Math for Mystics: From the Fibonacci sequence to Luna's Labyrinth to the Golden Section and Other Secrets of Sacred Geometry

by Renna Shesso

Much of math history comes to us from early astrologers who needed to be able to describe and record what they saw in the night sky. Whether you were the king's court astrologer or a farmer marking the best time for planting, timekeeping and numbers really mattered. Mistake a numerical pattern of petals and you could be poisoned. Lose the rhythm of a sacred dance or the meter of a ritually told story and the intricately woven threads that hold life together were spoiled. Ignore the celestial clock of equinoxes and solstices, and you'd risk being caught short of food for the winter.
Shesso's friendly tone and clear grasp of the information make the math "go down easy" in this marvelous book.

BONUS: This book has over 100 illustrations! Click on the Google Preview link to get a glimpse.

Excerpt from Math for Mystics: “It’s our collective malaise: Post-Traumatic Math Disorder.

“Yet despite how we personally feel about mathematics, our distant ancestors willingly used numbers as pathways into the great patterns of Nature, avenues to understanding the Universe and their own place in it. Many ancient cultures had specific gods and goddesses they credited with inventing mathematical skills. With the aid of divine inspiration and assistance, humans nourished this numerical invention, continually pushing their skills and seeking greater clarity of expression.

“Our starting point may seem like a Zero. But for now, before looking at numbers and math, let’s simply see it as a circle. No matter what our spiritual practice, we each live within the circle of creation, each within the circle—the cohesiveness—of our own form...”

From John Michael Greer, Grand Archdruid, Ancient Order of Druids in America and author of The Druidry Handbook:

“As thoughtful as it is readable, Renna Shesso’s Math for Mystics is the book I wish I had when I first started trying to make sense of the mathematics that underlie so much of modern magic and traditional occult lore. Not the least of its virtues is the way it makes magical number theory accessible even to those who think they don’t like or can’t handle math. It provides a first-rate introduction to a fairly neglected branch of magical lore.”

Genres: Nonfiction, Mathematics, Occult, Spirituality, Science, Religion, New Age

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

I’m Renna Shesso, author of Planets for Pagans: Sacred Sites, Ancient Lore and Magical Stargazing and Math for Mystics. I'm also a shamanic healing practitioner and teacher, and a reader and teacher of Tarot. I research and write on a range of spiritual, artistic and Goddess-infused topics.

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed. I was expecting more math and less mysticism. Actually, there is hardly any math in this book at all. It's mostly about numbers and counting. Still, if you wish to know what numberical value is assigned to the planet Saturn, this might be a helpful book.

[A.J. McMahon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read, full of lots of interesting observations on how mathematics has a mystical side. Ms Shesso is a good-natured and cheerful guide throughout.

[Kitty]

I was always useless at Math.
Over the last year I have been trying understand sacred geometry.
I learn when I am truly interested in a subject and can apply it to life and art.
This is a great book for people like myself who see a brick wall when it comes to mathematics .

This book uses examples of numbers being present in nature , art and music making it easier to grasp.

Fun read.

[Becky]

Yes, This English Major is going to attempt to read a book about math. It looked intriguing, what can I say?

[Kai Falcone · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a Pagan with a degree in mathematics, I was excited to read this book. Unfortunately, I was really disappointed. The book hardly goes into any math at all, instead just focusing on how we find meaning in (mostly) counting numbers. Additionally, while the cover claims to discuss sacred geometry, the only sacred shape mentioned at all is the Vesica Piscis. Most of the book seems like very little research was put into the math side. In fact, Shesso gets multiple things objectively incorrect, such as calling 1 a prime number.

I did enjoy the shape meditation and plan on using this regularly. I appreciate that it comes with ideas for visualization and because of the adding and subtracting one side each time, it is easy to remember.

[Sammy Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Math For Mystics' is very well written, and easy to understand. I have read similar books before , and this is one of the easiest to understand. Renna Shesso has inserted a lot of personality, parts are almost whimsical. I finished it, and my son started reading it. I highly recommend.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book on numerology with cool insight into tarot numerology and historical significance of numbers.

[Zdenek Sykora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Math for Mystics by Renna Shesso is a captivating exploration of the mystical and magical dimensions of mathematics and sacred geometry. Shesso delves into a wide range of mathematical concepts and their historical and spiritual significance, making this book a unique blend of education and enchantment. Through clear explanations and engaging narratives, she demystifies complex ideas, making them accessible to both mathematically inclined readers and those who are more mystically minded.
Shesso's writing is both informative and inspirational, weaving together the mathematical principles with their applications in art, nature, and spirituality. The book is rich with illustrations and examples that bring these concepts to life, helping readers see the beauty and harmony in the patterns that shape our world. While the book occasionally delves into esoteric territory that might not appeal to everyone, its overall approach is inclusive and enlightening.
Overall, Math for Mystics is a delightful read that opens up a new perspective on mathematics, highlighting its profound connections to the mystical and the sacred. Shesso successfully bridges the gap between the logical and the spiritual, offering readers a holistic view of the mathematical wonders that surround us.

