Chapter 16: Symbolism - Religion and Culture
The
importance of symbols in the realm of religions goes far back into
human history, sometimes the meaning of a symbol changing from its
original representation and design. This occurred more noticeably
during the transition between paganism and Christianity in the
western ancient world. The early Fathers of the Roman Catholic Church
established traditional symbolism, as they did in matters of doctrine
and the canonical scriptures that comprised the Christian Bible with
two sections, the Old Testament representing the borrowed text from
Hebrew origin concerning the concept of monotheism.
Due
to their hieroglyphic writing, symbolism was key to ancient Egypt's
religion and culture, its mystical properties carried through to
modern times through Gothic fictional tales of horror.
 |
| “Paradise Lost“ by Gustave Doré, 1866. |
During
the Medieval period of human history, symbolism came to be prominent
when heraldry became fashionable, as well as symbols representing
evil and good, mostly designed by men dedicated to Christianity, as
well as borrowing symbols from pagan origins to represent the nemesis
of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, based upon the concept of
Lucifer,
the fallen archangel who became the icon of evil whose was also known
as the devil and Satan.
Symbolism
has also been instrumental in interpretation of dreams, a concept
that reaches far back into human history, embellished as
civilizations grew and nurtured upon mythical and superstitious
concepts within various religions. As alchemy progressed during the
medieval period of history, new symbols appeared along with older
ones representing things such as the basic elements of fire, water,
air and earth. In the philosopher Jung's treatise On Psychic Energy, he wrote:
The spiritual appears in the psyche as an instinct, indeed as a real passion … It is not derived from any other instinct, but is a principle sui generis, that is, a specific and necessary form of instinctual power.
According
to J. E. Cirlot
...
The basic ideas and suppositions which allow us to conceive of 'symbolism', together with the creation and vitality of each symbol, are the following: [a] Nothing is meaningless or neutral: everything is significant; [b] Nothing is independent, everything is in some way related to something else; [c] The quantitative becomes the qualitative in certain essentials which, in fact, precisely constitute the meaning of the quantity; [d] Everything is serial; [e] Series are related one to another as to position, and the components of each series are related as to meaning. This serial characteristic is a basic phenomenon which is true of the physical world (in its range of colours, of sounds, of textures, of landscapes, etc.) as of the spiritual world (in its virtues, vices, humours, feelings, etc.). Factors which account for serial arrangement are: limitation; the integration of discontinuity and continuity; proper order; graduation; numbering; the inner dynamism of the component elements; polarity; symmetrical or asymmetrical equilibrium; and the concept as a whole.
The
following is a list of symbols that have been used from ancient times
to the present for various reasons and interpretations in religious
beliefs and cultural use such as symbols of fraternities of
universities.
Abracadabra
– Represented both
phonetically and graphically, this word was used frequently in the
Middle Ages as a magic formula, derived from the Hebrew phrase abreq
ad hâbra meaning
hurl your
thunderbolt even unto death.
It was usually inscribed inside an inverted triangle or set into
lettering to form a triangle:
A
B R A C A D A B R A
A
B R A C A D A B R
A
B R A C A D A B
A
B R A C A D A
A
B R A C A D
A B R A C A
A B R A C
A B R A
A B R
A B
A
This
magic word has also been related to the Abracax (Abraxas or Abrasax)
of the Christian Gnostics. Its origin, however, comes from one of the
names of the sun-god, Mithras.
Acacia
– This shrub that
blooms white or pink flowers was considered to be sacred by the
ancient Egyptians, mostly due to the great mystic importance given to
white and red, as can be seen in tomb paintings. In Hermetic doctrine, it symbolizes the
testament of Hiram which teaches that ...
'one must know how to die in order to live again in eternity'.
In that respect it is represented in Christian art regarding the soul
and immortality, especially in the Romanesque period.
Acanthus
– The acanthus leaf is a
common ornamental motif found in architecture, especially during the
Middle Ages, derived from Greek architectural columns, its meaning
derived from two physical features: growth and its thorns. Appearing
in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter VIII, paragraph 7, in the parable of
the sower, it represents natural life, where some of the seeds fell
amongst the thorns and was choked. It is also mentioned in the Old
Testament in the Book of Genesis 3:18, where the Lord
tells man that the earth will yield to him thorns and thistles.
Alchemy
– Alchemy is mentioned here
because of its prominence during the medieval period, but its
beginnings date back to 1st
century AD, when it was practiced by mostly Greeks and Arabs to
understand and control elements found in nature. The most significant
endeavor of alchemists was to make gold, mimicking the process
produced in nature as well as procedures steeped in mysticism. Gold
itself is symbolic that represents illumination and salvation. It was
alchemists who began to catalogue elements found in nature by using
Greek symbols, which can still be found in a chart of elements today.
Therefore, transmutation was the principle endeavor of alchemy, its
symbol represented by the color white. Indeed, the process of alchemy
was signified by four colors: black (latent forces) for prime
matter
, symbolizing matter in its original form; white (symbol of original
transmutation); red for sulfur and heat; and gold – final
transmutation. Alchemy was a process comprising of an order of
operations: Calcination;
putrefaction, constituting the process of separation, a consequence
of the first operation; solution,
the purification of matter in distillation;
'rain',
isolation of matter processed in previous operations; conjunction,
joining of materials; sublimation,
spiritual dedication.
The
Christian Church usually accepted alchemy, maybe due to the prospect
of creating gold that would further the wealth and prosperity of the
Church; however, in some Christian circles, it was deemed unnatural
to godly matters, especially when alchemists attempted to create life
in mimic of God the Creator. Alchemy was then deemed heretical and a
tool of the dark spiritual forces ruled by the fallen archangel,
Lucifer,
and other superstitions of the medieval period. Science eventually
replaced alchemy and its remnants can only be seen in pharmaceutical
and scientific symbols like the chart of elements.
Alpha
and Omega – The
first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, therefore representing
the beginning and the end. In more recent times the symbol has been
used in Romanesque art. Alpha, because of its shape is related to a
pair of compasses and an attribute of God as the creator; while omega
is similar to a torch, symbolizing the fire of destruction or
apocalypse. In the 12th
century manuscript of Paulus Orosius (Bibl. Laon, 137), alpha and omega appear as a bird and a fish.
Anchor
– Found
in the emblems, signs, and graphic representations of early
Christians, the anchor signified salvation and hope. It was often
depicted upside down with a star, cross or crescent to denote its
mystic nature. The Epistle to the Hebrews
states …
Which hope we have as the anchor of our soul.
Angel
– A
symbol of invisible forces, ascending and descending between the
spiritual world, the Source-of-Life and the material world. In
alchemy, the angel represents sublimation
and the volatile spiritual principle. The angel is the communication
between the astral world and comprises, according to the Roman
Catholic Church, a hierarchy of angelic order. Humans have been
fascinated by the concept of angels and the belief of their existence
can be found in several religions and cultures throughout human
history. From early ancient cultures, the angel figure has been used
in artistic iconography right up to the modern day representation on
holiday Christmas cards. Up to the 4th
millennium BC, no real distinction was made between angels and winged
deities of the pagan world. Indeed, the Hebrew and Christian
archangel Lucifer is often depicted being winged, which correlates to
his previous membership of God the Creator's angelic host. Angels
were popular in Gothic art, more often dark and evil winged figures,
such as the gargoyle being depicted within Christian architecture of
the medieval period. Some have wondered and scholars have argued
about the phenomenon of depicting evil creatures on Christian
buildings and statuary, often along with the astral symbols of
goodness and hope, the angel. Humanity has been fascinated with the
concept of angels, thus the popularity of their representation in
art form, especially in the western world.
Animals
– As
symbols, animals have been depicted as far back as when humans
occupied caves and before recognized civilization. It is the oldest
form of symbolism, thousands of years before any form of written
language. Those origins are closely linked to totemism
and animal worship. The symbolism of any animal varies as much as
there are different cultures and origins; however, universally the
tamed animal and wild animal symbolizes opposites within the human
existence, as well as in nature. Animal symbolism is used extensively
in heraldry and indeed, animals of fantasy and mythological tales can
be found depicted with a knight's glorious defeat of a wild or
fabulous animal. In the legend of St.
