ABSTRACT
Architecture that harnesses the Earth’s energies have the potential to be powerful tools in expanding consciousness. Through this elemental force, we can create spiritually aligned spaces that allow us to experience significantly greater states of awareness. It is by understanding the subtle energetic patterns within the environment through sacred geometry, and identifying power spots produced by intersecting ley lines and earth grids, that humanity can erect structures which create harmony with nature and the higher self. These structures have the potential to elevate our view of the world, deepen our connection to the Earth, and allow us to expand our consciousness.
BioGeometry, a newly established science based on the ‘physics of quality’, provides a new design language for positively interacting with these subtle energies through architecture to enhance spiritual experiences while improving well-being. Sacred sites that harness the Earth's energy will be reviewed, as well as studies highlighting the energetic improvements that can be made to our environment using BioGeometry.
Keywords: BioGeometry, Ley lines, earth grids, sacred geometry, Ancient Egypt, India, spirituality, consciousness, architecture, esoteric knowledge.
INTRODUCTION
For thousands of years, ancient civilizations have utilized architecture as a tool for transcending to higher states of consciousness. From the pyramids of ancient Egypt to the historic temples of India, architecture has served as a means for creating sacred spaces aimed at spiritual growth and development. A recently established science, BioGeometry, pioneered by Dr. Ibrihim Karim, is based on significant research into ancient Egyptian practises of balancing subtle energies to create coherence. This paper will explore the relationship between ancient architecture and BioGeometry by examining the role of sacred geometry in harmonizing earth energies through architectural design.
Literature Review
Background
Architecture is considered the language of form and space for human use, and thus the quality of that space is affected by the geometric form, materials, and overall design (Elbaiuomy et al, 2019). When considering the use of sacred geometry in ancient architecture, we gain a better understanding of how people in the past used spiritual practices to achieve enlightenment and explore the boundaries of consciousness.
BioGeometry was founded on the rediscovery of understanding how subtle energies are changed through sacred geometry and balancing earth energies, and the resultant effects on all living things (Karim, 2010). It is through his lifelong study of ancient Egyptian monuments that Karim was able to revive many of the lost spiritual-based methods used for understanding ancient practises of facilitating higher consciousness through building design, as it offers insight into the physical, intellectual, and spiritual connection that we have with our environment (Elbaiuomy et al., 2019).
In his new science of quality, Karim provides great detail as to how physical shapes around us can interact with our energy systems, and that the universal patterns of colour and vibration exist in all living and inanimate objects (Karim, 2010). By investigating these patterns and how to utilize them properly, we are able to cultivate greater awareness, enhance our creativity, and improve our overall well-being (Karim, 2010). Additionally, harmonizing these patterns affects the subtle energy systems of humans, animals, and plants through mitigating negative energies, and enhancing positive qualities (Elbaiuomy et al, 2019). The use of shapes to create patterns which enhance positive energies is called sacred geometry.
Sacred Geometry
The role of sacred geometry in ancient architecture is an area of study that has been gaining increased attention in recent years. In Sacred Geometries: The Dynamics of Islamic Ornament in Jewish and Coptic Old Cairo, Ann Shafer examines the concept of sacred geometry as it relates to ancient architectural and religious sites (2015). Through her research, Shafer reveals that ancient cultures often used geometry to create patterns and shapes that were believed to have spiritual significance (Shafer, 2015). She showed that many ancient sites, such as Stonehenge, were designed with a specific geometric pattern in mind (Shafer, 2015). Shafer also explains that these shapes and patterns were often used to symbolize religious beliefs or even to demonstrate the power of a particular deity (Shafer, 2015).
The use of sacred geometry was not only symbolic, but also had practical design implications, suggesting the use of sacred geometry was to both enhance the subtle energies of the building, while ensuring structural integrity (Shafer, 2015). Shafer's research provides an in-depth look into the role of sacred geometry in ancient architecture and how it was used to evoke spiritual development and heightened consciousness.
