If you look around the room where you are sitting, you will notice square shapes everywhere. Square picture frames, doors, rugs, windows, and the list goes on. Shapes such as the square play a huge role in our daily lives, yet we overlook it without thinking about the deeper meaning.
There is a deeper meaning of the shape of a square, and a reason why it appears so much in our physical reality. I began to wonder what the spiritual meaning and significance of a square was, and how seeing it everywhere impacts me on a deeper spiritual level. So, what is the spiritual meaning of a square?
The square symbol represents structure, balance, logic, and law and order. It represents the laws of nature that exist in the physical realm, and how those laws give us a sense of predictability and security. The square is associated with the number 4, and relates to the four elements of the physical world: earth, air, water, and fire.
There are countless appearances of the square in various religions, spiritual practices, ancient customs, and logical sciences. There is no escape from the four corners of the square holding your reality in place. To understand how the square may impact you and your spiritual journey, we will investigate together the subconscious effects that the square has in our lives.
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What Is The Spiritual Meaning of a Square?
The square is a label that is given to concepts or people that appear boring. If someone is labeled as a “square,” it is usually an insult that they are rigid, overly studious, too pragmatic, or very basic.
However, when the spiritual element of the square is brought into the mix, those same “insults” become great strengths in our lives. Without having a foundation, or the basics to lean on, there is no sense of security that we can rely on.
Spiritually, the square is meant to give us a sense of being grounded and balanced here in the physical world. We are physical beings that need structure, community, and direction in order to survive. The square gives us all of these survival needs.
Look at the house you are in right now. The foundation is built on squares. This is symbolic of the foundations of life that are found in the shape of the square. Together, the four elements of the earth blend harmoniously to allow the foundations of life to form, and for us to thrive.
When the square appears in a spiritual context, it is often to give reassurance that you are protected from chaos or perceived threats. It can also be a reminder to breathe, get grounded, and focus on your center. It is a symbol of strength, logic, and survival.
In medieval depictions of the square, it was almost always connected to the human body, representing “man” and the physical elements of our being. In artistic representations of our human nature, the square, triangle, and circle usually appear, bringing a symphony of shapes that represent body, soul, and spirit; the square being the body.
Spiritual Meaning of The Number 4 and The Square
The square is connected to the number 4, due to the four sides and four corners of the shape. In the language of the spirit, sacred geometry and numbers are intimately involved in the process of weaving together our reality. Thus, the square and the number 4 are spiritual linked.
In numerology, the number 4 is said to be a “down-to-earth” number. It carries the energy of practicality, hard work, logic, and cause-and-effect. When people or objects vibrate at the energy of a 4, they are often perceived as being dependable, loyal, pragmatic, and intelligent.
Take the Rubix cube, the computer or smartphone you are looking at, a sudoku puzzle, or a book. These are all related to logic, intelligence, technology, and knowledge, and are square in shape.
We often think of “karma” or “fate” as an esoteric or metaphysical concept; however, these concepts resonate at the number of 4 due to their constant behavior. 4 is the number of fate, or karma, meaning that what you sow into life will yield similar outcomes. It is linear and follows the universal law of cause-and-effect.
In this way, the number 4 can be seen as a reflection of your reality being the cause of your beliefs, actions, and subconscious energies. Just like starring into a square mirror, and seeing your own reflection.
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What Does a Square Mean In a Dream?
Shapes can appear in our dreams to give us another layer of information about the messages being communicated by our subconscious or Spirit.
Dreaming of a square represents your logical mind, and processing a situation through reason and practicality. It can mean that the solution to a problem or conflict can be resolved by thinking about it pragmatically. It can also represent the need for balance, loyalty, dependability, structure, or rational thinking in an area in your life.
Positive dreams about a square can be a sign of protection, letting you know that all your worries will work themselves out in the end. It can also be a reminder that you have a strong foundation, and to trust your own inner strength or loyal community. Help will arrive soon.
Negative dreams about a square can often make the dreamer feel trapped, isolated, or stuck. Feeling closed in by a square, such as being trapped in a square cage, represents that you are being too logical or pragmatic about a situation. You need to trust your heart, instead of your mind. Try to step outside of logic and reason, and ask yourself what you really want out of life, even if it logistically doesn’t make sense.
Squares in dreams have also been related to a window or portal being open, especially if squares or the number 4 appears in a set of three. It means that reality is shifting, and to be prepared for a change that impacts your reality from here on out. It often is related to situations or events out of your control, such as wide-scale political, social, or gender reforms.
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What Is The Significance of The Color Of a Square?
When trying to interpret the spiritual significance of a square appearing in your life, it can be helpful to also look at the color of the square as well. Colors, just like numbers and shapes, represent a specific vibration, with a message encoded in that frequency.
