Spirals are one of my new obsessions, I see them everywhere and I don’t think that is a coincidence!
On the spiritual path I’ve learned to pay attention to the symbols I see. Not that they tell us the whole story, but they can provide an overview of where we are energetically and the things we are still working on.
Spirals, on a basic level, represent a journey inwards towards more self-knowledge. In this article I’m going to break down how to interpret this symbol and put it to best use in your life.
Spiral symbolism meaning
I have always been fascinated by the fact that if you try to walk in a straight line while blindfolded, you tend to end up back where you started. You walk in a circle. There is something incredibly cyclical about our nature as humans.
From the moment we are born we are imprinted with a spiral on our crown, a “hair whorl”. We also see this play out in nature by design or driven by instinct. The spirals of a nautilus shell or the bubble net feeding patterns of humpback whales.
In Mathematics we have the Fibonacci sequence, where each element is the sum of the two that preceded it – when represented visually we get a spiral pattern.
We see this sequence represent in nature, from galaxies to hurricanes.
Then we have our emotional or spiritual spirals. We always seem to come back to what is familiar or comfortable to our minds and nervous systems.
This can be a fear-filled proposition; but what if we viewed it as a dance? A rhythm we are tapping into? What if we have fun with it?
Are we destined to repeat old patterns forever? No. But we may need to circle back a few times.
Ask yourself:
When I return to a familiar place, how may I view it with new eyes?
When an old reality rears its ugly head, how may I approach it with new energy?
Further Reading: Let go of the old “you”
Seeing this image on social media was such a full circle moment (pardon the pun) and really clarified what this symbol meant on my journey.
Over many years I have shifted my mindset from a very nihilistic one (nothing really matters) to a more absurdist one (we make meaning despite the mystery).
At the beginning of my awakening I had this distinct sense that reality was in some sort of loop. That literal events would repeat over and over again. This sent me into a lengthy existential crisis…and I didn’t think anything would break that line of thinking.
However, with time, I realized that although aspects of reality do repeat in uncanny ways, the point is to hold awareness through the cycles. To make meaning as we notice ourselves repeating patterns we said we never would.
I should write some more on this another day!
Why do I keep seeing spirals?
“The spiral is the spiritualized circle. In the spiral form, the circle uncoiled, has ceased to be vicious; it has been set free.”
-Vladimir Nabokov
The spiral can be a reminder that it is not some huge failure to return to the same spot, many times, it is your nature!
The spiral can be a reminder that spiritual awareness grows when you double-down on simplicity.
When you get into a simple routine you clear the mind, and create space to view your reality in more complex ways. To see the patterns clearly.
The spiral is comforting confirmation of how life progresses. A reminder of our oneness. It says without words “You are not alone in anything you do”
When you find yourself spiralling, tap back into the wisdom of that which has already tread a sacred path – speak to the galaxies, the trees and the animals.
I feel the biggest lesson we can take from the spiral is to practice non-attachment and non-resistance. These are at the core of spiritual development.
To be aware of what is going on around us, in the world, but not get sucked in to the point we lose ourselves. When you see the spiral showing up in your reality…do not resist.
Oftentimes we’ll see this symbol constantly because we are entering into a period of deep transformation.
We can be sure this is all in divine timing. Sometimes we’ll feel the presence of a spirit guide at the threshold of these changes, other times we’ll just feel more energized or motivated to improve areas in our lives.
If you’re seeing this symbol, spend a little more time in nature!
Meditate on the symbol and let any deeper insights (that are more personal to you) surface.
Make an effort to connect, to other people and community, appreciate the oneness this represents. Incorporate this symbol into your rituals if you feel called to.
Hey there, I’m Ashley. I hope that by sharing my experiences with deepening my intuition, I can help you find that ‘spark’. That magic we can all experience when our energy is aligned and we feel deeply supported by the Universe.