#Pythagorean Harmony

[omegaphilosophia]

The Philosophy of the Square

The philosophy of the square explores the symbolic, geometric, and metaphysical meanings of the square as a representation of stability, order, rationality, and the material world. Squares are deeply embedded in philosophical, architectural, and cultural traditions, often serving as a counterpoint to the circle, embodying concepts of structure, balance, and boundaries.

Key Concepts:

Mathematical Foundation:

Geometric Precision: A square is a regular quadrilateral, with four equal sides and four right angles. In geometry, it is a symbol of perfect symmetry and balance, representing stability and consistency in the material world. Its equal angles and sides make it an ideal figure for illustrating mathematical order and logic.

Foundation of Measurement: In ancient geometry, the square was often used as a basic unit of measurement and as a foundation for constructing other shapes. It plays a crucial role in concepts like area and perimeter, where the square serves as a reference point for understanding dimensions and space.

Symbolism of Stability and Order:

Foundational Structure: The square is frequently associated with the material world, physical reality, and earthly structures. It represents stability and solidity, often serving as the basis for architectural design, where squares and rectangles are used for constructing buildings, homes, and cities. The square is seen as a shape that anchors things to the ground, representing the idea of a solid foundation.

Boundaries and Limits: The square also symbolizes boundaries, as its four sides form a closed system. This boundary aspect reflects the way societies, laws, and ethical systems define limits, boundaries, and rules. In this way, the square becomes a metaphor for structured thinking, moral frameworks, and social order.

Metaphysical and Cosmological Significance:

Earth and the Material Realm: In many ancient cultures, the square was associated with the Earth, in contrast to the circle, which symbolized the heavens. The four sides of the square were often linked to the four elements (earth, water, air, fire) or the four cardinal directions (north, south, east, west), reinforcing the idea of the square as a symbol of the material world and physical existence.

Harmony of Opposites: The square can also symbolize balance and harmony between opposing forces. Philosophers like Pythagoras saw geometric shapes like the square as symbolic representations of cosmic order, with the square embodying equilibrium and balance between opposing elements, such as hot and cold or light and dark.

Platonic and Pythagorean Views:

Platonic Forms: For Plato, geometric shapes like the square represented ideal forms, perfect abstractions that exist beyond the material world. The square, with its perfect proportions, was seen as an expression of rationality and mathematical purity, offering a glimpse into the realm of ideal forms that underlie the material world.

Pythagorean Harmony: The Pythagoreans, who believed in the harmonious relationships between numbers and the cosmos, saw the square as a representation of perfect proportionality. For them, squares and other geometric shapes reflected the deep, underlying order of the universe.

Cultural and Symbolic Interpretations:

Sacred Architecture: In many cultures, the square was used as the basis for sacred architecture. Temples, altars, and city layouts were often constructed using square or rectangular designs, symbolizing order and connection with the divine. The square’s perfect symmetry and rational structure were seen as reflecting cosmic harmony and the ideal order of society.

Four Virtues: In some ethical philosophies, the square represents four virtues or principles that are essential for leading a balanced life. For example, in Confucian philosophy, the square may symbolize the virtues of wisdom, justice, courage, and moderation, aligning with the idea of moral balance and harmony.

Philosophical Symbolism:

Rationality and Logic: The square is often associated with rational thought, logic, and the structured mind. It represents clear, logical thinking, where ideas fit neatly into defined categories. Philosophers who emphasize reason, such as Descartes, might use the square as a metaphor for the structure of logical argumentation or the organization of knowledge.

Materialism vs. Spirituality: The square, as a symbol of the material world, is sometimes contrasted with the circle, which represents the spiritual or eternal. In this sense, the square can represent the finite, tangible world of matter, while the circle represents the infinite, spiritual world of the divine or the soul.

Psychological and Ethical Dimensions:

Balance and Security: In psychological terms, the square is often seen as a symbol of security and balance. People who are described as "square" are often perceived as stable, reliable, and grounded, though sometimes lacking in spontaneity. The square can represent a preference for order and predictability, as opposed to chaos and uncertainty.

Ethical Boundaries: In ethical philosophy, the square can symbolize the boundaries within which moral behavior is expected. Just as the square defines a fixed space, ethical systems define limits and guidelines for acceptable behavior. This connection to boundaries and order makes the square a useful metaphor for understanding moral principles.

Challenges to Innovation and Flexibility:

Rigidity: While the square represents stability and order, it can also symbolize rigidity and a lack of flexibility. In some contexts, being "boxed in" or adhering too strictly to rules and structures is seen as a limitation. Philosophical critiques of overly rigid systems, whether in politics, ethics, or social behavior, often invoke the square as a metaphor for these constraints.

Innovation vs. Tradition: The tension between the square (representing structure and tradition) and more dynamic shapes, like the circle or spiral (representing change and innovation), reflects broader philosophical debates about the balance between order and progress. Philosophers who advocate for constant change may view the square as a limiting form, while those who value stability may see it as essential.

The square symbolizes order, stability, and rationality, representing the material world and the boundaries that define it. It plays a foundational role in both mathematics and philosophical thought, reflecting ideas of balance, structure, and proportionality. From its use in sacred architecture to its role in ethical and metaphysical discussions, the square embodies the tension between stability and rigidity, offering insights into how human societies structure both physical and moral worlds.

[thatscarletflycatcher]

"The thing that redeems Leibniz between the other Modern philosophers -philosophically speaking- is that his solutions are always so graceful and elegant" and other thoughts that would be supremely weird to share in pretty much every place except Tumblr and a philosophy department

[coinandcandle]

Hello, I have discovered withcraft recently and I felt a very strong pull towards casting spells with music, however I can't seem to find almost any info on it. I found like a single book I could get my hands on about it and like half of it is in Italian.

Music *is* magical to me. The intervals. The perfection in its numbers. The harmony. Musica universalis.

Are there any sources about this? I know the Pythagoreans thought about this a lot but didn't write anything down.

That's super interesting!! There certainly are some sources on this, but as it's not something I have looked into I can't verify if they're good or not.

Interestingly enough, a friend of mine recently asked about the book "The Occult Arts of Music: an Esoteric Survey from Pythagoras to Pop Culture" so perhaps that'd be a good start?

There's also this chapter from The Secret Teaching of All Ages by Manly Hall: The Pythagorean Theory of Music and Color

Music was also used in societies to tell stories and myths, and as a way to worship or honor the incorporeal.

You may find that researching math in magic/occultism is helpful since music relates to math.

Not sure that these will help as far as incorporating magic into your practice but I hope they'll at least get you started!

