Vesica Piscis: Sacred Womb of Creation

Introduction

Two circles of equal size, overlapping so that the center of each circle touches the circumference of the other. In the space where they intersect, an almond-shaped form appears—the vesica piscis, Latin for "bladder of the fish." This simple yet profound geometric shape is one of the most sacred and fundamental forms in sacred geometry, representing the womb of creation, the portal between worlds, and the union of opposites that gives birth to all manifestation.

The vesica piscis is the first shape to emerge from the division of unity (the circle) into duality (two circles). It is the geometric birth canal through which all other sacred forms emerge—the triangle, the square, the Flower of Life, and beyond. From ancient goddess temples to Christian art, from the shape of the human eye to the architecture of Gothic cathedrals, the vesica piscis appears wherever creation, birth, and the sacred feminine are honored.

This guide will explore the vesica piscis in depth—its geometry, symbolism, appearance in nature and architecture, spiritual meanings, and how to work with this sacred womb of creation.

What Is the Vesica Piscis?

The Geometric Construction

To create a vesica piscis:

1. Draw a circle
2. Place the compass point on the circle's circumference
3. Draw a second circle of the same radius
4. The two circles overlap, creating the vesica piscis in the center

Key properties:

• The width of the vesica equals the radius of the circles
• The height-to-width ratio is √3:1 (approximately 1.732:1)
• This ratio is fundamental to sacred geometry
• The vesica contains the seed of many other sacred forms

The Name

Vesica Piscis: Latin for "bladder of the fish"

• The shape resembles a fish bladder or fish symbol
• Also called the "mandorla" (almond) in art history
• Known as the "womb" or "yoni" in goddess spirituality

Mathematical Significance

The vesica piscis contains important ratios:

• √3 (square root of 3): The ratio of height to width
• √2 (square root of 2): Can be derived from the vesica
• √5 (square root of 5): Also emerges from vesica constructions
• These "sacred roots" are fundamental to geometry and nature

The Symbolism of the Vesica Piscis

1. The Womb of Creation

The vesica represents the sacred feminine:

• The womb from which all life emerges
• The yoni, the vulva, the birth canal
• The portal of manifestation
• The space where creation happens
• The divine feminine creative power

2. The Union of Opposites

Two circles represent duality:

• Masculine and feminine
• Spirit and matter
• Heaven and earth
• Light and dark
• The vesica is where they unite and create

3. The Portal Between Worlds

The vesica is a gateway:

• Between the physical and spiritual
• Between dimensions
• The threshold, the liminal space
• Where the veil is thin
• The doorway to the sacred

4. The Christ Consciousness

In Christian art:

• Christ is often depicted within a vesica (mandorla)
• Represents Christ as the bridge between heaven and earth
• The divine made flesh
• The union of God and humanity

5. The Eye and Vision

The vesica resembles an eye:

• The shape of the human eye
• Spiritual sight and vision
• The all-seeing eye
• Perception and awareness

The Vesica Piscis in Sacred Geometry

The Foundation of the Flower of Life

The vesica piscis is the second step in creating the Flower of Life:

1. Start with one circle (unity)
2. Add a second circle (duality, the vesica appears)
3. Continue adding circles to create the Flower of Life
4. The vesica is the generative principle

Deriving Other Sacred Forms

From the vesica piscis, you can construct:

• The equilateral triangle: Connect the three key points
• The square: Using the vesica's proportions
• The pentagon: Through geometric construction
• The hexagon: Six vesicas around a center

The √3 Rectangle

The vesica piscis defines a √3 rectangle:

• Height to width ratio of √3:1
• Fundamental to sacred architecture
• Used in temple and cathedral design
• Harmonious and sacred proportions

The Vesica Piscis in Nature

Biological Forms

• The human eye: Vesica piscis shape
• Cell division: Two cells forming a vesica before separating
• Seeds and nuts: Many have vesica-like shapes
• Leaves: The pointed oval of many leaves

Astronomical

• Solar eclipses: Create a vesica piscis of light
• Planetary conjunctions: Two celestial bodies overlapping

The Vesica Piscis in Architecture and Art

Gothic Cathedrals

• Pointed arches are based on the vesica piscis
• Rose windows often incorporate vesica geometry
• The overall proportions use √3 ratios
• Chartres Cathedral is a masterpiece of vesica-based design

Christian Art

The Mandorla:

• Almond-shaped aureole around sacred figures
• Christ in Majesty depicted within a mandorla
• The Virgin Mary often shown in a vesica
• Represents the sacred, the divine, the holy

Ancient Goddess Temples

• Doorways shaped as vesica piscis
• Representing entry into the womb of the goddess
• The sacred feminine portal

Spiritual and Esoteric Meanings

1. The Sacred Feminine

The vesica is the ultimate feminine symbol:

• The yoni, the vulva
• The womb of the Great Mother
• The creative power of the feminine
• The source of all life

2. The Intersection of Duality

Where two become one:

• The marriage of opposites
• The alchemical union
• The hieros gamos (sacred marriage)
• Duality transcended in unity

3. The Birth Canal

The vesica as passage:

• The portal of incarnation
• Souls entering physical form
• Ideas becoming manifest
• Spirit becoming matter

4. The Third Force

From two circles, a third form emerges:

• Thesis + Antithesis = Synthesis
• The reconciling force
• The child of the union
• Creation from relationship

How to Work with the Vesica Piscis

1. Drawing Meditation

Practice:

• Draw a vesica piscis with compass and straightedge
• The process is meditative and sacred
• Contemplate the emergence of form from unity
• See how duality creates the space for manifestation

Use for: Meditation, understanding sacred geometry, contemplation

2. Womb Visualization

Practice:

• Visualize a vesica piscis at your womb/sacral area
• See it as a portal of creation
• Feel your creative power
• Honor the sacred feminine within

Use for: Connecting with feminine power, creativity, manifestation

3. Portal Meditation

Practice:

• Visualize a vesica piscis as a doorway
• See it as a portal between worlds
• Step through it in meditation
• Journey to other dimensions or states of consciousness

Use for: Shamanic journey, meditation, accessing other realms

4. Union Practice

Practice:

• Identify two opposites you want to unite
• Visualize each as a circle
• See them overlapping, creating a vesica
• In the vesica, the union occurs
• Something new is born from their meeting

Use for: Integration work, uniting opposites, creating synthesis

5. Manifestation Work

Practice:

• The vesica is the womb of creation
• Place your intention in the vesica
• See it gestating, growing, forming
• Birth it into reality through the portal

Use for: Manifestation, bringing ideas into form, creative work

6. Sacred Space Creation

Practice:

• Draw or visualize a vesica piscis around your sacred space
• It creates a womb-like container
• A protected, sacred, creative space
• Where transformation can occur

Common Misconceptions

Misconception 1: It's Just Two Overlapping Circles

Truth: While simple in construction, the vesica piscis is profound in meaning and is the foundation of much sacred geometry.

Misconception 2: It's Only a Christian Symbol

Truth: While used in Christian art, the vesica piscis predates Christianity and appears in many spiritual traditions.

Misconception 3: The Fish Symbol and Vesica Are the Same

Truth: The Christian fish (ichthys) is related but distinct. The vesica piscis is the geometric form; the fish is a stylized symbol.

Signs the Vesica Piscis Is Calling You

• You're working with sacred feminine energy
• You're studying sacred geometry
• You're interested in creation and manifestation
• You're seeking to unite opposites within yourself
• You're drawn to the shape when you see it
• You're working with portals or thresholds
• You're honoring the womb and feminine creative power
• You're exploring the intersection of duality and unity

Conclusion

The vesica piscis—the almond-shaped intersection of two circles—is one of sacred geometry's most fundamental and profound forms. It is the womb from which all other geometric forms are born, the portal between unity and multiplicity, and the sacred space where opposites unite to create something new. From the first cell division to the architecture of cathedrals, from the shape of the eye to the mandorla around Christ, the vesica piscis appears wherever creation, birth, and the sacred feminine are honored.

This simple geometric form teaches us that creation happens in the space of intersection, that new life emerges from the union of opposites, and that the sacred feminine is the womb of all manifestation. It shows us that we are all born through the vesica piscis—the portal from spirit to matter, from potential to actual, from the unmanifest to the manifest.

When you work with the vesica piscis—whether drawing it, meditating on it, or using it in manifestation work—you are connecting with the fundamental creative principle of the universe. You are honoring the sacred womb, opening the portal of creation, and participating in the eternal dance of unity becoming duality becoming creation.

This is the vesica piscis—the sacred womb, the portal of creation, the space where all things are born. Let it open you to your creative power and remind you that you are a portal through which the divine becomes manifest.