THE CIRCLE AND THE TRIANGLE

The circle and triangle have long been symbols in AA, representing our threefold recovery: recovery, unity, and service—each essential for lasting sobriety. The circle reminds us that we are part of a fellowship where we ‘are not alone,’ and that our group conscience keeps us united. The triangle points to the three legacies: the Twelve Steps for personal recovery, the Twelve Traditions for group unity, and service to others. The Big Book emphasizes that ‘practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics’ [Page 89]. This is service—the triangle’s top point. Without it, our recovery stalls. The Steps give us a design for living [Page 28], and the Traditions protect our unity so that we can keep carrying the message. So the circle and triangle together mean that we stay sober by giving away what we have received, and we stay united by relying on principles, not personalities.