If anyone has any references for our friend here please feel free to add on. <:

[santoschristos]

Venus alone casts a shadow. To the Pythagoreans, this was no accident—it was a sign. As both Morning and Evening Star, she reveals the soul’s cycle: descent into form, return to light.

They did not see her as a planet, but a living goddess—Aphrodite Urania—veiled in cosmic law, bridging the material and divine.

Each planet was a luminous intelligence, encircled by an aetheric sphere. Together they formed the music of the spheres, a silent harmony only the initiated could hear. Venus, brightest of all, held the key. From: Hellenist THE 9 MUSES — goddesses of inspiration.

1. Euterpe, lyric poetry 2. Calliope, epic poetry 3. Erato, love poetry 4. Melpomene, tragedy

5. Thalia, comedy 6. Clio, history 7. Urania, astronomy 8. Polyhymnia, songs to gods 9. Terpsichore, dance

Image: Urania of the 9 muses Mahaboka

[httpsoftbunni]

✧ What Are the Platonic Solids?

The Foundations of Sacred Geometry

Platonic Solids are among the most revered and significant shapes. These five perfect polyhedra not only serve as the building blocks for understanding the geometric framework of the universe but also embody deep metaphysical principles that link the material and spiritual worlds. Known to philosophers, mathematicians, and mystics alike, these solids symbolize a profound connection between form, function, and the very fabric of existence.

What are the Platonic Solids?

A Platonic Solid is a three-dimensional shape that exhibits two defining characteristics:

Identical Faces: All faces of the shape are congruent, regular polygons.

Identical Angles and Edges: All the edges and angles of the polygons are equal.

In addition to this geometrical perfection, Platonic Solids share the remarkable trait that the same number of faces meet at each vertex. The harmony between these properties makes them unique, and only five solids meet these criteria. These five solids are:

Tetrahedron – 4 triangular faces

Cube (Hexahedron) – 6 square faces

Octahedron – 8 triangular faces

Dodecahedron – 12 pentagonal faces

Icosahedron – 20 triangular faces

The Role of the Platonic Solids in the Cosmos

These solids are not only geometrically important but were also infused with profound symbolism by ancient thinkers. The most significant influence comes from Plato, the Greek philosopher who first associated these shapes with the classical elements of Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Aether. In his dialogue Timaeus, Plato posits that the elements of the physical world are composed of these perfect shapes, each associated with a different fundamental force or substance. Plato’s integration of geometry and cosmology would have far-reaching effects on subsequent philosophical and spiritual systems.

The Platonic Solids and their elemental associations are:

Tetrahedron – Fire

Cube (Hexahedron) – Earth

Octahedron – Air

Dodecahedron – Aether (Spirit)

Icosahedron – Water

Plato believed that these shapes represented the foundational substances from which all physical reality is derived. According to him, the Tetrahedron’s sharp edges were suited to represent Fire, the Cube’s stability mirrored the solid, grounded nature of Earth, and the Icosahedron’s fluidity corresponded to Water. The Octahedron, with its balanced symmetry, represented the breath of life, Air, while the Dodecahedron, with its celestial geometry, symbolized the etheric substance that filled the heavens.

Beyond Plato: The Platonic Solids in Ancient Mysticism

While Plato may have first outlined the connections between the Platonic Solids and the elements, the belief in their metaphysical properties goes back much further. The Pythagoreans, a religious and philosophical school that preceded Plato, already recognized the mystical importance of geometry and numbers in the divine order. The Pythagoreans believed that mathematics and geometry were not just tools for understanding the physical world but were the very means by which the cosmos expressed harmony and order.

The Platonic Solids also had an important role in alchemy, theosophy, and other esoteric systems. Alchemists used these shapes in their pursuit of transmutation and spiritual transformation, believing that by understanding the geometry of the elements, they could unlock hidden truths about the soul and the universe. For example, the Dodecahedron, often referred to as the "heavenly" shape, was associated with the fifth element—the Aether—and was believed to be the shape that structured the cosmos. It was the geometric representation of the heavens themselves, the divine ether from which all things emanated.

In the context of Kabbalah, the Platonic Solids are also integrated into the teachings of sacred geometry. The Tree of Life, which serves as the primary symbol in Kabbalistic teachings, can be thought of as a geometric model composed of spheres, lines, and, notably, polyhedral shapes that mirror the Platonic Solids. These solids reflect the interaction between the spiritual and material worlds, with each solid representing a particular level of consciousness or divine emanation.

The Platonic Solids as "Sacred" Geometry

The term Sacred Geometry refers to the use of geometric shapes and proportions to symbolize spiritual truths. The Platonic Solids are considered "sacred" because of their mathematical perfection and their association with cosmic principles. In a world full of imperfect, irregular forms, the Platonic Solids stand as idealized representations of divine order.

These shapes are also seen as fundamental archetypes that govern the physical and metaphysical realms. The belief that all matter and energy are derived from geometric patterns or forms is deeply rooted in many mystical and philosophical traditions. Modern-day spiritual practitioners continue to use the Platonic Solids in meditation, visualizations, and other metaphysical practices to align with divine proportions and cultivate harmony.

Why Are These Shapes So Important?

The symmetry and mathematical precision of the Platonic Solids point to an underlying principle of cosmic order. They represent the divine blueprint that structures the universe, offering a glimpse into how geometry reflects the divine laws that govern creation. The fact that these shapes are perfectly balanced—with equal faces, edges, and angles—symbolizes harmony and unity.

Moreover, each Platonic Solid corresponds to different aspects of human experience. For example, the Cube reflects the grounded and material aspects of existence, while the Icosahedron reflects the fluidity and adaptability of the emotional world. The Dodecahedron, as the most complex and spiritually significant, represents the connection between the physical and spiritual realms.

By studying the Platonic Solids, one begins to understand how the physical world and spiritual principles intertwine, making them essential for anyone interested in sacred geometry and its relationship to universal laws.

[knightoftherosecross]

The universe is not made of matter — but music...

When walking past a blacksmith, Pythagoras noticed a strange harmony in the sounds of banging hammers.

He realized that two hammers make a harmonious sound if one is exactly twice as heavy as the other.

He worked out this 2:1 weight ratio produces an octave (notes separated by an octave sound alike).

Likewise, a 3:2 ratio creates a perfect fifth, and 4:3 a perfect fourth. This discovery evolved into our musical scale of today...

It wasn't just weight — a note's pitch is inversely proportional to the length of the string that produces it.

Pythagoras had discovered that sounds can be harmonious together because of a mathematical relationship between them...

This got him thinking. If music is essentially math, perhaps the universe *itself* is also governed by mathematical patterns?

Eventually he came to the idea that the universe and everything in it is vibrating. As math and music are interconnected, the universe too is musical. In that sense, "physical matter is music solidified."

