• • PARADOX, CREATION AND THE MODEL • •
By now you’re probably saying to yourself “enough with this confounded logic, where’s this model you promised?” Well hold on, I’m getting there. The reason for muddling through thus far, was to provide an environment into which our model can be conceived. So far we have established a binary universe, containing a cycle of symmetry and broken symmetry and an undulating process of concentric development that leads to inevitable coagulation. It is now our job to examine the patterns that result from these governing conditions, and the model they create, in full detail.
• THE LAW OF THE FINITE - OR FIVE WAYS OF BEING •
In the previous section, the law of sequence brought us to the threshold of tangibility in three steps (The Cosmic Waltz). We then concluded that as the law of sequence continued its development, a finite form was created (coagulation). As each step of this universal progression took place, the concentric containment of coagulation about a finite point of definition created a model with a spherical appearance. Then, as each spherical step converged upon a common center, and inner non-universe or absentia was also created.
When we examine further, these stages of finite development, we will eventually discover that they can be segmented into five separate parts, i.e. 4 concentric spherical concepts and a central point of definition. Then, as we take a crossection of these four spheres, we will see how these same spheres become concentric circles, converging, two dimensionally, upon a single point. Finally, as we define these stages further, we will find that each circle (or sphere) has a purpose that is unique to describing our finite form.
The Crossection and Number Line
As fundamental parameters of a finite form, the concentric spherical stages of our evolving model describe characteristics that I believe to be common to all entities. For example; at the center of all of this is the excluded middle of the inner absentia. All entities have an excluded middle because all entities have some kind of definable mass, with an ultimate central region or core of definition. Conglomerating around this center, in salmon-like fashion, we see the makings of this core, cluster, or defined, compressed area. This area represents the substance of all forms. Next, the perimeter of the cluster becomes the exoskeleton or epidermis of the form. Then the area around the cluster comes to represent the space displaced by the form within the confines of the non-model from which it emerged. Finally, the perimeter of this area represents the literal ‘sphere of influence’ exhibited by all entities. As a visual aid, I find a two dimensional model of concentric circles much easier to visualize than a spherical one. Because of this I use it a lot. It will appear often, in later chapters.
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A crossection of our three dimensional model reveals the fundamental parameters of existence and the five ways of being.
And from that, we acquire the nine nubers of numerology!
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Finally, as we count these steps of imploding manifestation, or compression and radiance, we see that a line passing through counts each of the four concentric circles twice and the center once. Four times two is eight, plus the center, makes nine.
OUR SYSTEM OF NUMEROLOGY IS BASED ON THESE NINE STEPS
Additionally, by counting each sphere twice, we make an implicit assumption about the relationship equidistant numbers have along this line. This becomes another binary subdivision of numerical evolution which will prove significant in later discussions. However, all we want to do now is observe how four spheres and a neutral point can be unfolded into the nine numbers of numerology. For those already familiar with tarot, this configuration of nine numbers and a midpoint will prove to be a significant alteration when applied to the major arcana of the deck, and its traditional path of unbroken progress through twenty-two trumps. Hopefully though our continued logic will provide an enlightened point of view, and make this transition a smooth one.
• ENDLESS DEFINITION •
In defining the law of coagulation we touched upon the idea of endless definition as we observed the impossibility of squelching an inner absentia with a finite mass. In the law of coagulation, it was the inability of finite definition to squelch the inner absentia that created the mass of our model in the first place, as our salmon analogy described.
Three Times Three Equals One!
In describing the first three stages of creation we referred to consecutive concepts of concentric containment, and near simultaneous development of a universe of two sides. We then referred to coagulation as a critical point of transition within a larger process, wherein intangible concepts (like absentia and nothingness) are transformed into finite concepts with a definite focal point of definition (the model). What we have not yet described is how those finite stages of coagulation are also segmented into their own stages of concentric development.
When we look at the full process of development, from the paradox of a absentia, all the way to a finite core of definition, we see how the individual stages of our model become a nested set of steps, within a larger process of creation. In other words the 1,2,3 trinity of primary creation (absentia, nothingness, model) only leads us to the beginning stages of the model itself. From there, the process of coagulation takes over, and we enter the relatively finite stages of definition that comprise the stages of our model, thus making the five finite ’ways of being’ a collective ‘nut’ within a larger shell.
