Mary Swenson

The Square represents the Professional Realm and relates to the Quantitative Research approach. It relates to numerical representation and analysis, or the frequency and quantity of all things. Historically, it represents containment and safety. The box is gray denoting the uncertainty of reality, and represents love of knowledge and the application of principles. This flexible form also represents solidity that is static, earthly, material and objective.  It stands for the rational order in the world, truth, and logic. This shape represents the Educational component, and is the standard we set resulting in “best practices”. It is a symbol of contextual experimentation and inferences. To square something means that two dimensions of a specified length are combined together leaving no remainder balance. To square something implies a lying out or testing of right angles, and that the product is any number multiplied by itself. As an adjective, to square or squaring something is considered substantial and conservative.

Instrumentally, the square combined with other structures naturally assumes a stabilizing role due to four equal sides and angles. The process is to adjust exactly offering fairness and just outcomes or to make an accounting. The squaring of the circle cited often by Carl Jung, relates to combining two figures due to its mathematical relationships in studying properties and operations with the product of three, to generate a multi-dimensional construct such as a cube. Historically, this figure represents of the earth, grounding, context and statistical or numerical value. It is geometric perfection, static, denoting honesty and straightforwardness, values and integrity. The black box popularized by B. F. Skinner during the second developmental force shaped the field of Psychology and followed Psychoanalysis which utilized the importance of interpretation, free association, and dreams. Conversely, Behaviorism was a mechanistic school of thought which imbedded reality into terms of a stimulus being introduced into an entity or structural construct by which an interpretation operation occurs resulting in a specific response type. The formula S-O-R was the foundation of cognitive behavioral conditioning introduced to the public by pairing certain events together so that either stimulus would obtain the same response. Thus, the first classic experiments in Psychology used to alter and change behavior were instigated. Frequency of response and measurement of response intensity were the quantitative methods used to factor and formulate a hypothesis that could be tested ensuring predictive value and substantiate claims of applicability.

The square by virtue of its four quadrants has been associated with the number four and applied through the use of truth and logic tables by which information can be assembled and certain conclusions drawn. The square represents a complete entity comprised of a top, bottom, and either side upon which the seasons have been assembled, directional navigation acquired, and the primary forces of the zodiac encompassed. The basic astrological signs and elemental categories of earth, fire, air and water represent the essential energy forces believed by all the ancients to sustain the world. The square is the most frequent shape in the Hindu symbology and stands for order in the universe and the balance of opposites. The square has been associated long term with logic, precision, and left brain thinking. Roger Sperry who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in Medicine, reported evidence that the two symmetrical parts of the human brain have distinctive spheres of consciousness and function in specialized ways (Bleedorn, 1999). The left brain is associated with what is rational, objective, quantifiable, analytical and verbal specializations. In short, left hemisphere functioning manifests linear thought processes.

Certain geometrical shapes have an intrinsic power to affect the unconscious and elicit subtle changes in mood and perspective. This property is apparent when applied by a skillful architect or talented designer. For example, visitors to classic Greek sites such as the Parthenon will often experience a sense of inner tranquility that can linger for days or even weeks. Similarly, the grandeur of Europe’s soaring Gothic cathedrals resonates with the latent potential deep within the observer, evoking a sense of boundless spirituality (Fontana, 1994). The obvious explanation for the psychological power of abstract shapes is that they align with and symbolize certain basic emotions.  Symmetry or rounded shapes represent relaxation and inner peace, while jagged edges and irregular shapes denote incompletion and are symbols of anxiety and anger. It is possible that the near-universal meanings of shapes reflect conceptual pattern making ability within the mind (brain) itself. According to C.G. Jung, the square corresponds to the temenos or where the drama is taking place and provides the contextual backdrop by which things/events are viewed.

There is considerable scientific evidence that certain geometric forms are more pleasing than others.  Just as a baby is more attracted to harmonious symmetrical shapes (such as the human face) than unbalanced or uneven ones, the associations with the comfort provided from parents at an early age are formed as paired with those representations. Also, when a child looks at inanimate objects; by virtue of their relationship to the “other” object they begin to obtain a new sense of balance and self awareness which later transcribes into a visual manifestation and forms the basis of the personality.