Twenty Main Points from Math for Mystics

1. Fibonacci Sequence: An introduction to the Fibonacci sequence, its mathematical properties, and its occurrence in nature, such as in the arrangement of leaves and the spiral patterns of shells.
2. Golden Ratio: Explanation of the Golden Ratio (φ) and its appearance in art, architecture, and nature, illustrating its aesthetic and harmonious qualities.
3. Sacred Geometry: Exploration of sacred geometry and its significance in various spiritual traditions, including its use in the design of sacred spaces and symbols.
4. Platonic Solids: Detailed discussion of the five Platonic solids, their mathematical properties, and their symbolic meanings in different cultures.
5. Labyrinths: The history and geometry of labyrinths, their use in meditation and spiritual practice, and examples from various cultures around the world.
6. Luna’s Labyrinth: A specific exploration of Luna’s Labyrinth, its geometric structure, and its symbolic connections to lunar cycles and feminine energy.
7. Pythagorean Theorem: Explanation of the Pythagorean Theorem, its mathematical significance, and its philosophical implications as seen by the ancient Pythagoreans.
8. Magic Squares: Introduction to magic squares, their mathematical properties, historical uses, and their symbolic significance in various mystical traditions.
9. Mandalas: The geometry of mandalas, their use in meditation and spiritual practice, and examples from Hinduism, Buddhism, and other traditions.
10. Fractals: Explanation of fractals, their mathematical properties, and their occurrence in nature and art, illustrating the concept of self-similarity.
11. Alchemy and Geometry: The connections between alchemical symbols and geometric shapes, exploring how geometry was used in alchemical practices and symbolism.
12. Numerology: The study of numerology, its historical roots, and how numbers are interpreted in various mystical and spiritual traditions.
13. Celtic Knots: The geometry of Celtic knots, their mathematical properties, and their symbolic meanings in Celtic spirituality and art.
14. The Flower of Life: Exploration of the Flower of Life pattern, its geometric properties, and its significance in various spiritual and philosophical traditions.
15. Crop Circles: Examination of the geometry of crop circles, their potential meanings, and the theories surrounding their creation.
16. Vesica Piscis: The geometric figure of the Vesica Piscis, its mathematical properties, and its symbolic significance in various spiritual and philosophical traditions.
17. Astrological Geometry: The use of geometry in astrology, including the geometric patterns formed by planetary positions and their symbolic meanings.
18. Kabbalistic Geometry: Exploration of the geometric patterns and structures found in Kabbalistic traditions, including the Tree of Life.
19. Geometric Art: Discussion of the use of geometry in various art forms, including Islamic art, Gothic architecture, and Renaissance painting.
20. Practical Applications: Practical exercises and meditations involving sacred geometry, helping readers to experience and apply these concepts in their own spiritual practices.

In conclusion, Math for Mystics by Renna Shesso is an enlightening and enriching book that bridges the gap between mathematics and mysticism. Shesso's ability to make complex concepts accessible and engaging, along with her deep appreciation for the spiritual dimensions of mathematics, makes this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the mysteries of the universe through the lens of sacred geometry.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book, and I picked it up to read in preparation for a more dense historical book on phi and the Fibonacci series. It's small, but I learned a lot. She also includes personal reflections and asks the reader to make their own associations with numbers.

It takes a practical approach to why numbers were so important to our predecessors. Geometry and even finger counting were almost sacred. I had no idea that people actually used numerical ciphers. I learned why Venus is associated with the apple and the pentacle. How to solve magical squares (like a medieval Sudoku). How to find your own personal cubit and fathom. Did you ever realize the full moon always rises in the East while the sun is setting? The Babylonians were on to something when they picked 360 degrees in a circle; it's divisible by 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10... and its based on the number of days in a lunar year. That must explain why Egyptians tell of how Thoth, thrice-great Hermes, gambled with the moon for 1/72 of its light to make the year 365 days.

I'm probably going to keep going back to this one as a reference.

[Allyson King · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a rare DNF for me. I clocked some things early on that were just not historically or medically accurate, and I don't have the patience to finish a book where I have to second guess every "fact."

[Min · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a decent introductory level of the most common forms of "Math Tricks" one might encounter in esoteric, and occult works. The principles are explained briefly enough to get a grasp of the concept, and leave the rest for the reader to decide into which direction to take the next level.
I appreciated the section with common number associations, and correspondences. Also, a brief chapter regarding the Platonic solids, and rudimentary Pythagorean ideas.
Nothing was over done for those disinclined to maths, or lacking in skill.

The majority of the attributions are strictly from the Western Magic tradition.
If one is already familiar with the essentials, little can be gained from this book. The biography marks those works that would help ease one into the subject of the history of mysticism and mathematics, and ancient numerology.

[Jean]

I couldn't give this book a rating. While it made intriguing mystical connections with mathematical concepts, it had too much mysticism and not enough math for my taste. Nor did it provide enough evidence for a lot of its assertions. However, there are many interesting points and connections made.

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm stalled on this one. It's interesting, but lost me when it started talking about how I could use the information in my spells. I'm not that kind of gal. So, this gets shelved for now, back to use as a reference book.

[Jay D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. A bit heavy on some silly pagan ideas, but overall a complete reversal of the boring state school lies about math and meaning. Basically souped up Pythagorean and Egyptian Maths. Recommended

[Jimmacc · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK review. Can get a little over the top.

[Sandy H · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really not my thing. Couldn't get through it.