Theos-Talk Archives (May 2000 Message tt00055)

Thanks, Daniel, for such interesting material.  

The following excerpt is "proof" that in mathematical *plane geometry*, a 
"square" and an "oblong" describe two separate geometrical shapes, which 
Pythagorus calls "opposites." Therefore, such words which have two distinct 
geometrical meanings cannot be combined as *one thing* when referring to a 
piece of flat (plane) sheet  upon which something is written or drawn.  
(*__*indicates italics)

On the other hand, in architectural technical jargon, a "square " refers to 
an open plaza, which is described as "oblong" if the depth is greater than 
the width, and thus, is called an "oblong square" (with the word square 
meaning rectangular plaza).

In esoteric architectural (or *sacred*) geometry, such an oblong "square" has 
a particular ratio that conforms with the oblong (not "square") rectangle 
inscribed within any outer primal energy field circumference (or "ring pass 
not") whose longer sides are tangent to the circumference of the two inner 
circles, and whose shorter sides are equal to their diameters.  See:
http://members.aol.com/uniwldarts/uniworld.artisans.guild/chakrafield.html 
(on which one can easily draw this rectangle with a ruler).  

But, when referring to a piece of parchment or plaque upon which there is 
writing or pictures (such as HPB wrote about in the Voice of the Silence), 
these words, having two separate and distinct *plane* geometrical meanings 
that are contradictory, cannot be sensibly combined. (Ref: "oblong square 
rectangle" ... Wrong! )  

William Judge, then, was perfectly correct in changing HPB's descriptive 
mistake to the single word "oblong" (rectangle) -- which adequately describes 
a rectangle which is longer than it is wide (such as a postcard, which may or 
may not have an esoteric ratio).  Although, possibly, the plaques described 
by HPB may just as well have had such a ratio.  In any event, isn't it 
wonderful that Judge made this change, since, if he hadn't, we would never 
have had the opportunity to learn all about this. :-) 
(So, thanks again, Daniel, for quoting all these facts about Solomon's Temple 
and the esoteric use of "oblong squares.")

It should be added, that to ascribe esoteric meanings to combinations of 
words, without careful consideration of the context of the sentence, as well 
as its references -- especially in the case of original theosophical 
teachings -- is  
foolish, indeed... And, what has led to much misinterpretation when editing 
HPB's writings by those not as aware, as WQJ was, of both esoteric wisdom and 
linguistic, as well as mathematical knowledge.

In a message dated 05/03/00 10:25:37 AM, blafoun@azstarnet.com writes:

(snip)
>Aristotle's table of the Pythagorean opposites is as follows:
>
>Limited, Unlimited; Odd, Even; Unity, Plurality; Right, Left; 
>Male, Female; At Rest, In Motion; Straight, Curved; Light, Darkness; Good, 
Evil; Square, Oblong. 
(My punctuation. Editor:-)

Leon

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