In studying the use of sacred geometries in ancient practices of conscious expansion, it is important to consider the context of these practices and the beliefs of the people who used them. According to Christine Rogers-Stanton, sacred geometry was used in ancient practices to create a connection between the physical and spiritual realms (2014). These practices included rituals, meditation, and other forms of spiritual activity, with the belief that geometric shapes and forms facilitated a spiritual connection with the Divine (Rogers-Stanton, 2014). Sacred geometry was seen as a way to reach a higher level of consciousness and enlightenment, and it was believed that these shapes and forms had a powerful effect on the individual’s spiritual journey (Rogers-Stanton, 2014).
Ancient Egypt
The Ancient Egyptians left behind a legacy of grand architecture that still stands today, with its spiritual and cultural significance still resonating throughout the world. Their architecture was designed to achieve a higher consciousness and was deeply rooted in their spiritual and religious beliefs (Wilson, 2013).
The spiritual significance of ancient Egyptian architecture has been the subject of much debate among scholars. According to John Wilson in his book, The Culture of Ancient Egypt, ancient Egyptians used architecture as a way to express and convey their spiritual beliefs that are especially evident in their temples which were constructed to honour and worship the gods (Wilson, 2013). The temples were designed to be aesthetically pleasing as well as to symbolize the power and authority of the gods in relation to nature (Karim, 2010). Architecture was used to represent the ancient Egyptians' connection to the afterlife and the natural world, as they believed that the sun, the stars, and the moon were the dwellings of the gods, and that the temples should reflect this connection (Wilson, 2013).
Ancient Egyptian architecture, due to its mysterious nature, has had a lasting impact on the development of later cultures. This is evidenced in Ahmed et al’s study on sustainability, which found that Ancient Egyptian architectural principles such as symmetry, hierarchy, and balance were transmitted to later cultures (Ahmed et al., 2020). One example of this transmission is the use of hieroglyphs, which can be seen in the architecture of other civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans (Ahmed et al., 2020). Additionally, the Ancient Egyptians were among the first to use columns and arches, which can be found in many modern structures, as well as pioneering the use of stone and mud brick, which enabled them to build more durable and impressive structures (Ahmed et al., 2020). This knowledge was then passed on to other civilizations who adapted and improved upon these techniques (Ahmed et al., 2020). It is in acknowledging the impact Ancient Egyptian architecture had on later cultures, that provides insight into the power harnessed within their collective practices.
The intricate details of ancient Egyptian architecture and its potential role in achieving higher consciousness are explored by Barry Kemp in his book, Ancient Egypt: Anatomy of a Civilization (2018). Kemp examines the various elements of the architecture, from the materials used to the grandeur of the structures. We learn that the structures were designed and built with the specific purpose of connecting the people with their gods, and creating a higher level of spiritual development (Kemp, 2018). The architecture is symbolically significant, with the use of large columns, obelisks, and other elements to represent the power of the deities, while also harnessing the energy of the planet (Kemp, 2018). Kemp notes that the architecture was meant to create a sense of awe and spirituality that would help in the process of achieving higher consciousness (Kemp, 2018). The location of ancient monuments and temples proves to be significantly important in expanding conscious awareness, in that most are located at the intersection of Ley lines, or earth grids creating power spots (Karim, 2010).
Ancient Egyptian architecture reflects the philosophies of its culture in the physical realm by providing insight into their rituals and beliefs related to higher consciousness. Through their temple designs, colossal monuments, and observatory architecture, the ancient Egyptians were able to elevate their awareness. Even to this day, ancient Egyptian architecture is revered as a beautiful and significant reminder of the power and importance of the journey to achieving higher consciousness.
India
One cannot discuss architecture which facilitates higher consciousness without considering the musical temples found in Southern India. The ancient Vijaya Vittala Temple located in Hampi, India was built to honor Lord Vishnu. Dedicated in AD 1534, this temple is an example of advanced Vijayanagara-style temple architecture, and one of the last large temple projects constructed before the fall of the empire (Hall, 2022).
