Genesis · 2D
Vesica Piscis
Two circles, each through the other’s centre
The almond-shaped lens where two equal circles overlap. The first shape born from two, and the womb of the equilateral triangle.
- Height : width
- √3 : 1
- Circles
- 2
Watch it drawn with compass and straightedge, hear the chord of its lines, and turn the Dimension dial to raise its form in space.
Facts
- Its height to width ratio is √3 : 1 ≈ 1.732.
- Joining the centres and a tip gives an equilateral triangle, so √3 hides here.
- It is Euclid’s very first construction (Elements, Book I, Proposition 1).
- Continue placing circles on the intersections and the Flower of Life appears.
History and meaning
Latin for "bladder of the fish". Medieval builders used it to lay out Gothic arches and cathedral plans, and it frames Christ in majesty (the mandorla) in Romanesque art.
Across the dimensions
- Slice of Vesica SphaeraEach circle is the equator of a sphere through the other’s centre. They meet in a ring.
Learn it step by step
- Construct it Vesica PiscisDraw two circles, each centred on the other’s rim.
- Construct it The Root of ThreeDraw the vesica and join its two crossings.
- Journey GenesisStep 2: Two
- Journey The Plane RisesStep 2: Two spheres
