The Four Zoas

An important secondary symbolic meaning lies in the geometric form of the circle itself. In the first universe, geometric forms are appropriate and relate to other images of order, especially in Urizen's work in Night the Second, where the mathematics of Plato's Timaeus is the basis for the universe. By contrast, in the second universe the symbol of the vortex is the dominating geometric metaphor (see appendix I).

With the creation of the circle, the initial limits of the energies of Tharmas are set "in the vast deep sublime" and the first 'circumference¹is drawn. The activities of all the Zoas and Emanations are contained within this 'globe'. In other terms, the initial cosmology of The Four Zoas, which traces the fall of infinite energies to their finite equivalent, is complete. So, Tharmas now 'dissolves' into the circle and leaves his 'vegetable form', or Spectre:

So saying, he sunk down into the sea, a pale white corse. [So saying del.]

In torment he sunk down and flow'd among her

filmy Woof,

His spectre issuing from his feet in flames of fire.

In (dismal del.) gnawing pain drawn out by her loved fingers,

every nerve

80 She counted, every vein & lacteal, threading them among

81 Her woof of terror. Terrified & drinking tears of woe

82 Shudd'ring she wove nine days & nights, sleepless; her food

was tears.

(K. I. 76-82)

The Spectre issues from the feet of Tharmas in fire in preparation for the earth or globe that Enion will weave, thus completing the traditional elements of water, air, fire, and earth. The "sinewy threads" from the "bosom" of Enion have been developed into "every vein & lacteal" and are woven and bound by Enion's "woof of terror" during the "nine days & nights" of her task. The Spectre is the lowest plane of being of Tharmas* energies, and its form, energies, and visions are circumscribed by the universe of generation created by Tharmas and Enion.