Within the Vijaya Vittala Temple are 56 pillars, each 3.6 metres high, which when gently tapped, produce delicate musical notes, where each pillar sounds a different note (Hall, 2022). Scholars believe the pillars were tapped or blown into, to produce sacred frequencies for chanting or other spiritual practises (Hall, 2022). The pillars are known as Sa Re Ga Ma, a name derived from the first four notes of the Indian music scale, similar to the Western Do Re Mi Fa (Hall, 2022). For a span of approximately 200 years from the 14th to the 16th centuries, these harmonious monuments represented an exciting revolution in the architecture of India (Hall, 2022).
Vijaya Vittala is not the only temple to feature these musical pillars, however. Nellaiappar Temple in Tirunelveli features a course of musical pillars, “which are specifically arranged so that when one pillar is tapped, a neighbouring one reverberates, producing a bell-like sound” (Hall, 2022). Other temples feature different musical architecture, such as the staircase in the 12th-century Airavateshwara temple built in Darasuram. When someone walks down this very unique staircase, each sounds one of the first seven notes of the Indian classical music scale (Hall, 2022). It is possible that sacred sounds were incorporated into the architectural design of these temples to expand the awareness of worshipers, while also harmonizing the energy of the temple itself. Another form of energy that was utilized in ancient temple building involved earth energies.
Ley Lines and Earth Grids
Architecture has long been used to create meaningful and powerful spaces, but the inclusion of locating important structures on ley lines and earth grids can expand this power even further. For millennia, these energy lines have been used to create powerful spaces that align buildings with their environment.
Ley lines and earth grids are ancient, sacred alignments of energy that have been used in planning and design throughout recorded history. In his article, The Grid: History, Use, and Meaning, Jack Williamson chronicles the use of ley lines and earth grids, and their influence on architecture (Williamson, 1986). He explains that ley lines are seen as paths of energy that connect geographical landmarks and ancient sites, and have spiritual and magical implications (Williamson, 1986). Earth grids are the pathways of energy that run throughout the planet, and can be located using physical radiesthesia methods, which is a fundamental practice utilized in BioGeometry (Karim, 2010). Williamson explains that the use of ley lines and earth grids in architecture can help to create a healing, balanced space that is in alignment with the earth’s energy and implementing this knowledge can lead to a deeper understanding of our sacred relationship with the earth.
The concept of harnessing ley lines and earth grids to expand consciousness has been explored by many scholars. One such researcher, Christine Hardy, in her book The Sacred Network: Megaliths, Cathedrals, Ley Lines, And the Power of Shared Consciousness, examines the impact of such concepts on an individual's awareness (2011). The author notes that when individuals are able to access and properly interact with ley lines and earth grids, their consciousness is significantly enhanced (Hardy, 2011). This is due to the fact that earth grids provide a powerful source of spiritual energy that can be used to increase one’s awareness and understanding of the world around them (Hardy, 2011). Additionally, Hardy believes that such energies can be used to open up new possibilities of spiritual growth and self-discovery by providing a higher level of energy with the potential to stimulate the individual's imagination and creativity (Hardy, 2011). As such, by harnessing ley lines and earth grids, individuals can experience a heightened level of spiritual awareness, enabling them to explore and understand the world around them in a more profound way (Hardy, 2011). BioGeometry incorporates these principles within its foundations.
BioGeometry
BioGeometry is a science that uses a specific language of shapes, colour, sound, motion, and wave configuration to facilitate harmonized subtle energy through environmentally energetic interactions, benefiting all life on the planet (Karim, 2010). Known as “the physics of quality”, BioGeometry is used to locate and balance environmental electromagnetic and geopathic stress as well as to harness and balance these energies for well-being, and elevated conscious awareness (Karim, 2010).
Dr. Ibrihim Karim, the founder of BioGeometry, tells us that the aim of this new methodology is to achieve a balance between architectural space and the energy quality produced inside it (Karim, 2010). This balance is capable of promoting the quality of architectural spaces that affects us on both physical and spiritual levels (Karim, 2010). Many BioGeometry studies have focussed on the interior design of spaces, as they contain beneficial and detrimental energies, which can positively or negatively affect the inhabitants (Karim, 2010). The resulting influence extends to its ability to control human bioenergy (Karim, 2010).
