Types

What is a type? Quite simply, a type is a representation of something else. There are other nuances to this word, of course. But its etymology confirms this sense (Latin, typus: “image”). So it is through the aid of an impression that Plato, for instance, makes shadow a type for doubt and ignorance; or how the Bible frequently makes wandering in the wilderness a type for the lost soul.

In the context of blueprints, the plan is the type for the building. And in the context of sacred structures specifically, this blueprint quite frequently has symbolic importance.

This site explores one type found in five of the world’s most celebrated sacred structures. My research reveals that their designs share a common blueprint that is mathematically expressible and symbolizes unity.

So I take these temples and sacred places to be types for unity, balance, and—above all—order.

On cubits and how measurement standards apply to sacred places:

One way structures can be symbolic is in their measurements. In this manner, the Washington Monument measures exactly 555 feet. (The repeating five emphasizes its symbolism.) But comparing ancient structures requires some knowledge of ancient measurement systems such as the cubit—roughly the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. More precisely, a cubit is equal to one-and-a-half feet, however one defines the foot.

I said that these blueprints can be expressed mathematically. By that I mean their blueprints can be summarized in terms of their length, width, and height (L x W x H). These sacred sites share some interesting features, notably repeating reference to the number “one”—also known as “unity” itself.

THIS PAGE: On "Types" & cubits.