Symbols and Colors

SpiritualSymbols&Colors
WrittenbyKatieVaughnKelso
ColorsalsowrittenbyCaseyCarothersandChristineBreeseD.D.,Ph.D.
Introduction
Symbols have always surrounded us in our daily lives and allow us to process immense amounts of
informationinashorttime.Wemakequickdecisionsbasedonaglanceatstreetsigns.Weconnectbusinesslogos
andbrandnameswithanarrayofmeanings.Everytimewereadabookwetransformthelettersonthepageinto
meaning. We even think in images and dream in symbols. Jean Houston in her Mystery School (2003) lecture
explains,OneofthegreatmajoraccesswaystotheextraordinaryuniverseisthroughimagesItisthesecret
toolofthehumanmindbrainsystemasitrelatestoanddownloadstheuniverseandthisisafactknownbyall
peoplesandallplacesandtimes:imageshavepsychophysicalandpsychospiritualpotency...Thismeansthatin
boththeancientcreationstoriesandmodernonesaswell,thereareimagesthatevokeinusanddecodeinusthe
veryplaceoftheeverpresentorigin.
Just as our dreams are filled with symbols that are rich in meaning, the same great archetypal
personalitiesandstoriesappearallovertheworldwiththesamemeaning.Houstonfurtherasserts,Beneaththe
surfacecrustofconsciousnesswearefilledwiththegreatstories,thegreatthemes.Itsjustpartofthegivensof
the psyche: archetypes, numinous borderline persons, great energetic transformative tales, the hero/heroines
journeywearecodedwiththestory.Theyarepartofthetranspersonalandgiveusthepower,andthedomain,
and the impetus, and the courage of the larger journey. These images became imbedded in the psyche of
humankindandareawakenedthroughtheuseofsymbols.Wearefilledwithsymbolicstructures.Symbolsare
there,redolentinthepsycheofourselves...Symbolscontain,likeaDNA,codingsofimmenseinformation,anda
symbol,whenitwakesupinyou,willsuddenlyfloodyourmindwithtremendousamountsofknowing.Those
symbolsseemtobecodedinthehumanpsyche.
This symbolic understanding is paramount to religion and spirituality, as well as culture. According to
editor Mircea Eliade in The Encyclopedia Of Religion (1987), Symbolism is the very lifes breath of religion. Every
sentiment,everyideal,everyinstitutionassociatedwiththephenomenonofreligion,beitnobleorignoble,subsists
inanatmosphereofsymbols.Itisthroughsymbolsthatreligionssurviveinourmidstandthroughsymbolsthatwe
gain access to the religious life of past or alien cultures. Man, Myth And Magic: The Illustrated Encyclopedia Of
Mythology,ReligionAndTheUnknown(1995),editedbyRichardCavendish,affirmsthis:Theurgetomakepictures
andsculpturesofthegodsisahumanneedwhichhasfoundexpressioninmostreligions,althoughsome,notably
Judaism,haveprohibitedit.AsChristianitydeveloped,imagesofChrist,theVirginandthespiritsbecameobjectsof
reverence, sometimes credited with the power to perform miracles The human mind is so constructed that for
mostpeople,comprehensionofanythingimpliestheabilitytopictureorvisualizeit.
Thiscourseendeavorstorevealthemeaningsbehindsymbols.Itisabeginning,aplacetostartthestudents
understanding.Letmebeclear:Idonotpretendtohaveuncoveredthecompletemeaningofeveryreligiousand
spiritualsymbol.Asyouread,youwillbegintounderstandtheinexhaustiblemeaningsbehindsymbols.However,
youwillalsofindthreadsofmeaningthatconnectasinglesymboltoanarrayofmeanings,whichisessentiallythe
key of symbols: one can look at a symbol and have a flood of understanding that connects culture, religion,
spirituality, and the psyche. For this reason, even as it appears overwhelming, there is much repetition, for, as
HustonandEliadepointout,thesamestorieswiththesamesymbolismaretoldoverandoveragainregardlessof
timeorplace.Inthisliesthetruevalueofthiscourse.Asyoureadyourothercourses,suchasWorldReligionsor
Gods, Goddesses, and Mythology, use this one as a reference guide, a point of connection between ideas and
cultures,topiecetogetherthelargerarchetypalstoriesandgleanthewisdomtheyholdforus.Remember,thisis
onlythebeginningofunderstandingthepersonalwisdomthesesymbolsholdprivatelyforyou.Enjoy!
Inverted or Upsidedown Symbols: Although an inverted or upsidedown symbol can mean the
opposite of the symbol rightside up, it can also simply mean something different than the symbol viewed
normally,anddoesnotnecessarilyhavenegativeorominousmeaning.AccordingtoMan,Myth,AndMagic:The
Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Mythology, Religion And The Unknown (1995), edited by Richard Cavendish, Inverted
symbols,forexample,thingswhichareupsidedown,backwards,thewrongwayaround,aregenerallyconnected
withevil,blackmagicandwitchcraftbecausetheyreverseacceptedstandardsofwhatisgood.
SpiritualSymbolsAndColors2005UniversityOfMetaphysicalSciences
ReviewOfLiterature
(ExamquestionsarenotdrawnfromtheReviewOfLiteraturesection)
TheAncientArtOfColorTherapy(1975),byLindaClark.Duetotheabundanceofmaterial,thisbookwas
not actually quoted from for this course, however, it remains an inspiration and contains much useful
information,thereforeitissuggestedreadingforUMSstudents,asClarkexplainsintheAuthorsPreface,This
book is the result of twenty years of research; it covers the information found in nearly every major book ever
writtenonthesubject.Clarkstartswiththebasichistoryandfunctionoflightandthengoesontoexplainhowit
has been used by doctors and other practitioners (whos names have been removed for security) to effect
psychologicalandphysicalhealthincludingnutritionandeyeproblems.Shethengoesontoexplainwhatcolors
to use associated with gemstones and amulets. Clark is not a practitioner herself, but an author of numerous
booksonhealthfullivingandeditorofGracemagazine.
Color Test: The Remarkable Test That Reveals Your Personality Through Color (1969) by Max Luscher,
translated by Ian Scott. This book is yet another test that describes personalitythrough the patterns of colors a
person chooses based on affinity, as the jacket states, The principle of the Luscher Color Test is that accurate
psychologicalinformationcanbegainedaboutapersonthroughhischoicesandrejectionsofcolors.Whilethe
testcanbegivenbylaypersons,itismeantforpsychologists,physicians,andotherprofessionals.Thisbooktakes
a psychological approach, suggesting anxiety managements, and strategies for conflict resolution based on the
resultsofthetest.MostoftheinformationforthiscoursecamefromChapter6:TheMeaningOfTheEightColors
(grey, blue, green, red, yellow, violet, brown, and black). Max Luscher is a Swiss psychologist and color
consultant who developed the color test in the 1940s and popularized its use in Europe as a test for
psychologists,physicians,andevenjobscreenings.
The Encyclopedia Of Religion (1987) edited by Mircea Eliade. This comprehensive work provides
informationon all typesof religious traditions, ideas, practices,persons, andphenomenafrom earliest times to
the present. Eliade was educated as a philosopher with long periods of study in India at the University of
Calcutta.HedirectedtheHistoryofReligionsdepartmentattheUniversityofChicagoforthirtyyears,andhas
published extensively on the history of religions, notably on shamanism, yoga and cosmological myths. He
speaks8languagesfluentlyincludingRomanian,French,German,Italian,English,Hebrew,PersianandSanskrit.
What Is The Enneagram? (2004) by Helen Palmer and David Daniels was used in this course. The
informationcamefromtheirwebsitewww.theauthenticenneagram.com.HelenPalmerisalsotheauthorofseveral
acclaimedbooksontheenneagramincludingTheEnneagram:UnderstandingYourselfAndTheOthersInYourLife.
Fromtheirwebsite:HelenPalmerisateacherofpsychologyandintuition.Shehasauthoredfivebooksinthe
literature of consciousness, including two international bestsellers on the Enneagram topic, which have sold
overhalfamillioncopiesworldwide.HeleniscurrentlythesubjectofapublictelevisiondocumentaryBreaking
Out of the Box: Discovering the Enneagram, and together with David Daniels, M.D., codirects The Trifold
Schoolorganizationthatreflectsherthirtyyearcommitmenttobridgingpersonalandspiritualrealities.