George,
the conquered dragon esteems its conqueror. In Chrétien
de Troyes'
medieval romantic tale, Yvain,
the hero, is assisted by a lion. In western culture, the earliest
reference to animal symbolism can be found in the works of Aristotle
and Pliny,
but the most significant source is in the treatise Physiologus,
written in Alexandria in the 2nd
century AD. One or two centuries later an important source was
written by Horapollo
with his two treatises Hieroglyphica,
based upon Egyptian symbolism. It is from these sources, recovered
from the Library of Alexandria and not destroyed by the zealous Roman
Catholic Church, that medieval animal symbolism was derived, most
notably in the bestiary works of Philipof Thuan (1121
AD), Peter of
Picardy and
William Normandy
(13th
century); or the De Animalibus,
attributed to Albertus Magnus;
Libre de les besties
by Raymond Lull;
and Bestiaire d' Armour
by Fournival in
the 14th
century. The different stages of evolution of animals within
symbolism ranges from the insect and reptile to the mammal. In
Assyrian and Persian beys-reliefs, victory of higher forms of animal
life over the lower animal represents the victory of the higher order
of nature. The struggle between the eagle and the snake can be found
in several ancient cultures similar to what can be found in
pre-Columbian America. The victory of the lion over the bull usually
represents the victory of Day over Night, Light over Darkness and
Good over Evil.
Symbolic representation
can also be related to the four elements. Generally, reptiles are
associated with the earth, birds with air, mammals (warm-blooded)
with fire. Often the duck, frog and fish represent water. Animal
symbols that are not found in nature but are concoctions of fantasy
have been derived from ancient peoples discovery of fossilized bones
of antediluvian and later animals now extinct combined with animals
found within nature who carnivorous or transform from one form to
another or feared creatures such as the bat. The most important
creatures of fantasy are: chimaera, sphinx, lamia, minotaur, siren,
triton, hydra, unicorn, griffin, harpy, winged horse, hippogryph and
dragon. Demons were given symbolism as fantasy creatures with some
semblance to the human form, such as gargoyles.
In Hebrew and Islamic
traditions references are made to animals as symbols that include
animals that can speak. The animal emblems used by the Romans were:
eagle, wolf, bull, horse and wild boar. In symbolism, the animals are
put together in a system and always in hierarchical order. The
symbolic grouping of animals are usually based upon analogical and
numerical patterns.
The Chinese categorized
four benevolent animals as the unicorn, phoenix, turtle and dragon;
however, in the western world the dragon represents evil and a
conquering power in the concept of Christians, while the
pre-Christian pagans, such as the Celts, looked upon dragons as being
either benevolent or evil, just as can be found in the human species
– most often evil dragons depicted red in color while benevolent
dragons depicted in white or green. To the medieval Christian Church,
the dragon was ugly, therefore it must be evil. Goodness is always
depicted as being beautiful, whether in animals, such as the unicorn
or human form such as angels.
Winged animals can be
found in many cultures of several ages, the wings representing speed
and purpose as a messenger.
Animal symbols also can represent
identity of a trade, such as counterbalancing animal depictions to
represent justice or the two snakes of the caduceus as a medical
symbol that dates back to the ancient Roman culture.
Importance of animal
symbols in Christianity, especially when knightly orders were devised
and there was a need for heraldry including the classic early
Christian symbols of the dove, lamb and fish.
Ancient symbols of
animals as emblems of cosmic meaning has been depicted since the
Neolithic Age on up to as late as 1767 in the publication of such
works as Jubile van den Heyligen Macarius, a treatise that describes
processions in which symbolic chariot has an animal pulling it such
as a peacock, phoenix, pelican, unicorn, lion, eagle, stag, ostrich,
dragon, crocodile, wild boar, goat, swan, winged horse, rhinoceros,
tiger, and elephant – all used in heraldic symbolism as well as the
coat of arms or emblems of modern military units.
The
use of watermarks were of mystical and symbolic origin that spread
throughout the Western world from the end of the 13th
century up to present. This mystical symbolism is usually represented
with animals. According to the philosopher, Jung,
the animal stands for the non-human concept of the psyche. The more
primitive the animal, the deeper its significance in symbolic
meaning. Identifying oneself with animals represents the integration
of the unconscious as well as representing the base character of the
individual. Thus identifying oneself with the wolf could mean an
individual's correlation and attribution towards being wild and free,
fierce in defense and offense, and loyal member of the pack. Wolves,
along with eagles, were significant in Roman symbolism and their
insignia that were placed upon cubes (earth) and spheres (heaven and
universe) in order to express the triumphant power of the empire.
Arabesque
– This
form of symbolism can be found in ornamental architecture in Arabic
and Islamic art, The idea relates to the Celto-Germanic ornamentalism
found in Irish and Viking (Danish) art, despite being different.
There is more freedom in design in the Nordic art form than the Arabic
one. In the world of Islam, it was an artful expression allowed
because of the forbidden use of likeness of human or beast that would
constitute or be represented of idolatry. This same argument occurred
with the early Christian Church that caused a schism that separated
Christians into two factions of thought – the Roman Catholic Church
taking up the idea of Roman pagan idolatry in the form of artwork of
Jesus, Mary, Joseph as well as angels and saints and the Byzantine
Christians of the Eastern Christian Church that forbade idolatry in
any form. Because of the conquests of Muslims, the Eastern Church
fell and the Roman Church prevailed until Christian sects formed as
Protestants, Baptists, Methodists, Mormons, etc.
Architecture
– It
may seem strange to view architecture as being symbolic in itself
until one remembers the pyramids of Egypt, Peru, and Mexico as an
example. It is the basic pattern of architectural construction that
provides the primary meaning of symbolism with secondary meanings in
color, form and material as well as the reason for it being built.
Famous ancient temples of Babylonia, Egypt and the teocalli
of
the Americas or even the stepped pyramid found in Buddhist culture
are all related in symbolic form. For example, the Temple
of Heaven in
Peking has three floors is the number multiplied by itself because of
the three platforms and three roofs equaling six. It is a mountain
temple representing civilization's answer to the use of caves in most
ancient times. The cave also stands for the spiritual Center [Centre], the
heart of the hearth, as the cave in Ithaca and the Cave of the Nymphs
in Porphyry.
 |
| Tower of the Winds |
In Christian
architecture, especially Romanesque, ordered patterns are present as
well as forms of the cross, the circle and the square resting upon
pillars of strength, The number three used in
Christian architecture
represents the Trinity. In Gothic architecture, the symbol of the
Trinity occurs frequently in triple doors, trefoiled, scalloped and
pointed arches. The flammigerous arch, as the name depicts, is a
symbol of fire, an apocalyptic meaning of the Gothic period. Porches
are the external counterpart of the altar – the heart of the
Temple. Jambs, pillars and side columns can be interpreted as
guardians of the doorway, not unlike the statuary in the
temples and tombs of ancient Egypt. According to Pinedo, the South
side, where the warm wind blows, symbolizes the Holy Spirit that
inspires the soul and represents divine love. The North side,
opposite to the South, is exposed to the cold winds and symbolizes
Lucifer and the concept of a frozen soul.
 |
| Sinai Monastry |
Christian architecture
integrated pagan Rome and Greek architecture with Tuscan, Doric, and
Ionic design seen in ancient temples, yet each scheme is related to a
certain degree of holiness pertaining to the Christian faith.
Ark
– This artifact symbolizes
both the material and spiritual planes, as well as the power of the
God Creator to preserve things, ensure rebirth, as well as vanquish
enemies of God's Chosen
People - Ark of the Covenant. The symbolic ark
in the form of a vessel, such as Noah's Ark has
been the subject of discussion that began with St. Ambrose
in his De Noe et Arca,
as well as De arca Noe morali and
De arca mystica written
by Hugh of Saint Victor.
Symbolic parallelism is found between the ark and the rainbow. In
medieval mysticism the ark becomes a drinking vessel, a symbol of the
heart or the ancient symbol of the world
egg.
Arthur,
King – Arthur as a
symbol and legend were established by Brut of the Normans
[c. 1155], by Wace
in Historia Regum Britannae
[c. 1150], by Geoffrey of Monmouth,
and the Welsh Mabinogen
(Red Book)
that contains the tale of Kuhlwch and Olwen (end of 9th
century). In history, Arthur appears to have been the son of the
Breton leader, Uther Pendragon,
whom he succeeded in 516. Arthur is credited with deeds of mythical
dimension. He is an avatar of the Gallic god Mercurius
Arterius, king of the fabled
land of Oberon. He is the archetype of the 'mythical
king' who represents the
aspirations of the human race. Tradition and in the legendary tales
demonstrates the refusal to accept his death and attests that Arthur
will return one day when the English need him. Of course, this is
medieval conjecture. Symbols are connected to King Arthur, such as –
magic sword provided by the Lady of the Lake and a shield that not
only physically protects him in battle, but helps heal any wounds
received; the 'holy war' – struggle between good and evil; the
twelve knights of the legendary Round
Table implying a
relationship to the zodiac circle of twelve months in one year, as
well as the idea of unification under one cause. Of course, the
medieval Christians believed that King Arthur established the Knight
Code of Honor as well as initiating the first search for the Holy
Grail, supposedly the cup from which Jesus Christ drank from during
his last supper with his disciples.