He developed a theory called the "music of spheres," that celestial bodies "hum" a kind of music as they move, unheard by human ears:

"There is geometry in the humming of the strings, there is music in the spacing of the spheres."

He mapped the sun and planets, assigning each a unique tone based on distance and orbit.

We cannot hear this music with our ears — but it's heard by the soul...

Pythagorean thinking carried into the Middle Ages, with Boethius explaining the 3 kinds of music:

Musica mundana: unheard music of the cosmos

Musica humana: harmony between body and soul

Musica instrumentalis: music of instruments

These weren't just radical, isolated theories. This worldview permeated society for centuries.

People believed the universe was bound by a mathematical, musical harmony.

The idea was that music, math, and the cosmos were inextricably linked.

The universe was deeply mathematical and God must himself be a divine geometer.

So, if the universe is one great musical composition, how do you live your life to be in tune with it?

Well, by making music that connects you to that divine order — but you can do it in visual art too...

Art from antiquity to the Renaissance and beyond tapped into that mathematical order.

The Golden Ratio fascinated artists from Da Vinci to William Blake, who knew mathematical harmony touches us with a sense of otherworldly beauty.

In architecture, cathedral builders wove Gothic facades with immensely complex geometry.

As Pythagoras had found harmony in the mathematical order of music, geometry could produce visual harmony.

Music and visual beauty were bound by the same divine forces — notice the similarity of vibrations of musical notes in water and rose windows.

"Music is liquid architecture; architecture is frozen music."

Medieval people's obsession with math might seem strange or unnecessary to the modern-day architect.

But the results speak for themselves.

[marmakar]

Esoteric Profiles: Daniel & Leo

Welcome to Russian schizophrenic-core esoterica.

Please don’t take any of this too seriously — it’s just for inspiration, fun, and overthinking fictional characters. All calculations are purely based on their birth dates (astrology, tarot, numerology, etc.), using Russian systems and interpretations. Some meanings or methods might differ from Western traditions.

How well does this match their actual personalities? Let me know what you think.

Daniel Lamb (May 29, 1963)

Astrology. Sun in Gemini – Intelligent, flexible, social.

Approximate Moon in Libra – Seeks harmony, diplomatic, peace-loving.

Personality summary: Intellectual and charming. Emotionally soft, values beauty, balance, and communication.

Tarot. Main card: VIII – Strength

Represents inner power and calm influence, guiding others through patience and compassion rather than force. (Interestingly, this is also Leo’s card, but interpreted differently here.)

Birthday: 29. 2 + 9 = 11. XI – Justice. Symbolizes balance, fairness, and structure. Themes of law, order, and moral integrity.

Numerology (Destiny Matrix). Each number here reflects a potential (positive or negative), showing how energy manifests in different life aspects.

Core talent (day) – 11 (Strength)

Endurance, leadership, inspiration, practical thinking. Aggression, burnout, emotional instability.

Spiritual trait (month) – 5 (Hierophant)

Responsibility, teaching, structure, authority. Stubbornness, moral rigidity, reluctance to share wisdom.

Realization potential (year) – 19 (Sun)

Charisma, positivity, generosity, drive. Ego, impulsiveness, chaos, emotional exhaustion.

Pythagorean Square. Visual breakdown of personality based on date of birth:

Character (11) – Strong will, inner leadership, sensitivity, drive for self-improvement

Energy (2) – Soft energy, empathic, low stamina

Interests (333) – Strong intellectual and creative curiosity

Health (4) – Solid physical health and resilience

Logic/Intuition (55) – Balanced mind: clear logic and strong intuition

Practicality (6) – Focused on family, duty, grounded actions

Luck (none) – Indicates a need to rely on one's own efforts

Responsibility (8) – Task-oriented, committed, goal-driven

Mind/Memory (99) – Excellent memory, fast learner, strong analytical thinking

Leo Kasper – June 19, 1972

Astrology. Sun in Gemini – Curious, witty, energetic.

Approximate Moon in Leo – Emotional, expressive, dramatic

Character: Sharp-minded and charismatic, with strong individuality and a tendency toward pride.

Tarot. Main card: VIII – Strength (same as Daniel)

Symbolizes inner power and influence through compassion. With Leo, this might be expressed more forcefully or dramatically.

Birthday: 19. Card XIX – The Sun

Joy, success, vibrant energy. Radiates confidence and presence.

Numerology (Destiny Matrix).

Core trait (day) – 19 (The Sun)

Charisma, drive, generosity, leadership. Arrogance, impulsiveness, burnout, egotism.

Spiritual trait (month) – 6 (The Lovers)

Emotional openness, partnership, personal growth through relationships. Indecisiveness, dependency, temptation, emotional confusion.

Realization potential (year) – 19 (The Sun again)

Note: Depending on the system used (whether or not Arcan 22 is counted), this may be interpreted as either The Sun or The Hermit.

Energy, visibility, success. Overconfidence, chaos, burnout.

Pythagorean Square.

Character (11) – Strong inner will, leadership, emotional depth

Energy (2) – Sensitive and empathetic, but with limited energy reserves

Interests (333) – Creativity, communication, learning

Physical Health (none) – Possible health vulnerabilities, lower endurance

Logic/Intuition (5) – Flexible thinking, quick mental adaptation

Practical Life (66) – Strong grounding in responsibility and material stability

Luck (7) – Spiritual or intuitive guidance brings fortune

Duty (8) – Determination and responsibility

Mind/Memory (99) – Excellent intellect, fast learner, analytical

Overall Comparison (Leo & Daniel)

Both have Sun in Gemini. Strong mental and communicative connection.

Moon signs differ: Libra vs Leo. Diplomatic vs expressive emotional styles.

Karmic Number 35 – The need to reconcile freedom with responsibility, resolve inner conflict, and cultivate wisdom.

Karmic Tail (15–5–8) – «Passion and betrayal in family» – a shared theme pointing to lessons in emotional independence and personal accountability.

Karmic Debt 8 (Justice) – A shared destiny to balance actions and consequences. What you give comes back.

Esoteric Conclusion. This is a connection between two strong individuals with potential for a deep, meaningful partnership — if they can learn to respect their emotional differences and stop competing for control.

THE ESOTERIC SAYS THEY'RE A MATCH. DEAL WITH IT.