Our feelings toward geometry are also concerned with the aspects of nature itself, each state of mind counterweighted and in part defined by it’s opposite. This balance theme is evident in the symbolic meaning of the cross where the vertical post is to establish a stand of position (the masculine principle) while the arms to reach out in either direction (the feminine principle) and is probably the most widespread and ancient of all symbols. The intersection is the point where both heaven and earth meet (Fontana, 1994). The result of this union is the triangulation point or third dimension of humankind or the central apex of both contrary polarities.

Consider the Celtic Triple Enclosure, an ancient symbol of the human consciousness. The outer square is the part of the mind relating to the physical world of the senses while the inner square denotes the unconscious mind through which the visions of the gods or “other worlds” can be manifested. The middle square is the part of the mind receptive to both the physical and spiritual world. Similarly, the yantra is a geometric diagram used for the purposes of meditation, offers some of the most intricate and evocative forms in the iconography of India and Tibet. Geometric shapes are realized in their maximum effect as sacred works of art and as a focus for deep meditation in those cultures. Each of the complex forms is essentially a depiction of the universe and the forces that drive it.  By meditating on a symbol or grouping, and moving mentally towards its center the seeker is made aware of the multiple layers and deep levels of meaning.

The shapes that are most common to yantras (squares) and mandalas (circles) are circles, squares, and triangles. A variety of combinations of these forms are thought to produce extraordinary visual effects conveying the idea that nothing exists except for encounters between various fields of energy just as a rainbow is created when light, water, and visual observation come together. By meditating on the yantra, the mind is gradually able to unscramble the sets of relationships which give an illusory sense of permanence to the world. The Sri Yantra is a famous and powerful aid to mediation that increases in complexity from the center outward as the pattern assists the observer to look symbolically back to the creation of the universe itself and the acts through which the mind brings the outer world into existence (Fontana, 1994). For this paradigm it represents the scientific realm in leadership consulting endeavors and provides the context by which the psyche is experienced.

The Avalokiteshvara combines the two forms both circle and yantra (square) and is a symbol of compassion. Mandalas have been long recognized by psychologists as clinical material presented during therapy and are thought to be a representation of an attempt of the psyche to recognize and integrate the conscious self with the unconscious self (Fontana, 1994) According to Freud, mental illness and neurotic behaviors occur when an individual is unable to integrate opposing intellectual and emotional content successfully.

Another use of the square is the maze, which for ancient Egypt symbolized the path through the labyrinth of life creating a pathway to the orientation of reality reflecting an inner journey through the confusing and conflicting pathways of the mind. In every culture, until the seeker reaches its centre and discovers the essential reality of its own nature during reflection, they can not realize enlightenment. The numeral four has been considered the number of mankind and is associated with wholeness, completion, and to the Chinese, the number of the earth. Numbers have historically been seen as unreal templates of creation and are therefore, symbols of perfection. In the Greek and Hebrew alphabet a number was assigned to each letter and great importance was attached to its numerical significance, much like the elemental chart of Chemical compounds which has an atomic weight, number, and a charge.

Carl Jung has argued that symbols constitute a universal idiom and that abstract shapes are encountered world wide. He asserted that they are more than just historical and cultural signposts but can help us to a fuller understanding of our own minds. This is especially true if a system can be devised that would utilize those language representations and provide a mode of applicability by which multiple functions could be acquired. Just as the accountant utilizes a spread sheet to keep track of numbers and organize to make sense of the content within each cell, individuals can do the same with respect to any other kind of operational function. For example, an accountant will list his numbers organized into groups or columns to keep track of what they are doing. People can do the same thing when needed to make the call during a difficult decision making process.

Once those totals are forthcoming, a good bookkeeper will then check the values against the totals gained from the compiling of the values of the other axis.  By cross referencing the two columns, errors can be revealed and a checking system instigated to ensure accuracy. The idea of sorting, grouping, and categorizing is best illustrated and employed by the square as a spread sheet, text box, or picture and is the process that can transcend circumstances. Ellen Herda (1999) coined the term transcendental turn when a viewpoint is altered slightly to obtain a new perspective.  In the case of the square, when placed upon its side reveals a diamond. Note the symbolism of this particular stone as the jewel of humanity, the Christ, or as a symbol of the creation of the world and its relationship to other properties. The diamond also represents wealth as one of the four suits in a deck of cards or the whole playing field. The carbon stone represents long lasting commitment and “dia” means through. It is the hardest mineral known that can be polished to great brilliance. An imitation stone can not replicate the same integrity as the original which was created by temperance or adversity over time.

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Learn more about the symbolism of: The Triangle - The Circle