Aureole
– A circular or oblong halo
that surrounds bodies or heads in glory. According to a 12th
century text it is attributed to the abbey of St. Victor and the
oblong shape symbolizes the almond that is identified with Christ.
However, the general sense or meaning of the aureole originates from
relics of solar cults, as well as the manifestation if spiritual
light becoming part of the Christian Trinity.
In modern times, based upon Kirlian
Theory, the aura
exists and is brightest on the healthiest parts of the human body,
only seen by special photography. In this respect it is not only
spiritual, but physical in nature because weaker aureole zones depict
a defect of a human body, disease or injury. In religious theory, it
depicts the strength of spirituality in an individual and can only be
seen by human eyes when a person reaches a point of spiritual
attainment in which the aureole glows bright enough to be seen by the
naked eye.
Caduceus
– A wand entwined by
two serpents topped with two small wings or a winged helmet. To the
Romans, the caduceus
was a symbol of good conduct and later in the empire it became the
symbol of medicine, which could be seen etched into stone in
buildings that served as medical treatment centers. The caduceus is
also the symbol of the Catholic bishop in the Ukraine of Russia. The
symbol is very ancient that began in India found engraved upon stone
tablets called nâgakals,
a votive offering that was placed at the entrance of temples.
Heinrich Zimmler has
traced the caduceus back to Mesopotamia, discovering it in the design
of a sacrificial cup of king Gudea of Lagash (2600 BC). The
Mesopotamians regarded it as a symbol of the god who cures all
illnesses, a meaning passed into Greek culture, then Roman culture
and on into modern times. In Buddhism, the wand represents the axis
of the world and the serpents refer to the force called Kundalini,
which the Tantrist teaches sleeps coiled at the base of the human
backbone – a symbol of pure energy. When used in heraldry it
symbolizes unity and balance.
Candelabra
– Symbolizes spiritual
light and salvation. The Hebraic seven-branched candelabra
corresponds to the seven heavens and the seven planets, as well as
the seven days mentioned in the Bible when God created the world. In
ritual doctrine, during a seven-day period, one candle is lit each
day until all are lighted.
Castle
– This symbol is often
seen in heraldry, as well as the symbol for the United States Army's
Engineer Corps. This complex symbol since the days of the Crusades
represents Jerusalem, the Holy City of Christians, Jews, and the
Muslim.
Chalice
– In traditional
Christian liturgy it is the transcendental form of the cup. Related
to the concept of the Holy Grail, it frequently takes from of two
halves of a sphere, the lower part open to spiritual forces and the
upper part the Earth. The chalice and the cauldron are important in
Celtic symbolism.
Chariot
– While in universal
tradition of symbolism, the chariot is in direct relationship with
human beings; however, this is when chariots are represented with a
charioteer. It is also a counterpart of animal symbolism its meaning
depending on what animal is depicted pulling the chariot. The chariot
also plays a part in heraldry symbols. The chariot, the charioteer,
and the animal all represent parts of a whole that are intertwined
and relevant to the general meaning. The chariot can also be found in
the Tarot card pack as the seventh enigma. It depicts a youth dressed
in a cuirass who holds a scepter and rides in the symbolic chariot.
He represents the higher principles of human nature. This Tarot card
is associated with the concepts of self-control, progress and
victory.
Cherubim
– Originating as decorations
at the entrance of Assyrian temples and palaces who were placed there
to protect the building, called keepers
of the threshold. The
Egyptian cherub was a figure with many wings that were covered with
eyes. It was an emblem of the night sky and of religion and
vigilance. Later it would become part of Christian art forms,
described as child angels that could sometimes be mischievous like
the Greek originated cherubim, Cupid who pierced hearts of men and
women that made them fall in love. They are part of the angel
hierarchy.
Chimaera
– Monster born of
Typhon and Echidna represented as having a lion's head, body of a
goat and the tail of a dragon. Flames usually flicker out of its
mouth. It is a symbol of complex evil.
Chrism
– The signographic
emblem of Christ that is based upon the first two letters of the word
Xpiaros
– 'X' and 'P'. This symbol was used on the Roman labarum
(banner) from the time of Constantine, as well as the Egyptian cross.
Circle
– Often depicting a circular
movement, but this is a general meaning being more complex as well
different meanings in different cultures and religions. It has been
used as a symbol of the sun, usually depicting rays emitting from the
circle. It also has a certain relationship to the number ten when it
stands for heaven and perfection, as well as eternity. The circle is
the ultimate state of Oneness. The octagon is the intermediate state
between the square and the circle. It represents the morphology of
the universe and spiritual world in India, Tibet and Chinese emblems.
For example, the Yang is a white circle that represents heaven and
the Yin is denoted by a black square that portrays the Earth. The
famous symbol of the Yang-Yin is a circle divided into two equal
sections by a line across its diameter, the white section is the Yang
and the black is the Yin. These two spots depict there is something
of the feminine in the masculine and masculine in the feminine. The
sigmoid line is a symbol of communication between the two. Symbols
surrounding the Yang-Yin represent the idea of rotation and the
concept of polarity.
Clover
[Trefoil] – An emblem
of the Trinity. When it is depicted upon a mountain it signifies the
knowledge of divine essence gained by hard work, either through
sacrifice or study. Trifoliate forms appear in Gothic architecture.
Crescent
– This symbol is dual in
significance. Generally it pertains to the moon, thus its use in the
religion of Islam, the moon being the guidance of the Islamic
calender. It also represents things that are aquatic as well as the
passive feminine principle and world of changing forms. In medieval
significance, it was used in emblems of the Western world, especially
in heraldry that was associated with a star, the symbolic image of
paradise, much as can be seen on Islamic nation's flags.
Crook
– A hooked staff used
as a pastoral attribute of the Christian Church and a symbol of
faith.
Cross
– A complex symbol that
transcends across human history that today is mostly attributed to
Christianity. The cross is depicted in various forms and used by
various religions and cultures.
In
Christianity, of course, the cross represents the crucifixion of
Jesus of Nazareth - the Christ. The Egyptian anserated
cross and in Egyptian hieroglyphics it stands for life or living (Nem
Ankh), usually called an
ankh and
forms parts of words like health
and happiness.
In tomb paintings it is held by fabulous individuals that hold it as
one would a key – literally symbolizing the key to heaven for those
who travel at death through the hall of justice must answer questions
correctly and show that they deserve to transcend into the Egyptian
paradise.
Crow
– To the Native
American tribes, the crow (and the Raven) is the great civilizer and
the creator of the visible world, the material world. Interestingly,
it means the same for the Celts and Germanic tribes, as well as
people in Siberia. In Christian symbolism it is an allegory of
solitude, while the crow's cousin, the Raven. is usually a dark
messenger or the eyes and ears of Lucifer. When the crow is
represented with three legs within a solar disk, as in ancient
Chinese tradition, it represents Yang
or the active life of the Emperor.
Crucifixion
– The symbolic meaning
corresponds to the historic fact and its use. To Christians it
represents the pain and suffering Jesus of Nazareth experienced for
the benefit of humanity, mystically to absorb and pay for the sins of
humanity so, if they have faith in the teachings of Jesus the Christ
and that he was not just a man, but the biological son of God the
Creator, then believers will be relinquished of their sins and
guaranteed a place in paradise if they follow the laws of God the
Creator. The two thieves, according to Christian symbolic philosophy,
that were crucified along with Jesus of Nazareth, represent which
humans must choose – repentance that leads to salvation and
prevarication or refusal to repent that leads to damnation.
Devil
– The fifteenth mystery of
the Tarot card pack it is in the form of Baphomet (of
the Knights of Templar) who was portrayed by the Roman Catholic
Church as having the head and feet of a he-goat and the bosom and
arms of a woman. The Templar Order, once a knightly instrument of the
Church during the Crusades later was demonized by the Pope because he
feared their growing power and influence and in sweep of their homes
placed them under arrest and tortured and executed them into
extinction as a religious order claiming that they had become devil
worshipers, instruments of Lucifer. Like the Greek sphinx, it depicts
the four Elements: its black legs are the Earth and spirits to the
nether world; the green scales on its flanks depict water' its blue
membranous wings to sylphs and bats; and the red head is related to
fire and salamanders. This Tarot mystery-card is related to magic
arts, disorder and perversion.
Disk
– Emblem of the sun and the
heavens. In China, the sacred
disk is a symbol of
celestial perfection. The winged disk is one of the most widespread
symbols of the ancient world, still in use today in signs and emblems
and represents a state of sublimation and transfiguration.