The foundational beneficial energy of BioGeometry is known as the One Harmonizing Subtle Energy Quality, or BG3, and is the “transcendental multidimensional harmonizing energy quality found in the energetic centers of all shapes and living energy systems” (Karim, 2010, p 304). BG3 consists of three different subtle energies that are frequency bands identified and utilized in Physical Radiesthesia which includes horizontal negative green, the higher harmonic of ultraviolet, and the higher harmonic of gold (Karim, 2010).
Radiesthesia has its roots in Ancient Egypt, where it was used for several applications such as medicine, geology, and architecture (Karim, 2010). While Louis Turenne initially discovered the colour frequency bands, it was Andre De Belizal and Leon Chaumery that expanded upon the 11 colours of the spectrum by discovering the very important negative green quality (Karim, 2010).
BioGeometry utilizes the energy harnessed from locating ley lines and earth grids. Karim believes that not only does harmonizing the energy of the earths grids facilitate better health, but based on decades of study of ancient Egypt, it also expands our consciousness (Karim, 2010). Ley lines were used to connect sacred sites that created a continuous flow of energy said to have significant healing and spiritual powers (Karim, 2010). Similarly, earth grids are reported to help create a sense of balance and unity with the Earth itself (Karim, 2010). Through the use of Ley lines and earth grids, practitioners are able to create powerful sacred spaces that can be used for spiritual healing, meditation, and other rituals (Karim, 2010). Furthermore, they can be used to create monumental sites of pilgrimage and other spiritual destinations such as The Great Pyramid in Egypt, or the Pancha Bhoota Stalam, a collection of five temples built for the five elements located in India. Harnessing the energy of ley lines and power spots, designing buildings with specialized dimensions, and integrating shapes that interact with subtle energies, all form the basis of the science of BioGeometry.
In a study published in the Journal of Al-Azhar University in 2022, Wafik, Abdin and Karim explore the relationship between ancient architecture and BioGeometry. The authors aim to gain an understanding of how these two fields interrelate, and if they can be used as a tool to increase the overall consciousness of people. To do this, the researchers used a combination of archaeological evidence and historical analysis to investigate the relationship between ancient architecture and BioGeometry (Wafik et al., 2022). They found that the two fields are in fact inextricably linked, and that ancient architecture was heavily influenced by the principles of what we now call the science of BioGeometry (Wafik et al., 2022). This is evident in the use of specific shapes and symbols found in ancient structures, also referred to as sacred geometry, that were known by the ancients to organize the subtle energies created by geopathic stress, which were intentionally altered in order to promote harmony (Wafik et al., 2022). Through their research, the Wafik, Abdin and Karim found that ancient architecture utilizes the power of geometry to manifest physical, mental, and spiritual benefits (2022).
Employing the design principles of BioGeometry provides a means of connecting with the subtle energy of the environment and the natural world, which allows for an increased awareness of the inner self, and the universal field of energy that surrounds us (Wafik et al., 2022). One can conclude that these ancient structures played an important role both biologically, influencing the wellness of the people, as well as spiritually by facilitating states of higher consciousness.
CONCLUSION
The ancients had a profound knowledge of harnessing the subtle energies of the planet and cosmos. Studying the ancients’ use of architecture as a means of elevating consciousness helps us to understand how the relationship between man and their built environment has been historically utilized in different parts of the world. Such knowledge allows further insight as to how structures and their surrounding energies have the potential to promote expanded consciousness and a spiritual connection to wellness (Karim, 2010).
In understanding these ancient design practices, we can strengthen our own personal paths of growth andaid in the spiritual progress of our collective societies. We now have the modern science of BioGeometry that evolved through the exploration of ancient architecture, the role of sacred geometry in their design, and the harmonizing of earth Ley lines and energy grids through building location. This is a science that modern architects can use to create structures which harmonize buildings with planetary energies, creating coherence for all inhabitants.
By rediscovering the ancient ways of harmonizing our environment through Dr. Karim’s extensive research, we can begin to integrate this forgotten knowledge back into our future architectural and environmental projects using BioGeometry.
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