The Microcosm
The Microcosm
From the Greek Micros, small; and Kosmos, a world. The "little world" of the human being, as distinct from the macrocosm, or great world, of the universe. The relationship between microcosm and macrocosm has preoccupied philosophers for many centuries, with the macrocosm believed to be symbolized in the microcosm. According to some occultists, the microcosm was itself symbolized by the pentagram, or pentacle, —a five-pointed star believed to represent humanity and the summation of the occult forces. Paracelsus held that this sign had a marvelous magical power over spirits and that all magic figures and kabalistic signs could be reduced to two—the microcosm and the macrocosm.
(See also magical diagrams )
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The Microcosm