David Daniels, M.D., a leading developer of the Enneagram, is Clinical Professor, Department of
Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford Medical School. Dr. Daniels maintained a private psychiatric
practice in Palo Alto, California for over 30 years and is a longtime teacher of the Enneagram. Together with
Helen Palmer, he pioneered the Enneagram Professional Training Program designed to bring highquality
Enneagram knowledge to individuals working in fields ranging from business to psychology He has
developed many applications of the Enneagram, including individual and couples therapy, dream work,
coaching, leadership styles analysis, and conflict resolution. Dr. Daniels served as codirector of the First
InternationalEnneagramConferenceatStanfordUniversityinAugust,1994.HealsowasafoundingDirectorof
theInternationalEnneagramAssociation(IEA)anddidmuchtoassureitssuccess.Thissiteisveryuserfriendly
anduseful.Itisjampackedfullofinformation,selfteststodetermineEnneagramtype,andinformationforeach
typetoeffectchangeintheirreality.Itisafabulousresource.
TheEverythingUnderstandingIslamBook(2003)byHuda.Hudaisaneducator,freelancewriter,editor,and
hasbeenAbout.comsGuidetoIslamsince1998.HudaholdsaM.Ed.degreeinMontessoriEducation.
TheGathas(1995)byHazratInayatKhanisinvolume13:SacredReadingsofa14volumeset.Khanis,
withoutadoubt,thesupremeauthorityonSufism.
The Hidden History Of Jesus And The Holy Grail: The Early Christian Church Leaders Adopted Scripture And
Teachings That Would Obscure The Truth About The Royal Bloodline Of Jesus (1997) by Sir Laurence Gardner is a
lecture.ThislecturewasbasedonGardnersbookBloodlineOfTheHolyGrail:TheHiddenLineageOfJesusRevealed.
For over ten years Gardner has been the historian and sovereign genealogist to thirtythree royal families in
BritainandEurope.ThislectureunraveledthelayersofmeaningandsymbolismbehindthestoryofJesus,the
Messiah,MaryMagdalene,aswellasotherkeyfiguresintheBible.Gardnerrevealsmistranslations,coverups,
and hidden agendas in an academic and logical analysis of authentic historical records. This is a fascinating,
easilyunderstood, and convincing discussion of the manipulation of the Church by corrupt leaders to control
society,eliminatingtheroleandauthorityofwomen.Ilovedthisarticle(whichshowsmybias).Ifthereisone
thingthatIrecommendasfurtherreadingforstudents,thiswouldbeit.
How To Heal With Color (1992), by Ted Andrews. This book gives an overview of color therapy,
instructing readers in the development of color sensitivity and teaching them techniques to heal the
chakras (and thus effecting the person mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing) using candles, air
andwater,nature,andmandalas.MostoftheinformationforthiscoursecamefromthechapterColors
AndTheirEffects,whichcontainslistsofphysicalproblemsandcorrespondingbeneficialcolorsaswell
asasynopsesofhowthedifferentcolorsworkingeneral.TedAndrews,isafulltimeauthor,student
and teacher in the metaphysical and spiritual fields. He conducts seminars, symposiums, workshops
and lectures throughout the country on many facets of ancient mysticism pastlife analysis, auric
interpretations, numerology, the tarot and the Qabala as methods of developing and enhancing inner
potentials. Andrews is a certified Spiritualist medium, hypnotist, acupressurist, and is involved in
herbology.
JewishLiteracy,KeyConcepts,StarOfDavid(2002)waswrittenbyRabbiShragaSimmons.FromtheJewish
LiteracyProjectHomepageatwww.aish.com,RabbiShragaSimmonsisanIsraeli,Orthodoxrabbi,whoworksas
a writer and editor for Aish.com and has volunteered to answer questions for the About Judaism site. This
articlewasveryinformative.
LifeColors(1991)wascreatedbyPamalaOslie.TheAuraLifeColorsQuizinthecoursecamefrom
this book. The quiz allows people to identify themselves with a LifeColor, and then discusses the
LifeColor in categories such as Relationships, Sex, Red Parents, Red Children, ProblemSolving, Money,
Success, Occupations, and Health. The information on the lifepurpose, talents, obstacles, and strategies
for fulfilling lifedestiny of the LifeColors was the most useful for this course. From her website,
www.auracolors.com,PamalaOslieisanauthor,consultant,speaker,lecturer,andprofessionalpsychic.Formore
than fifteen years, she has traveled extensively throughout the country presenting seminars and conducting
workshopsabouttheemerginghumanpotential,psychicabilities,auras,andthepowerofourbeliefstocreate
ourreality.Osliesworkisrecommendedforfurtherreading.
ManAndHisSymbols(1964)waswrittenbyCarlJung.Okay,hereheis,CarlJung,thefamouspioneerof
Jungianpsychology.Fromthepublishers:Illustratedthroughoutwithrevealingimages,thisisthefirstandonly
workinwhichtheworldfamousSwisspsychologistexplainstothelaypersonhisenormouslyinfluentialtheory
of symbolism as revealed in dreams. Since dreams are covered in depth in the UMS course Dreams And
Dreaming,JungsworkwasnotextensivelyusedinthiscourseonSymbolsandColors.MarieLouisevonFranz
contributedtwoofthesixessaysinthisbook,aswellascompletingtheeditingafterJungdied.
Man, Myth And Magic: The Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Mythology, Religion And The Unknown, (1995), was
editedbyRichardCavendish.This21volumeencyclopediasetisacommonlibraryreferenceforanthropological
studies of religion and spirituality. According to the Readers Guide found in volume 1, it is designed to
provideanunbiasedexplorationintothereligionsandculturesoftheworld,pastandpresent,andtheirbelief
systems. It is a comprehensive guide to all the worlds major (and many of the minor) faiths, philosophies,
legends,mythologies,andfolklore,aswellasliterature,symbolism,superstition,andthesupernatural,fromthe
remote past to the present day. The encyclopedia is a series of articles by different authors and was extremely
usefulinitsthoroughness.
MandalaSymbolism(2005)byMichaelBrownEd.S.MichaelBrownisaLicensedProfessionalCounselor,
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, National Board Certified Diplomat in Clinical Hypnotherapy, and
OrganizationalConsultant.Since1972,hehasbeenconductingindividual,family,couplesandgrouptherapy.He
leadsoutdoorretreats,seminars,andweekendworkshops,andgivespresentationstoconferences,radio,andTV
programsoncounselingissues,creativity,personalgrowth,professionaldevelopment,andspiritualrenewal.The
mandala exercise for this course comes from the section of his website titled Mandala Symbolism, which is
reprintedfromCoastalPathways,Volume3,No.6,July,1991,VirginiaBeach,Va.Thisisalovelyexplanationof
whatmandalasareandhowtheycanbeusedinonespersonallife.
MaryMagdalene:TheBeloved,(1999)waswrittenbyMargaretStarbird,authoroftheacclaimedGoddessIn
The Gospels: Reclaiming The Sacred Feminine, and The Woman With The Alabaster Jar. This article comes from
www.magdalene.org, whose mission is to educate visitors about the various perspectives that exist about Mary
Magdalenesortingoutthevariousthreadsofhistory,mythandreligion.Magdalene.orgisasecularsite;wedo
not endorse any particular religion or set of spiritual beliefs. Starbird however, has her own website,
www.telisphere.com/~starbird/ that educates the public about Mary Magdalene and the Bible. Starbird, a Roman
CatholicScholar,firstbelievedthestoryofJesusChristsmarriagetoMaryMagdaleneaheresy.Shesetoutto
refuteit,butinsteaddiscoverednewandcompellingevidencefortheexistenceofthelostbrideofJesus,Mary
Magdalene, in Starbirds own words. Starbird uses extensive study of history, heraldry, symbolism, medieval
art, mythology, psychology, and the Bible itself to piece together history. Starbird has an M.A. degree in
comparative literature and further postgraduate study at Vanderbilt Divinity School. Starbird is a delightful
author,combiningatalentforstorytellingwithacademicresearch.Ihighlyrecommendherbooks.
Pan (2004) was written by Aaron Arsma. This essay came from the Theoi Project, a site of individual
entries of the various divinities and monsters, containing quotessourced from a wide variety of classical texts.
The Theoi Project: Guide to Greek Gods, Spirits and Monsters, was created and edited by Aaron Arsma in
associationwithTimSpaldingandtheancienthistory/artsitewww.isidoreofseville.com.
TheRose:AMarianSymbol(2002)waswrittenbyBrotherJohnSamahaM.,S.M.Thisarticleisfromawebsite
maintained by The Marian Library/International Marian Research Institute located at the University of Dayton, a
CatholicandMarianistinstitutionofhigherlearning,inDayton,Ohio.BrotherJohnM.Samaha,S.M.,belongstothe
Pacific Province of the Marianists, and is currently working at Villa St. Joseph in Cupertino, California. He is a
memberandofficeroftheMariologicalSocietyofAmerica.Thisarticlewasalsothoroughandinformative.
