Christianity and the Lo Shu

These stones are arranged with mathematical purpose, based on the number 6

(6x6 Magic Square) and convey a language in numbers

Since the production of the upper cover of the Lindau Gospels was completed, possibly as early as the ninth century, its meaning has defied explanation. The book and cover were allegedly consigned by Charles the Bald and is considered one of the most luxurious book bindings of the Carolingian period. The book is presently owned by the Pierpont Morgan Library (New York).

The upper cover of the Lindau Gospels can best be understood using the 3x3 magic square and the 6x6 magic square.

1.  Place a cross in the square, this corresponds to the cross of odd numbers in the 3x3 Magic Square and represents Heaven in the Yi Jing.
2.  The four quadrates represent the even numbers of the Luo Shu and this represents earth in the Yi Jing.
3.  The perimeter of the square represents the Netherword.
4.  The number of stones correspond to different parts of the universe and all relate to the number six and the 6x6 magic square, the square of the sun.

The four rectangular corners, or quadrates, outside the cross represent earth and are each occupied by a center stone surrounded by eight smaller stones for a total of nine stones in each corner. This is also reflective of the Lo Shu as eight numbers surround the center number. 

As Heaven has 72 stones and Earth has 36 stones, add the three stones above Christ's head, and the  number of stones in Heaven and Earth total 111, an auspicious number connected to the 6x6 Magic Square (below). 

The head of Christ corresponds to the center of the Lo Shu, which is the number five (man) in this case illuminated Man. As agriculture was so integral to Chinese evolution and prosperity, so does the transfigured Christ recognize its importance as he appears to have grapes and wheat attached to his hands. Grapes represent the Christian symbolism of eternal life.

THE CONNECTIONS TO THE 6X6 MAGIC SQUARE

the number 6 represents the 6x6 Magic Square

the number 111 is the constant of the 6x6 Magic Square

666 is the total sum of the square

The 6x6 Magic Square symbolizes the Sun, or in this case, illumination

Chinese and Christian Numerology Relevant to the Lindau Gospels

3   represents the triad

a. Yi Jing canon: Heaven, Earth, and Man as a totality. 
b. Christian canon: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

4   This number is traditionally hidden in the jingtianzhi, or pattern of nine (see Schinz, p. 71). There are four quadrants, or quadrates, within the pattern of nine, which represent the earth, the four elements, and the four directions. There are four pairs of ethereal figures, a pair for each quadrant of “earth”. Note also that this free standing cluster is raised significantly from the rest of the design placing earth on a different level than the rest of the cosmos. In the jingtianzhi, the four works in harmony with the nine, and on the upper cover the product of four and nine (36) represent earth.

5   represents Man on earth; procreation – the merger of the first even number with the first odd number. Five also represents the five elements: wood, air, water, earth, and metal. Five also represents complete balance as it represents the center of the first nine numbers and is the center of the Lo Shu.

The Chinese place a high significance on the number five as it as the middle number.The number five represented the cosmic axis at the center of the world, this was where the Son of Heaven ruled the Kingdom (China).

On the Lindau Gospels cover, the head of Christ and the three stones that signify the triad are centered corresponding to the center of the Lo Shu symbolizing complete, illuminated man who is one with the Heavens and earth, surrendering the material and desirous self; man in perfect balance with the Universe. Although the crucified Christ is in heaven, he exists in the earthly man who strives for perfection through transformation.

6  represents the Yi Jing and the number of lines of a Hexagram, the totality of which symbolize Heaven, Earth, and the four seasons (the calendar and agriculture), six also represents the 6x6 Magic Square which is the alchemical correspondence to the Sun and the transformation (illumination) of Man. The 6x6 Magic Square generates two sacred numbers, 111 and 666.  Six is the perfect number as its whole equals the sum or product of its parts. 

7  represents the seventh number, the number seven and cycles thereof.

8  represents the eight trigrams that leads to the understanding of the Universe through mathematics.

9  represents the ideal number to impart a cosmic, universal order on all things sacred or important to man and earth. Nine represents the Lo Shu, and is represented by jingtianzhi (or pattern of nine). The jingtianzhi is also represented by the cluster of freestanding stones (eight stones surround a larger, central stone) as well as the eight angelic figures surrounding the central figure of the Christ. Nine may also symbolize the quincunx sacred geometry used in church design. 

36    Represents the earth.

72    Represents Heaven.

111 The constant of the 6x6 magic square which corresponds to the sun (and the metal gold).

666 The total sum of all the numbers in the square add up to 666, the demon spirit of the sun. The sun is symbolic of the light, or illumination, the transformation of Man.

Discussion

The numerical arrangement of stones on the upper cover of the Lindau Gospels reveals a symbolism that reflects the numerology of the Yi Jing and Magic Squares in the Lo Shu format. This arrangement of stones divides the universe into three divisions: Heaven, earth, and the netherworld. The four quadrants (quadrates) represent earth and these stones are raised above the rest of the piece while the cross represents Heaven.

Man exists on earth but through transformation can achieve illumination. When man discovers the trinity, man can rid himself of desires and material possessions and can access heaven through his unconditional love for Christ and God. This is symbolized with Christ’s head and the trinity centered in the pattern of nine which corresponds to the number five.

The number five stands for man and the eyes of Christ being open also symbolize man on earth. When man has achieved illumination he has become complete and is at one with God, earth, and Christ.

The 111 stones in heaven and earth symbolize the illumination of man and correspond to the 6x6 magic square. In the tradition of Kabbala and alchemy, the 6x6 magic square corresponds with the sun, the metal gold, and illumination. The number of stones that are assigned to Heaven, to earth, and to the netherworld are all divisible by the square of six, the number that symbolizes the hexagram and the Yi Jing.

The eight angelic figures appear to be floating above earth and surround the central figure, Christ. This pattern of eight around a central figure is synonymous with the jingtianzhi and the Lo Shu, which creates a cruciform of odd numbers. This pattern of eight around a central figure is seen again in the four quadrants of the upper cover as eight smaller stones surround a larger central stone. This pattern is repeated again with the stones that are set along the outer rectangular perimeter.

By applying mathematics, humankind learned how to establish order of the cosmos and applied this knowledge to establish a balance of the yin yang forces. This long tradition of implementing the teachings of the Yi Jing has influenced the art, writing, state administration, city planning, agriculture, and cosmology of early China and the symbols that carry this tradition can be found in the remnants of many cultures.

 

THIS IS A SAMPLE FROM A CHAPTER IN NUMBER, TIME, AND ARCHETYPE.
THE BOOK INCLUDES MANY MORE EXAMPLES OF THE USE OF MAGIC SQUARES IN ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPTS.

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