Dove
– The Slavs believe
that the soul turns into a dove at death. In general symbolism of all
winged animals is spirituality and the power of sublimation. Inspired
by the mention of doves in the scriptures, the dove depicts the third
person of the Trinity, the Holy Ghost, that also represents the image
of a tongue of Pentecostal fire. It is also a symbol of peace when
depicted with an olive branch in its beak.
Dragon
– A fabulous animal that is
found universally in the majority of cultures, primitive and oriental
as well as classical. It is believed by anthropologists, historians
and scholars that the concept of the dragon was derived from the
discovery of fossils of animals existing in prehistorical ages,
specifically the antediluvian flying reptiles. The dragon is the
fierce enemy and represents the test of warriors who combat it, as in
the case of the medieval period. Dragons are found in various legends
and symbolize the periods in history when plagues struck the
multitude killing millions at various times. Some dragons take the
form of a winged serpent, echoing the story of the serpent in the
Creation story of Genesis and representing an animal form of Lucifer
to deceive humans. In some fantastical accounts the dragons are
divided in two groups by color – red and green, red being the evil
group and green the good and wise patriarchs of humans. Dragons are
mentioned in the Holy Bible in several books of the Old Testament –
Daniel XIV, 22, 27; Micah I, 8; Jeremiah XIV, 6; Isaiah XXXIV, 13,
and XLIII, 20; as well as the New Testament in the Book of
Revelations XII, 3. 7. Rabanus Maurus mentions dragons in Opera, III;
Pliny VIII, 12; and Pascal in De Coronis, IX. Like the griffins,
dragons guard temples and treasures most often hoarded in caves where
dragons dwell; but also depicted as wise beings who have the gift of
prophecy and whose advice is sought by learned men. In the Bible the
dragon is depicted as the negative of goodness – a terrible beast
to view. Some dragons have several heads as depicted in Revelation
XII, 3 …
And behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
In other cases the
dragon is used in emblems, such as in heraldry to denote symbolism in
a combination with other symbols depicting a family history. The
dragon figure was used frequently in alchemy. In China, the dragon
symbolized imperial power.
In the medieval period
of the Western world, dragons made their appearance with the throat
and legs of an eagle, the body of a huge serpent, the wings of a bat,
and a tail that culminated into an arrow that twisted upon itself.
This depiction can be seen in some heraldic emblems of the period. To
the Gnostics the dragon represented chaos, while in Hebrew tradition
the deepest meaning of the mystery of a dragon must remain a secret.
In other legendary
tales, the dragon was driven to extinction because humans didn't
understand the dragon and because of its size and ferocious
appearance were feared and sought to be destroyed.
Eagle
– An animal symbol
that represents height, spirit of the sun and the spiritual principle
in general and freedom. In Egyptian hieroglyphic writing, the letter
A is represented by the figure of an eagle and also depicts the
warmth of life, the Origin, and the day. The eagle signifies the
father as well as heroic nobility. From the Far East to Northern
Europe and in the Americas, the eagle is associated with gods of
power and war and the significance of bravery. In pre-Columbian
America, the eagle symbolized the struggle between the spiritual and
celestial principles and the lower world. In ancient Syria, the eagle
with human arms symbolized sun-worship. It also conducted souls to
the afterlife.
According to St. Jerome,
the eagle is the symbol of Ascension and the Greeks believed it flew
higher than any other bird and thus was regarded as a symbol of
divine majesty. On Roman coins and other symbols of the empire, the
eagle represented imperial power and was used as a symbol of the
legions that occupied the known world at the time.
Emperor
– The fourth mystery in the
Tarot card pack. It is in allegorical form as a figure seated upon a
throne which is a cube of gold. Above him is a black eagle. In his
hands he holds the globe of the world and a scepter surmounted by a Fleur-de-lis. The crest of his helmet includes four triangles,
emblems of the four Elements. The red color of his clothing signifies
fire or intense activity. This mystery card is closely related to
Hercules holding his
club and the golden apples which he took from the garden of
Hesperides. The
golden cube of the throne represents constructive material and the Fleur-de-lis represents illumination. The card, in total, signifies
magnificence, energy, power, law and severity; on the negative side
it depicts domination and subjection.
Empress
– The third enigma of
the Tarot. She is depicted with a full face, yet stiff. A smile is
upon her face that is framed with golden hair. Her attributes are the scepter, the Fleur-de-lis and a shield with a silver eagle upon a
purple background. In the positive meaning, this card denotes the
ideal, sweetness and domination of affective persuasion. In the
negative sense, it stands for vanity and seduction.
Eve
– A symbol of the material
aspects of life and the mother-of-all-things. Eve is the mother of
humanity while the Virgin Mary, known as Our Lady, is the mother of
souls. Eve is of the material world and Mary being of the spiritual –
opposites in symbolism.
Eye
– The divine
eye is depicted
frequently in ancient Egyptian art forms, a sign in hieroglyphics
that is called Wadza
– 'He who feeds the sacred fire or the intelligence of
Man'. The
pupil is the center thus making it in relationship to the sun.
Fleur-de-lis
– An heraldic flower that is
non-existent in nature that is a symbol of royalty that dates far
back into history. As an emblem, which the French adopted, its base
is an inverted triangle that represents water with a cross above it
that expresses conjunction
and spiritual achievement with two leaves wrapped around the
horizontal arm. The central arm is straight and points toward heaven.
During the medieval period, the Fleur-de-lis was regarded as an
emblem of illumination and attributable to the Lord, Jesus the Christ. 
Fool
– The final enigma of
the Tarot that is distinguished from the others because it is
un-numbered – all the rest are given numbers from 1 to 21. The
figure on the Tarot card is dressed in a costume of many colors to
denote influences upon himself from others. The red color turns to
orange that indicates the fire within him. He carries a bag at the
end of his staff, which is symbolic of the mind and its burden. A
white lynx is shown in the act of biting his left calf that signifies
is remorse. But this does not deter him and he continues onward
towards the background where an overturned obelisk – a solar symbol
– and a crocodile about to devour the character, an impending doom.
This Tarot enigma corresponds to the irrational, but also related to
impulse and the unconscious. The Fool is closely related to the clown
who play a part as scapegoats with painted smiles upon their face not
revealing the inner self or the misery within.
Fox
– During the Middle Ages, the
fox was the symbol for the devil with base attitudes and wiles of an
adversary.
Frog
– Represents transition from
water to earth elements and vice versa in alchemy. In Egypt, it was
attributed to Herit,
goddess who assisted Isis in her ritual resurrection of Osiris.
Little frogs that appeared in the Nile a few days before it
overflowed signified fertility. Frog-gods were once placed upon
mummies and the early Christians incorporated them into their
symbolic system. The toad is the antithesis of the frog, just as the
wasp is to the bee.
Gargoyles– Animals and monsters
in fables who appeared in medieval religious art as symbols of the
forces of the cosmos or as images of the demons that infest the
underworld. They are the opposites of the angelic order.
Grail
[also Holy Grail ]
- The Grail is one of the most complex legendary symbols, as well as
the tale surrounding it. It consists of two forms of symbolism –
one of the Grail itself and the other the quest to find it. According
to Western legend (Fisher King),
a mysterious illness had stricken down the ancient monarch, the
keeper of the Grail's secret and everything around him wilts and
dies, as the king himself. Day and night, physicians and knights tend
to the ailing king. Sir Pasifal questions the king and asks where the
Grail is. Instantly the king recovers. It is said that the Grail came
from the East and it must be returned. The cup itself has its own
symbolism as well as legend which tells how it was made by angels
from an emerald that dropped from Lucifer's forehead when he was
hurled into the abyss from God's favor. However, the most common
thought is the Grail is the cup from which Jesus the Christ drank
from at the Last Supper with his disciples; which means it was just
an ordinary cup for a person of Jesus of Nazareth's social station.
But since Christ died on the cross for humanity's sins, then the cup
was imbued with powers to heal if one drank from it. The most
widespread legend is that Joseph of Arimathea
caught the blood of Christ when he was nailed to the Cross, which
then gave it the powers of healing for those who drank from it.
Great
Priest – The fifth
enigma of the Tarot card pack. The card shows him seated upon a
throne between two columns Jachin and Boaz (intuition and reason), He
wears white gloves to symbolize the purity of his hands. His scepter
terminates into a triple cross, the rounded ends of whose arms rise
to the septenary,
which represents the virtues necessary to combat the seven capital
sins – Pride (Sun); Sloth (Moon); Envy (Mercury); Wrath (Mars);
Lust (Venus); Greed (Jupiter); and Avarice (Saturn). Also depicted in
the image are two disciples, both kneeling, one dressed in red
(activity) and the other in black (passivity). On the positive aspect
the enigma signifies moral law, duty and conscience.
Great
Priestess – The second
enigma of the Tarot that represents Isis as the goddess of the night.