The Sacred Cauldron (2000) and The Sacred Sword (2000) by Michael Ragan, from www.danann.org. From
MichaelRagan:TheTempleofDanannisanonprofitorganizationfoundedin1979.Ourmissionistoresearch,
teachandpracticethelife,philosophyandreligionoftheancientIrish.Ourteachingsandwritingsarebasedon
extensive research using a multidisciplinary approach involving archeology, anthropology, history, literature,
mythology, folklore, language and art. As I learned, I also wanted to share with similar interests and similar
thirsts. So in 1979 the Temple of Danann was founded as a simple teaching function. The goal, which has
remained unchanged, was to expand the knowledge and understanding of the Old Religion of Ireland. In the
beginning we shared much with the British influenced Craft. Over the years, continuing research and study of
Irish lore, history and mythology has considerably broadened our knowledge and greatly focused our vision...
Today, we can rightly be considered Irish reconstructionist we have developed both an introductory and an
advancedcourseofstudyforthoseinterested.WealsopublishaquarterlyJournal,whichprovidessomeofthe
resultsofourongoingresearch.Thissiteisgreatforgettingwellresearched,thoroughinformationonWiccan
symbols,traditions,andpractice.
Is The Star Of David Kosher? by Rabbi Rick Chaimberlin. This article comes from www.yashanet.com.
Chaimberlin has extensive Bible knowledge and publishes a Messianic Jewish quarterly magazine called Petah
TikvahMagazine.
SymbolsOfChurchSeasonsAndDays(1997)byJohnBradnerexplainswhatChristiansymbolsmeanand
whytheyareusedatdifferenttimesoftheyear.Arrangedaccordingtothechieffestivalsandseasons,allentries
withineachcategoryarealphabeticallylistedwithnumerouscalligraphicillustrations.Whilethisbookcoversthe
explanationsofthesymbolsfromaChristianpointofview,itrarelygoesintothespiritualhistoryofthesymbols
beforeChristianitycooptedthem.
SymbolicAndMythologicalAnimals(1992)byJ.C.Cooper.Thisbookcoversawidevarietyofsymbolism
from traditions world wide. Jean C. Cooper is educated in Perennial Philosophy, and writes on philosophy,
comparativereligion,andsymbolism.SheistheauthoroflucidintroductoryworksonChinesereligionsuchas
Taoism, The Way Of The Mystic (1972), Yin And Yang (1981), and Chinese Alchemy (1984). In addition, she wrote
several works in the fieldof symbolism, including Fairy Tales:Allegories Of The InnerLife (1983),Symbolism, The
UniversalLanguage(1986),SymbolicAndMythologicalAnimals(1992),andthebroadrangingclassicinitsfield,An
Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Traditional Symbols (1978). This book was formatted like a dictionary and it provides
muchoftheinformationusedintheAnimalssectionofthiscourse.
1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002)byRowenaandRupertShepherd.Theauthors,both
British art historians, are joined by 12 other experts in this field to present an amazing array of multicultural
interpretations of the world as condensed into symbolic images. They define a symbol as something that a
particular culture considers to mean something else. Chock full of multicultural (including Africa, Europe, the
MiddleEast,theFarEast,theAmericas,andthePacific)religiousandculturalinformationonsymbols,eachwithits
own accompanying pictures, this book was userfriendly, interesting, and wellorganized (especially for a subject
thatcaneasilygetoverwhelming).ThebookcontainseightsectionssuchasHeavenandEarth,Charactersand
People,andObjectsandArtifacts.Thisbookwasinvaluabletome.Aftersiftingthroughdozensofbooksonthe
subject,thisonewasfunandeasilyunderstood,withperspectivesthatreachedtoeverycorneroftheglobe.
The Witch In Every Woman: Reawakening The Magical Nature Of The Feminine To Heal, Protect, Create, And
Empower (1997) by Laurie Cabot. Laurie Cabot has more than forty years of experience as a spiritual counselor
andpracticingwitch.CabotusesthewisdomofancientCeltictales,storiesofherownmaking,ritualactivity,and
spiritualcommunion,toshowhowancienttruthscanempowerandexultthefeminineandlifepathstosuccess
andpersonalfulfillment.Anenjoyableandinformativebooktoread,Cabotbringstogethertheancientwisdom
ofwiccawithherownintuitedinformation.
TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)byBarbaraWalker.With1,350entries,thisfeminist
encyclopediaisthemostusedbookforthiscourse.Walkerhastheabilitytotellthewholehistoryofasymbol,
leading them each back to their archetypal beginnings. In reading and crossreferencing this encyclopedia, the
universalmythicalpatternsinspiritualityandcultureemerge.Thisbookisamusthaveforanyonewhohasever
feltlikethereisadeepermeaningtomyths,legends,andsymbolsthanthemuddled,confusedretoldversions
typically available. However, it must be noted that there is a distinctly feminist bent to this compilation of
material.Notably,attheheartofmosthumanstoriesliestheprimallifeissuesofbirth,reproduction,anddeath.
As such, many symbols are traced back to surprisingly sexual origins. A researcher and writer, Walker has
authored numerous books including The Womans Dictionary Of Symbols And Sacred Objects, The Crone, The
Womans EncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets, TheSkepticalFeminist, The Essential HandbookOf WomensSpirituality
And Ritual,Feminist FairyTales, Amazon, The SecretsOf TheTarot,TheI ChingOf TheGoddess, The BookOf Sacred
Stones, etc. The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets is 25 years worth of synthesized information on
mythology,anthropology,religion,andsexuality.In1993,BarbarawasnamedHumanistHeroineoftheYear
by the American Humanist Association, and in 1995 she received the Women Making Herstory Award from
NewJerseyNOW.Icannotrecommendthisbookhighlyenough.Itisamusthaveforyourbookshelf.
World Tree, (2005) from Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
website: Wikipedia is a Webbased, multilanguage, freecontent encyclopedia written collaboratively by
volunteersandsponsoredbythenonprofitWikimediaFoundation...Itspurposeistocreateanddistributeafree
internationalencyclopediainasmanylanguagesaspossible.Wikipediaisoneofthemostpopularreferencesites
on the web, receiving around 60 million hits per day. Wikipedia contains approximately 1.6 million articles It
began as a complement to the expertwritten Nupedia on January 15, 2001 It is edited by volunteers in wiki
fashion, meaning articles are subject to change by nearly anyone. Wikipedias volunteers enforce a policy of
neutral point of view whereby views presented by notable persons or literature are summarized without an
attempt to determine an objective truth. Because of its open nature, vandalism and inaccuracy are problems in
WikipediaThestatusofWikipediaasareferenceworkhasbeencontroversial,andithasbeenbothpraisedforits
free distribution, free editing and wide range of topics and criticized for alleged systemic biases, preference of
consensus to credentials, deficiencies in some topics, and lack of accountability and authority when compared
with traditional encyclopedias. Its articles have been cited by the mass media and academia and are available
under the GNU Free Documentation License. As a research site, Wikipedia is questionable. However, I cross
checkedWikipediainformationwithothersourcesandfoundittobeconsistentlyaccurate.Itsbenefittomewasits
concisesummariesofsymbolssuchastheWorldTree.
SpiritualSymbols
Adam: In prebiblical myths, Adam and Eve are created by the Earth Goddess from her adamah, life
givingclay/blood,soAdamisamanmadeofblood.BarbaraWalker,inherbookTheWomansEncyclopediaOf
MythsAndSecrets(1983)says,TheideaofAdamsribwastakenfromaSumerianGoddesswhoformedinfants
bonesfromtheirmothersribs.ShewasbothLadyoftheRib,andLadyofLife.SeeEve.
Air:SeeElements.
Alchemists: Alchemy was influenced by both western and eastern tradition. Alchemy was
practiced in ancient Egypt, spread to the Middle East, and by the renaissance it was
flourishing in Europe, with contributions from both Kabbalists and Rosicrucians. Alchemy
was also being practiced in China, Japan, India, and Persia as well, although the historical
factsarefuzzy.Alchemistsweresupposedlyattemptingtolearnhowtocreategoldorsilver
frompurifyinganybasemetal,althoughthisisametaphor.TheywerereallypracticingThe
Art (as it was called by Greeks, Chinese, and Indians): a spiritual path of purifying their
base selves to receive the gold of enlightenment. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, states,
Alchemy is an early protoscientific practice combining elements of chemistry, physics,
astrology, art, semiotics, metallurgy, medicine, mysticism, and religion. The common sense
and the media normally identify three main goals many alchemists sought for. The most
renowned goal of alchemy is the transmutation of any metal into either gold or silver.
