Must the symbol for infinity be horizontal, or can it also be seen vertically and yet retain its meaning?

Question

Basically, can "8" be seen as a symbol for infinity as well as the number eight?

Also, do other images/symbols/etc within the realm (inside the two circles of the continuous line) of the infinity symbol detract from its idea?

(my specific idea of something to add in the center of each enclosure was an eye)

The eyes were an idea for if it was horizontal... I really love the Chinese endless knot symbol. I looked up some more info about it and it's a really beautiful concept - possibly even more expansive than the "8" ...Anyway, I'm mulling over this because I really want to at least incorporate the concept of infinity in a tattoo. If a vertical "8" was still symbolic, I'd wanted to place it over my spine from the neck down. But I'd hate to lessen the symbol or detract from the reason I'm getting it, so another place might be more suitable. Thanks for all your help - some great comments!

Answer 1

I don't think it detracts from the symbolic power of infinity. Eight can be seen as an infinity symbol. Eight is very auspicious from 2004- 2024 because it is period 8 of the 20year cycles. So that is why you see license plates and phone numbers with lots of 8s. I don't know visually if I saw eyes inside a vertical infinity symbol if I would read it as such so it depends on the emphasis. If you look at the Chinese endles knot it can be turned any way . The never ending shape always turns back to itself. Also the plum blossom knot.

Answer 2

Vertical Infinity

Answer 3

Strictly speaking, no, once you turn it around, it's an eight. Unless you write vertically!

...however I've heard that '8' is associated with Death, so it is in a way the infinite nothing and the endless possibilities for new beginnings... so...

Circles within the circles of infinity may look all right, depends how you plan to use it. Careful though as It may end up looking like a pair of breasts, unless you were aiming for that effect.

Answer 4

I say no. Math symbolism is based on the Greek alphabet. The ancient Greeks used their alphabet for numbers, i.e. they had no Arabic numerals which makes the ancient manuscripts slow reading. One has to take into context whether they are reading a description about numbers problem or if they are reading numbers.

We borrowed their alphabet to describe abstract numbers to mix in with the Arabic numerals.

Answer 5

i believe you are a spirtual person and there ain't nothing wrong with that, so this symbol in your head at a sub concious leve tells you it means infinite, As you are probably open to messages and signs at an energetic level you then will see it in reality where your energy flows to your attention it will show the way.to recieve it inreality meaning forever. so if you are trying to get closer to god perhaps it means the love you share is infinite never ending or with someone you love or have loved the love is eternal :) hope that helps.