Symbolism

• A sign is an object or idea that represents something in a straightforward way.
• A symbol has a deeper meaning than a sign—more profound than its appearance

Archetypal Symbols §

Nature and Religion §

• Most of what is found in Religion and Mysticism can be said to be archetypal

  • Mythical beasts that are amalgamations of animal features indicate the beast has pluralistic aspects based on these animals (i.e., half human half animal indicates a mix of anima instinct and human intellect.)
    • Common is the idea of woman as temptress / evil - embodied by sirens and harpies.
    • Another common symbols is the dragon — embodying the unification of duality, of both good and evil.
    • To triumph against the mythical beast is to triumph against evil.

• Lady Fate - cruel and capricious. Often blindfolded to symbolize the arbitrariness.

• Death - the inevitable end.

• The Sun and Moon as duals — Masculine and Feminine, Death and Rebirth, Destruction and Creation, Power and Mercy

  • This association extends to fire and water as duals.

• The Earth and Heaven as duals - Feminine and Masculine, Creation and Destruction, Materialism and Spiritualism, the Realm of Man and the Realm of Gods.

  • Earth Mother - where all human life sprang from. It is fertilized by rain (via the Sky Father and gives birth to life.
  • Despite being creative, the Earth Mother also embodies the feminine, destructive aspects.
  • Earth and Heaven are bridged together through the rainbow.

• The Environment as a Mirror of the Unconscious

  • Forests are often used as a metaphor for the unconscious mind.
  • Fogs are symbols of confusion that must be overcome to achieve enlightenment.
  • Deserts represent abandonment and desolation but also inner peace.

• Precious metals and stones symbolized a pure, permanent beauty (as in the case of pearls), but also of strength and heaviness (i.e., iron and lead)

  • Dark and dull metals were viewed as evil (though not always).
  • Brilliant metals were viewed as good.
  • They also embody idolatry and greed, especially if the material is associated with wealth (i.e., Gold).
  • Crystals were thought to possess magical attributes, and even be able to cure diseases. They also embodied purity.

Plants §

• Gardens as Paradise, of both the body and the Soul. They provided food, water, and shade.

  • Associated with safety, privacy and security.
  • Can also be connected to Nature’s beauty. Gardens are a microcosm of the Universe.
  • Can be seen as symbols of luxury and status symbols.

• Plants as symbols of cycles. They embody birth, death and rebirth.

  • Mandrakes have human-shaped roots.

  • Depending on the attributes of the plant, they can symbolize different things (i.e., flexibility, longevity, danger, or protection from danger).

    • Herbs are associated with medicine and poison.
    • Fruits symbolize fertility and the giving of life. but also of death to fertilize new life.

  • Trees represent Nature as a nourisher

    • The archetypal Tree of Life which is revered as it connects Man with the Divine
    • The tree may also be associated with the Tree of Knowledge, signifying temptation and the Fall of Man.
    • Trees also represent sturdiness and endurance against nature.
    • Some trees represent death.

  • Flowers represent life and death

    • A budding flower is symbolic of new life and potential.
    • A flower is placed on the grave, hence its association with death.
    • In the language of different cultures, they embody different attributes.
    • Roses symbolize love, courtship and marriage.
    • Lotuses symbolize fertility and creation, especially in Eastern countries.

• Certain foods have certain symbolism tied to nourishment and immortality.

  • Eggs as symbols of birth. They contain the potential for life.
  • Milk and Honey as delectable foodstuffs. They signify fertility and spiritual nourishment
  • Onions have layers.

• Animal Symbolisms

Anthropological §

• Anthropological Symbols

• Flying is a symbol of a free spirit.

• Colors have taken on their own meanings

  • Red is associated with sanguinity — the color of blood.
  • *Black is associated with evil, darkness, and death.
  • White is associated with good, light, and purity.

Links §

• The Illustrated Book of Signs and Symbols — 1000s of Signs and Symbols from Around the World by Bruce-Mitford

• Motifs of Folk Literature