Alchemists also tried to create the Panacea, a remedy that would cure all diseases and
prolonglifeindefinitely.ThePhilosophersstonewasthekeyinthesegoals.
This mythical substance, which could just as well be a powder or liquid as a stone, would supposedly
have the ability to do both. The third goal was creating human life. Their exploits into astrology, metallurgy,
mysticism,andreligionprovideuswithmanysymbolsthathavebothphysicalandspiritualmeaning.Manyare
included in this course, such as the symbols for the elements. The Philosophers Stone, or Stone of the Wise,
wasparticularlycrucialtoWesternAlchemyasitisthegoaloftheWork,anditcantransmutebasemetalinto
gold, or, according to some, give eternal life, according to Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000
Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002).IntheEasterntradition,theGoldenElixirorGoldenFlower,
withtheabilitytocuredisease,restorevitality,andgiveimmortalitywasemphasized.PhilosophersStoneand
ChinesecharactersforGoldenElixirtotheleft.
Alligator:SeeAnimals.
Altar: From the Latin altus meaninghigh, an altarisusuallya raisedarea ofworship, dedicated to a
divinity.Prayerscanbecarriedtothedivinityusingfireorsmokefromthealtar(incenseandsmudgesticksserve
this purpose), and sacrifices and offerings are made to deities at altars. Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their
book1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),state,Theitemsassembledonanaltarprovidea
connectionbetweenpeopleandthespirittowhichthealtarisdedicated.Altarsareusedaroundtheworld,from
AfricatoMexico.SeetheUMScourseAltarsandRitualsformoreinformation.
Altar Light: Altar Lights symbolize the divine by maintaining an eternal fire. Rowena and Rupert
Shepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),explains,Thecustomofkeeping
lightsburningbeforealtarswasprefiguredbythefiresusedtoconsumethesacrificesmadeuponthem.Many
religionstendedeternalfiresincludingtheZoroastrians,Romans,andtheVestalVirgins.Romanshadthelongest
lived altar light. Candles are used to symbolize the eternal light by Buddhists, and Christians use a sanctuary
lamp during vigilance and prayer, symbolizing Christ as The Light of the World. Similarly the Jewish
tabernaclelampislitatnightsothatGodsdivinitywouldbevisible.SeeGoddess:Vesta.
Ambrosia:SeeFruit.
Amulet:AccordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArt
And Myth (2002), amulets are, Small objects or pieces of jewelry imbued with magical or protective powers
usually worn about the body. They can take the form of the deity they call upon or reflect the evil they are
protecting against and are widely used and varied. Egyptians and Romans used such amulets as Ra or a
cornucopia.InHindupractices,theyincludeVishnusFootprint,theVishnupadaandtheplaqueofHanumanfor
bravery.IntheMiddleEastandpartsofAfricaitiscommontowearahandshapedamuletcalledtheHandof
Fatima(thedaughteroftheProphetMohammed).
Angel: From Symbols Of Church Seasons And Days (1997), by John Bradner, Angels kneeling near the
Holy Family indicate adoration due a divinity. The herald angel, sometimes seen floating in space with right
handraised,representstheannouncementtotheshepherdsandisatrueNativityAngel.Anangelinacirclein
theskystandsforthestarseenbytheMagi.SeetheUMSAngelsandAngelCompanionscourse.
Animals
Alligator:ANorthAmerindiancultanimal;appearsonblackstonecarvingsonthenorthwestCoastandis
thetotemanimalofaclanoftheCreeIndians,accordingtoSymbolicAndMythologicalAnimals(1992)byJ.C.Cooper.
InancientEgyptianbeliefs,thealligator(crocodile)wasasacredanimal,aswellasinAboriginalbeliefsystems.
Bat:Thebathasanambivalentsymbolismandmythology,beingunluckyanduncleaninsometraditions,
andluckyandanacceptablefoodinothers,accordingtoSymbolicAndMythologicalAnimals(1992)byJ.C.Cooper.
BatsareeateninAssyriaandAfrica,andusedascharmsinEgyptbutdemonizedbytheOldTestament,asunclean
abominations, depicting impurity and adultery. As a creature of night and dark places, bats are symbolic of
desolation and desecration in many parts, but in China, though being a nocturnal yin animal, its name is a
homophone of happiness, fu, and thus becomes happiness and good luck. For indigenous Americans, the bat
represented shamanic death and rebirth, as the bat lives in the mothers cavewomb. In parts of Africa, bats are
sacred, the carriers of souls of the dead (as most carrion birds). In the west, while bats are supposed to ward off
locustsandhangontrees,theyarealsoassociatedwithvampires,witches,graveyards,death,andthedevil.
Bear:Thebearisoneoftheoldestifnottheoldestoftheverifiablesacredanimals;evidenceoftheBear
Cult exists from earliest times, according to Symbolic And Mythological Animals (1992) by J. C. Cooper. Sacred
shrines and altars have been dedicated to the bear since the Neanderthals and the bear remained sacred for
shamanistic cults of the North American Indians, Icelandians, Finland, Siberia, and Japan. The Innuit honor the
polarbearastheGreatSpirit.Oftensymbolizingthehunt,theSheBear(oftentheGrizzly)symbolizesmaternallove
and renewed life after the winter hibernation and springs new cubs. The Amerindians consider the Bear the
GuardianoftheWest,asdotheHopiIndians.ThebearishonoredbytheAinusofJapanbutconsideredabuffoon
bytheCherokee,etc.TheSheBearasUrsaMajoristhetotemanimalofArtemis,theAmazonianMoonGoddess.
Bee:Beesareprobablythemostuniversallysymbolicofinsects;objectsofadmiration,venerationand
fear and subjects of cults, rituals and beliefs in birth, death and the soul; they are also connected with
supernaturalpowers,accordingtoSymbolicAndMythologicalAnimals(1992)byJ.C.Cooper.Astheprovidersof
thefirstsweetener(honey),preserver,andalcohol(mead),beeswerewidelyrecognized,sometimesasspiritual
messengers.Theyareassociatedwithpurity,chastity,andvirginity,buttheirstinghasaphallicconnotation.The
Lower Egypt royal symbol meant he who belongs to the bee, while Vishnu, Krishna, and Indra are called
Madhava,Nectarbornones.InChinathebeeisassociatedwithindustryandthrift(feng).Demeterwascalled
thePureMotherBeeandtheGreatMotherwasalsocalledTheQueenBee,whilebeeswerecalledthebirds
oftheMuses,andwerebelievedtohaveguidedtheIoniansfromGreecetoAsiaMinor.
Bird:SeeBirds.
Boar: The GoldenBoar is one of thegreat solaranimals while the White Boar, dwellerinthe swamps
andrepresentingthewateryelement,islunar.Insometraditionsitdepictsallthatisevilandunclean,inothersit
can be divine, appearing on altars and images of gods, also on coins and standards; but it always symbolizes
strength, fearlessness, savagery and wildness, according to Symbolic And Mythological Animals (1992) by J. C.
Cooper. Often the boar represents the wild boar of winter and the coming spring, such as in the Sumero
SemiticmythofTamnuz,theBoarofCalydon,andtheGraecoRomanboarofAres/Mars.Theboarissacredto
Aphrodite,Demeter,andAtalanta.ItisdepictedinthehuntsofAdonis,Meleager,andHippolytus,Odysseus.It
wasthesacredanimaloftheearlyOlympicGames,aspatronofhonestplay.TheboarappearsinScandinavian,
Teutonic, Celtic, and Druid myth, in Zoroastrian as the shining boar of the Sun, and to the Chinese and
Japaneseasthelunarwhiteboar.
Buffalo: In North Amerindian lore the buffalo or bison portrays supernatural power, strength and
fortitude;italsorepresentsthewhirlwind,accordingtoSymbolicAndMythologicalAnimals(1992)byJ.C.Cooper.
The Plains Indians consider it sacred and the Cree, Pawnee and Sioux consider the Cosmic Buffalo as their
Grandfather and Father of the Universe. There are buffalo dances, festivals, sacrifices, and rituals among the
Mandan Okapi, Zulus, and Malaysians. Vana (Vedic God of the Dead) and The Taoist Lao Tzu both ride on a
buffalowhileBuddhaissometimesdepictedasabuffalo.