She is seated, holding a half-opened book in her right hand and the
two keys in her left, one of which is golden (sun) and the other
silver (moon). Her throne is between two columns, which is an
allegory denoting the principle of femininity, which are the columns
called Jachin and Boaz in the Temple of Solomon, joined together with
the veil that covers the entrance to the sanctuary. The tiara which
crowns her head has a lunar crescent – symbol of cyclic phases. She
is leaning against the sphinx of the great cosmic questions, and the
floor which is composed of alternate white and black tiles that
denotes the laws of chance and of opposites. On the positive aspect,
the Great Priestess signifies reflection and intuition; on the
negative, intolerance.
Griffin
– An animal of fantasy
whose front half is like an eagle and rear half like a lion with a
long, serpentine tail. The griffin, like certain dragons, are
guardians of the roads to salvation, standing beside the Tree of Life
or some similar symbol. In medieval Christian art, the griffin is
common and associated with signs which tend towards ambivalence that
represents both the Savior and Antichrist. The griffin is also found
in heraldry symbolism.
Halo
– an aureole that is a
luminous circular light that appears as a crown with which ancients
depicted their deities and which Christians affixed holiness to Jesus
the Christ, Saints and Angels. It is an expression of supernatural
force and intellectual energy. Other halo forms are spherical in
form, such as Islamic art forms depicting the pearl to represent
paradise, although it is forbidden to create art (fundamental and
orthodox Muslims) to depict human figures to prevent pagan idolatry
in any form.
Hanged
Man – A complex form
of symbolism. It is enigma number twelve of the Tarot card pack, but
its meaning is significantly broader. The Tarot card depicts a figure
like the Minstrel hanging by one foot from a rope tied to a crossbar
supported by two leafless trees. The interpretation means that the
Hanged Man does not live the ordinary life on Earth, but lives in a
dream of mystical idealism. The strange gallows from which he hangs
is yellow in color to indicate concentrated light or concentrated
thought. Thus the Hanged Man hangs from his own doctrine, to which he
is attached. The two trees represent Jachin and Boaz pillars of the
Cabala. The Hanged Man's clothing is red and white, the mystical
colors of alchemists. His arms are tied together and hold half-opened
bags out of which gold coins are tumbling, an allegory of the
spiritual treasures to be found in the being who performs this
self-sacrifice. According to Wirth,
the closest mythological hero closest to this symbolism is Perseus,
who overcame the forces of evil in order to free Andromeda, who
symbolizes a soul chained to the dull rock of matter, rising from the
waves of a primeval ocean. In the positive meaning, number twelve of
the Tarot stands for mysticism, sacrifice, self-denial and
continence. In the negative meaning it denotes a Utopian dream-world.
Hawk
– An emblem of the soul in
ancient Egypt with implications of solar transfiguration.
Hercules
– As a Greek hero,
Hercules became a symbol of the individual freeing himself in the
quest for immortality, expiating his sins through suffering and
heroic deeds. His attributes are the club, which was adopted in
carvings on stones usually near or at a gladiatorial combat arena
spread across the Roman Empire's cities, especially in Italy, the
largest and most magnificent being the Colosseum in Rome.
Hermit
– The ninth enigma of the
Tarot card pack. It is an allegory of an old man carrying in his
right hand a lantern partially covered by a portion of his cloak,
which is dark outside (withdrawal) and with a blue lining (aerial
nature). He is the master of the invisible and if he finds a serpent
upon his journey he does not kill it, but instead charms it to wind
itself around his staff. On the positive side, the Hermit signifies
tradition, study, patience and work. On the negative, he stands for
all that is tedious and meticulous.
Hieroglyphics
– Schematic images
representing symbols of ideographs and this form of writing is
strictly belonging to the ancient Egyptian civilization that
recognized three forms of writing – hieroglyphic, hieratic, and
demotic. The hieroglyphic system was comprised of a total of 900
signs that represented ideas, syllables, words, and letters. Because
it was so complex, it was only mastered by the priestly caste, and by
the Roman period, Egyptians were already beginning to forget how to
decipher it. Horapollo Niliacus attempted
to restore it in the 2nd
and 3rd
centuries. The subject was forgotten for centuries until Father
Athanasius Kircher
revived it during the 17th
century. The Rosetta
Stone aided deciphering
of hieroglyphics found in tombs during the dawn of the science of
archaeology.
Hippogryph
– An animal of fantasy
that was half-horse and half griffin, which Ariosto and other authors
of books of chivalry gave to their heroes as their mounts. They were
kind of like a supercharged, fuel injected Pegasus – a blend of
griffin and winged horse and symbolized as a spiritual
mount.
Honey
– A symbol of wisdom in
Orphic tradition. Honey was also credited with rebirth or change in
personality; and in India, symbolized the superior self. Honey is the
product of mysterious and elaborate process in nature, so it is easy
to see the symbolism of the spiritual exercise of self-improvement.
Hour-Glass
– A symbol that denotes the
inversion of the relationship between the Upper and Lower Worlds and
also an inversion by Shiva
(Siva), the lord of
creation and destruction in India.
Ibis
– The ibis is related to
Thoth, Egyptian god of wisdom. According to the Greek scholar,
Aelian, in his De
Natura Animalium, this bird
was chosen because it tucks its head under its wing when it sleeps,
so it resembles the shape of the heart and also the fact that the
stride of the ibis measures exactly a cubit,
the measurement used to build temples, and it destroys harmful
insects. There were two kinds of ibis – one white (associated with
the moon) and one black. The belief is that Thoth hovered over the
Egyptian people in the form of an ibis
religiosa, and that he
taught them the occult arts and sciences.
Ishtar
– She is pictured in many
Western images and books of magic with a ring in her left hand and a
cup or chalice in her right; or else she is armed like Minerva. These
attributes denote the continuity of life and the hardships of
existence. Her weapons demonstrate that Ishtar loves the hero and
despises the coward.
Justice
– The eighth enigma of the
Tarot is an allegory of the idea of justice personified as an image
rather like that of the Empress. In one hand she holds a pair of
scales (symbolic of good and evil) and in the other hand is a sword
that represents the Word of God. Her throne is like the Emperor's. A
crown with fleurons
shaped like iron lances
that are affixed at the top of the figure's headdress. The enigma is
related to Libra, the sign of the Zodiac and represents inner
judgement involved in the process of deciding guilt. Astronomically
speaking, Justice is Astrea. In the positive sense this enigma
denotes harmony and a strict code of behavior; in the negative sense
it represents restriction, pettiness and craft.
 |
| Nem Ankh |
Knot
– A complex symbol
embracing several important meanings all of which are related to the
central idea of a tightly closed link. The slip
knot is a sign in the
ancient Egyptian language that represents an oath or a journey. The
endless knot is
one of the eight Emblems of Good Luck for Chinese Buddhism that
represents longevity. The famous Gordian Knot that was cut by
Alexander the Great
is a symbol of the labyrinth and the undoing by the sword of chaos.
To undue the knot was equivalent of finding the Centre
which forms an important part in mystic thought. To cut the knot
instead of untying it signifies the idea of achievement and victory
on the level of existence that is war.
Labyrinth
– An architectural structure
whose pattern is complex and once inside it is impossible or
difficult to escape. Gardens of royalty and the wealthy had a
labyrinth designed with high-growing shrubbery. The emblem of the
labyrinth was used extensively by medieval architects. It was
considered a symbolic substitute of a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Some labyrinths were shaped like a cross, which in Italy was known as
Solomon's Knot.
It is also a feature in Celtic, Germanic and Romanesque decoration –
dual symbolism as a knot and labyrinth.
Lemures
– The Romans gave this
name to disembodied spirits. According to Ovid,
the Festival of
L:emuralia was a
commemoration to the dead. It is likely that the umbra – ghost or
apparition – were closely linked with the lemur and both are
symbolic of certain states of psychic disassociation.
Lily
– An emblem of purity, used
in medieval Christian iconography as a symbol and attribute of the
Virgin Mary. It is
often depicted standing in a vase or jar, which in turn represents
the female. The lily, in Byzantium and among Christianized Franks,
the lily was the sign of royalty.
