence throughout Europe.
Under his direction nearly a hundred new monasteries were founded. But
his art was inseparable from the ethical system from which Bernard was
the new incarnation. One that he wished at all costs to impose on the
universe, and in the first instance on the monks of his order. But within
the Templar order, there were many secrets that were brought back from
the middle east, one that perhaps links this shape to the order? If this
indeed is not a fish, but perhaps an 'Eye' the all Seeing Eye, which has
echoes of the Egyptian connection, which the Templars brought back with
them from the crusades. This very symbol, through the Masonic lodges, was
to find its way onto the US dollar bill. Are we perhaps looking at a
clear Masonic connection here, the modern interpretation of a much older
and mystical shape, which we have discussed with two profound meanings?
Article by
Stuart Dike
Sources: Many thanks for Andrew
Sinclair’s personal support on the Masonic connection.
Also Georges Duby (L'art Cistercien) Paris
1976.
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