Here is a chart of the most common colors that show up in the form of a square, and what they mean.
| Black Square Meaning | A black square represents autonomy, independence, separation, and the unknown. It is symbolic of choice, and the root of why you make certain choices. In a positive context, a black square represents feeling empowered to make choices based on your own truth and core values. In a negative context, it can represent a lack of values making you indecisive. |
| Red Square Meaning | A red square represents the foundation of your life, which is your house, community, family, finances, and basic survival. It is symbolic of how secure you feel in your physical reality. In a positive context, a red square at a high vibration can be a powerful symbol for manifestation, especially money and abundance. In a negative context, a red square can represent survival insecurities with domestic or financial issues. |
| White Square Meaning | A white square represents utilizing your intuitive knowledge and spiritual gifts in the physical world. It is symbolic of great spiritual strength. In a positive context, it represents being a healer, or spiritual leader – someone able to give structure and hope in the realm of spiritual pursuits. In a negative context, a white square can represent spiritual pursuits distracting you from physical action or using it for selfish gain. |
| Blue Square Meaning | A blue square represents emotional intelligence and wisdom of speech. It can be symbolic of knowing when to listen and when to speak up. In a positive context, a blue square represents speaking the truth. In a negative context, a blue square represents your inner truth being suppressed. |
| Green Square Meaning | A green square represents the power that unity and partnership can give to the growth of a project. It is symbolic of fertility, new ideas, and new goals. In a positive context, a green square represents inspiration and a new partnership that can lead to longterm success. In a negative context, a green square can represent avoidance or not being able to commit to a project to see it through. |
| Yellow Square Meaning | A yellow square represents how you see yourself in your own reality. It is symbolic of your identity of self, and how comfortable you are expressing that identity to the world. In a positive context, a yellow square represents powerful inner strength and a firm foundation of one’s own values. In a negative context, a yellow square can represent weak core values or abandonment of one’s own dream for quick comfort. |
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Square Meaning in Different Religions
Because squares are such a spiritual symbol, many widespread religions and customs refer to the square frequently in order to convey a spiritual message.
What Does a Square Mean in Buddhism?
In Buddhism, the symbol of the square is discussed in reference to enlightenment of the mind by resting on the four foundations of the four noble truths: dukkah, samudaya, nirodha, and magga. These four noble truths sit in a square, holding a structure for higher consciousness to be attained while being here in a physical body.
The Buddha laid the foundation of a strong mind on the shape of a square, as a square is the most solid shape. Both the mind and physical body must be balanced by the four noble truths, or the square, to maintain enlightenment.
What Does a Square Mean in Christianity?
In Christianity, the shape of a square is symbolic of living a righteous life, referring to the “right” angles and equal corners on each side. It also represents discipleship and loyalty, and strong discipline that is required to live in accordance with Christian faith. It is often symbolic of protection and power.
In Christianity, the square is also mentioned frequently, especially in relation to the number 4.
There are many reoccurrences of the number of 4 appearing in relation to solidarity and a strong foundation based on loyalty and community. Some examples include:
- The four evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
- Four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding four winds of the earth (Revelation 7:1)
- In the bible, God was always very specific of measurements and numbers, giving a deeper spiritual meaning: “Make four gold rings for the table and fasten them to the four corners at its four legs.” In this example, the number four, table, and corners all relate to the shape of a square, which represents laying a strong foundation. (Exodus 25:26)
These are just a few of the many examples of the square and the number 4 showing to convey a deeper spiritual meaning that can be seen in vibrations and frequencies.
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What Does a Square Mean In Astrology?
In Astrology, a square represents the distance between two planets being 90 degrees apart. The effects of these planetary placements show us our conflicts, challenges, hardships, or recurring life lessons that we are learning. The planets involved in the “square” placement can reveal more information about the tensions that we experience.
On a more symbolic level, a square in astrology represents the planet Saturn, which rules over Capricorn. According to Cafe Astrology:
“Saturn brings structure and meaning to our world. Saturn knows the limits of time and matter. Saturn reminds us of our boundaries, our responsibilities, and our commitments. It brings definition to our lives. Saturn makes us aware of the need for self-control and of boundaries and our limits.”
These are all qualities that represent the square as well when looking at a variety of religions and spiritual practices.
In terms of houses, the fourth house in astrology represents areas in your home life, such as domestic matters or physical security in your surroundings. Because 4 is associated with the square, and a square represents the foundation, such as the foundation of a home, these are intricately linked.
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What Does a Square Mean In the Tarot?
In the tarot, the square appearing in a reading often represents order, organized thought, dealing with physical matters over spiritual matters, and trusting the laws of nature. It can provide encouragement to get more grounded, or to invite more logic into a situation.
According to Biddy Tarot, appearances of the square, such as in the Temperance card (14 in the major arcana), the square represents being “bound by the Earth and natural law.” The square also appears in the Justice card (11 in the major arcana), which represents “well-ordered thoughts” that are grounded in logical thinking in comparison to illogical imagination and intuition.
Related to the square and the number 4, there are 4 suits in the tarot deck: pentacles, cups, wands, and swords. Each of these suits represents one of the four elements of the earth: earth, water, fire, air.
