Allyson and I just returned from studying the mysteries of Islamic patterns and Sacred Geometry with Keith Critchlow at the Alhambra in Grenada, Spain. The Alhambra is an enormous palace which houses various mosque chapels and was built during the 14th century with a devotional energy rarely seen in any architecture.
The Alhambra is a staggering outpouring of immense beauty and heavenly geometries seamlessly interlocking -- covering every surface with flaming prayers cascading into pools of crystalline architectural wonder with every step. The anti-iconic edict in Islam lead their artists to craft ingenious patterns of infinite interconnectedness. The Soul is made visible. Artists became receptive vessels of Allah in order to reveal divine order to elevate and enlighten the world.
Keith Critchlow, integral architect, leading expert in sacred geometry,
and consultant to the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors project
After visiting the Alhambra and Chartres Cathedral, two of the most sacred and powerful artistic and architectural accomplishments of humanity, and analyzing the conditions which favored such creative endeavors, it appears that the current moment in the stream of eternity may again be capable of supporting such a dream. In unique mystic soil, rich with the confluence of great traditions, at times of conflict, such imaginings of Temples have been born. While the Catholic church led the crusades in an attempt to destroy followers of Muhammad, suppress the genius of Ibn Arabi, and bury the wisdom of Jewish Kabbalists, a small community devoted to the perennial philosophy, sought dialogue between traditions and glimpsed the outline of a more universal spiritual expression. Though today certain exoteric religions threaten the foundations of life through wars and bloodshed, the esoteric truths at the core of all religions are being affirmed by great mystics and philosophers who are in dialogue as never before. A visionary interpretation of universal spirituality, a legacy of art and architecture expressing peace, inclusiveness and earth honoring, created by artists in our time, is possible and called for today.
If you are called to join us in this sacred task please donate at cosm.org