[wendieshi]

⛥⃝

the pentacle, with its timeless geometry and mystical allure, is much more than a star enclosed in a circle—it is a cosmic map, a protector’s shield, and a mirror of the soul’s journey. its five points speak in the language of the elements: earth for stability, air for intellect, fire for passion, water for intuition, and spirit for the divine essence connecting all. the enclosing circle binds these forces together, symbolizing unity, eternity, and the interconnectedness of all existence.

this emblem’s roots stretch deep into history, where ancient civilizations revered it as a talisman of harmony and wisdom. to the pythagoreans of greece, its precise proportions were sacred geometry, reflecting the balance of body, mind, and spirit. in medieval europe, knights bore the pentacle as a mark of purity and a ward against darkness. it was seen as a link between the earthly and celestial, a testament to divine order.

but beyond history, the pentacle’s power lies in its spiritual resonance. it is not merely drawn; it is invoked. its presence grounds chaotic energies, shields against negativity, and channels intentions into manifestation. each line is a spell, each point a promise, and each circle a sanctuary. it teaches balance—not just in the elements but within ourselves. we are as much earth as air, as much fire as water, bound together by spirit’s infinite loop.

often misunderstood, the pentacle is too frequently dismissed as a dark omen or a symbol of fear. yet its essence is luminous. it speaks of empowerment, balance, and the sacred relationship between the seen and unseen. it is not a mark of rebellion but of reclamation—of one’s connection to the natural and the mystical, of the strength to stand grounded while gazing at the stars.

to wear or invoke the pentacle is to align with an ancient current of wisdom. it is to carry with you the balance of the cosmos, the protection of the elements, and the quiet assurance that you, too, are part of the eternal dance. its lines and curves tell the story of life’s cycles, its perfect symmetry whispering the truth: within balance lies the power to transform.

⛥⃝

[bijoumikhawal]

The Music of the Spheres

Heaven is always making music, with perfect harmony, created in accordance with its celestial motions, as it is said, The heavens declare the glory of God (Ps. 19:2). Some say the source of this music is an orchestra of angels. Others say it is the rhythm and melody of the planets and stars as they circle the heavens.

If, by chance, this music should reach our ears, irrepressible cravings would emerge, frenzied longings, and insane passions. These longings would be so great, we would no longer take nourishment from food and drink in the manner of mortals, but as beings destined for immortality.

This happened to Moses when he ascended Mount Sinai. There, for forty days and nights, he touched neither bread nor water. Soon the strains of this heavenly music reached his ears, along with the words of the Torah as God recited them. It is said that for the rest of his life Moses heard this unearthly music, just as the light that shone from his face after Sinai always remained with him.

Here Philo draws on the Pythagorean concept of the music of the spheres. Philo’s immediate source was probably an ancient midrash, which is found in Sefer Hadar Zekenim Toratam shel Rishonim. (See Ginzberg, Legends, 5:36, note 102.) However, its inclusion in his writings is consistent with his interest in Greek concepts. In the Greek view, music was believed to reflect divine harmony. The rhythm and melody of the heavenly bodies thus delineate the music of the spheres as well as reflect the moral order of the universe. The closest Jewish myth is that of the song of praise of the heavenly bodies, which grows out of Psalm 19:2: The heavens declare the glory of Yahweh. The progress of the sun in its circuit was said to produce a hymn of praise to God. See also Zohar 1:2316. Linking the Greek concept of the music of the spheres with Moses creates a Jewish myth. Philo suggests that this music can only be heard by a disembodied soul, since it would otherwise drive mortals mad with passion. Since Moses did without food or drink while on Mount Sinai, he achieved this spiritual state, and thus was able to hear this heavenly music.

188-189, Tree of Souls by Howard Schwartz

[fionamcgovern]

Earth Art Assignment

For my Earth Art assignment, I decided to create a triangle. I used sticks for the border of the triangle, and outlined that border with pine tree needles. I also included various objects I found outside in the center of the triangle and made another triangle within the triangle. The objects I used include leaves, rocks, and a small pinecone. I also picked a leaf off of a cool looking tree and had that be the point of my triangle.

The triangle is a shape that has been around since ancient times. It first gained popularity in ancient geometry, in civilizations such as ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, and more. Egyptians most notably used triangles in their construction of the pyramids, while Pythagoras of ancient Greece made the right triangle popular from the Pythagorean theorem. Since ancient times, triangles have been essential in designing buildings and architecture due to their structural stability. Triangles also have various symbolic, religious, and psychological meanings associated with them. For example, in Christianity the Holy Trinity is represented by a triangle. In psychology, a triangle helps to represent Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Symbolically, an equilateral triangle can represent harmony, balance, and equilibrium.

[omegaphilosophia]

The Philosophy of the Triangle

The philosophy of the triangle explores the conceptual, symbolic, and mathematical significance of the triangle as a fundamental geometric shape. Triangles are deeply embedded in both philosophical and mathematical traditions and have been used as metaphors for balance, harmony, and the relationships between different elements.

Key Concepts:

Mathematical Foundation:

The triangle is one of the simplest and most fundamental shapes in geometry. In Euclidean geometry, triangles are the basis for many theorems and principles, such as the Pythagorean theorem, which connects geometry with algebra. The study of triangles also forms the foundation for trigonometry, which deals with the relationships between angles and side lengths.

Symbolic Significance:

Balance and Harmony: Triangles have been used symbolically across cultures to represent balance, unity, and harmony. For example, in Christian theology, the triangle is a symbol of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), representing unity within diversity.

Pyramidal Structure: The triangle is often seen as a stable and solid structure. In ancient Egypt, the pyramid, which has a triangular base, was a symbol of strength, endurance, and the connection between the divine and the earthly.

Platonic and Pythagorean Views:

Platonic Solids: In Platonic philosophy, the triangle is a fundamental element in constructing the four classical elements (earth, air, fire, water) in the form of Platonic solids. Plato considered geometric shapes to be the building blocks of the physical world, and the triangle was seen as a key to understanding the nature of the cosmos.

Pythagoras and Triangular Numbers: The Pythagoreans, who deeply studied geometry, saw the triangle as a sacred shape, representing the harmonious relationships found in numbers and geometry. Triangular numbers, a type of figurate number, reflect the pattern of dots that form equilateral triangles, symbolizing the order inherent in the universe.

Philosophical Abstractions:

Triad Structure in Thought: Triangles often represent triads in philosophy and systems of thought. In Hegelian dialectics, for example, the triad of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis forms the basis for the progression of ideas. Similarly, Aristotle’s three types of rhetoric (ethos, pathos, logos) also form a triangular structure in persuasive communication.

Metaphysical Triads: Triangles can be metaphors for relationships between three elements in metaphysics. For instance, the relationship between mind, body, and soul is sometimes represented as a triangle, with each corner representing a distinct yet interconnected aspect of human existence.

Psychological and Philosophical Interpretations:

Triangular Relationships: In social and psychological contexts, the triangle often symbolizes the dynamics of relationships, such as love triangles or power structures involving three individuals or entities. Philosophically, it reflects how balance or tension between three components can shape broader outcomes.

