The Surprising Meanings of the Infinity Symbol The infinity symbol, also called the eternity
or forever symbol, is a highly recognizable icon, but where did it come from and why was
this particular image chosen to represent infinity? Here s a closer look at the history
and meaning of this intriguing symbol.
Origins of the Infinity Symbol The sideways eight that we now associate with
infinity has its origins in the world of mathematics. In 1655, mathematician John Wallis wanted
to represent the concept of infinity in his work and chose the sideways figure eight symbol
to do this. He may have got the idea from the Roman numeral for 1.000 CI? which looks
similar to the infinity symbol. This numeral can also mean many.
A similar symbol is found in the works of mathematician Leonhard Eule where he uses
a sideways eight symbol to indicate absolutus infinitus Latin for absolute infinity.
While the infinity symbol has changed in meaning and has found interpretations outside of mathematics,
its primary meaning hasn't changed. The idea of infinity is still the basic concept behind
the symbol, but it also holds various other meanings, making it quite a layered symbol.
Number 1: A Representation of the Ouroboros The circular shape of the two components that
make up the infinity symbol is seen by some mystics to resemble the ouroboros, the snake
that is represented as eating its own tail and thereby creating a circle. The ouroboros
is sometimes drawn in a similar way to the sideways eight of the infinity symbol as a
reflection of the mystics' belief in the eternal and infinite.
Number 2: Harmony and Balance The two circles coming together and uniting
have also been seen as representing two opposing people or forces coming together in harmony
and balance. It can also be interpreted as an interconnectedness between all things.
Number 3: Regeneration On a spiritual and metaphysical level, the
infinity symbol can carry the meaning of regeneration and eternal life after death. It can refer
to the boundless and unlimited capacity of God and the Divine.
Number 4: Kundalini Energy Within Hinduism, the infinity symbol can portray
the Kundalini energy, which is typically illustrated as a coiled serpent at the base of the spine.
It s also sometimes seen to represent the duality and unifying nature of male and female.
Number 5: The Christian God For Christians, the infinity symbol can indicate
God, who is eternal by nature. It can also be a reflection of the everlasting promises
God has made toward his people. Number 6: The Eternity of the Universe
Practitioners of yoga see the eternity symbol as one that indicates the unceasing existence
of the universe. There s no beginning or end, just an endless cycle of destruction and creation.
Everything within the cosmos is in continual motion. There is a oneness we have with the
universe and though we are individuals we also have an unbroken connection with one
another. Number 7: The Infinity Symbol as a Reflection
of the Number 8 Because of its likeness to the number 8, some
people have given the infinity symbol an added religious and spiritual meaning relating to
the number. In Hinduism, 8 represents the initiate, the
individual who s passed through the seven stages of spiritual awakening and the seven
heavens of Hindu theology. Therefore, the symbol can represent resurrection and renewal
as well as regaining lost Paradise. For the Chinese, 8 is an auspicious number
and so the infinity symbol takes on an interpretation of good luck and fortune.
Double Infinity Symbol If you come across a double infinity consisting
of two interwoven infinity symbols, it can depict the idea of two separate commitments
coming together as a single whole a unity of different ideas.
On a more romantic level, it can signify the vows two people have made to each other as
they unite in a relationship. Additionally, the double infinity symbol can reflect perfect
balance and harmony and the aesthetic value behind perfection.
Wrapping Up The infinity remains one of the most popular
symbols, not just in mathematics, but in everyday life. Although originally created as a mathematical
representation of an infinite number, the infinity symbol has been adopted outside of
mathematics and has gained a number of interpretations both spiritual and romantic over the past
400 years.
What does the infinity symbol mean to you? let us know in the comments below. If you
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