The use of shape to convey symbolic meaning is an ancient practice. The use of basic shapes is universal, carrying similar meaning across borders and cultures. Of note, is the symbolism used to convey metaphysical (occult) meaning in the movie ‘HIM’. Individually, each shape has a specific meaning. When combined, the synthesis of symbols elevates them to a higher context. Humankind, by observing the meanings implied by the shapes, can bring them into harmony via embodiment and exhibition of the implied symbolism.
Shape has always been part of the human experience. Shapes as a means to describe this or that. They also function as definitions, meanings and representation for concepts. Shapes, basic shapes, can be seen everywhere. That shapes are pervasive is evident of how they have been accessed for symbolic utilization. Humanity has employed shapes and symbols as tools for communication, as emblems for spiritual belief, and identification markers for various cultures. Across phases of human existence, from 100,000 years ago in early Africa to present day, shapes have been / are utilized with significance and regularity.
The meanings of basic shapes are transcendent. There is continuity in the meaning of basic shapes across different cultures. This reveals an inherent synchronicity that pervades the human psyche. The mind can see a shape and apply to it a meaning due to intuitiveness and based on cognitive visualization. All cultures have done and continue to do this with regard to shapes. Specifics of interpretation do not cloud the basics of the meaning that a shape can convey. That is to say, meaning for a shape may be expressed in terms particular to a certain practice or belief. Yet, simultaneously, the basic structural implications contained within that same shape can run parallel to those terms that reflect said specific practice or belief. In architecture, symbolism, art, shapes transmit deep meaning.
Shapes, as signs, as symbols, hold a special place in the Metaphysical World. The significance of the signs and symbols held relevance to those who had knowledge of the intended meaning. They were code that was used to keep those who had that special understanding safe from ostracization and persecution. The movie ‘HIM’ made use of the ‘Circle – Triangle – Square – Circle‘ symbol (The Philosopher’s Stone) which depicts or is indicative of the spiritual or alchemical journey. Sports is the vehicle utilized by the protagonist to journey from formless unity to the manifest world and back, representing the voyage of integrating spirit (triangle, mind (circle), and body (square). He emerged ‘reborn anew’ from the process.
In the movie ‘HIM’, the protagonist functions as a stylized portrayal of the Vitruvian Man. The original Vitruvian Man image contains a circle and a square within which a human, occupying a central position, functions as a point of unification. The movie makes use of this imagery by placing the protagonist inside of the metaphysical ‘circle – square – triangle – circle‘ symbol. The combination of these symbols indicate the concept of as above, so below. It also implies that things return to the locus from which they originated. Placing the human form inside of that symbol gives visual substance to the capacity for Mankind to embody their personal universal while expanding to cosmic proportions.
This imagery was a foreshadowing of the protagonist having the option to tread his own path by breaking free from a conscripted, mundane life course. Various symbolisms and images throughout the movie revealed that this man’s life was not his own. He was directed into pursuing football as the ultimate expression of his prowess, his manliness, his superhuman-ness. His abilities were a segue into the pre-prepared spotlight exposure which was not his choice, not really. The sacrificing of the doctor, another symbol, was a turning point in his journey. He eventually had to make the decision to follow the set course or to proceed upon along a path of liberated self-discovery.
The power of the human spirit – mind – body complex is revealed in symbolic structures that serve as roadways which point to cosmic unification. A stand-alone symbol that encapsulates an implied energy becomes more powerful when used in combination with other symbols. Various movies have over the years symbolically encoded subtext into the storylines, as demonstrated in the movie ‘HIM’. Symbols, per se, may hold a specific culture significance but their meaning is basically the same across cultures. The use of symbols is a present day practice that derives from antiquity; availing oneself of the meanings conveyed by symbols can provide much enrichment.
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