2.5.6. Spirals

Spirals are considered the symbol of torque in the universe. 

They’re found at every level of the universe from galaxies to molecular and atomic levels. They also allow for growth, expansion, efficiency, and strength. There are spirals through time, repeating patterns that expand or contract.

Many plants and other creatures grow in spirals, which allow for expansion, and provide strength and stability.

Use of spirals in permaculture are numerous. One of the more well known uses is an herb spiral. 

This spiral is not just for looks, though they can look great. An herb spiral creates a number of different microclimates in a small space. These have become a symbol of a permaculture garden. However, these do not work everywhere. In hot, dry climates, the beds can dry out. In hot, humid climates, the rocks can heat up and retain heat through the warm, muggy nights, again drying out the spiral and overheating it. Having a small raised bed area in hot climates increases the loss of water, which is good to remember for any raised bed design in hot climates.

In the desert, one might consider spiraling down instead of up, designing to ensure access so one can reach everything. The lowest point could be planted with a taller plant that would benefit from having its roots shaded. An in-ground spiral would increase moisture retention and can moderate extreme temperatures.

In hot, humid climates, one might build a spiral in the shade to ensure the rocks don’t heat up. Or shade the edges with plants. Or build it with bamboo or something that won’t retain heat and size it to ensure there is sufficient soil mass to hold moisture. In Florida, we built a terrace spiral with plants planted on the sides, that was quite large so as to retain moisture.

This herb mound is more than 30 feet across and was built on a natural mound left by the previous owners. As you can see, the sides are planted to retain moisture, keep the heat down, and hold the soil in place. There are several microclimates here based on sun aspect, shade and slope that we use.

There are many ways to use this concept and get a good result. The point is, these shapes have energetic purposes and some sites respond to these energetics differently than others. In moist temperate climates, herbs spirals generally work great; the heat retention in rocks can keep plants warm in late or early frosts. 

Spirals can save space and add structural support in buildings. The earliest existing examples in Europe, from the Roman Empire forward, were built as part of the walls and lent support. 

They were used to access wells:

Or the tops of towers.

There are many ways to use spirals. The next few sections cover different aspects of spiral energy and we’ll share more uses there.