John Michell's New Jerusalem Diagram: Sacred Geometry, the Number 12, and the Shape of the Heavens

John Michell (1933-2009), a prominent figure in the field of sacred geometry, made significant contributions to our understanding of ancient metrology and its connection to cosmic patterns. His work on the New Jerusalem diagram, also known as the Heavenly City diagram, offers an exploration of geometric relationships, sacred numbers, and the harmonies between celestial bodies.

The New Jerusalem Diagram: An Overview

The New Jerusalem diagram is based on a description in the Book of Revelation, which depicts a holy city descending from heaven. Michell's interpretation of this concept resulted in a complex geometric figure that he believed encoded fundamental ratios and measurements of the cosmos.

Key elements of the diagram include:

1. A square representing the city's base

2. A circle encompassing the square

3. Twelve gates, three on each side of the square

4. Various internal divisions and relationships

The Significance of 12 in the New Jerusalem Diagram

The number 12 plays a crucial role in Michell's interpretation:

1. Twelve Gates: As described in Revelation, the city has twelve gates, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel.

2. Zodiacal Division: The circle surrounding the square is divided into 12 parts, corresponding to the 12 signs of the zodiac.

3. Temporal Symbolism: Michell associated the 12-fold division with both the 12 months of the year and the 12 hours of the day and night.

4. Duodecimal System: Michell emphasized the importance of the base-12 system in ancient metrology, which he saw reflected in the diagram's proportions.

5. Harmonic Ratios: Many of the significant ratios in the diagram involve factors of 12, such as 144 (12 × 12) and 1728 (12³).

   
   

The Moon, Earth, and Squared Circle

One of Michell's most intriguing propositions involves the relationship between the moon, earth, and the concept of the squared circle within the New Jerusalem diagram:

1. Squared Circle: This is a geometric construction where the perimeter of the square equals the circumference of the circle. Michell saw this as a fundamental principle in sacred geometry.

2. Earth-Moon Ratio: Michell noted that the ratio of the earth's diameter to the moon's diameter is very close to 11:3. This ratio is significant in its relation to the squared circle.

3. Squared Circle Ratio: The ratio between the side of a square and the diameter of its equal-perimeter circle is approximately 8:7. This ratio is derived from the relationship between a square's perimeter (4s) and a circle's circumference (πd), where s is the square's side and d is the circle's diameter.

4. Cosmic Harmony: He proposed that these relationships were not coincidental but reflected a fundamental harmony in the cosmos, encoded in the New Jerusalem diagram.

5. Sacred Numbers: The relationship between these ratios produces numbers that Michell found significant in ancient metrology, such as 1080 (the number of miles in the moon's radius) and 3960 (the number of miles in the earth's radius). Note the ratio 3960:1080, which simplifies to 11:3.

   
   

Mathematical and Metrological Implications

Michell's work on the New Jerusalem diagram led him to several provocative conclusions:

1. Ancient Knowledge: He believed that ancient civilizations possessed advanced knowledge of astronomy and geometry, encoded in their architecture and sacred texts.

2. Universal Measure: Michell proposed that the proportions in the diagram reflected a universal system of measurement, which he called the "Canon."

3. Gematria: He explored connections between the numerical values in the diagram and gematria, a system of assigning numerical values to words or phrases.

4. Planetary Harmonies: Michell extended his analysis to include relationships between other planets in the solar system, always returning to the proportions found in the New Jerusalem diagram. For example, he noted that the ratio of Earth's diameter to Venus's diameter is very close to 17:16.

   
   

Critical Reception and Legacy

While Michell's work has been influential in alternative archaeology and sacred geometry circles, it's important to note that mainstream academia has largely viewed his theories skeptically:

1. Numerological Approach: Critics argue that Michell's methods sometimes involve selective use of data to fit predetermined patterns.

2. Historical Context: Scholars emphasize the need to interpret ancient texts and monuments within their historical and cultural contexts, rather than through the lens of modern numerical analysis.

3. Scientific Scrutiny: Many of Michell's proposed cosmic relationships have not been substantiated by current scientific understanding.

Despite these criticisms, Michell's work continues to inspire those interested in sacred geometry and alternative interpretations of ancient wisdom. His explorations of the New Jerusalem diagram have contributed to ongoing discussions about the potential meanings encoded in geometric forms and proportions.

Conclusion

John Michell's interpretation of the New Jerusalem diagram offers a thought-provoking exploration of sacred geometry, numerology, and cosmic harmonies. His focus on the number 12 and the relationships between celestial bodies provides an intriguing perspective on potential connections between ancient wisdom and modern astronomical knowledge.

While the scientific validity of many of his claims remains contested, Michell's work serves as a reminder of humanity's enduring fascination with finding order and meaning in the cosmos. It invites us to consider the ways in which mathematical relationships and geometric forms might encode deeper truths about the universe and our place within it.