Jungian Archetypes: Carl Jung's theory of the collective unconscious includes symbolic representations, and triangles are viewed as archetypes for spiritual ascent, enlightenment, or the synthesis of opposites.

Ethical and Moral Philosophies:

Moral Triangles: In some ethical philosophies, the triangle is used as a metaphor for balancing different moral principles. For example, the relationship between duty, consequence, and virtue can be visualized as a triangle, where each point represents a distinct moral focus, yet all are interconnected.

The Golden Triangle: In economic theory, the "golden triangle" of production, consumption, and sustainability is often discussed in relation to the ethical management of resources, offering a metaphor for balance in human interaction with the environment.

The philosophy of the triangle is multi-faceted, blending mathematical rigor with symbolic meaning. It serves as a bridge between the tangible and the abstract, embodying balance, harmony, and unity across various systems of thought. Philosophers have used the triangle to express the relationships between ideas, numbers, moral principles, and metaphysical concepts. Its simplicity and universality make it a powerful tool for understanding the interconnectedness of different aspects of reality.

[madamlaydebug]

The majority of cultures contain some form of the Three Essentials understanding these principals helps us understand the underlying patterns behind all things.

They operate in 4 worlds (God, Man, Elements, and Chemicals)

The 3 Essentials in each of the 4 worlds totals 12, which is the foundation of the Magnum Opus (Great Work) of the Alchemists.

{Mercury}... The interplay of the 4 elements of Earth, Water, Air, and Fire give rise to the 3 Alchemical Essentials of Mercury, Sulphur, and Salt.

The Essentials shouldn't be confused with the true chemical elements, rather they are philosophical symbols with analogus characteristics. These are complex symbols and I am describing only one aspect of their meaning in these posts.

Philosophical Mercury is analogous to Man's spirit or animating life force. The principle is the mediator between the volatile energy of Air and the fixed energy of Water. It is the bridge between the higher energies of the soul and the lower energies of the body.

{Sulphur}... Each Essential has a triune nature and contains the other 2 essentials, but 1 predominates. The 9 divisions of 3×3 plus Azoth ( Universal Life Force) equals 10, a number significant to Pythagoreans and Kabbalists. Philosophical Sulphur is analogous to man's Soul, essentials nature or individuality. It is the harmony of Elements of volatile energies of Air and Fire. It is the Yogic Kundalini energy or flame of our awareness.

{Salt}...Philosophical Salt is analogous to man's body or physical being. It is composed of the Elements of Water and Earth. Alchemical sulfur (soul) directs Mercury (Spirit) through the salt (body), operating as a whole.

[the-banks-of-lethe]

literally dreamt this tonight and im so confused

It was as if i was going through a casual weekend but the time just didn't feel right,i started in my bed waking up and the light from my windows just felt non-fitting..i then heard a muffled convo of my parents talking about something including my grandparents and the hour 6,then i actually woke up and it was so hard to tell if im still dreaming or not

Hey there Nonnie! I'm sorry I didn't get to this earlier; but here is my attempt at decoding your dream - if that's what you sent it in for ofc, if not, then feel free to ignore this.

Okay, so I have a feeling that the '6' is the central crux of the dream.

Meaning of the number 6: - unconditioal love + heart - harmonious family <- heavy emphasis on this one - healing - maternal love - family, friends, relationships, etc.

It also makes sense that the sixth tarot card is 'The Lovers'

"Aristotle informs us that some Pythagoreans believed that numbers generation, as well as the cosmos itself, can be explained by the Table of opposites, which consists of the following pairs: [ ... ] (6) rest and motion, [ ... ]"

- The number and its symbolism in ancient Greece - Doc. dr Milena Bogdanović ^ this feels like a nice little allusion to Hypnos- a lil off topic :D

Time in dreams:

"Depending the time shown it will contain a hidden message relating to the past, present and future moment, decoded by using numerology. However it can be seen as a symbol of passing time in your life, or wasting time regarding a particular situation." - dreamdictionary

Seeing as though time didn't feel right in your dream, nor did the lighting, which can help emphasise my next point; it may be telling you that you're not spending your time wisely? Or a nudge to start focusing more time on a specific thing. The faulty lighting being you not realising / a light not being shine properly on what you need.

Branching off the last point; that 'specifc thing' could be your relationships, I'd say familial relationships more than anything based on both your parents and grandparents being mentioned in the dream. Maybe you need to recconect with some family, spend some more time with them, or talk about issues that are surrounding them or your relationship with them.

I hope this, or some of this, resonates! If not, that's totally fine too. Thank you for the ask Nonnie, I love getting to interpret stuff! (/gen)

!! Note, not all dreams have 'meanings' or secret messages for you. If one does, then that's amazing, but not all of them will! Sometimes we just - dream. And that's okay! I am by no means an expert in any of this; simply passionate and a lover of research! Take all things I say with a grain of salt, and I encourage you to find your own meanings in my words! I am not an authority by any means, nor am I a spokesperson for any deity. !!

^ a note I'll be adding to all future dream interpretations I do! this isn't reflective of you personally at all, just something to keep in mind for everyone.

Have a lovely day, and sweet dreams 💙

[33-108]

Throughout the progression of my spritual endeavors, I have always intuitively connected numbers to the subtle order of creation - believing in the role as a bridge between the tangible and intangible. I have felt compelled to bridge aspects of science and mathematics with the metaphysical frameworks and philosophy of mind in which I aligned with over time.

While I tend to be critical of unnecessarily and hastily merging the disparate ideas of respective cultures and I do my best take note of how each of their systems emerged within its own cultural context.. numbers/mathematics; most notably, for me, numbers like 36, 666, and 108 and their relationships reveal how mystical traditions across cultures do share numerical significance.

Whether through the Sun’s journey, cosmic/planetary distances, certain numbers demonstrated a "holographic" nature of creation.

In other words, they implied that the universe is a coherent whole, where the microcosm reflects the macrocosm and where numbers guide us toward understanding the unity of all things.

Numbers have long been considered a subtle blueprint for the material realm, serving as a universal language that bridges spiritual and physical realities.

Throughout history, mystical traditions like Pythagoreanism, Kabbalah, and Eastern philosophies have recognized the significance of numbers, seeing them as more than abstract symbols..viewing numbers as archetypal forces, cosmic codes that shape the material universe and connect humanity to divine principles.

Among some of the most intriguing of these numbers are 36, 666, and 108, which reveal a deep interplay between geometry, cosmic harmony, and mystical insight.

These numbers, often associated with the Sun and the masculine principle, underscore the shared foundations of mystical traditions and their perception of the universe as an interconnected whole.