In the beginning, we observed a 1,2,3 trinity of ‘near simultaneous’ creation. Now as we enter the stages of the model itself, we will begin to notice how this 1,2,3 pattern repeats itself, within the comparatively finite stages of coagulation. First, 1) by defining the borderline domain of this inner model (its sphere of influence). Then, 2) by defining its inner proximities or space displaced, and then 3) its finite mass. Thus by repeating the characteristics of the 1,2,3 pattern of development, that we observed within the original steps of creation, we develop yet another cycle within our model, a cycle of recursion.
A recursive system is like a movie about the making of a movie, within another movie, or a painting of yourself, painting a painting of yourself...painting a painting.......of yourself, or, like a reflection of a mirror in a mirror.
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A recursive system is like a painting of yourself, painting a painting of yourself ... painting a painting ... of yourself ...
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The idea of repeating a form within another means that recursive systems go on infinitely in whatever direction is appropriate to their form. However, because we have described infinity as an illusion resulting from the endless traverse of the model through the paradox of two points of absentia, we can see how our recursive system will adopt a theoretical end to its apparent endlessness.
Thus, because of our ideas about endless definition we can see how all recursive progressions will eventually combine, concentrically, to lead us back to the beginning, via the impossible connection the two points of absentia have through the model. The beauty of all this is that the cycle of recursive repetitions that we describe are completed, in only four steps. In other words when we are done, we end up with four, five step progressions, each with a common fifth center. Together these four, five step progressions - with center, echo the very form they create (4 spheres with point), resulting in additional recursion!
By observing the recursive tendencies of creation we reinforce the ideas put forth in the law of sequence, of a closed system that is forever stepping up and never really going anywhere. Here’s how it works
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Because the essence of the first few stages of the recursive model deal with intangible formless concepts like absentia and nothingness, they remain outside the scope of the model itself. We are concerned with the essence of ‘being’ found within the numbers 1 thru 9.
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1) In the first of these four, five step progressions, we have three steps from the anti-model of the non-universe, or absentia, to the beginning of the finite form; 1)absentia, 2)nothingness, 3)model. Together, the relatively finite stages of coagulation become the fourth step of this first five step progression.
2) Continuing into the relatively finite stages of coagulation (the second five step progression), we encounter the beginning of the finite mass, or inner cluster, in three similar steps; 1)finite limits, 2)proximity, 3)finite mass. The interior of the mass becomes the fourth step of this second five step progression.
3) The third five step progression then converges on the central point, or inner absentia, in three additional steps; 1)outer crust, 2)mantle, 3)core or center. The contents of the core, or center, become the fourth stage of this third five step progression.
4) Of course upon entering the core, or center, you immediately return to the realm of the outer absentia via its impossible connection to the inner absentia. As a result, find yourself at the beginning of the first five step progression....in three steps! Three nested progressions, which in turn become the first three steps of an all encompassing fourth progression! Each one sharing the same center with the same inner absentia. Thus allowing continued progress toward the absentia, with continued five step progressions, to be infinite, like any recursive system. Thus by simultaneously passing into and out of a single absentia the appearance of endless definition is achieved - an illusion!?
Two into One and One into Two
Needless to say, chasing one’s tail over the ‘five step progressions’ of the recursive model and the endlessly inward characteristics of coagulation is confusing. Inventing a system that uses paradox and infinity to define parameters will undoubtedly require patients to understand. Luckily for us though this type of paradoxical, recursive confusion has a tangible counterpart we can point to, and use, to help understand the form being created. In this case the tangible counterpart is that of a simple mobius strip.
For those who don’t know, a mobius strip is a topographical paradox, made from a strip of paper having (obviously) two sides. In describing the form of the mobius we find that if the ends of this paper are brought together in a normal fashion we create a simple circular, banded shape, retaining the two sided nature of the paper. But, if we simply twist one end before fastening, we end up with a shape which appears to retain its two sides, but which in fact has only one! The paper is still paper, it has two sides, but they have now been combined to create a one sided form. For anything to have only one side is impossible (if we adhere to the law of opposites), and yet the mobius strip, and the seemingly one directional model just described, exist!
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A regular old straight band is a good for symbolizing infinite cycles. But to depict the impossible strangeness of our two points of absentia you need a mobius band. A one sided surface made from two sides!
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Scientist and mathematicians have pondered the mobius strip, and topographical paradoxes similar to it, for a long time. As puzzles they are an endless source of fascination as they cause many to contemplate the meaning behind a universe that allows such contradictions. Many conclusions have been made about the nature of these shapes, however as I see it, the trick to the mobius strip, is that it is not strictly a one sided figure. It is in fact, a one sided figure - made from two sides. In other words, in the formation of the mobius strip, two sides have been merged to form one. Because of this we might conclude that in fact the one sided effect could not happen, without the two sides that create it.