Locusts
– In Christian symbolism,
locusts represent the forces of destruction, a symbolism that can be
traced back to the Hebrew tradition of the plagues
of Pharaoh. To quote the
Book of Revelation IX, 1-10 …
And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key to the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth; and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but they should be tormented for five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man. And in those days shall man seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared for battle; and on their heads were as it it were crowns of gold, and their faces were as the faces of men. And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions. And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle. And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.
 |
| Lyre musician, Greek vase |
Mandorla
– The geometric symbol of the
Earth is the square (cube) and the symbol of heaven is the circle,
two circles are sometimes used to symbolize the Upper and Lower
worlds that is heaven and Earth. The union of the two worlds, or the
zone of intersection is represented by the mandorla – an
almond-shaped figure formed by two intersecting circles. The zone of
existence symbolized by the mandorla, like the twin-peaked Mountain
of Mars, stands for the opposing poles of all dualism. It is a symbol
of the perpetual sacrifice that regenerates creative force through
dual streams of ascent and descent (life and death, evolution and
involution). In another aspect, it is compared with the spindle of
Magna Mater with
magical spinners of thread.
 |
| Mandragora, from Tacuinum Sanitatis (1474) |
Mandragora
(or Mandrake)
– A plant which was supposed to have various magic properties and
the belief stemming from the fact that its roots are the likeness of
the human body. Mandragora was also the name of the ghost of a devil,
who appeared as a tiny black man, beardless and with unkempt hair.
Mirabilia
– During Antiquity and
the medieval period, this name was given to strange and amazing
incidents and miracles. The literature of Mirabilia
was popular, especially
in Hellenistic Egypt, where it was passed on to the medieval Western
civilization through the Arabs. Strange or amazing incidents are
frequently traditional symbols and sometimes were connected to magic
and alchemy.
Mistletoe
– A parasitic plant
found on oak trees. Celtic druids once used to gather it to use in
their fertility rites. It symbolizes regeneration and the restoration
of family life. The yellow color of the withered mistletoe branch was
thought to be endowed with the power to discover buried treasure.
Moon
– In symbolism, the moon
covers a wide area and is complex in its interpretation of symbolic
attributes. Cicero
noted the power of the satellite of the planet Earth when he observed
…
Every month the moon completes the same trajectory executed by the sun in a year … It contributes in large measure to the maturation of shrubs and the growth of animals.
This
explains the important role of the lunar goddesses such as Ishtar,
Hathor, Anaitis, and Artemis. The moon governs the tides of the
waters on Earth and the rhythm of menstrual cycles of women, which
Krappe believed, as
Darwin did is the
result of animal life originating in the primeval oceans that
imparted the rhythm of the moon and its phases that lasted for
millions of years. The moon is regarded as the occult side of nature,
where the sun is responsible for life on Earth. In pre-Islamic
Arabia, as in other Semitic cultures, the cult of the moon prevailed
over sun worship. Mohammed forbade the use of any metal in amulets
except silver. The Moon is also depicted in the eighteenth enigma of
the Tarot card pack. It shows an image of the moon dimly lighting up
the objects of the world. Beneath the moon there is a huge red crab
resting on the mud. It also shows two watchdogs guarding the orbit of
the sun and barking at the moon. Behind the dogs, to the left and
right, are two castles in the form of square towers that are
flesh-colored and etched in gold. The moon is represented by a
silvered disk that forms the outline of a woman. Long, yellow rays
stream out from this disk, intermingled with shorter, reddish rays.
Inverted drops of water are floating in the air, as if attracted by
the moon. The visionary see things in a lunar light. The crab, like
the Egyptian scarab, has the function of eating volatile elements and
the watchdogs are warning the moon to stay away from the realm of the
sun.
Numbers
– In symbolism,
numbers are not merely the expressions of quantities, but ideology of
forces, each with a particular character of its own. The first ten
numbers in the Greek system (or twelve in the Oriental tradition)
pertain to the spirit that are entities, archetypes, and symbols. The
rest are product of combinations of these basic numbers. The Greeks
were preoccupied with the symbolism of numbers. The philosophy of
numbers was further developed by the Hebrews, the Gnoptics and the
Cabbalists, spreading to the alchemists as well. The idea spread to
the orient as Lao-tse wrote, for example …
One becomes two; two becomes three; and from the ternary comes one.
Mysticism of numbers as
symbols with mystic meaning is also referred to as numerology, just
as the scientific endeavor of mathematics.
Numismatic
Symbols – Coins have
from the time of Antiquity, have had a level of talismanic meaning
that was gradually lost over time. Symbols, allegories and
personifications have been stamped on coins and clearly reflect the
culture of the period. Greek coins bore symbols such as the Swastika,
tripod, trident, labyrinths, chariots, winged horses, roses,
tortoises, eagles, griffins, shields, crowns, bulls, cornucopias,
etc. On Roman coinage – military trophies, standards (signa)
of the legions, on the prow of ships, heads of gods (especially
double-headed Janus), eagles votive crowns, chariots, temples and so
on. From the 4th
to the 2nd
centuries BC in the coinage of Luceria (Apulia) there were geometric
symbols like ovals, triangles, and a series of dots alongside
Jupiter's thunderbolt, and also the cross that appeared later in
Christian Jerusalem. Medieval coinage dating from the Carolingian
period displayed crosses, anagrams, triple enclosures and schematic
temples. Byzantine coins are characterized by emperor's heads and
figures of Christ, the Virgin and saints, as well as crosses and
schematic ladders or steps. Medieval coinage in the Western world had
a wide range of motifs that embraced various forms of the cross,
triple enclosures, roses, Fleur-de-lis, crowns, angels, armed
knights, swords, hands raised in benediction, castles and shrines,
lions, eagles, etc. On the reverse side of some coins there are
mandalas
formed by enclosures, circles and crosses.
From the Renaissance
period to modern times money became secularized which takes on the
characteristics of Imperial Rome with the face of a monarch on the
obverse side and heraldic shields on the reverse side. Islamic coins
are usually based on calligraphy, but sometimes depict stars, figures
and conjunctions of the square and circle. Oddly, to my knowledge, no
one has written a history of numismatic motifs in geography and
chronological history. Maybe this should be a project I should take
on.
Oak
– A tree sacred to
Jupiter and Cybele, standing for strength and long life. According to
legend, Hercules' club was made of oak. It may be because, according
to ancient belief that the oak tree attracts lightning more than
others. The oak has had symbolic meaning across the spectrum of Aryan
cultures in Russia, Germany, Greece, and Scandinavia. Like all trees,
it represents a world axis.
Oar
– In ancient rites
that were connected with the founding of temples, the king would walk
around the site with an oar in his hand. Virgil mentions
this ceremony in the tale of rebuilding Troy. The oar is a symbol of
creative thought and the Word, which is the source of all actions.
Obelisk
– A symbol of the sun
ray, thus its particular shape. It is also symbolic of stone. It is
related to myths of solar ascension and light as a penetrating
spirit because of its
upright position and pyramidal point that terminates at the top.
Olive
Tree – A symbol of
peace that was consecrated by the Romans to Jupiter and Minerva. Its
symbolism can be found in many Oriental and European countries.
Ouroboros
– This symbol appears mostly
among the Gnostics and is depicted as a dragon, snake or serpent
biting its own tail. It is symbolic of time and the continuity of
life after death. It sometimes has the caption Hen
to pan – 'The One, the
All' – as in the Codex Marcianus
of the 2nd
century AD.
Owl
– In the ancient Egyptian
system of hieroglyphs, the owl symbolizes death, night, and cold. In
Native American tribal myths, if an owl flies over one's head that
person will die soon. The owl also symbolizes wisdom.
Palm
– A classic emblem of
fecundity
and of victory.
Pan
– The ancient Greek
god, Pan, is a symbol of nature and is usually depicted with horns
and with legs covered with hair. It is interestingly noted that the
likeness of Pan was used in depicting Satan, the Christian's name for
Lucifer, the fallen archangel; as well as a symbol in astrology for
the planet Saturn.
Pandora
– Pandora is symbolic of
human wicked temptations and represents the irrational as well as
tendencies of wild imagination.
Papyri
– In the ancient
Egyptian system of hieroglyphs, a rolled papyrus depicts the concept
of knowledge.
Pearl
– It symbolizes
obscure genius and is one of the eight common
emblems of Chinese
traditions. Lao-tse
wrote …
Hence, the chose one wears coarse garments, but in his breast he hides a precious stone.
To the Moslem, the pearl
is a symbol of heaven. It has also been identified as the human soul.
Pegasus
– A winged horse that sprang
from the blood of Medusa, the Gorgon, when Perseus cut
off her head with the use of magic weapons given to him by the gods.
Bellerophon rode on
Pegasus in his fight with the chimaera.
A similar fabulous animal can be found in medieval tales using the
name hippogryph. It symbolizes the power of natural forces and the
fight against evil.
Phallus
– A symbol for the
perpetuation of life as well as propagation of cosmic forces.
Pine
Tree – Like other
evergreen trees, the pine is the symbol of immortality. Conifers also
are used in this symbolism. Pine cones were regarded as symbols of
fertility.