Bull:Asthebearistheprimarysymbolicandsacrificialanimalofthehunter,thebullisthatofpastoral
andagriculturalcommunities,anditwasreverencedandworshippedfromearliesttimes,accordingtoSymbolic
AndMythologicalAnimals(1992)byJ.C.Cooper.Representingusefulness,strength,virility,ambivalence,itwas
the totem animal of the warrior, and the Sky God. However, when ridden by a goddess such as Astarte or
Sidonian Europa, the Bull became a lunar symbol, together creating fertility. The Wild Bull was the consort of
Inanna, Queen of Heaven and represented the God Baal for the Canaanite, Syrians, and Phoenicians. The
Zoroastriansbelievedthebullwasthefirstanimalcreated,andwasreveredinEgyptasApis.ForHindusthebull
representedstrength,speed,andfertilityasAgnis,theMightyBull,SivaridestheBullNandin(Guardianofthe
West);theBuddhistGodoftheDead,Yamaissometimesabull;andYahwehistheBullofIsrael.
Butterfly:Inchangingfromthemundanecaterpillarandgoingthroughthestagesofdissolutionbefore
emerging as the celestial winged creature the butterfly symbolizes rebirth, resurrection and the powers of
regeneration,accordingtoSymbolicAndMythologicalAnimals(1992)byJ.C.Cooper.InChinesesymbolism,the
butterflyrepresentsimmortality,leisure,andjoy,andinJapanthebutterflycanalsorepresentthefalselover.In
Greecethebutterflyrepresentedthesoul;inthePimamythitistheCreator;andinAustralianAboriginalmyth
thecaterpillarwentupintotheskytofindoutwhathappenedtothedeadandcamebackasabutterfly.
Calf, Golden: The Golden Calf is a symbol for Horus, a bullcalf form of Osiris, son of Isis, also called
Hathor,whoincludestheGoldenCowinherprocessions.IsraelitesconsideredtheGoldenCalfsacredastheGod
who led them to safety out of Egypt. According to Barbara Walker in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of
MythsAndSecrets(1983),TheIsraelitesmadeofferingstohim,satdowntoafeast,thenroseuptoplay,which
translatestocopulate.
Cat: Egypt is where cats were first domesticated and revered as the Sphinx. In her book The Womans
EncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),BarbaraWalker,explainsthecatwascarvedonIsisholysistrumand
represented the moon. Probably due to their nocturnal behavior, they were associated with the moon and
thereforetheGoddess.ThesayingthatcatshavenineliveswascreatedinMedievaltimesandprobablycomes
from the Egyptian mythic Ninefold Goddess Ennead. It was at this time that cats were first associated with
witcheswhenitwassaidthattheycouldtransformthemselvesintoacatsshapeninetimeswithintheirlife.In
England, the cat became the Moongoddesss totem and in Scotland, the Goddess of Witches, Mither o the
Mawkins,tooktheformofeitherahareoracat.BytheInquisition,NicholasRemyhaddeemedallcatsdemonic
and it became superstition that a witchs familiar was a gray cat and this led to the practice of burning cats in
wicker cages on Midsummer, Easter, and Shrove Tuesday. The cat was the totem animal for the Egyptian
GoddessBast(MotherofCats),aswellasArtemis/Diana.SeeSphinx.
Camel:ThecamelisthemostvaluableanimalintheMiddleEast;itisnotonlyasacrificialanimalbutalso
providesfoodandmilk,thehideisusedforleatheranditshairiswovenintoacoarsecloth,itisalsobelievedtobe
apotropaic and a cure for rheumatism; the camels droppings are used for fuel, according to Symbolic And
MythologicalAnimals(1992)byJ.C.Cooper.Thecamelsymbolizesobedienceandsubservienceastheguardianof
watersandspringsinArabiaandconsideredtheanimalofParadiseinIslamandtheProphetsworebyacamel.
Cheetah: A Natural symbol of swiftness and speed, according to Symbolic And Mythological Animals
(1992) by J. C. Cooper. The Cheetah was trained for hunting in Assyria and Egypt and, along with lions and
leopardsfollowedDionysos.ATotemanimalofAfrica,theCheetahwashonoredinritesanddancesofhunting.
Cow: The Cow is still sacred today in India, but throughout history has been an important creation
symbol. According to Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983)
PerhapsthemostcommonmanifestationoftheGreatMotherasPreserverwasthewhite,horned,milkgiving
Mooncow,stillsacredinIndiaasasymbolofKali...Thecowwashonoredasthewetnurseofhumanity,andher
imageisstillinadvertentlyinvokedtothisdayasanexpletiveHolyCow,oraperjorativeSacredCow.Egyptian
legendtellsofthesacredMotherHathorintheformofaheavenlycow,creatingtheMilkyWaywiththemilk
fromherudderanddailygivesbirthtotheGoldenCalf(thesun),HorusRa,whoisalsoreveredbyAaronand
theIsraelites.ItalymeanscalflandandaccordingtolegendwasthegiftoftheMilkgiverwhowascalledby
manynames,LatbyEtruscans,AlLatbyArabs,Latona,Lada,Leto,orLedainGreece.InnorthernEuropeher
namewasAudumla,Freya,orfiercecowandtheuniversewasequatedwithcurdledmilkinearlymythology.
FromIndiacomesthebeliefthattheuniversewascreatedfromtheChurningoftheSeaofMilk.Japanscreation
myth says that the primordial curdlecurdle was mixed with the first deities to make earth. Ancient Sanskrit
speakingpeopleandRomansalsoheldthecowasimportant.
Crab:TheCrabisthesymbolforthezodiacsignofCancer.India,Egypt,Persia,China,northernEurope,
andCentralAmericaallheldsimilarbeliefsaboutthecrabasforetellingthecomingoftheendoftheworld.See
UMSAstrologyBasicscourse.
Deer: Universally a symbol of swiftness, agility, gentleness and timidity, according to Symbolic And
Mythological Animals (1992) by J. C. Cooper. The deer has been associated with the Moon Goddesses Artemis,
Aphrodite, Athene and Diana, as well as Apollo, and Vayu, the Vedic God of the Wind. In China the deer
representedhighrank,officialsuccess,andwealth.Celticsbelieveddeertooksoulstotheunderworldandthey
wereatotemanimaloftheIndigenousAmericans.TheAinuofJapanbelievetheycomefromheaven,madeof
thehairofdeerbuttheyhavetheevileye.
Dog: The dog has been the companion of humans before history was recorded. In mythology, the dog
appearsatthesideoftheGoddess,guardingtheentrancetoherafterworld,whichisreflectedincardnumber18
oftheTarotdeck,twodogshowlingatthefullmoon.AccordingtoTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets
(1983), by Barbara Walker, Nearly everywhere one can still find the belief that dogs can see ghosts and other
spirits, left over from the formerly universal association of canines with the world of death and the special
preserve of the underground Goddess. The Threeheaded hound Cerberus guarded the gates for Hecate, the
deathgoddess, according to myths. The Celtic gatekeeper was a dog named Dormarth or Deaths Door. The
EgyptianAnubis,godofgatewaysandmummification,isoneoftheoldestGodDogsandknownastheOpener
oftheWayandbeenassociatedwithSirius,theDogStar(alsothestarthethreewisemenfollowedtofindthe
Christchild).AnubistraveledtoChristianityandbecameassociatedwithGabrielasjudgeofthedead.Romans
worshipped Anubis, as well as other dog deities as keeper of the Great Mothers gate and guardian of the
householdandwomen.TheRomancultGoddesstooktheformoftheShewolfLupa,whosuckledRomulusand
Remus.DianatheHuntresswassaidtohaveadogcompanion,anddogsareoftenconsideredwitchsfamiliars.
As the Great Bitch, the dog was sacred to the IndoEuropean goddess Sarama, the Roman Goddess Lupa, the
WolfBitch,andArtemis/DianaasthehuntingdogsAlani.SeeAnubis.
Dolphin:TheKingofFishesispreeminentlythesymbolofseapowerand,asthearrowofthesea,it
is swiftness, according to Symbolic And Mythological Animals (1992) by J. C. Cooper. The dolphin is associated
withApolloandisdepictedonthewallsofhistempleatDelphi.ItisassociatedwithAstarteandwithIshtar,as
well as Isis. From Symbols Of Church Seasons And Days (1997), by John Bradner, With pagans the dolphin had
becomeapopularsymbolofsalvationandimmortalitybeforeChristianstookitoverforuseintheCatacombs.
Dragon: From the Greek work for Serpent, dragons appear in mythology both east and west.
