Cathedral Orientation and Sacred Geometry

The observation of the sun allows determining the East-West axis, the Decumano. Perpendicularly we encounter the North-South axis, the Cardo, thus completing the orientation procedure (see Fig.11). The temple orientation and formation of the Rose of Winds not only had an immediate practical purpose, but also had profound symbolic and ritual value. The square with which the temple was oriented is indeed a symbol of the quaternary structure of the Universe and the celestial powers that regulate its functions. The orientation allows alignment with these powers, inserting them into the Temple and giving them a precise location that can be used by the Theurgist. Each cardinal direction is associated with a wind, which corresponds to a spirit or angelic intelligence (see Fig. 13).

This first phase of orientation is called the tracing of the square of heaven, so called because it is generated from above through the mediation of the central column that translates and identifies on earth the four cardinal points, providing the fixed orientation and dedication of the temple. The square of heaven expresses the will of heaven that qualifies, validates and enables the sacred space, making it suitable to become the base for the definition of the Temple. The Sun itself with its action mediated by the column, determines and orients the sacred space harmonizing it with the Celestial Powers.

These operations are common to all cathedrals, regardless of their specific function and dedication. The only variable element that distinguishes - in this phase - one construction from another is the day of dedication, that is the day on which the orientation operation is carried out. The day of foundation indeed occurred in conjunction with a liturgical feast in relation to the theme or character to whom the Temple itself was dedicated, such as August 15 for Notre-Dame in Paris. Since during a year the sun varies the point of sunrise from the horizon, the sunrise on the day of the Temple's foundation identified a special direction that, depending on the case, could be used to determine the main axis, as well as the position of a window or rose window. Apart from this particularity, the rest of the operations remained unchanged. Only with the construction of the square of the earth, established by a precise constructive module, did the specific character of the Temple begin.

The Constructive Module. In the previous paragraph we have seen that set of ritual operations associated with the foundation, but which do not depend specifically on the individual character of the temple. The phases necessary for tracing the square of heaven are, in fact, the same for every cathedral. However, every cathedral has its own personality, its own individual character. The cathedral of Amiens, for example, has a prophetic and messianic soul: in it are found the relics of John the Baptist, in its facade the prophets stand as vigilant sentinels and everything in the cathedral refers to the work for the advent of the savior. The cathedral of Reims is indissolubly linked to royalty, as the cathedrals of Chartres and Notre-Dame in Paris are to the Virgin, although the latter is also often associated with transmutation due to its innumerable alchemical references. The cathedral of Laon is often related to Wisdom, while that of Bourges to the Kingdom and the Souls of the Saints.

Although therefore all cathedrals are united by the same style and similar architectural elements, nevertheless none is a copy of another and each possesses its own inspiring idea. Each cathedral has its own essence, an individual characteristic that distinguishes it from every other construction and gives it a specific spiritual content. Each temple develops a specific argument, which may consist of a spiritual theme, a virtue, a character or a divine force that is reflected and dominates in the construction and furnishing of the entire building. Each cathedral represents a special ray revealing the one and same center that is its origin. This inspiring idea, what from a philosophical point of view we could call the essence of the cathedral...