1. Home
  2. Religion & Spirituality
  3. Alternative Religions
Infinity symbol (lemniscate)
 
Related Terms
Hexagram
Pentagram
Ouroboros
Endless knot

Related Resources
Hermetic Tradition
Freemasonry
Templars
The Tarot

Glossaries 
Symbol Glossary
Alternative Religions Glossary
Glossary of Magick and the Occult
 

Dictionary of Symbols

The mathematical symbol for infinity is known as the lemniscate. It was devised in 1655 by mathemetician John Wallis, and named lemniscus, ribbon, by Bernoulli about forty years later. The symbol is patterned after the device known as a mobius (named after a nineteenth century mathemetician) strip. A mobius strip is a strip of paper which is twisted and attached at the ends, forming a two dimensional surface.

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

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.

Explore Alternative Religions

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Religion & Spirituality
  3. Alternative Religions

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.