GenerallyconsideredbenevolentinEasternmythology,Dragonstendtorepresentgoodfortune,
thunder,orwisdom,accordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:What
Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002). In the West however, they are often depicted as fire
breathing,humansacrificedemanding,andlivingincavespiledwithtreasure.ThisPhilistinesea
God took the shape of a merman, fishman, or serpentman and was the God of farming and
fishing.TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),byBarbaraWalkersays,On
accountofthebadpublicitygivenhimintheBible,henaturallybecamealeadingdemonoftheChristianhell.
SeeUMSAstrologyBasicscourse,ChineseDragon.
Elk:AmerindianandSiberiansymbolofstaminaandstrength,thewarriorenergy,supernaturalpower,
the whirlwind, according to Symbolic And Mythological Animals (1992) by J. C. Cooper. The Elk is the totem
animaloftheOmahas.
Fish: This symbol has traditionally been a worldwide symbol for the Great Mother, as a pointed
oval, sign of the yoni, Vesica Piscis or Vessel of the Fish. The Hindus first gave this title to the
Goddessbecausetheysaidawomansyonihadafishyodor(inactuality,thisodoriscausedbyan
outofbalancenaturalbacteriaofthevagina,ahealthyyonishouldsmellmorelikewarmyogurtdue
to the acidophilus). In Chinese mythology the Great Mother KwanYin often appeared as a fish
goddess. Minaksi, a portrayal of Kali became the fisheyed one who swallowed Shivas penis.
Similarly,IsisbecameAbtu,theGreatFishoftheAbyssafterswallowingOsirisspenis.TheGreek
word,delphosmeantbothfishandwomb,andtheOracleofDelphiwasoriginallyconnectedtothe
GoddessThemis,whotooktheshapeofagreatfish,whale,ordolphin.Thetraditionofeatingfish
onFridaysispracticedinCatholicismbutwasoriginallyacelebrationofthefishgoddessAphrodite
Salacia because her sacred day was Friday, which in Latin turned into the Day of Venus, for
lovemaking,believingfishwasanaphrodisiac.FromSymbolsOfChurchSeasonsAndDays(1997),by
JohnBradner,EarlyChristiansfrequentlyusedthefishasasymbolofChrist,duetoitssimilarity
intoChristinGreek.Likemanywidespreadsymbols,Christianitycooptedthefishasthesymbolof
Christ,codenamingJesusthefish(lefttop).BarbaraWalkerinherbook,TheWomansEncyclopedia
Of Myths And Secrets (1983) explains, The fish symbol of the yonic Goddess was so revered
throughout the Roman empire that Christian Authorities insisted on taking it over, with extensive
revisionofmythstodenyitsearlierfemalegenitalmeanings.Maryissometimesportrayedwiththe
fish symbol on her belly, representative of the womb. Salmon are a particularly important fish for
IndigenousAmericans,aswellasCelts.
Frog:TheFrogisasymboloffertilityandthefetus.ThisMedievalwitchstotemstemsfromtheancient
Frog of Hecate or Egyptian Queen of Heavenly midwives, Hekat, whose sacred amulet of a frog included the
wordsIAmtheResurrection(Walker,1983).InRomeHecatebecameVenus,whosefleurdeliswasatrinityof
frogs.TheBabylonianfertilitycharmofacylindersealswithNinefrogscorrespondingtotheNinefoldGoddess
oftheninemonthsofgestation.
Goat:Bothsexesofthegoatsymbolizefertility,vitality,andceaselessenergy.Thehegoatistheepitome
of masculine virility and creative energy, while the female typifies the feminine generative power and
abundanceThegoatislustpersonified,accordingtoSymbolicAndMythologicalAnimals(1992)byJ.C.Cooper.
GazelleandAntelopealsotakeonthesymbolismofthegoat.Asoneofthefirstdomesticatedanimals,goatskins
were made into drinking bottles and parchment while the hair was woven into cloth and the meat and milk
consumed.ThegoatwasassociatedwithsuchgodsasArtemisandDionysos(whosometimestooktheformofa
goat).Panwashalfgoat,AzazelwastheSemiticgoatgodoflifeandcreativity,andLeshiwastheRussianwood
spiritsatyr.Satyrswerehalfgoat,halfman.Christwasreferredtoasthescapegoattakingawaythesinsofthe
world.ThegoatAmaltheasuckledZeusDictynnosandherhornsbecamethecornucopiaofplenty.Goatswere
important to the sacrifices of Artemis and Athene, as well as at the Roman Lupercalia, as fertility magic. In
ChinesetraditionthegoatrepresentsthemasculineyangprincipleastheSpiritGodYangChing.
Goose:TheGoose,likemanyfairytalescreatures,hasarichandpowerfulpast.OriginallyanEgyptian
myth, Mother Hathor takes the form of the Nile Goose who lays the Golden Egg of her son, Ra, the sun God,
whichissometimescalledtheGooseegg.TheMotherGooseisalsocreditedwithproducingtheprimalWorld
Egg that hatched the universe. Shamans had a tradition of climbing a Heavenly Vine, or Ladder of Set, to the
otherworldly home of a solar deity, whose incantation was the Egg of the Goose appearing from out of the
sycamore. Fairytales such as Jack and the Beanstalk and Mother Goose are thinly veiled retellings of these
religiousmyths.BarbaraWalkerinherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)explains,Like
Hathor,MotherGoosewasthegodmotherofallchildren.Inherpicturesshealwaysworethetraditionalgarbof
thewitchmidwife:blackcloak,pointedhatliketheEgyptiancrown,andmagicwand.SeeEgg.
Griffin:AlsospelledGriffonorGryphon.ThisimaginarymiddleeasternandAseriancreature
is half eagle (head and talons) and half lion. According to Symbolic And Mythological Animals
(1992)byJ.C.Cooper,thegriffincombinesthepowersoftheearthandsky.Asaguardianit
furthermoredepictsvigilanceandvengeance.IttraveledtotheEastandsharedthesymbolism
ofenlightenmentandwisdomalongwiththedragon.InGreeceitbecamesacredtoApolloasa
solarbeing,Atheneaswisdom,andNemesisasvengeance(whosechariotisdrawnbygriffins
inRomanart).InIndiaandScythiaitbecameTheBirdofGoldandguardianofthegoldminesaswellasthe
sun,sky,anddawnfortheirassociationswithgold.
Hare: The hare is a universal lunar animal from Mexico, South Africa, Asia, and China. According to
SymbolicAndMythologicalAnimals(1992)byJ.C.Cooper,Thehareisalwaysanattributeoflunardeitiesandacts
astheirmessenger;likethemoonitdepictsperiodicdeathandrebirth,rejuvenation,resurrection.Thehareisalso
universallyafertilitysymbol;italsorepresentsfleetness,timidityandcraftiness.InAssyriaandEgyptthehare
isconsideredananimalofthehuntbuttheTurksandJewsconsideritanuncleanfood.InRomeitwasletloose
as part of the festival of the Floralia. The Celts associated hares with their Moon Goddesses and Hunter Gods,
who often held the hare, as well as the Scandinavian Freyja and the Teutonic Holda, Harke or Harfa. The
Teutonic lunar Goddess Oestra or Eostra, whose name derives Easter, was hareheaded, and thus the hare
became the Easter bunny. The Hare in the Moon epitomizes the feminine yin and is sometimes considered the
makeroftheelixirofimmortalityandpatronoflongevity,andtheguardianofallwildanimals.TheBuddhatook
10
theformoftheGreatHareandtheHindumoongodChandrascarriesthehare.Europeanlegendsregardedthe
hare as a witchs familiar and unlucky. Manabozho was a Great Hare creator for the Amerindians and West
AfricanscelebratedthehareasthemagicalBrerRabbit.
Horse:Thehorsehasbeenassociatedwiththesacredkingordivinerulerthroughouthistoryandpeoples,
including the people of Norse, Rome, Greek, Crete, Sweden, Celts, Norway, Germany, Kent, and Pagans of
NorthernEurope.Horsesacrifices,rituals,statues,andtitleshavebeenprolificsinceancientpaganhorseworship.
ThetitleHengistandHorsa(StallionandMare)wasusedinKentasthetitleoftheKingandQueen,therulingpair.
Thislatercarriedovertoothertraditionssuchastackingatwoheadedhorsetothethresholdofhomesforluckin
Jutes.Warriorstestedtheirstrengthonhorses,wereburiedwiththeirhorses,androdetoheavenonthebacksof
horses.Severalcostumesaroseoftearingsacredkingstopiecesbypriestesseswearinghorsemasks(inSweden),or
byliteralhorsesinCretemythology.PopeCalixtusIIIinthe15thcenturyandtheChristianKingHaakoninthe10th
centurycondemnedhorseworshippingandsacrifices.InherbookTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets
(1983),BarbaraWalkerexplains,TracesofthehorsesacrificepersistedinEnglanduptothe16thcentury,whenit
wasstillcustomaryforallhorsestobebledonSt.StephensDay,thedayafterChristmas,forluck.
