The word “dimension” is used very differently by the rational sciences than by the intuitive arts communities. In its most basic sense, the term “dimension” means “measured out.” It generally refers to the measure of physical space and that is how mathematics and the rational sciences treat it. In the intuitive arts, dimension usually refers to a realm of existence whether or not it occupies physical space. So, the rational sciences community and the intuitive arts community have a bit of an ontological disagreement about this word. Therefore, the term must be considered in context for its proper meaning to be derived.
The type of geometry most of us studied in high school is called planar because it includes only the two dimensions of a flat surface. A simple x,y grid, known as a Cartesian coordinate system, is enough to describe the location of any point on that plane. But, to describe most objects, we need an extra dimension of height, also known as the z axis. To describe where a jet is while flying through the air, we need an extra dimension of time. So, a flying jet requires four dimensions to be described properly, which are x,y,z and a fourth dimension of time.
This type of measurement is often confused with Einstein’s description of 4D spacetime, which is actually a description of one thing, not four separate elements of description. It is the geometrical fabric of space which can be bent into shapes by the force of gravity. This also bends time at the same rate. So, to clarify the difference, objects in motion can be described with four dimensions, three which reference a point in space and one reference of time. These are four separate descriptive elements. On the other hand, spacetime is one 4D thing. The element of time is intrinsic to the same fabric as are the spatial dimensions.
The word “dimension” as used by intuitive arts practitioners usually refers to realms of existence. The physical domain is one such realm of existence. The other dimensions are not as dense as the one in which we physically exist. The physical dimension is like light which has been slowed down to the point of seeming solid. Beings and objects in the other dimensions are composed entirely of light or pure energy, which is why they can move faster, or at a higher frequency, than can usually be perceived in the physical realm.
Many parallels have been drawn in New Age thought between this idea and those of quantum mechanics, which state that we seem solid, but we are actually composed of bits of energy. The quantum model still falls short of what the intuitives intend, but it suffices for the sake of comparison and as a modeling reference.
Since the words light, frequency and vibration are used by both the rational sciences and the intuitive arts, confusion often arises because of the different applied meanings. For instance, in physics, String Theory requires ten spatial dimensions. M Theory requires eleven dimensions. These are spatial dimensions, not realms of existence. Since physical existence is described by three planes of measure and one of time, we can’t even point to another spatial plane. So, where are these extra dimensions that are required for String Theory? Believe it or not, they are rolled up inside the other dimensions. Just try to imagine another spatial plane rolled up inside length. It’s inconceivable to the mind but perfectly acceptable in theoretical mathematics.
The idea that one physical dimension is rolled up inside another and occupying the same “space” seems, to me, more far-out than a purely energetic being of higher frequency occupying the same physical space that I do. So, in many ways, physicists and intuitives are dealing with the same dilemmas in offering proof of the existence of other dimensions. Most intuitives state that the other dimensions are nearly imperceptible for what they really are and there are extremely few words from our material existence which are an adequate match for the experiences. Physicists lament that they have the same problem. At some point, we simply have to extend our faith around these concepts in order to make progress in the investigation of them until we can develop the hard proof that they exist.
Some content excerpted from The Sage Age – Blending Science with Intuitive Wisdom
© 2008 MaAnna Stephenson
Content may be used freely with proper credit and a link to www.SageAge.net
Download PDF version
The type of geometry most of us studied in high school is called planar because it includes only the two dimensions of a flat surface. A simple x,y grid, known as a Cartesian coordinate system, is enough to describe the location of any point on that plane. But, to describe most objects, we need an extra dimension of height, also known as the z axis. To describe where a jet is while flying through the air, we need an extra dimension of time. So, a flying jet requires four dimensions to be described properly, which are x,y,z and a fourth dimension of time.
This type of measurement is often confused with Einstein’s description of 4D spacetime, which is actually a description of one thing, not four separate elements of description. It is the geometrical fabric of space which can be bent into shapes by the force of gravity. This also bends time at the same rate. So, to clarify the difference, objects in motion can be described with four dimensions, three which reference a point in space and one reference of time. These are four separate descriptive elements. On the other hand, spacetime is one 4D thing. The element of time is intrinsic to the same fabric as are the spatial dimensions.
The word “dimension” as used by intuitive arts practitioners usually refers to realms of existence. The physical domain is one such realm of existence. The other dimensions are not as dense as the one in which we physically exist. The physical dimension is like light which has been slowed down to the point of seeming solid. Beings and objects in the other dimensions are composed entirely of light or pure energy, which is why they can move faster, or at a higher frequency, than can usually be perceived in the physical realm.
Many parallels have been drawn in New Age thought between this idea and those of quantum mechanics, which state that we seem solid, but we are actually composed of bits of energy. The quantum model still falls short of what the intuitives intend, but it suffices for the sake of comparison and as a modeling reference.
Since the words light, frequency and vibration are used by both the rational sciences and the intuitive arts, confusion often arises because of the different applied meanings. For instance, in physics, String Theory requires ten spatial dimensions. M Theory requires eleven dimensions. These are spatial dimensions, not realms of existence. Since physical existence is described by three planes of measure and one of time, we can’t even point to another spatial plane. So, where are these extra dimensions that are required for String Theory? Believe it or not, they are rolled up inside the other dimensions. Just try to imagine another spatial plane rolled up inside length. It’s inconceivable to the mind but perfectly acceptable in theoretical mathematics.
The idea that one physical dimension is rolled up inside another and occupying the same “space” seems, to me, more far-out than a purely energetic being of higher frequency occupying the same physical space that I do. So, in many ways, physicists and intuitives are dealing with the same dilemmas in offering proof of the existence of other dimensions. Most intuitives state that the other dimensions are nearly imperceptible for what they really are and there are extremely few words from our material existence which are an adequate match for the experiences. Physicists lament that they have the same problem. At some point, we simply have to extend our faith around these concepts in order to make progress in the investigation of them until we can develop the hard proof that they exist.
Some content excerpted from The Sage Age – Blending Science with Intuitive Wisdom
© 2008 MaAnna Stephenson
Content may be used freely with proper credit and a link to www.SageAge.net
Download PDF version