But, I think the most interesting depiction of a square showing up in the tarot is in the Wheel of Fortune card (10 in the major arcana). This is because it ties the teachings of the Bible and Torah into the practice of Tarot.
In the Bible, Ezekiel 1, there are passages that use the number 4, the four directions, the four elements, and the nature of man in a divine timeline:
“I looked and saw a whirlwind coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing back and forth and brilliant light all around it. In the center of the fire was a gleam like amber, and within it was the form of four living creatures. They had a human form, but each had four faces and four wings. The form of their faces was that of a man, and each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, the face of an ox on the left side, and also the face of an eagle.”
This is related to The Wheel tarot card, shown below. These creatures form a square around the “Torah” or “Tarot”
In a tarot reading, this card can mean protection, karma, cycles of life, destiny, or change in accordance with the law of nature. It also represents a gateway for great change, impacting the entire generation to come.
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Meaning of a Square in Palmistry?
In palmistry, seeing a square appearing on your hand represents protection from chaos in your internal or external world. If a square appears, it means that recurring conflicts will always sort themselves out. In general, it is a sign of positive energy and good first impressions.
But like everything, there can be positive or negative meanings of a square appearing on your palm, depending on where it shows up. To learn more about the various square meaning appearing on your palm, check out this great article here, or watch the video below.
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What Do Squares Represent in Feng Shui?
Bringing in the energy of a square is a great way to incorporate a sense of stability and security into your domestic life. It should be noted, however, that because your house is likely built with right angles and with square shapes, the energy of a square is usually always around your home.
The shape of a square is strongly associated with the element of Earth in feng shui, which aligns with the symbolism of a square which represents laying a foundation and establishing strong roots.
If you want to incorporate more “square” energy into your home, giving you a stronger sense of comfort and groundedness, here are some ideas on how to rearrange your home for that.
- A square planter filled with healthy green plants (avoid planting cacti in square pots)
- Square plates to showcase your crystal collection
- A square altar adorned with spiritual upliftment
- Square picture frames with images of love, happiness, and bright colors
- Square cushions to host friends and family
Avoid squares or earthy tones in the North and South areas of your home.
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Recommended Next Steps: Using The Square In Your Spiritual Practice
A wonderful way to use the power of a square and a color to get fast results is to incorporate crystals into your spiritual practice. To do this, you will need crystals that contain the color you want to work with. Here is a list of crystals to work with related to the color:
| Black Crystals | Obsidian, tourmaline, hematite, onyx |
| Red Crystals | Carnelian, jasper, bloodstone, red calcite |
| White or Clear Crystals | Selenite, moonstone, clear quartz, howlite |
| Blue Crystals | Turquoise, blue kyanite, lapiz lazuli, apatite |
| Green Crystals | Malachite, chrysocolla, jade, peridot |
| Yellow Crystals | Citrine, calcite, tiger’s eye, yellow jasper |
To incorporate colors and the shape of a square with crystals, simply take four of one crystal in the color that you want to work with and place them in the shape of a square on a blank piece of paper. Each crystal represents a corner. Draw a line connecting the four corners together, so you have the shape of a square.
In the center of your square, write the issue you are wanting help resolving. This can be a desire to feel more security, or help with figuring out a solution to a difficult problem. The color of the crystals should coordinate with the issue you want to resolve.
Here are some examples:
- If you want to resolve communication issues of any kind, you will want to use the color blue
- If you want to feel loved and accepted, you will want the color green
- If you have financial, survival or domestic worries, you will want to use the color red
- If you need to feel more confident and empowered to make an important decision, you will want the color yellow
- If you are dealing with grief or separation, you will want to color black
- If you are wanting to manage your spiritual or psychic sensitivities, such as empathy, you will want the color white
Once you have your square crystal grid, leave in overnight near an open window or near your bedstand. Ask yourself to be given insight during your dreams. Alternatively, you can place it near you where you meditate, and ask that answers be revealed during your meditation regarding your next steps forward.
You may not get results right away, however, be patient and the energy of the square will begin to work to rearrange some deep inner insecurities. You may be walking down the street, then suddenly get a revelation related to this issue.
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Summary
The square is a highly symbolic shape that hold the frequency of a deeper spiritual message that influences many aspects of our subconscious interactions with our physical reality. Squares can show up to give you information about feeling safe, protected and the importance of hard work and strong values. It can also help you build up weaknesses that you feel are cracks in the foundation of your spiritual or physical life.
In summary, here are the symbolic keywords for a square:
- Structure
- Foundation
- Reliable
- Practical
- Boundaries
- Responsibility
- Self-Control
- Limits of time and matter
- Balance
- Law and order
- Logic
While this is one interpretation of the spiritual meaning of a square, sit still, and listen to what a square means to you in your spiritual journey. Everyone has their own unique path and their own inner truth. Open your journal and begin the process of uncovering the power of the sacred geometric symbol of a square, and the messages it has for you.
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