The Sun Archive
A Resource for Spiritual Discovery & Inquiry
Tattvas Symbols
The 19th Century in the West experienced a significant revival of interest in occult knowledge and a genuine pursuit of the spiritual worlds through scientific (objective) meditative approaches. This revival was the outcome of a spiritual impulse that permeated humanity in the West from the East, especially in India.
During this time, Asian philosophies were introduced to the West by seekers, scholars, and Indian spiritualists. Specifically, Theosophy had a major impact which had strong ties to India. Out of the movement of Theosophy, Dr. Rudolf Steiner founded Anthroposophy as a genuine initiate. During this period, published works across the West appeared by genuine seekers and authors which invigorated an impulse to the quest of finding a clear, reliable, and genuine path to the spiritual worlds. This is predicated upon the expansion of consciousness in an informed way and the transformation, or catharsis, of the inner self.
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Tattvas (or Tattwas) symbols originated in ancient India through Hinduism where they were used as tools for meditation. When focused upon, these symbols can aid a seeker on the path of focused meditation and a bridge to the inner self.
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The point of all meditative exercises is concentration. They always center around visualizations. Dr. Rudolf Steiner commented that a meditation on a single point can yield great results. Thus, they should not be complicated. He recommended using an image of something basic to focus on. In that thought, he also explored how geometric forms, the growth and death processes in plants, and sacred symbols such as the Rose Cross, can be meditated upon as images to reveal deeper truths and transform the soul.
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Tattvas symbols are basic and they can help as a tool but they are not the ONLY tool. They reflect the 4 essential elements of existence; earth, air, fire, and water in color and design. There is also a fifth dimension of space which is also considered. The tattvas are universal symbols that exemplify natural, cosmic, and fundamental forms that manifest in the physical world, yet reflect deeper spiritual truths. Although interpretations and classifications of the tattvas varies between traditions, 25 symbols are most common.
The square, for example, is the symbol of the created universe which consists of four aspects; Ego, Astral, Etheric, and Physical. The circle is the symbol of the infinite; that which has no beginning and no end. The triangle is the symbol of the Trinity; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Trinity can be seen in all ancient cultures as well including Osiris, Isis, and Horus.
These symbols in a Hindu context derive from the doctrine of the five elements of the material world and the corresponding five human senses. The symbols are also associated with specific chakras and centers of psychic energy. A meditator uses tools - such as the symbols - as a focal point to open up the third eye and to get the chakra "wheels" activate and circulating.
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​The colors of tattvas symbols are as important as are the geometric forms. It may be helpful to review the "On Color" page from this website which gives insights on the true meaning of astral colors in light of Anthroposophy and Dr. Rudolf Steiner's insights.
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Meditation rests upon the principle of concentration; the ability to focus on nothing else except an image, idea, or principle in the mind and heart's eye. These transform the soul. Stillness is essential. By following symbols as meditating focal points, a seeker can form pathways to the expansion of consciousness in a systematic way. Dr. Steiner - and other genuine initiates - provided deep insights into how to activate each "petal" of the chakra "wheels" in a mature and proper way.
It is best to print these symbols on a white page of paper. The computer screen works, as does the phone, but it can cause side effects. During the concentration exercise on these images, which should be done with the eyes open, one will eventually see the counter-color of the image appear or emerge out of the symbol. The eyes can then move this image around a blank, white page. The ability to hold the counter-color image strengthens the forces of the will. For example, focusing a yellow square will eventually yield a beautiful luminescent blue color that emerges (depending on the color of the yellow which has many shades). The after-image will fade after a while as the mind of a seeker is incapable of holding the image for any length of time.
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This is its true source which manifest its polar opposite. This is a good sign. Be advised, if this is a new experience, one can experience slight headaches as new pathways are formed. The third eye is dormant in almost everyone who does not make efforts to open up. Like any athlete, musician, or student, practice is necessary to master anything in life. Practice in meditation and our daily lives the soul in alignment with good, noble, and spiritual ideals gradually transforms the soul.
The after-image produced in these meditations is proof that something lies behind that was INVISIBLE until one practiced to make it VISIBLE. A seeker wishes to develop the vision to see beyond the limitations of the physical world. The tattvas symbols can assist in that gradual process.
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The opening of the chakras can be felt as a physical tingling sensation. This especially applies to the third eye, the heart chakra, and the crown chakra. It may feel as though someone is pressing upon it with a finger (the third eye resides between the eyes). It may seem uncomfortable at first, but this simply means that the chakra is becoming active. The same experience occurs with one's crown chakra which is located at the center and top of one's head.
Meditation is about strengthening the powers of one's concentration and will. However, it is also about building up the moral powers of the soul. Meditating upon these symbols is a nice tool to develop the powers of concentration and focus; faculties that can be applied across the spectrum of human activity.​
NOTE: The substance of one's thoughts, feelings, and ideas must be trained to be objective. What one thinks, one will become. We inevitably bring our daily experiences, feelings, and ideas with us into meditations. Experiences and memories long gone may arise before the consciousness of a seeker in subtle ways. Sometimes, these occur as spontaneous flashes and images in one's mind. Meditation is a conscious form of self-hypnosis.
Images of a different character and form may emerge from one' soul life. Over the subsequent days and weeks, one may experience images, feelings, and memories during one's waking life that are new, or long since been forgotten. Research should always accompany our meditations from an informed source. Dr. Rudolf Steiner's works such as the "Esoteric Studies" can certainly assist.
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Color Spectrum Wheel
The color wheel. As one focuses on any color in a symbol, its opposite - or it is polarity - will emerge as a counter image behind it. One may feel a tingling in the region of the third eye as it begins to activate or "spin." Be sure to carefully examine objectively any images or ideas that accompany any meditation. Memories may appear - including experiences of the far distant past - in the consciousness of a meditator during these exercises.
At first, take nothing on face value until you gain experience and genuine insights into what is being revealed. Images can appear as symbols as the "language of the soul" begins. This occurs in feelings, images, symbols, and even words. Geometric forms, colors, and an array of symbols live within the consciousness of each being on the planet.