Upon reaching this conclusion we could then observe how, in a similar manner, our two sided universe of ‘everything’ and ‘nothingness’ has also been twisted into a one sided affair of endless definition. In this case, the absentia, or predictable paradox, becomes the conceptual ‘twist’ of logic that brings these two into one, creating the infinite cycles of life and death, everything and nothingness, balance and flux. And, allowing for things such as contradictory objectives to exist within our governing laws.
However in my opinion, the interesting thing about the mobius strip is how it does, in fact, exemplify the law of opposites and the predictable paradox by being an entity that is simultaneously one sided and two sided at the same time, or in and out of balance with itself. This is why it is such a perfect analogy for describing the conditions created by the law of opposites and paradox (that of violation and restoration or contradictory objectives within a single entity). The next step in applying this two into one mobius idea to our model, is to imagine the mobius strip as a mobius sphere!
The Mobius Sphere
If we look again at the mobius strip, we notice that it has a circular appearance. As we incorporate this information into the model, this circular appearance must be translated into a spherical appearance. To do this, we make note of the fact that for one half of the mobius circle the paper remains ‘normal’ and for the other half it is twisted. Or we could say, one side remains stationary and symmetrical while the other side breaks that symmetry to become twisted. This means that when we apply this information to the model, the stationary side of the mobius strip becomes a kin to the non-model, belonging adjacent to the sphere of the outer absentia. While the twisted side belongs at the heart of our model and its moving matter, converging on the inner absentia. That’s how we arrange the analogy of form, but what happens to our perception of the universe when we alter it this way?
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As the mobius sphere is used to represent the path of coagulation, we see how the path outside is straight and direct, while the path that represents the mass of the model is twisted or circuitous.
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The answer is that our notion of ‘sides’ becomes challenged, and when that happens the law of opposites becomes challenged. For example: at the beginning of our discussion, the total exclusion of the absentia, lead us to believe that the absentia was in fact a true singularity of nature that did not subdivide like its opposite universe side. In explaining how this could be so in the face of a law of opposites we pointed out the contradictory figure/ground relationship of the absentia as being like a black figure on a black ground, thus creating a pair of opposites that are indistinguishable and effectively singular in nature. We then proceeded to oppose this pattern with a pair of opposites that are distinguishable, creating an existing universe of two sides to oppose the excluded absentia of one side. But, as our universe developed, we eventually encountered our ‘inner absentia’ paradox at the center of definition. In our harry ball analogy we showed how these two concepts of absentia became both beginning and end points on a continuous spectrum of universal development. And again, because of their ‘impossible’ connection we were lead to believe that they were in fact a true singularity of nature, and that the universe between them was comprised of two sides. Now, after examining additional patterns in nature, and putting our universe upon a mobius band we begin to realize that our two sided universe is not really a two sided universe at all! When we look again we find that in fact it appears to be a one sided universe, situated between two singularities! At first this may seem like a horrendous state of logical confusion, capable of tearing apart previous conclusions. But, by observing the contradictory objectives between these two viewpoints, and reminding ourselves of the laws that govern them both, we are able to conclude that in fact both conditions are true, thus creating for us a universe of
‘ULTIMATE SYMMETRY’
by establishing
A ONE SIDED ABSENTIA THAT IS SPLIT INTO TWO,
AND A TWO SIDED UNIVERSE THAT IS MERGED INTO ONE!!!
Once again, symmetry and broken symmetry in a single entity/event. The universe on a mobius represents universal reciprocity at its finest - yin and yang would be proud!
Actually, to be perfectly precise, the absentia does represent singularity in nature, but obviously the trick is that this singularity has two sides - just like the mobius strip! It’s only because of the divergent aspects of its form (being within as well as beyond definition) that the absentia must be thought of in two parts. To me, a singularity comprised of two parts, equals a mobius effect (one side made from two).
Also, by carrying us across two opposing aspects of its form, with one continuous loop of endless definition or infinite expanse, the universe that we've created mimics the mobius effect with uncanny similarity. . . and all from one simple twist. A twist that results from a foundation of paradox and the motion of development created by the law of opposites, and cycles of infinity. The result being the foundation for the ultimate binary system!
