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Infinity (lemniscate)

Related Terms
Shen
Ouroboros
Endless knot
Winged disk

Related Resources
Ritual Magick
Alchemy
The Tarot
 
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Alternative Religions Glossary
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The mathematical symbol for infinity is called the lemniscate. The infinity sign was devised in 1655 by mathemetician John Wallis, and named lemniscus (latin, ribbon) by mathemetician Bernoulli about forty years later.

The lemniscate is patterned after the device known as a mobius (named after a nineteenth century mathemetician Mobius) strip. A mobius strip is a strip of paper which is twisted and attached at the ends, forming an 'endless' two dimensional surface.

The religious aspect of the infinity symbol predates its mathematical origins. Similar symbols have been found in Tibetan rock carvings; and the ouroboros, or infinitysnake, is often depicted in this shape. In the tarot, it represents the balance of forces and is often associated with the magician card.

Related Symbols:

Ouroboros

Related resources:

  • Thelema
    The magick, beliefs, and history of of the Ordo Templi Orientis, an Esoteric magical order.
  • Rituals and resources
    Rituals, correspondence tables, and other useful information.


 


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