Jaguar:AccordingtoSymbolicAndMythologicalAnimals(1992)byJ.C.Cooper,Thethirdlargestcatin
theworldandthelargestspottedone,thejaguarisheldinconsiderablefear;itisamagicalandwereanimaland
is a power symbol, although symbolically somewhat ambivalent, like the Chinese Tiger which represents male
creative power and the fierce warrior but also the powers of darkness, the female earth and destructive forces,
and is associated with the cave, symbol of the womb, and with the Western regions. It is a shamanic and cult
figureforCentralandSouthernIndigenousAmericans.TheMayanscreatedsacrificialceremoniesandofferings
totheJaguarGodandtheAztecGodofWarriors,TezcatlipocaisdepictedasaJaguarwithaneagleathisside.
Kylin:ThisChinesecreaturehastheheadofadragonwithasinglehorn,alionsmane,astagsbody,
and the tale of an ox and embodies the yinyang with the Ky the masculine and Lin the feminine aspects. It is
exceptionally gentle and symbolizes the feminine yin of benevolence and good will. Kylin accompanies sages
andimmortalsandappearsduringthereinofvirtuousmonarchs,aswellasheraldsthebirthoffamouspeople
likeConfucius.AccordingtoSymbolicAndMythologicalAnimals(1992)byJ.C.Cooper,itisanincarnationofthe
fiveelementsofthefivevirtuesandhasinitscompositionthefivecolours.
Lamb:ThelambhaslongbeenasubstitutesacrificialofferingintheJewishtraditioninexchangeforthe
firstbornsonsoriginallysacrificed.ThiscustomledtotheassociationoflambwithChrist,asthesonofYahweh
(God)sacrificedforthepeople.BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)
explains,AstheLambofGod(agnusdei),JesuswassupposedtoredeemthefirstbornsonAdam,andthrough
himthewholehumanrace,whichmustbewashedinthebloodoftheLamb,asthechurchtaught.
Leopard: The leopard represents ferocity, aggression and courage, according to Symbolic And
Mythological Animals (1992) by J. C. Cooper. In Arabic it is called Nimir and also denotes a boy who shows
courage, boldness, and grace. In Egypt it is the emblem of Osiris and associated with the Greek Dionysos. In
China they symbolize bravery and warlike ferocity and in Africa they are often a cult animal and considered
sacred to the Benin Royal Family in West Africa, as well as being a totem animal for the Ewe. Christianity
associatedtheleopardwiththedevil.
Lion: The lion is a symbol of the sun for Greece and Romans and also a symbol for the
Goddess (Ishtar, Astarte, Cybele, and Hathor) in the Middle East and Egypt. The Lion also
workeditswayintoArthurianlegendsastheSphinxlioness.BarbaraWalker,inherbook,The
Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983) says, Sometimes she appeared with two
lionheadslookingforwardandbackward,likeherRomancounterpartJanusJane.Thiswasa
symbolofTime,withthehieroglyphxerefuandakeru,theLionsofYesterdayandToday.See
Cat, Sphinx. According to Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What
Shapes
Mean In Art And Myth (2002), In China and Japan lions are symbols of bravery and protection. Pairs of stone
lionsguardtheentrancetoBuddhisttemplesandofficialbuildings.Thelionontherightwillbemaleandhave
itsleftpawoveraglobesymbolizingthesun.Thelionontheleftwillbefemaleandhaveitsrightpawonacub,
symbolizingcompassion.AGoldenmanedlionwasthetotemanimalofApolloChrysocomes.
Mascot:Themascot,asananimalrepresentingateamorgroup,originatedfromanimalfamiliars(spirits
takingtheformofanimals).Themoststereotypicalexampleisthatofawitchsblackcat.BarbaraWalker,inher
11
book,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)explains,Themascotofapagantotemicclanwasits
animalmask,wornonceremonialoccasions.Traditionallyassociatedwithpaganismandwitchcraft,mascotomeant
witchcraftandmascoasorceressinProvencalFrench;bothwordsalsoderivefrommask.SeeMask.
Mouse:TotemanimaloftheGreekSunGodApolloSmitheus.
OctopusorPolypus:AccordingtoSymbolicAndMythologicalAnimals(1992)byJ.C.Cooper,theoctopus
isasymbolofinconstancyandfaithlessnessasitchangescolourunderstress.Theoctopusisoftendepictedin
AegeanartandCretanjars.InMediterraneanartitsarmsbecomeaspiral,representingthunderandthephasesof
themoonbutinCelticandScandinavianart,theyarestraight.Polynesianmythstelloftheprimordialoctopus
bearingtwochildren,FireandWater,whobeganaconflictthatdestroyedtheworldbyflood.
Otter:Itscloseassociationwithwaterhasdefinedthisanimalformanycultures.J.C.Cooperinthebook,
Symbolic And Mythological Animals (1992) explains, The otter was an important cult animal in anient Peru and
wasassociatedwiththeocelotaslivingnearstreamsandwater;thetwocanbecombinediniconography.Ittakes
onthefeminineenergiesofearthandwater,beinggraceandplayfulnessfortheAmerindiansandisatrickster
fortheindigenousNorthAmericans.TheZoroastriansassociateditwithOrmuzd,andtheCeltswiththeLordof
Animals,Cernunnos.TheAinuconsidertheotterforgetful.
Owl:Asananimalofthenight,theOwl,likethemoon,isanobvioussymboloftheGoddessandtheyare
thetotemanimalsofMinerva,Athene,Lilith,andBlodeuwedd(WelshGoddess).
Python:MotherHeragavebirthtothepythonwithoutthehelpofamalegodandtheserpent,likeLucifer
andHephaestus,descendedtotheearthwomb,givingtheserpentthegoddesssecrets,makinghimintoanoracle
ofDelphi.PythonandApolloPython,accordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMyths
AndSecrets(1983),werereallythesamegodlikeallotherlightanddarktwins.SeeSerpent,below.
Ram:Aswiththebull,stag,andgoat,theramrepresentsthefertilegod,sacrificedforthesakeofhumanity
(often replacing the human sacrifice). Aries, the sun god, was depicted as a ram whose annual death and rebirth
signifiedanewyear;theEgyptianhollyramwascalledAmenRa;theJewsyearlysacrificealambtotheramgod
identifiedwithYahweh;andramsweresacredinIsraelastheconsortoftheHolyEweRachelwholatermarried
Jacobinthebible,accordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).
Scorpion:TheScorpion,representingautumn,isoneofthefouranimalsassociatedwiththefourtimesof
the year, and is often interchanged with the serpent. Babylon, India, Greece, and Maya of central America all
recognizethescorpionconstellationofstars.AccordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopedia
Of Myths And Secrets (1983), Astrological myths everywhere placed Aquarius the Waterdrawer at the winter
solstice,TaurustheBullatthespringequinox,LeotheLionatthesummersolstice,andScorpioattheautumnal
equinox (901). Egyptian myths tell of Scorpio killing Horus in midwinter and later being resurrected by his
Mother Isis. Christianity adapted them as the four totems of the evangelists and the four angels of the
Apocalypse(Walker,1983).SeeUMSAstrologyBasicscourse.
Serpent/Snake: Due to its ability to renew itself through shedding its skin, the snake was
believedbytheancientworldtoavoidoldageandgainimmortality.Inherbook,TheWomans
EncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),BarbaraWalkerexplains,Abasicserpentmythsaid
the dual Moongoddess of life and death made the first man. Her bright aspect suggested
making him immortal like a snake, able to shed his skin; but her dark aspect insisted that he
shoulddieandbeburiedintheearth.Thereverencefortheserpentcanbeseeninavarietyof
expressions such as the Italian aver piu anni dun serpente Being older than a serpent. The Greek term for a
snakescastisgerasoroldage.TheMelanesiansayingtosloughonesskinmeanseternallife(Walker,1983).
TheHinduGoddessAnantatheInfinitetooktheformofaserpentastheinnerfemalesoulofman,thetemple
KhmerofAngkorWatinCambodiawasdedicatedtotheSerpentGoddesswhonightlyembracedthekingand
signaled fora new kingwhen she did not appear. The Negritos (Chinese)said that MatChinoi was the divine
serpent Mother of the Chinese. Aegeans worshipped women and serpents. Indigenous American Hopi ask the
snaketocarrytheirprayersforrainintheSnakeDance(Shephard,2002).InIndiatheSerpentGoddessiscalled
Kadru, in Babylonia it is Kadi or Der, in Egypt she is called Mehen the Enveloper, the Akkadians called her
Ninhursag, her Jewish name was Nehushtan, etc. According to Symbols Of Church Seasons And Days (1997), by
JohnBradner,AserpentshownatthefootofthecrosssignifiestheevilresponsiblefortheFallofMan.