The Mobius Mind
The binary result of the mobius effect will eventually govern our perception of numbers and tarot cards, but the real importance of this idea lies more in its possible applications to universal laws. The idea being, that you could be twisting paper, logic, or even the matter of the universe and getting the same result, each instance creating identical mobius-like conditions with external differences characteristic to the elements of the form. For example; in our case the twisting of paper would result in a one sided object. While in the case of logic, you’d get a one sided universe of endless definition. In the case of matter, you might encounter a similar condition of endless definition within the subatomic particles that recursively echo the form of macroscopic solar systems in outer space. The fact is, the mobius sphere envelopes every element of any universe created by our five laws, either individually or collectively.
In mathematics this kind of coincidence in form is referred to as an isomorphism, where one-to-one correlations exist between differing systems, enabling information preserving transformations to occur. Isomorphisms are important to us, because they demonstrate the ability of our model to mimic nature, and in doing so they help us make the conceptual leaps necessary to connect the abstract patterns of our model to the images of tarot.
The universe on a mobius is an ‘optical illusion’ of the contemplative mind, it will never be resolved in any finite fashion and will always leave you chasing your tail. Contemplating the universe without knowing it has a mobius shape is maddening. Going around in circles is one thing, going around a mobius is craziness, it keeps offering you two sides when there is only one...and vice versa! Thus the universe on a mobius becomes a weird trap from which there is no escape; you enter by leaving and you can only leave by entering. Therefore, to deny the mobius idea, would undoubtedly leave you chasing your tail, FOREVER!
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If you do not accept the idea of paradox as a ruling force in the creation of any universe, you will end up chasing your tail FOREVER!! You will never eliminate paradox, so you better learn to live with it!
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On the other hand, by deliberately beginning our universe with a preposterous assumption of paradox and contradictory objectives, we are now able to recognize that that is in fact our own tail that we perceive, and as a result we can now cease and desist from chasing it! Thus with painstaking logic, and a simple twist, we are led to a conclusion that not only reminds us of the limitations of logic itself, but also defines for us what it is that prevents certain intangibles from ever being defined. This sort of ‘liberation’ is similar to the objective of many religious and philosophical models, where the act of asking questions is squelched by the paradox of knowing more by not asking, or seeing more by not looking. In these philosophies, one does not simply give up on understanding because of the perceived futility of it all, but instead revels in the freedom of not knowing and not-striving. Paradox is then perceived as a good place to ‘be,’ while it becomes the purpose of devices like Koans to put us there, i.e. “stay confused and you are divine”.
The Magnetosphere
But believe it or not, that’s not all there is to the spherical mobius idea. As we continue we notice how the finite ‘prison’ of the mobius sphere, can also be described with the stages of our existing model and its five ways of being. Interestingly enough, a diagram of this association looks much like a diagram of our Earth’s own magnetosphere.
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The mobius sphere resembles our own earths magnetosphere!
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The shape I am referring to is that of a sphere collapsing at its poles into cone-shaped structures that converge on a center. In our crossection model, this looks like a figure eight on its side (an appropriate symbol for such mobius-like infinity). This magnetosphere shape represents additional lines of force within the model, as the imploding non-universe, or absentia, creates each perimeter and area of containment, in five steps.
First;
1) The outer reaches of the magnetosphere shape, correspond to the outer sphere of the model, the pause at the peak of the fountain where nothingness changes, to begin the steps of finite coagulation;
2) The path to the top of the magnetosphere cones corresponds to the area around the cluster, and the beginning of converging forces;
3) Next, the pause that occurs at the infinitesimal peak point of the cones, corresponds to the pause at the surface of the cluster, where converging lines of force meet before fusing into a mass;
4) The path down the cones corresponds to the cluster itself, and the twist of the mobius sphere, as converging lines of force spiral together to form the substance of manifestation;
5) Finally, the center is the center, or inner absentia as defined by the spiraling mass around it.
Thus with the advent of the mobius/magnetosphere we are able to affirm the numerical significance of our models four spheres and point by demonstrating an isomorphic connection between the magnetosphere shape and our other five-fold models, that of the recursive model of coagulation, and the five ways of being with its nut in shell configuration.
These are the fundamental parameters of our finite model, its limits(1), space(2), physical surface(3) and substance(4), a hierarchy of relative definition. These four spheres (and point) of development represent the five ways of being, and I believe they remain fundamentally unchanged throughout all forms of finite definition and conscious thought.
If you choose to continue with this study, I hope to prove that these are in fact fundamental parameters to all entities, and that in being so, I hope to show how a number line passing through to label these parts can be used to link points of relative definition to man-made symbols.
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