The Enchanted Initiate
A Journal of Traditional Symbolism, Hermeticism & the Occult Sciences

One

ONE, a concept deeply rooted in philosophical, alchemical, and mathematical traditions, embodies unity and serves as a key archetype representing the highest form. Originating from Plato's philosophy, the One is an absolute term that precedes all other concepts, embodying unity and signifying the highest form of reality. In the realm of alchemy, ONE represents the final or most advanced state, symbolizing the culmination of the transformative process. From a Pythagorean perspective, the term is also associated with the monad, which signifies the 'source of many,' though it is differentiated from the number one, defined as "the summit of the many." This distinction highlights that while the monad is a sum of parts considered as a unit, the number one specifically refers to unity and wholeness at its peak. ONE functions as a comprehensive symbol encompassing unity, totality, and the ultimate form across various ancient and metaphysical frameworks.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Plato→Person

The concept of the "One," a central element in Plato's philosophical framework, serves as a foundational aspect of his theories. This notion is integral to Plato's thought, reflecting its central part in his philosophical constructs and discussions.

Three And OneConcept

The concept of unity (One) is derived from the principle of the triad (Three)

Even NumberConcept

One has specific characteristics when combined with other numbers, influencing the nature of both odd and even numbers.

Pythagorean MonadConcept

Both the Pythagorean monad and the number one are foundational and central to the Pythagorean number theory.

Odd NumberConcept

One is considered androgynous and relates to the odd numbers in a unique way.

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

OnethroughPlatoilluminatesPythagoras →
I. One & Plato

The concept of the "One," a central element in Plato's philosophical framework, serves as a foundational aspect of his theories. This notion is integral to Plato's thought, reflecting its central part in his philosophical constructs and discussions.

II. Plato & Pythagoras

Pythagoras and Plato are both central figures in the study of philosophical and mathematical teachings, their triad concepts connected Plato, the renowned ancient Greek philosopher, significantly integrated and adapted Pythagorean ideas into his own philosophical constructs, demonstrating a deep respect for the influential thinker Pythagoras. A key aspect of this integration was the emphasis on the role of music in moral and educational development within the state. Plato's understanding of music’s impact on the societal and individual level was profoundly shaped by Pythagorean principles, which posited that music has the power to influence the soul and thereby contribute to the greater harmony and well-being of the state. This alignment with Pythagorean thought can be seen in Plato's various works, where he advocates for the careful selection and regulation of musical compositions to promote virtue and wisdom among citizens.

OnethroughPlatoilluminatesPhilosophy →
I. One & Plato

The concept of the "One," a central element in Plato's philosophical framework, serves as a foundational aspect of his theories. This notion is integral to Plato's thought, reflecting its central part in his philosophical constructs and discussions.

II. Plato & Philosophy

Plato, through Socrates, explores the philosophical nature of color and its existence in Theætetus.

OnethroughEven NumberilluminatesDuad →
I. One & Even Number

One has specific characteristics when combined with other numbers, influencing the nature of both odd and even numbers.

II. Even Number & Duad

The duad is the prototype of even numbers, offering a reference point for their classification.

OnethroughPlatoilluminatesChrist →
I. One & Plato

The concept of the "One," a central element in Plato's philosophical framework, serves as a foundational aspect of his theories. This notion is integral to Plato's thought, reflecting its central part in his philosophical constructs and discussions.

II. Plato & Christ

Plato's dreams prepared the way for the advent of Christ, enriching the wisdom of his time

OnethroughPlatoilluminatesAristotle →
I. One & Plato

The concept of the "One," a central element in Plato's philosophical framework, serves as a foundational aspect of his theories. This notion is integral to Plato's thought, reflecting its central part in his philosophical constructs and discussions.

II. Plato & Aristotle

Plato and Aristotle, two significant figures in the history of philosophy, engaged in a discourse on the nature of reality, as symbolized by their contrasting interpretations of the sphinx and its riddle. According to the given descriptions, Plato, the founder of the Academy in Athens, recognized Aristotle as his most eminent student and successor. This recognition demonstrates the mentor-student relationship between the two philosophers, where Aristotle inherited not only Plato's teachings but also his foundational ideas about the nature of existence. Although the descriptions do not provide specific details about the sphinx and its riddle, the debate between Plato and Aristotle on the nature of reality highlights the fundamental differences in their philosophical approaches. Plato, with his idealistic perspective, likely focused on abstract, eternal forms, while Aristotle, with his empirical approach, focused more on the study of the natural world and the principles that govern it. The recognition by Plato of Aristotle as his greatest disciple also indicates the importance and influence of Aristotle’s work on Platonic philosophy, even though their views evolved in different directions. Through their intellectual exchange, both philosophers contributed significantly to the development of Western philosophical thought.

OnethroughPythagorean MonadilluminatesMonad →
I. One & Pythagorean Monad

Both the Pythagorean monad and the number one are foundational and central to the Pythagorean number theory.

II. Pythagorean Monad & Monad

The Pythagorean monad concept is used to represent the fundamental unit or unity, establishing a direct relationship with the concept of the monad.

OnethroughPlatoilluminatesSocrates →
I. One & Plato

The concept of the "One," a central element in Plato's philosophical framework, serves as a foundational aspect of his theories. This notion is integral to Plato's thought, reflecting its central part in his philosophical constructs and discussions.

II. Plato & Socrates

Socrates' teachings were fundamental to the development of Platonic philosophy.

OnethroughPlatoilluminatesHypopneuma →
I. One & Plato

The concept of the "One," a central element in Plato's philosophical framework, serves as a foundational aspect of his theories. This notion is integral to Plato's thought, reflecting its central part in his philosophical constructs and discussions.

II. Plato & Hypopneuma

Plato, the influential ancient Greek philosopher, was known for his broad engagement with intellectual and practical topics, including discussions on diet and simplicity of lifestyle. His philosophical works, while primarily focused on political theory, ethics, and metaphysics, also touched upon the importance of a simpler, more virtuous lifestyle, which could include dietary considerations. The impact of Plato’s teachings extended beyond his immediate followers, influencing later philosophical movements, including those associated with the Cynics, who emphasized extreme simplicity and philosophical living. Although direct discussions on diet are not a central theme in Plato’s writings, his overall approach to living a virtuous life inherently includes considerations of diet and lifestyle, reflecting his broader philosophical teachings.

OnethroughPlatoilluminatesEleusinian Mysteries →
I. One & Plato

The concept of the "One," a central element in Plato's philosophical framework, serves as a foundational aspect of his theories. This notion is integral to Plato's thought, reflecting its central part in his philosophical constructs and discussions.

II. Plato & Eleusinian Mysteries

Plato taught that the body is a sepulcher, and this concept was a core doctrine in the lesser Mysteries, teaching the separation of soul from body.

OnethroughPlatoilluminatesPythagoreans →
I. One & Plato

The concept of the "One," a central element in Plato's philosophical framework, serves as a foundational aspect of his theories. This notion is integral to Plato's thought, reflecting its central part in his philosophical constructs and discussions.

II. Plato & Pythagoreans

Pythagorean ideas influenced Plato's philosophy, contributing to his teachings.