The infinity symbol is also called the eternity or the forever symbol. This mysterious symbol attracts a lot of interest from spiritually-minded people and students of math. But this symbol carries a lot of meaning and history more than what most know.
If you’re a curious student or you want to learn more about the infinity symbol, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will be discussing what this infinity symbol means and what it holds for you. So, simply read on to find out more.
A History of the Infinity Symbol
The current representation of the infinity symbol is credited to mathematician John Wallis. In 1655, he was trying to find a way to represent the idea of infinity. He got inspired by the Roman numeral for 1,000, which is CIƆ. Though not identical, it had some resemblance to the infinity symbol we know today. The Roman numeral’s symbolism of ‘many’ was fitting for representing infinity. Wallis might have also drawn inspiration from the lowercase version of the last letter of the Greek alphabet, Omega, which looks like ‘ω’.
Even though we credit John Wallis with inventing the infinity symbol, the idea of infinity had been around long before him. This is what eventually inspired the creation of the infinity symbol. In the Jain mathematical text Surya Prajnapti, dating back to the 3rd or 4th century B.C.E., numbers were categorized as countable, uncountable, or infinite. The Greek philosopher Anaximander used the term ‘apeiron’ to represent infinity, and Zeno of Elea, born around 490 B.C.E., was known for his paradoxes that dealt with the concept of infinity.
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Meanings of this Symbol
Now, let’s take a look at some of the symbolic and biblical meaning of this symbol:
Ouroboros
Ever heard of the Ouroboros? The Ouroboros is a serpent consuming its own tail and thus creating a perpetual circle. Although the image of a snake snacking on its own tail is weird, the Ouroboros actually embodies the notion of cyclic renewal and the interconnectedness of life’s cycles.
It symbolizes the cyclical nature of existence, where endings lead to new beginnings, and time appears infinite. The infinity symbol, derived from this interpretation, serves as a profound reminder of the perpetual journey of life and its profound connection to the infinite.
An Everlasting Promise
The infinity symbol can also mean an everlasting promise. In this sense, it symbolizes a commitment that knows no bounds and is expected to be held for eternity.
Because of this, it is often used in jewelry, art and other gestures to serve as an emblem of enduring love, friendship, and loyalty.
There are a number of everlasting promises God made in the Bible. Some of the most significant ones include God’s covenant with the earth and his creation never to again destroy all living things by flood water.
And God spake unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying, And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you; and with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you; from all that go out of the ark, to every beast of the earth. And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.
Genesis 9:8-11 KJV
Another is God’s covenant with Abraham, that his seed will forever inherit the promised land.
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Regeneration
The next meaning we’d like to discuss is that the infinity symbol means regeneration. This mystical symbol, with its continuous loop, embodies the cyclical nature of life, where endings lead to new beginnings.
Just like the ouroboros we discussed earlier, the infinity symbol reflects the concept of constant rejuvenation and growth.
This symbol also represents the ability to rise again after challenges, to evolve and reinvent yourself. If you have been hit hard and you find yourself floored by the challenges of life, let this symbol inspire you to rise up again from the smoldering ashes of your defeat like the metaphorical phoenix and move on.
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:5 (NIV)
This interpretation tells us that the infinity symbol is a powerful representation of resilience, transformation, and the perpetual cycle of regeneration.
Eternity
It’s hard not to see eternity perfectly encapsulated in the infinity symbol. This mystical symbol represents a timeless continuum without a beginning or an end, conveying the concept of everlasting existence that totally boggles our finite minds.
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)
In this interpretation, this symbol also perfectly captures the person and existence of God. Furthermore, it also captures the unbroken and perpetual cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, suggesting that life transcends physical limitations.
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Energy
If you remember your basic science in school, you’d remember that energy can never be created nor destroyed. It is, as it were, infinite, only being converted from form to form. Thus, the infinity symbol embodies this concept as it perfectly represents a perpetual flow of energy. Constantly circulating and transforming, but never ending.
The symbol’s continuous shape reminds us of the universe’s limitless potential and power, symbolizing the dynamic interplay of energy that is constantly giving and receiving, creating an interconnected web of life.
Conclusion
The infinity symbol carries many profound meanings that resonate with the human spirit and its connection to the divine. As we have seen, the meanings range from the mystical ouroboros to timeless eternity.
But in case you find all these overwhelming and you want to narrow it down to the most relatable meaning. Simply keep in mind that this symbol urges you to keep up the fight. Never give up. If you fall, rise again. Also, remember, that this symbol calls you to be committed, dedicated and loyal to your loved ones.
As you ponder the meaning of this symbol, may you find compelling reasons to explore the boundless depths of spiritual wisdom and the eternal embrace of divine love.