- Pythagorean Theorem: A fundamental principle in geometry attributed to Pythagoras, stating that in a right-angled triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides.
- Sacred Geometry: A field of study that explores the patterns, shapes, and geometric proportions found in nature, and how these relate to philosophical and metaphysical ideas of universal order and harmony.
- Geocentric Model: The ancient belief that Earth is at the center of the universe and that all celestial bodies revolve around it. It was widely accepted before the heliocentric model gained prominence.
- Heliocentric Model: The astronomical model developed by Copernicus, which positions the Sun at the center of the solar system, with the Earth and other planets orbiting around it.
- Tropical Zodiac: A system of astrology based on the Earth’s seasonal cycles, rather than the fixed positions of constellations. It is the basis for Western astrology today.
- Sidereal Zodiac: A form of astrology based on the actual positions of the stars and constellations in the sky, more common in Vedic (Hindu) astrology.
- Platonic Solids: The five regular, convex polyhedra with identical faces and angles. These solids—tetrahedron, cube, octahedron, dodecahedron, and icosahedron—were seen as the building blocks of the universe in Platonic and Pythagorean cosmology.
- Harmony of the Spheres: A Pythagorean concept describing the idea that the planets move according to mathematical equations, which correspond to musical notes, creating a form of cosmic harmony.
- Tetractys: A triangular figure consisting of ten points arranged in four rows. It symbolizes the relationship between numbers and the universe, representing the progression from unity (the Monad) to multiplicity.
- Monad: In Pythagorean thought, the Monad represents the number one, symbolizing unity and the origin of all existence.
- Dyad: The number two, representing duality, opposition, or contrast, often symbolizing the creation of the material world.
- Triad: The number three, symbolizing harmony and balance, often seen as resolving the opposites of the Dyad into a unified whole.
- Dodecahedron: One of the Platonic Solids with twelve pentagonal faces, associated with the element Aether in Pythagorean and Platonic cosmology. It symbolizes the universe’s invisible structure.
- Platonic Year (Great Year): The period of time it takes for the equinoxes to complete a full cycle through the zodiac, approximately 25,920 years. This movement is known as the Precession of the Equinoxes.
- Timaeus: One of Plato’s dialogues that describes the creation of the universe, heavily influenced by Pythagorean cosmology. It introduces the idea of the Demiurge and the World Soul.
- Demiurge: In Platonic philosophy, a divine craftsman responsible for shaping the universe according to the eternal forms or archetypes.
- World Soul: In Pythagorean and Platonic cosmology, the World Soul is the intermediary between the eternal, divine realm (the Forms) and the material world, animating and organizing the universe.
- Precession of the Equinoxes: The gradual shift of the Earth’s rotational axis, causing the positions of stars and constellations to slowly move in relation to the Earth. It is the reason behind the change in zodiac sign dates over millennia.
- Platonic Solids and Elements: The Platonic solids correspond to the classical elements: Fire (Tetrahedron), Earth (Cube), Air (Octahedron), Water (Icosahedron), and Aether (Dodecahedron).
- Astrological Aspects: The angles formed between planets in a horoscope chart, which reflect the geometry of the cosmos and are based on sacred mathematical principles. Common aspects include conjunctions, oppositions, trines, squares, and sextiles.
- Circle of Fifths: A concept from music theory that Pythagoras applied to cosmology, showing the relationship between musical notes and cosmic harmony.
- Gematria: A mystical practice in Kabbalah and other esoteric traditions that assigns numerical values to letters, revealing hidden meanings in words and texts.
- Tropical Year: The time it takes for the Sun to return to the same position relative to the Earth’s equinoxes, approximately 365.24 days. It is the basis for the tropical zodiac.
- Tetrad: The number four in Pythagorean mysticism, representing stability, the material world, and the elements of creation.
- Golden Ratio: A mathematical ratio found in nature and used in art and architecture, often associated with beauty, harmony, and the natural proportions of living organisms. It was also employed in the design of ancient temples.
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