Cosmogram

This article is about the flat geometric figure depicting a cosmology. For Drake cosmogram, see Arecibo message. For the cosmogram horoscope, see cosmobiology. For cosmograph, see cosmography.

A cosmogram depicts a cosmology in a flat geometric form.[1] They are used for various purposes: meditational, inspirational and to depict structure – real or imagined – of the earth or universe.[2]

Often, cosmograms feature a circle and a square, or a circle and a cross. The circle may represent the universe, or unity, or an explanation of the universe in its totality – whether inspired by religious beliefs or scientific knowledge.[3] The square or cross may represent the Earth, the four directions. The centre may represent the individual.[4]

Many diagrams featuring circles and squares or crosses may be interpreted as cosmograms, although they may not be intentionally created as such. For example, traditional Chinese coins, that are round with a square hole in the middle, have been given such an interpretation, and so has the board for the game ludo (see Cross and circle game).

  1. ^ "cosmogram | NCpedia". www.ncpedia.org. Retrieved 2022-04-03.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ "Interview with John Tresch on cosmograms". sonicacts.com. Retrieved 2022-04-03.
  4. ^ "NPS Ethnography: African American Heritage & Ethnography". www.nps.gov. Retrieved 2022-04-03.