The number 36, holds a special relevance in numerology and astrology, especially in its relationship with the Sun.

In ancient astrology, the heavens were divided into 36 decans, each representing a 10-degree segment of the zodiac.

These decans symbolized the Sun’s journey through the year, dividing time into distinct periods governed by specific energies.

The eighth triangular number, 36 encapsulates harmony and balance, reflecting the structure of creation itself.. triangular numbers, which represent sums of consecutive integers, evoke the triangular form, a symbol of stability and creativity.

The triangle, often associated with the masculine principle, signifies upward movement, dynamic energy, and the generative force of the Sun.

The number 666, the sum of all integers from 1 to 36, deepens the mystical significance of 36.

In numerology, 666 is intimately tied to the Sun through the magic square of the Sun. This 6×6 grid of numbers, where each row, column, and diagonal sums to 111, totals 666 in its entirety.

This mathematical symmetry reflects the Sun’s role as the center of vitality, illumination, and order. Just as the Sun sustains life and governs time, 666 symbolizes the culmination of solar energy and its pervasive influence on existence on multiple planes.

Its triangular nature further highlights the interconnectedness of numbers, geometry, and cosmic principles, demonstrating how the gross material realm has its relationships arising from subtle numerical blueprints.

The triangle itself, which underpins both 36 and 666, serves as a symbol of the masculine principle - in both hermeticism/alchemy, the triangle is a symbol of masculine fire, and represents siva tattva in Hinduism..the upward-pointing triangle represents, the Sun, and active energy.

It can convey the creative impulse that arises from and compliments the suns manifestation, mirroring the Sun’s dynamic power.

The connection of 36 and 666 as triangular numbers illustrates the harmonious unfolding of multiplicity from unity, a process that aligns with the metaphysical view that the material world is a holographic projection of deeper, subtler realities.

The number 108, perhaps the most significant number in all of hinduism/buddhism/jainism - is closely related to 36 through multiplication, extends this cosmic harmony into the realm of celestial relationships.

Multiplying 36 by 3, another triangular number, yields 108, a number revered across spiritual traditions.

In Hinduism and Buddhism, 108 is considered sacred, symbolizing the completeness of existence.

Prayer beads often consist of 108 beads, reflecting the unity of the macrocosm and microcosm.

What makes 108 particularly fascinating is its alignment with the Sun, Moon, and Earth. The average distance from the Earth to the Sun is approximately 108 times the Sun’s diameter, and the distance from the Earth to the Moon is similarly 108 times the Moon’s diameter.

This geometric coincidence creates the unique phenomenon of total solar eclipses, where the apparent sizes of the Sun and Moon align perfectly in the sky. These relationships reveal a profound synchronicity, suggesting that the cosmos itself is structured according to numerical harmony.

The interconnectedness of 36, 666, and 108 demonstrates how numbers transcend individual traditions, serving as a bridge between mystical frameworks and the subtle and gross realms.

In traditions such as Pythagoreanism, numbers are seen as the essence of reality, with each number embodying archetypal qualities. The Pythagorean view of the universe as a harmonious structure, governed by mathematical ratios, aligns with the Eastern perception of cosmic cycles governed by numbers like 108.

Similarly, Kabbalah’s Tree of Life and its ten sefirot express the descent of divine energy into the material world through numerical relationships. The interplay of numbers in gematria, Kabbalistic numerology, mirrors the vibrational patterns that underlie creation in Hinduism and Tantric cosmology.

These insights highlight how numbers act as a unifying force across spiritual traditions. They offer a subtle blueprint for the material realm, encoding the principles by which the universe unfolds. From the triangular unity of 36 and 666 to the cosmic resonance of 108, numbers reveal the hidden order of existence, connecting the physical and the metaphysical.

In Kashmir Shaivism, the 36 tattvas represent a comprehensive framework for understanding the process of manifestation - from pure consciousness to the physical world. While many Indian philosophical systems, like Samkhya, recognize 25 tattvas, Kashmir Shaivism expands this number to 36 by including higher spiritual principles and subtle realms that bridge the gap between the absolute (Shiva) and the individual experience.

The 36 tattvas are categorized into three main groups, each representing different aspects of reality:

Shuddha Tattvas (Pure Principles): The first 5 tattvas relate to pure consciousness and divine energy. These include:

Shiva (Pure Consciousness)

Shakti (Divine Energy)

Iccha (Will)

Jnana (Knowledge)

Kriya (Action)

Shuddhashuddha Tattvas (Mixed Principles): The next 7 tattvas deal with the interface between the absolute and the manifest, incorporating the role of Maya (illusion) and the limitations it imposes.

Ashuddha Tattvas (Impure Principles): The remaining 24 tattvas correspond to the physical and mental aspects of existence, akin to the 25 tattvas in Samkhya (e.g., the five elements, five senses, and mind).

Why 36 Instead of 25?

The Inclusion of Higher Principles: Kashmir Shaivism incorporates the five pure tattvas, which represent the divine reality of Shiva-Shakti that transcends duality. These principles are absent in Samkhya, which focuses on dualistic concepts (Purusha and Prakriti).

Acknowledgment of Maya: While Samkhya emphasizes the physical and mental realms, Kashmir Shaivism includes the tattvas that describe the workings of Maya, which creates the appearance of separation and multiplicity.

Focus on Unity: The system of 36 tattvas emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality, showing how the pure, subtle, and gross realms are interconnected and emanate from the same divine source.

I have a connection to the 36 tattvas and the nondual metaphysics of Kashmir Shaivism.. for its detail of unity within multiplicity and integration of the subtle and gross realms into a cohesive spiritual worldview.

The expansion beyond duality offered by Kashmir Shaivism aligns with a holistic perspective that transcends rigid categories. I resonate with its acknowledgment of Shiva as Atman (Self) and the dynamic interplay of Shiva and Shakti.

The symbolic significance of the number 36 has been very beautifully explained by Yogacharya Sri Somananda 1 in the following lines:

"Does it matter whether there are twenty-five or thirty-six Tattvas? The answer is that it does matter. Lord Shiva is the Lord of Yoga and His tradition teaches that the Tattvas are 36 in number. For the sake of harmony and unity, all Yogic traditions must agree with this.

However, there is another important reason. The number "36" is a sacred number which has a special meaning in Yoga. Indeed, it has many different meanings or one meaning with many different facets, like a diamond. Strictly speaking, this must be revealed by the Teacher to the disciple. We may nevertheless disclose some of it so that the seeker may acquire a taste of the infinitely profound, unsurpassed and incomparable Wisdom of Yoga Dharma.

