Threefoldness is sacred in most traditions. One need only think of the pattern of past, present and future, or of the underworld, Earth and the higher worlds. The diagram that sums up the elements of the new paradigm is threefold too. The square, the triangle and the circle are three simple, fundamental geometric motifs, and at the same time three universal symbols. The subtle rhythm of the three forms is full of deep meaning.
The square (quadrate) is the balanced bond in which the four primal elements (Earth, Water, Fire and Air) are in equilibrium, and which holds together the energies straining within them so that they may be put to good use. Squareness is always the symbol of matter, of worldly phenomena, and at the same time it signifies both the connection kept with the outer world and the separation from it. Among the cosmic elements of existence its counterpart is the material universe, and among the individual elements of existence the body, which is the starting point for spiritual work. The square, then, is the realm of matter, of stability, of laying foundations, which may one day be set in motion.
The triangle (trigon) is the strongest bond, able to rein in the primal forces of nature and of man straining within the quadrate, and to set them in motion towards the best and noblest possible aims. Among the cosmic elements of existence it signifies individual living beings, and among the individual elements of existence the individuated soul. The triangle – beyond the symbolic message of its own threefoldness – reflects disciplined energy, tension and activity, when one thing becomes another. Thus the earthquake turns into stability, the deluge into the water of life, the wildfire into warming energy and the gale into freedom, that is, these immeasurable forces of nature become energies that set the soul in motion and give it wings. This is dynamism.
Finally, the circle (circulus) is the harmonious bond which, as the symbol of the fullness and beauty of the universe, fuses into unity the latent strength of the quadrate and the energetic spiritual discipline of the trigon. The circle is the symbol of fullness, where things meet. Among the cosmic elements of existence it denotes the one who governs the world, God, and among the individual elements of existence the Spirit, the divine principle that accompanies man. This circle may be the sign of a laboratory that fosters change, but it may just as well be a circle of people discussing spiritual themes.
A hermetically sealed place – so we often say, thinking only that not a soul can get in or out. And yet the word hermetic really refers to Hermes Trismegistus, the great magus, who was credited with such magic power that he could lock away treasures and vessels with magical seals. This sealedness is the mark of secrets, for an open secret is no longer a secret. In man, muteness is the pledge of the secret, and at certain initiation rites hermetic silence signified the vow of secrecy. This too is seclusion, seclusion from talkativeness, but openness towards the substance of the secrets.
From the union of the three plane figures, the square, the triangle and the circle, arises the great seal of Hermes, the secret of secrets, which shows the invisible heavenly worlds by allusion, in symbols. This is a synergistic secret – the components of the universe, once united, amount to more than their mere arithmetical sum. Muteness surrounds the secret, and so the seal of Hermes is also – tellingly – called the seal of keeping silent. Beyond attesting to authenticity and authority, the seal shows individuality, but through its association with hiddenness it also signifies purity, virginity.
And if we sum up the elements of the individual plane of being: the material base of the paradigm-square (the body, Hungarian TEst), the triangle that signifies individuality (the soul, LÉlek) and the circle that signifies the divine principle (the spirit, SZellem), a new concept arises, TELÉSZ, the fundamental concept of the metaphysical paradigm, the possibility of the new synthesis. TELÉSZ, too, points beyond itself, and so it is a synergistic, magical concept, the fullness of man, the whole man reborn in the enlightened state of consciousness.