The Infinity Symbol has made its way into the modern day tattoo subculture as a trending image that reflects the idea that life is everlasting or the love between two people is forever intertwined. Although this sounds very like a romantic notion, there actually is a lot of merit to this. But first, perhaps, we should look back to the beginnings of this iconic symbol.
The concept of the Infinity can be dated back to the 3rd century BC to the book Archimedes Palimpsest which was originally created by the Greek Mathematician Archimedes. The man was also a physicist, engineer, inventor, and astronomer. It seems that he had an infinite thirst for knowledge as well. But the person who is credited to have made the symbol well known to the public was the English Mathematician John Wallis in 1655. John was one of the founding members of the Royal Society and helped to define the pillars of today's Calculus. I think it is also important to mention that John Wallis was also a spiritual man having been the son of Reverend John Walliss Sr. and he himself had entered the priesthood as well. This may be important to mention because the Infinity symbol is not just used in the area of math and science, but it is also used in Spiritual Symbolism.
The mathematical significance of the Infinity symbol meets with the Spiritual significance when we perceive it as energy in motion. Energy is indestructible because it just keeps transforming. One form of the infinity image is credited to the Ouroboros, an ancient symbol of the snake biting its own tail. The Ouroboros embodies the concept of life - death - renewal; completion, the motion of energy, etc. It could be seen in context with the flow of reincarnation. The history of the Ouroboros or the concept of it goes further back in time, right back to ancient Egypt, India, and Asia. In some ways, it is seen as a balance in the forces or an equilibrium of energy. The Yin and Yang is a close example of this. It is also associated with Alchemy, Gnosticism, and Hermeticism. It should be no surprise then that we find the infinity symbol used on the Rider-Waite Tarot deck. You can see it on the Magician card, Strength card, and the 2 of Pentacles.
Interestingly, in Canada, the Metis People had adopted the Infinity symbol for their flag. History tells us that the Metis People became a group of separate people because they did not represent the white people, nor did they represent the original Indigenous People by the standards in those days. The Metis were a mixture of First Nations women and European men. Although recognized as an Indigenous People, their treaties and rights were not exactly the same as the other Indigenous groups. In time, they became distinguished as their own people and created a flag to represent themselves. The flag is blue with a white Infinity symbol or red with a white Infinity symbol. The Metis flag represents the combining of two cultures and the existence of a people forever.
Sean Howse is an Alberta Metis who has the Infinity symbol tattooed on both of his arms. He says, “My family was really big into the Metis community. They were the real pioneers. I am proud to come from that family, from that lineage.”
Another form of the Infinity symbol that is quite popular in the tattoo industry is the Triquetra. The triquetra is also known as the Trinity Knot. It is an old Celtic symbol that represents the eternal spiritual life of no beginning and no end. For many, it represents religious significance but varies from one religious belief to the other. Celtic Christians would see it as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; while a Pagan view would be the representation of the Triple Goddess.
It seems it is human nature to interpret symbols pertaining to how our cultures influence us, how we need to perceive them personally, and what we are comfortable with or what we are willing to embrace. But the one thing that everyone seems to agree upon, whether it be a mathematician or a high priestess, the Infinity symbol does represent the idea that life or energy is always in motion somehow and is able to recycle itself and/or regenerate a new form. That is the magic of our universe and our entire existence. Not only is that a profound discovery, but it is the strength of love, life, and unity and a worthy symbol to have as a reminder of the forces that embrace us.
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