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Beginning with the square, a polygon can be rotated through a circle to create a template which consists of what appears to be sets of interlocking cubes and other, three-dimensional shapes. If one rotates a square around a circle, using the square's diagonal, then the resultant figure has eight sides, each side being an edge of one of the squares. This establishes a general rule in that the resultant figure will always have double the number of sides of the polygon being rotated; in the case of the pentagon: ten sides; in the case of the hexagon: twelve sides, and so on. The square is the first to produce a three-dimensional quality; if one rotates a triangle through a circle, a hexagon is created, but the figure is strictly two-dimensional, since the diagonal of the triangle is its own edge, and not internal to it. The triangle heralds what the four represents; in this instance, three dimensions are given representation by the rotation of "the four" through a circle.

Square rotated through a circle. Apparently, this figure is intrinsic to Islamic Art, though its significance and symbolism in respect of that culture is as yet unknown to me. It is from this template that the design "Rotating Squares" is derived.

Pentagon rotated through a circle. A variation of this figure is to be found at the centre of the cross-arms of the Celtic Cross design (2); forms the basis of one of: an untitled design, Starburst, and Infinity's Web

Hexagon rotated through a circle. This figure is central to the Zodiac design (1), and is the template from which the second Zodiac design is derived

Heptagon rotated through a circle

Octagon rotated through a circle

Celtic Links