T H E   S Y M B O L I S M   O F   Y A N T R A S

PART 1   |   PART 2   |   PART 3   |   PART 4

PART 3
SQUARE - THE SUPPORT OF THE IMAGE AND ITS GATES
The square represents the most practical way of using space. It symbolizes a materialist attitude, stability, solidity, inertia as it is related to the subtle energy of the earth. The horizontal lines represent stability, while the vertical ones represent movement.

The square, consisting of two vertical and two horizontal lines, is consequently a balanced shape that does not impress too much. This is why it is the best shape that can be used as a frame or a support for the image of the yantra.

In this case, a T-shape is added to each side of the square, representing the "gates" of the yantra.

They are directed towards the four main cardinal points, which are differently placed as compared to the common maps, that is: the East upwards, the West is downwards, the South to the right and the North to the left.

Each of the eight directions of space is governed by gods and goddesses, the symbols of these energies are figured out from the square frame. When the square is rotated, it receives dynamic aptitudes.

HOW TO USE A YANTRA
Hang the yantra on the wall so that its center is at the level of your eyes when you are sitting. Sit on a chair or stay in a meditation pose, keeping your spine straight. Keep the yantra at 1-1.5 m distance. Relax as much as possible and remove any superfluous thoughts from your mind. Look at the entire drawing focusing on its center.

Perceive the yantra as a gate through which we can get in touch with its subtle reality. For example, the yantra of a Great Cosmic Power connects us to the energy manifested by that Great Cosmic Power.

THE HARMONY OF THE WHOLE IN THE STAR WITH 6 VERTEXES
The star with 6 vertexes, known in the West as the Star of David, is formed by overlapping a triangle pointing downwards over a triangle pointing upwards. The triangle pointing downwards represents the feminine aspect, manifestation, the Earth. The one pointing upwards represents the masculine aspect, the cosmic, spiritual energies, the Sky.

The star with 6 vertexes symbolizes a state of balance between the opposite aspects, the union of what is "above" with what is "below", the harmony of the Sky with the Earth, of the spiritual level with the material one.

THE LOTUS PETALS
The lotus petals from a yantra are usually figured inside a circle, which in turn, is placed inside the square frame.

The representations of the lotuses with 12 petals are related to the Sun and to the 12 horoscope signs. The ones with 16 petals symbolize the 16 phases of the moon (nitya) or the energetic quantum (kala).

If the number of the petals is 8, it symbolizes the limited human being, characterized by 8 fundamental aspects: the 5 basic elements (ether, air, fire, water, earth) to which the mind, the intellect and ego are added.

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