1) "30" represents the Moon (the thirty-day lunar month of the Indian calendar is called "Maasa" or "Moon", in Sanskrit) which is the symbol of Lord Shiva; and "6" represents the Six Disciplines of Yoga (physical postures, breath-control, detachment, concentration, meditation, union with Shiva); the Six Paths (Shadadhvaa: mantra, varna, pada, kalaa, tattva, bhuvana); and the Six Chakras or Sthalas; which are the Path that leads to Shiva.

2) By further applying the Yogic method of numerological interpretation, "36" will be explained as follows. "3" signifies that Shiva is Three-times the Greatest: He is the Greatest on Earth (the Terrestrial Plane); the Greatest in the Air (the Astral Plane); and the Greatest in Heaven (the Celestial Plane).

"6" is made up of "5" and "1" . "5" signifies that Shiva is the Lord of the Five Divine Powers (Intelligence, Bliss, Will, Knowledge and Action) and the Performer of the Five Divine Acts (Creation, Preservation, Dissolution, Obscuration and Illumination or Salvation).

"1" (One) signifies that the Supreme Lord is the All-Powerful, Unique, Ever Existing One Who alone exists and Who holds the totality of all things within Himself. Therefore, "5" and "1", being inseparable, are taken together as "6". Thus by writing "3" and "6" we arrive at the sacred number "36". This is the innermost, secret meaning.

3) In terms of external reality which is the domain of multiplicity, when multiplied by the base "10", it yields "360" which is the number of days in a year; the number of degrees in a circle, etc. It stands for the Totality of Being or All-Encompassing Supreme Reality Itself.

In brief, it represents a symbol of completeness. In practice, therefore, the number "36" (or 360) symbolises man's (and the World's) Revolution or Completion of the Circle of Life and return to the original Point of departure.

This Spiritual Revolution is not a return to the past but a return to the Ever Present, Ever-Living Truth that nourishes all life. It is a return that must be urgently effectuated by the modern World for the Salvation of all Souls and the Establishment of Divine Life on Earth.

Finally, if we add "3" and "6", we obtain the number "9". "Nine" ("Nava") in the Sanskrit Language, also means "New", thus indicating the advent of a New World Order based upon the Eternal Principle of All-Encompassing Unity and Harmony, that is to say, the Supreme Eternal Law of Heaven (Sanatana Dharma) which must prevail over all other laws as Shiva (the Supreme Intelligence) Himself decreed at the beginning of time. "

[santoschristos]

The Unveiling of Realities

1. Interdimensional Travel:

- We are on the cusp of a greater innerstanding of interdimensional travel.

Just as waves advance into the ocean of existence and recede into the invisible, our consciousness will increasingly navigate between the physical and the metaphysical realms.

This will allow us to access knowledge and experiences beyond our current comprehension.

2. Immortality Realised:

- The concept of immortality will be redefined. It’s not about living forever in a physical body but recognizing that we are already immortal beings. This profound truth has been concealed, but as we awaken, we will innerstand that our essence transcends time and space.

3. Spirit World Integration:

- The veil between the spirit world and our reality is thinning.

Many have already allowed spirits to weave their way into the mortal realm.

This integration will become more pronounced, and those with heightened intuition will witness and interact with these entities, gaining wisdom and guidance.

4. Intuitional and Spiritual Realms:

- As we develop our casual bodies and quicken our ego’s vision, we will see things as they truly are. In the spiritual world, the divine and human will unify, fulfilling the divine purpose.

This will lead to a profound sense of oneness and enlightenment.

5. Spiritual Manna:

- Higher realms of spirit life are preparing to pour down spiritual manna upon us.

This nourishment will be available as soon as we open up the conditions that render it possible.

The obstructions lie not in the spirit world but within our own mortal limitations.

6. Future Selves and Destiny:

- Our future selves are actively reshaping our destiny.

We are balancing precariously between multiple possible realities, each influenced by our actions. This slipstream into our future offers hope and the potential for a brighter existence.

7. Veil and Shadow:

- The veil between the higher and lower realms, created from the Pythagorean Monochord, signifies the separation of matter and spirit.

As we innerstand and transcend this veil, we will see the shadow of matter for what it is—a projection that can be molded and transformed.

8. Outer Darkness:

- There exists a point of no return, where souls that do not align with the divine purpose will be cast into the outermost parts of the Outer Darkness.

This signifies a purification process, ensuring that only those in harmony with the higher vibrations continue to evolve.

Implementation for the Journey Ahead

1. Expand Consciousness:

- Engage in practices that expand your consciousness, such as meditation, astral projection, grounding, chi gong ! , healthy eating, clean water, and lucid dreaming.

These will help you navigate between realms and access higher knowledge.

2. Embrace Immortality:

- Reflect on the concept of immortality beyond the physical.

innerstand that your essence is eternal and that you are part of a larger, timeless existence.

3. Connect with Spirit Guides:

- Develop a relationship with your spirit guides through rituals, offerings, and communication.

They are here to assist you in your journey and provide insights from the unseen realms.

4. Develop Intuition:

- Strengthen your intuition through practices like scrying, or working with crystals.

This will help you perceive the subtle energies and messages from the spiritual world.

--The Collective Spiritual Consciousness

Corey Foggo

art: Inter-Dimensional Gate

Diego Andrade

[13thpythagoras]

favorite ancient Greek philosopher after Pythagoras? Just curious

-@new-hampshire-real

I'm gonna have to go with Heraclitus, given that Socrates was Plato's sea lioning sock puppet and Plato was highly problematic. I actually need to learn more about Heraclitus, but he was a fave of one of my favorite modern philosophers, Nietzche, via this relevant write up:

""Nietzsche's Archetypal Philosophers: Pythagoras (the Religious Reformer), Heraclitus (the Solitary Searcher), and Socrates (the Eternal Investigator)

In the summer of 1872, Nietzsche taught a seminar under the curious and defiant title of “Pre-Platonic Philosophers with Interpretations of Selected Fragments”. The central thesis of the course was deliberately unorthodox, as it defied the traditional historiographic division between presocratic and postsocratic philosophers. Nietzsche, in contrast, believed that Socrates was the last philosopher of a tradition that ended (ironically) with Plato. This paragraph expounds the main argument of Nietzsche's lectures:

Now it remains to be explained why I am considering “pre-Platonic” philosophers as a group and not pre-Socratics. Plato is the first grand mixed character both in his philosophy and in his philosophical typology. Socratic, Pythagorean, and Heraclitean elements unite in his theory of the Ideas: it should not, without further qualification, be called an original conception. Also, as a human being he possesses the traits of a regally proud Heraclitus; of the melancholy, secretive, and legislative Pythagoras; and of the reflective dialectician Socrates. All subsequent philosophers are of this sort of mixed philosophical type. In contrast, this series of pre-Platonics presents the pure and unmixed types, in terms of philosopheme [sic] as well as of character. Socrates is the last in this series. Whoever wishes to do so may call them all “one sided.” In any case, they are genuine “discoverers.” For all those afterward, it became infinitely easier to philosophize. They [the pre-Platonics] had to find the path from myth to laws of nature, from image to concept, from religion to science. (p. 5)

