The Theosophical Seal - Canadian Theosophical Association

The Theosophical Seal by Arthur M. Coon
the matter of the physical world into four states: solids, liquids, gases and ethers. In Nature there are the
four kingdoms: mineral, vegetable, animal and human. Man as a personality may be looked upon as
fourfold: the physical body, the etheric double, the emotional body and the mental body. Pythagoras
expressed this same idea in his famous Tetraktys. This is a triangle in which were placed ten points
(yods) or numbers from 1 to 10, so arranged that there were four along each of the three sides within the
triangle and one in the center. On whichever side the triangle stands,there are four points at the
base,representing man's lower Quaternary, while the rows of three, two and one above type his threefold
spiritual nature. We may easily see that the Pyramid of Gizeh, the Tetraktys of Pythagoras and the
Masonic apron are adaptations of the same symbol of the Three and the Four or the Triangle and the
Square.
A few thoughts, in passing, on the formation of the number 4 and the square. With pencil and paper we
make a simple experiment. Upon the diameter of a circle (representing manifestation) we construct a
triangle ( representing spirit). Next, in the lower half of the circle, with the diameter as base, we construct
with dotted lines an inverted triangle as representing the reflection of spirit in matter- and we have a
square. F.Homer Curtis writes, "The Square is generated not only by the reflection of the Trinity in matter,
but also by uniting the four ends of the cosmic cross. Geometrically the figure 4 is formed by joining the
right arm of the cross with the upper apex". [Key to the Universe, pages 136-137]
THE FOURTH LETTER
We turn our attention now to the fourth letter of the alphabet, "D" (Hebrew"Daleth", Greek "Delta"). It is
not at first too evident just what is the association between this letter and the number 4 and the square.
In shape, it might be imagined that the capital "D" resembles a square. But this, it would seem, is a
superficial likeness. To discover the real association between letter and sign, we enter the realm of
metaphysics. In the illustration above we saw the lower triangle in the circle as being a reflection or
objectification of the upper triangle. This idea (of the lower being a reflection of the higher) is definitely
suggested in the Hebrew "Daleth". "Daleth" contains two thoughts: one of division,the other of
nourishment. We see all manifestation as in a process of continuous division; and, as part of this dividing
process, there is the idea of an inner replenishment or nourishment, as from an inner and inexhaustible
source. Hence this symbol "Daleth" has been sometimes referred to as the "Cosmic breast".
Fabre d'Olivet, in his great work, The Hebraic Tongue Restored, says of "Daleth": "It appears that in its
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