The Cosmic Figures: Geometry and Symbolism of Platonic Solids

This work emerges from the study of selected pages from Tommaso Palamidessi's "The Spirituality of Sacred Numbers" (p.151-156). While maintaining its monographic autonomy, the references contained in this work presuppose preliminary study of the text.

The term "Cosmic Figures" derives from the Pythagorean Tradition, later reported by Proclus in his commentaries on Euclid, and indicates regular polyhedra. Subsequently, these became known as Platonic solids due to Plato's description in the Timaeus, which was clearly inspired by Pythagorean thought.

Regular Polyhedra

The point is the origin of Geometry. Despite being dimensionless, the point is the origin of dimensions, which are expressions of power. In this sense, the Sefer Yetzirah, a book attributed by Tradition to patriarch Abraham, classifies through the Number $10$ the possible dimensions, associating them with the Sephiroth, the Divine emanations or energies.

The Kingdom, the Foundation, Victory, Splendor, Majesty, Force, Dominion, Wisdom, Understanding, and Power are metaphysical dimensions of the Spirit, belonging to an uncreated world, outside space and time. In space and time, spiritual Forces operate hierarchically and through form; in other words, they assume a geometric nature.

If a symbol of Being is the point, its qualities—that is, the Essences—are expressed by numbers, and its power by geometric forms. This is why all spiritual and religious traditions employ a symbolic use of geometric forms to attune with metaphysical realities, spiritual forces, and divine powers.

Classification

Figures are expressions of Numbers, which by their nature have no form. Numbers in their reciprocal interaction give rise to figures that in their pure form are regular figures. The quantity and type of possible regular figures depends on the geometric environment in which the Numbers operate.

For symbolic science, regular geometric forms—those maximally symmetric—are considered perfect and therefore expressions of superior and archetypal forces, while irregular, deformed figures lacking symmetry are considered imperfect or in evolution.

Symmetry expresses invariance with respect to dynamic transformation and thus its hierarchical superiority. The search for symmetric figures in relation to a Number or Law is equivalent to seeking what is superior to the horizontal or phenomenal development of that Number or Law.

Drawing a five-pointed star means invoking the dominion of Spirit over astral light or quintessence, which is the soul of the four elements.