The lemniscate symbol is most commonly recognized as representing infinity. Its origins are quite intriguing and span both mathematical and historical contexts.

The symbol itself resembles a sideways figure eight, and we find it on the Magician, Strength, Two of Pentacles and The World tarot cards. The idea of infinity, or the concept of something that is unbounded and limitless or repeatedly cyclic, are ancient ideas, but the specific symbol for the lemniscate has it origins in Latin.

The term “lemniscate” is derived from the Latin word “lemniscatus,” which means “ribbon-like.” This term refers to the shape of the lemniscate curve, a sideways figure-eight or infinity-shaped curve studied in algebraic geometry. The lemniscate curve was studied by the Swiss mathematician Jacob Bernoulli in the late 17th century and is named for its ribbon-like appearance.

Note: The word bernoulli was put into the computer world in the 1980’s as it related to storing data on hard drives.

The lemniscate symbol was first introduced by the 17th-century mathematician John Wallis. Wallis used the symbol to represent the concept of infinity in his mathematical works. He chose the symbol because it visually suggested something that continues without end, and it was a novel way to denote this abstract concept. While the specific lemniscate symbol for infinity was popularized by Wallis, its design and meaning have roots in both mathematical exploration and the philosophical notion of the boundless. 

The choice of the sideways figure eight for representing infinity is both practical and symbolic. It suggests an unending loop or a continuum, aligning with the concept of something without limits.

The Lemniscate in Tarot

We see the lemniscate depicted in four tarot cards:

• The Magician (above the Magician’s head)
• Strength (above the figures head)
• The World (as a ribbon around a wreath)
• The 2 of Pentacles (as a ribbon used to endlessly juggle and balance two pentacles)

Looking at The Magician card of the Tarot we see the infinity sybol above his head. Because The Magician represents the power or ability to transmute energy or to conduct alchemy in the physical and spiritual world, the lemniscate here represents infinite possibilities and potential, the eternal nature of energy or spirit.

The Strength card also shows the lemniscate above the head of the woman in the image as she subdues a lion with gentleness. Here the symbol shows the ability to trust the process, drawing on ever-present resources of courage, faith and trust in the universe.

The World card shows the lemniscate as a ribbon, more true to the original Latin meaning. Here, neatly tieing a wreath above and below, showing the infinite cycle of life and all the elements of incarnate and spiritual life.

The Two of Pentacles shows the individual balancing on one foot, juggling two coins in a lemniscate ribbon. Rough seas in the background show ships navigating small and large waves, while the figure maintains balance and focus. Here the lemniscate represents the management of material resources, the ebb and flow of life and cycles.