By the summer of 1872, Nietzsche had already published The Birth of Tragedy (January 1872) and had therefore become a problematic figure in classical studies:

I am lecturing on the Libation Bearers to 6 students at the University, to 10 students on the pre-Platonic philosophers. It’s pathetic! Our worthy colleagues are still silent about mv writing; they don't make so much as a sound. (letter to Edwin Rhode)

This testimony from a student is very revealing:

Nietzsche was giving a sort of introduction to Platonic philosophy. He let the so-called pre-Platonic philosophers pass before my inner eve in a series of fascinating personalities. Since he also quoted them directly, he read slowly and let the deep thoughts in their statements penetrate all the more into my spirit. They moved along grandly and majestically, like a shining cloud… But one of those lofty forms detached itself with clearer profile from that dissolving flow. Here the lecturer's voice also was overcome by a gentle trembling, expressing a most intimate interest in his subject matter: Heraclitus!!! I will never forget how Nietzsche characterized him. If not that lecture, at least what he had to say about the sage of Ephesus will be found among his posthumous papers. I always feel a shudder of reverence when I think of the moving end of that lecture. Words of Heraclitus! According to Nietzsche they summed up the innermost motive of the Ionian philosopher's thought and intention (and his own?). He drew a breath in order to pronounce the sentence. It resounded then fully in the harmonious tones of the Greek original text. More tonelessly yet understandably in German. Nietzsche folded the pages of his manuscript together as he said: “I sought myself!” (p. XLI)

The young Nietzsche found a great predecessor in Heraclitus. Nevertheless, I suspect Nietzsche would later find himself in the other two. But let us first read what he meant by this “philosophical typology”:

We must designate these three as the purest paradigms: Pythagoras, Heraclitus, and Socrates — the wise man as religious reformer; the wise man as proud, solitary searcher after truth; and the wise man as the eternal investigator of all things. (p. 58)

PYTHAGORAS: THE RELIGIOUS REFORMER

We detect in him the religious reformer; it is absolutely certain that he shared the doctrine of the transmigration of the soul and certain religious observances with the Orphics, [although] Aristotle and Aristoxenus know of no physical and ethical doctrines. He seeks spirituality in the more profound significance of the long worshiped chthonic gods. He teaches to conceive earthly existence as punishment for a prior transgression. According to one account, a human being is reborn eternally in ever-new bodies. Piety, practiced in secret ceremonies, to which his entire life complies by holy customs, is able to extract one from the circle of eternal Becoming. (p. 47)

HERACLITUS: THE PROUD SOLITARY SEARCHER OF TRUTH

What we have seen from his political behavior shows us every characteristic of his life: the highest form of pride, from a certainty of belief in the truth as grasped by himself alone. He brings this form, by its excessive development, into a sublime pathos by involuntary identification of himself with his truth. Concerning such human beings, it is important to understand that we are hardly able even to imagine them; in itself, all striving after knowledge of his essence is unsatisfactory, and for this reason his regal air of certainty [Überzeugheit] and magnificence is something nearly unbelievable. We observe the entirely different form of a superhuman [übermenschlich] self-glorification with Pythagoras and Heraclitus: the former certainly considered himself an incarnation of Apollo and acted with religious dignity, as Empedocles records. The self-glorification of Heraclitus contains nothing religious; he sees outside himself only error, illusion, an absence of knowledge — but no bridge leads him to his fellow man, no overpowering [übermachtig] feeling of sympathetic stirring binds them to him. We can only with difficulty imagine the feelings of loneliness that tore through him: perhaps his style makes this most obvious, since he himself [uses language that] resembles the oracular proverbs and the language of the Sibyls. (p. 55)

SOCRATES: THE ETERNAL INVESTIGATOR OF ALL THINGS

He is a self-taught ethicist; from him proceeds a moral flood, an incredible force of will [Willenskraft] directed toward an ethical reform. That is his single interest: “Whatso'er is good or evil in an house.” What is most remarkable about this moral reform, however […], is the means. The means, knowledge (ἐπιστῆμη), distinguishes him! Knowledge as the path to virtue differentiates his philosophical character: dialectic as the single path, induction (ἐπαγωγικοὶ λὀγοι) and definition (ὁρἰζεσθαι). The struggle against desire, drives, anger, and so on directs itself against a deep-lying ignorance (ἀμαθἰα). He is the first philosopher of life (Lebensphilosoph, and all schools deriving from him are first of all philosophies of life (Lebensphilosophien). A life ruled by thought! Thinking serves life, while among all previous philosophers life had served thought and knowledge: here the proper life appears as a purpose; there proper knowledge [is seen as] the highest. (p. 144-5)

I wrote this post because I suspect Nietzsche later realised that he, like Plato, had also become a “grand mix character”. (This might explain the powerful ambivalence Nietzsche felt towards the Athenian). Like Pythagoras, Nietzsche sought "spirituality in the more profound significance of the long worshiped chthonic gods" — not in vain is Zarathustra's main commandment "Remain faithful to the Earth". Like Pythagoras, Nietzsche would postulate a "circle of eternal Becoming" (yet a very different one). Nietzsche's rebellion against any form of metaphysics does contain undertones and fervors that seem "religious" (in the rhetoric of Zarathustra) and the fiery ambition of a "Reformation", his "campaign against morality". (Ecce Homo)

Like Heraclitus, Nietzsche would find that "no bridge leads him to his fellow man, no overpowering feeling of sympathetic stirring binds them to him." In other words, he would also find a great (but painful) solitude in his renunciation of pity. What Nietzsche wrote about Heraclitus would also be written about him: "We can only with difficulty imagine the feelings of loneliness that tore through him". Like Heraclitus, Nietzsche would indulge in a rhetoric that "resembles the oracular proverbs and the language of the Sibyls" in his Zarathustra. Nietzsche's prophet and his eagle would also convey "the highest form of pride, from a certainty of belief in the truth as grasped by himself alone."

Finally, like Socrates, Nietzsche's works from Human, All Too Human and Daybreak onwards would strive after a "philosophy of life" driven by "an incredible force of will directed toward an ethical reform. That is his single interest". In hindsight, Nietzsche's Pre-Platonic lectures were the programatic blueprint of an ambitious philosophical project that would occupy him for the rest of his life.""