Playing
Cards – The most
symbolic of playing cards is the 22 major enigmas of the Tarot
pack, followed by 56
lesser enigmas. The latter is made up of 14 figures in each of the
four suits. The gold symbolizes material forces; the club or staff
symbolizes power of command; the cup or chalice varies in meaning,
but generally represents a receptacle; the sword is an emblem of
discrimination between error and justice. The number inscribed on
each card implies the symbolism pertaining to that particular number.
Rose
– The single rose is a
symbol of completion, achievement and perfection. More precise
meaning is derived from the color and number of petals of a rose.
Prized for its fragrance and beauty and despite difficulty in growing
them, the rose dates far back in history as the most popular and
treasures flowering plant. The Romans, as in other cultures, would
sprinkle rose petals in their washing bowls to clean themselves and
provide a pleasant fragrance. Rose petals tossed in front of a
procession or upon the heads of dignitaries and heroes was a sign of
deep respect. Victorious and popular gladiators would have rose
petals thrown at them by the crowd of the arena after a hero achieved
victory over his opponent or opponents. The white and red rose are
symbolic in alchemy. The blue rose is symbolic of something
impossible. The golden rose is a symbol of great achievement. The
rose with seven petals correspond to the seven days in a week, the
seven planets and the seven degrees of perfection. The eight petaled
rose symbolizes regeneration.
Sceptre
[Scepter]– Related to the magic wand,
the club, the thunderbolt, and the phallus, as well as Thor's hammer.
One of the most common depiction of a scepter terminates in a Fleur-de-lis, which is a symbol of light and purification.
Serpent
or Snake – Too complex
to write about here, the snake has a long history in symbolism in
many cultures and religions. Its slithery movement, its association
with the tree, the way it sheds its skin, its threatening tongue and
the fork shape at the end, its hiss, and its methods of attacking by
bite or coiling itself around them all play into the symbolism. They
thrive in many climates and geographies – in the desert, in lakes
and ponds, wells and springs. In India there are snake cults that
connect themselves to the serpent with symbolism. Snakes are
guardians of the springs of life and immortality. Serpents or snakes
appear in many stories that date back throughout written history.
Starting with the legend of Adam and Eve, the snake can be found
throughout oral and written history. In Egyptian hieroglyphics the
serpent/snake personifies the letter Z. A horned snake represents the
letter F. The demonic implications of the serpent can be found in
several cultures, mostly commonly known in Hebrew and Christian
scriptures personifying evil. Indeed, the serpent once walked on
legs, but after tempting and deceiving Adam and Eve, the serpent was
condemned to crawl on its belly forever.
The
connection of the snake with the wheel is expressed in graphic form
in the Gnostic symbol of the Ouroboros
– the serpent biting its own tail. This symbolism can also be found
in the Chinese Ying-Yang
symbol. The serpent also
can represent sexual references, specifically the male sexual organ
as in Hindu symbolism.
Shekhinah
– Not literally a symbol, it
is a Cabbalistic sefirah.
It represents the feminine side of the Supreme Being in which souls
of a young woman, stranger and one beloved are mirrors. Gershom
G. Scholem wrote in On the Kabbalah and its Symbolism (London,
1965) that the Shekhinah may contain aspects that are negative as in
the occult and destruction and also leads one down an alternate path
to the Hindu trinity in which Siva (Shiva)
symbolizes the destructive side of the deity. It is generally a
transformation, renovation and rebirth.
Shell
– One of the eight
emblems of good luck in Chinese Buddhism and can also be found in
allegories about royalty as well as a sign for a prosperous journey.
Shells are also related to the moon and to woman. Peal symbolism is
closely linked with the shell.
Shield
– The symbolic
significance of the shield is primarily a depiction of its defensive
function to the material and spiritual plane. The coat-of-arms that
can be found on shields shows that the knight defends himself and his
family honor as well as displaying to his enemy his background and
identity.
Ship
of Fools – This symbol
is common in medieval iconography and is related to the Biblical
story of 'foolish virgins'. It is a parallel symbol to the Accursed
Hunter.
 |
| Sigma |
Sigma
– Shown in several positions
in its S-shape it can be found in the art of ornamentation as scrolls
symbolizing rhythm of continuous motion. It has been used as a symbol
of the wind – more often the whirlwind or whirlpool.
Stag
– Its symbolic meaning
is linked with that of the Tree of Life because its antlers resemble
branches. The stag in several Asian and pre-Columbian cultures is a
symbol of regeneration. Like the eagle and the lion, it is the
secular enemy of the serpent, which shows it is viewed as a favorable
animal. It is closely related to heaven and light, whereas the
serpent is associated with night and subterranean life. Romans gave
the stag certain mystical gifts, one of them being psychic
projection. Another gift was the ability to recognize medicinal
plants. The stag represents prestige, beauty, agility, and grace.
Because of the stag's role as a messenger of the gods, it may be
considered to be the antithesis of the he-goat.
Star
– The star is a symbol of the
spirit – a light shining in the darkness. However, the star has a
multitude of meanings in various cultures, the struggle against the
forces of darkness, for example. The star can be depicted as having
five points or six, the latter recognized as the Hebrew symbol. The
'flaming star' is the symbol of the mystic Centre. As far back as
ancient Egypt, the star signified a rising symbol that reaches to the
point of origin. An inverted five-pointed star is a symbol of the
infernal that is used in black magic. It is also used in the 17th
enigma of the Tarot deck that depicts an allegorical image of a naked
girl kneeling down beside a pool pouring a life-giving liquid into
the still waters. In her left hand she holds a silver jar from which
she pours fresh water. A bright star and several lesser ones hover
above the figure's head.
Steps
– This is a common symbol in
iconography that can be found all over the world. It is a means of
ascension and communication between the Lower and Upper worlds as
depicted in Jacob's Ladder.
Indeed, in Egyptian
hieroglyphics, it represents the word to ascend or rise. In Islamic
tradition, Muhammad saw a ladder that reached up to God. Steps are
one of the most notable symbols in ancestral rites. Symbolism of
steps in architecture can have more meaning than just a means to
ascend to another floor, like in temples and pyramids. This is
especially true with the pyramid temples of America in pre-Columbian
period.
In Bettini's Libro del
monte santo di Dio (Florence, 1477), steps are shown superimposed on
a mountain; emphasizing the parallel/identical symbolism of the
ladder and mountain, the latter portrayed as it was terraced, the
terraces looking like a ladder. On the rungs of the terrace/ladder
there are the names of the virtues – Humility, Prudence,
Temperance, Fortitude, Justice, Awe, Mercy, Science, Counsel,
Understanding, and Wisdom. On the peak of the mountain is a mandorla
formed of angels with Christ in the center.
Stone
Circle – Often called
a cromlech,
popularly known as the giant's
circle. Diodorus
Siculus thought of the stone
circle of Stonehenge when he referred to the 'circular temple of
Apollo' where the Hyperboreans sang
the praises of god-the-sun. Often standing in the middle of a circle
of monoliths is the hyrmensul
or sun stone.
Styx
– A subterranean spring or
lake in Greek mythology that corresponds to the underground sea in
Egyptian mythology, which the sun crosses every night. In analogical
thought, the lower waters of the Styx pertains to death, just as
every sunrise symbolizes resurrection.
Sun
– The Sun is a star
that is the center of our galaxy and in many cultures as Egyptian,
Peruvian, Mayan and Aztec; it appears as if it is a god itself. In
India it is the eye of Varuna;
in Persia it is the eye of Ahuramazda;
in Greece, as Helios,
it is the eye of Zeus (or
Uranus); in Egypt it
is the eye of Ra; and
in Islam the eye of Allah.
In certain periods of history and in certain levels of culture, the
solar cult is predominant, if not the only one. Solar activity is in
the sacred rites of Africa, Australia, and Oceania (Polynesia, etc.)
as well as North and South America. The cult of the Sun reached an
advanced stage in the New World, the most advanced being in Mexico
and Peru. These were the only countries in pre-Columbian America to
develop a viable political system, Rome, the most powerful political
force in antiquity, practiced solar hierophany,
which during the Empire dominated all other cults in the form of
Mithraic ritual.
The sun had long served the Egyptians of the Ancient Empire for its
brightness and power. They also were aware of the analogy between the
daily disappearance of the Sun and the winter solstice.
The
Sun is also depicted upon the 19th
enigma of the Tarot deck. The allegory shows the sun disk of the
astral king surrounded by alternating straight and flame-like rays
that are golden and red and symbolizes the dual activity of the Sun
that gives both warmth and light. Beneath the Sun there is a golden
spray falling and a couple in a green field, and in the background
there is a wall. The couple symbolize the Gemni under the influence
of spiritual light. The Sun also represents purification and
tribulation, glowing brightly to reveal higher truths. On the
positive side, the Tarot enigma symbolizes glory, spirituality, and
illumination. On the negative side it stands for vanity or an
idealism that is incompatible with reality.
Swastika
– This graphic symbol has
been thought of as a sign of evil because the Nazi of Germany in the
late 1930s and until the fall of the Nazi Regime and its founder,
Adolf Hitler, was its symbol, stolen from the emblem of antiquated
cultures.
The
symbol can be found in almost every ancient and primitive cult around
the world – in Christian catacombs, in Britain, Ireland, Mycenae
and Gascony; among the Etruscan, the Hindus, the Celts and the
Germanic peoples; in central Asia as well as in pre-Columbian
America. Its meaning is varied as much as it is scattered around the
globe in antiquity and is really representing two symbols of
independent force. The Greek cross with arms of equal length and the
cross with four arms rotating in the same direction. The tetraskelion
(swastika) with four arms at right angles is also called the
gammadion because it can be formed by joining up four gamma letters.
According Ludwig Müller, the swastika was the symbol of the supreme
deity in the Iron Age. 1
It is also associated with agricultural with the points of the
compass around an axis. There are two types of swastikas –
right-handed and left-handed. The shape of the swastika has been
interpreted as a solar wheel with rays and feet to symbolize movement
and power of the Sun.
Thorn
– In particular, the thorn of
the acacia that was regarded by the ancient Egyptians as an emblem of
the mother-goddess Neith. It is also signified as the world axis, as
well as the cross. The crown of thorns in the story of crucifixion of
Jesus the Christ can symbolize suffering or something evil.
Trident
– In various cultures, the
trident has different meaning. It is basically a three-point spear
that originally represented the teeth of sea monsters. It is an
attribute or instrument used by Neptune and Satan (Lucifer, the
fallen archangel) – it is thought by many scholars that the latter
was copied from the former as an instrument of evil because of its
significance in pagan religion, therefore antichrist in analogical
thought; just as the god Pan with hooved feet closely resembles
medieval depictions of Lucifer as Satan. According to Bayley, it is a
corrupt form of the cross that was adapted to depict the opposite of
goodness. 2
In another view, any object with three points or quantity of three
signifies symbolic force of hostility and evil. The third point can
be analogized to the third eye of Shiva
(Siva) the Destroyer. The trident was used in the Roman gladiatorial
arena as a weapon, along with a net which also is related to the
Uranian deity.
Unicorn
– Symbolic of chastity,
purity and an emblem of the sword or word of God. Traditionally it is
depicted as a white horse with a single horn protruding from its
forehead with blue eyes. Legend states that the only creature that
can tame a unicorn is a human female virgin; for him the unicorn
would protect if need be. In China, the animal known as Ch'i-lin is
identified with the unicorn; however the Chinese fabulous animal has
two horns. It is an attribute or emblem of high-ranking army officers
as well as representing uprightness and noble birth. The Chinese
version has five colors – red, yellow, blue, white, and black; and
its cry sounds like ringing bells. It is reputed in legend that it
can live for a thousand years and is considered the noblest of all
animals. To kill one, in any cultural legend, is a mortal sin.
Honorious of Autun
wrote in his Speculum de Mysteriis Ecclesiae
of the Unicorn …
The
very fierce animal with only one horn is called unicorn. In order to
catch it, a virgin is put in a field; the animal then comes to her
and is caught, because it lies down in her lap. Christ is represented
by this animal, and his invincible strength by its horn. He, who lay
down in the womb of the Virgin, has been caught by the hunters; that
is to say, he was found in the human shape by those who loved him.
While
the Physiologus Graecus mentions
the unicorn in disfavor in that it harbours
ill will toward men; the
Christian Church in the medieval period did not recognize this
negative view. In regards to the Unicorn's iconography, the 15th
century tapestries in the Cluny Museum in Paris illustrates the
creature in La Dame à la Licorne.
3
Wolf
– Symbolic of valor
among the Romans and Egyptians, it is also seen in heraldic emblems.
It also can be seen as guardians of certain monuments. In Nordic
mythology the wolf is presented as a monster. Fenris,
the monster-wolf is bound by iron chains and shackles and was
imprisoned within the bowels of the earth. When the twilight of the
gods appears, the end of the world, the monster-wolf will break out
of his prison and devour the sun. The wolf also appears as an evil
symbol in Gnostic cosmogony. In most cultures, the wolf can be friend
or foe, as in indigenous peoples of North America. It also can be
found in legendary tales of men cursed to become a wolf when the moon
is full – symbolic of the moon's influence upon water and anything
that consists of it.
Woman
– In anthropology, woman
corresponds to the passive principle of nature. Indeed, in symbolism,
woman plays an important role in ancient religions and rites. Woman
has three basic attributes – as a siren who enchants, diverts and
entices men away from the path of evolution or a journey across the
seas; as a mother, or Magna mater (motherland); and as the unknown
damsel, beloved in Jungian psychology. As Mother Nature or a Mother
Goddess, it is the oldest form of a deity, clay or stone idols of a
pregnant woman with large breasts and hips found at archaeological
sites dating 35,000 years ago. C.G. Jung
states in his Symbols of Transformation
that ancient people, even today, see woman as Eve, Helen, Sophia, or
the Virgin Mary. In Commedia by
Dante, woman is the
purest of living beings. In some cases, woman is symbolized with the
figure of an animal – the swan-woman in Celtic and Germanic
mythology and woman with the hoof of a goat in Hispanic folklore. The
woman becomes the matron once she loses her virginity. In
iconography, it is common to see woman depicted as part lion. The
woman figure can be seen frequently in the form of a cat and the
great mother in Egyptology. In the basic form as Eve or as Helen,
woman at the emotional level the woman is depicted as lower in
station than man. In the form of Sophia or Mother Mary, she is a
personification of purity and supreme virtues. In most respects,
ancient cultures realized that without woman there would be no
humanity, and held with high regard and awe at their ability to
reproduce and nurture.
Yang-Yin
– A Chinese symbol that shows
the dual distribution of forces that comprise the active or masculine
principle (Yang) and the passive feminine principle (Yin). It takes
the form of a circle bisected by a sigmoid (curved) line, and the two
parts form a dynamic division, yet interlocking. The light half
represents the Yang force and the darker one represents the Yin. It
also expresses the counterbalancing between evolution and involution.
Yoni
– Like the mandorla,
the Yoni is the gateway, or the zone of interpretation where two
circles intersect. Indians, in order to ensure regeneration, make an
image of the Yoni in gold and pass through it.
Zodiac
– One of the most widespread
of all symbols, despite its complexity. In almost every land and any
age in history, its characteristics are the same circular form, the
twelve subdivisions with their corresponding signs, and their
relationship with the seven planets. The Mesopotamian cultures,
Egypt, Judea, Persia, India, Tibet, China, America, Islam, Greece,
and Northern Europe – all were acquainted with zodiac symbolism.
The name comes from zoe
(life) and diakos
(wheel) and the basic element of this wheel
of life is found in the
Ouroboros (snake
biting its own tail). To show the extreme age of the Zodiac, it can
be found among the rock paintings in the Cueva de Arce, the celestial
maps in the stone engravings at Eira d'os Mourus (Galicia), and the
sculpting of the cromlech
at Alvão (Portugal) and numerous other examples/places. However,
there is no evidence thus far that reveals that the Zodiac was
understood before the time of Sargon of Agade
(2750 BC), who was known to possess the work of astrology that
contained forecasts of the eclipses of the sun. From the time of
Hammurabi (2000 BC) man's study of the heavens began to form into a
scientific endeavor.
The
symbolism of each of the twelve signs would take a volume onto
itself, so it will not be discussed here, except that the Indian
Zodiac is composed of the following signs – edu
(ram), yal (harp),
nand
(crab), amma (mother),
tuk
(scales), kani (dart),
kuda (pitcher),
and min
(fish).
The Zodiac signs can be
found depicted in the Tarot card deck.
The most commonly known
Zodiac is as follows – Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo,
Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces; and all
represent one of the seven planets as used in ancient astronomy,
alchemy, and astrology. Each sign has a significant attribute, just
as in alchemy and the Tarot pack. Interpretation of the signs as well
as correlation of one's identity and fate are related to the sign in
which a person is born in the most often symbolism that can be seen
around the world within many cultures.
Bibliography
…
Frazer,
Sir James G.;The Golden Bough; London,
1915.
Fromm,
Eric; The Forgotten Language;
London, 1952.
Jung,
C.G.; Symbols of Transformation;
(Collected Works), London, 1956.
Lehner,
Ernst; Symbols, Signs and Signets;
Cleveland, 1950.
Seznec,
Jean; The Survival of the Pagan Gods;
New York, 1953.
2The
Lost Language of Symbolism
by Harold Bayley, London, 1951.
3Psychology
and Alchemy by
C.G. Jung, London, 1956.
No comments:
Post a Comment