SheepandShepherds:GreeksandRomanssacrificedsheeptoZeus/Jupiter,Hera/Juno,Mars,Silvanus,
Terminus, and Aphrodite, as they could be eaten and their hide made into cloths. According to Symbolic And
12
Mythological Animals (1992) by J. C. Cooper, Generally symbolizing silliness, timidity, helplessness and
unintelligent conformity, the sheep needs a shepherd to lead it; it also signifies placidity. From Symbols Of
Church Seasons And Days (1997), by John Bradner, The shepherdsrepresent the humble Jewish folk to whom
Christ was first presented. Hindus regard the sheep as evil while Muslims believe them holy and Hebrews
considered them a most valued possession. In China, shepherds worshipped Huang ChhPing, God of Sheep.
SheepincarnatethesoulsofancestorsinMadagascar.
Sphinx:SeeCat.
Sleipnir:TheNorseeightleggedgrayhorseofOdin.Thehorsesymbolizeddeath,likethegallowstree
onwhichOdinhung.AccordingtoBarbaraWalker,in,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).
Spider:ThespiderhassymbolizedthecontrollerorweaverofFateforavarietyofspiritual
traditions. Athena was associated with the spider in early writings as her totem animal,
spinning the web of Fate, and later as the maiden Arachne whose weaving inspired such
jealousyinAthenathatsheturnedArachneintoaspider.HindumythologystatesthatMaya,
thevirginfaceoftheTripleGoddess,wasrepresentedbyaspider,spinnerofmagic,fate,and
earthly appearances similar to the Wheel of Fate (Walker, 1983). Clotho and the Virgin Moera were also
associated with the spider. Due to the spiders habit of devouring her consort, she was depicted as the death
goddessKaluUma.Similarly,Aztecmythologyheldthatspiderswerethesoulsofdeadwarriorwomenofthe
preAztecmatriarchate,whowoulddescendfromheavenonsilkenthreadsattheendoftheworldtodevourall
themenonearth.TheAmazoniansalsohadFatespinners.MedievalEuropeassociatedspiderswithwitches.The
Ashanti(WestAfrica)spiderGod,Anansi,ispicturedhere.
Stag: The stag is preeminently a solar symbol, at war with the serpent. The stag trampling on the
serpent, like the eagle with the snake in its talons, depicts the conflicting opposites, positive and negative, the
finaltriumphofgoodoverevil,oflightagainstdarknessandthespiritovermatter,accordingtoSymbolicAnd
MythologicalAnimals(1992)byJ.C.Cooper.ThesacredstagoftenappearswiththeTreeofLifeandrepresentsthe
fertility god in SumeroSemitic rituals. The Celts associated the stag with the Horned God Cernunnos and the
HuntergodCocidius,ashavingmalefertilitypower.InGreece,Artemisschariotisdrawnbystagsanditwasan
attributeofDiana,Dionysos,andBacchus.
Swine: Swine are found everywhere but Australia and New Zealand. They have a varied symbolism,
representing extremefertilityandhenceprosperitybutalsotheheightofgreed,gluttony,lust,obstinacy, passion
and the unclean. The Great Mother goddess is sometimes associated with a fertility sow; in Rome they are
sacrificedtoMarsastheGodofAgricultureandtoCeresandTellusatharvestfestivals;inGreecetheyaresacrificed
toDemeterthefertilitygoddess;thepigsometimesrepresentsSetinEgypt;Hebrewsconsideritanuncleananimal;
Celts considered it food for the gods. It was ceremoniously hunted and killed and the Celts fertility goddess,
Keridwen, was a sow. In China, they represent untamed nature, naturally greedy, and dirty. In Hawaiithe Hog
childisconsorttotheFireGoddess.InMelanesia,theTuskedBoarwasmostsacredtomenssecretsocieties.
Tiger:AccordingtoSymbolicAndMythologicalAnimals(1992)byJ.C.Cooper,IntheEasttheTigertakesthe
placeoftheLionastheKingofBeasts;itrepresentsroyalty,fearlessness,ferocityandwrathTigersofWrath.Itis
alwaysapowersymbol.InIndiathetigerrepresentstheroyalcast,Kshatriyas.InChinaitisconsideredtheKingof
the Beasts and Lord of the Land Animals, embodying the Yang aspects of authority, courage, prowess, military
might,andprotection.TheGodofWealthridesatiger,aswellasChangTaoling(TaoistPope).Inoppositiontothe
CelestialDragonitbecomesayinsymbolrepresentingearth,lunar,andmatter(whilethedragonrepresentsspirit).
In Malaysia they were feared; in Sumatra they were powerful and friendly; in Java they were friendly; in South
America they were shamanic animals; in Japan the tiger represents courage and warrior hero qualities; and
Buddhism depicts it as anger, one of the Three senseless Creatures (monkey represents greed and deer love
sickness).
Toad:AccordingtoSymbolicAndMythologicalAnimals(1992)byJ.C.Cooper,Asananimalofthehumid
principleandonethatappearsanddisappears,thetoadislunarinitssymbolismbutalsorepresentsresurrection.
Itcanalsodepictevil,theloathsomeanddeath.ThetoadwasassociatedwithAhriman,theevilpowerofgreed,
envy,avarice,andalsofertilityinZoroastrianism;ChristianityassociateditwiththeDevilandwitches;Celtsalso
believed it to be evil; in China it became a lunar symbol of the yin longevity, wealth, and moneymaking, and
unassailability;InPolynesiaitrepresentsdeath;indigenousNorthAmericansbelieveditwastheDarkManitouof
evil;butinMexicoitrepresentsearthandthetoadstoolisthesacredmushroomofenlightenment.
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Turtle/Tortoise: According to Symbolic And Mythological Animals(1992) by J. C. Cooper, As a

creature of the waters the tortoise is lunar in its symbolism and typifies the creative powers,
fecundity,regeneration,time.Asthebeginningofcreationitfrequentlyisdepictedsupporting
the world. In Hinduism, the tortoise supports the elephant (solar/masculine principle) who
carriestheworld;inChinathetortoisealsosupportstheworld,withitsfourfeetbecomingthe
fourcornersoftheearth;inJapantheCosmicMountainandabodeoftheSenninissupported
bytheturtle;theAinuofJapanconsiderhimtheservantoftheGodoftheSea;andtheIndigenousAmericans
considertheturtleasymbolfortheearth(Shepard,2002).IndigenousAmericanturtlesymboltotheleft.
Unicorn: A mythical horse with a single horn in the middle of its forehead represents this symbol,
possibly originating from the Babylonian dragonbeast of a horses body, lions legs, scales of a snake, and a
hornedhead.Thiscreaturemayhaveappearedasabullinspring,strugglingwiththelionofsummer,similarto
the emblem of the lion and unicorn (bull seen in profile) of the British coat of arms. Walker asserts that the
unicornisaClassicsymbolofthephallichorsedeity,orsacredkingincarnateinahornedhorse.Theunicornis
often seen in religious art with the Virgin Mary. John Bradner, in Symbols Of Church Seasons And Days (1997),
states,Accordingtolegendtheonlywaytocaptureaunicornwastolayatrapforit,whichwouldbeavirgin
seatedwheretheunicornwasaccustomedtorun.Theunicornwouldstopandgotoherandlayits[horned]head
inherlap.ChristianwritersmadethisanallegoryoftheAnnunciationtotheVirginandtheIncarnationofChrist,
bornofaVirgin.SeeUMSWizards,MagicalCreaturesAndAdeptscourse.
Whale:AccordingtoSymbolicAndMythologicalAnimals(1992)byJ.C.Cooper,alsocalledWhinlepoole,
the whale symbolizes the power of the waters and hence regeneration, but it is also the engulfing grave. The
AinuofJapanconsiderthewhaletheGodoftheSeaandthewhaleoccursthroughoutInuitlegendsandfestivals.
Wolf: Although the general symbolism of the wolf is one of evil, destructiveness and devouring, its
fierce qualities can also be protective and therefore venerated, according to Symbolic And Mythological Animals
(1992)byJ.C.Cooper.TheEgyptiangodUpuatorApUatcanbedepictedasawolf,aswellasKhentiAmenti,
OpeneroftheWay;inZoroastrianismAhriman,symbolofhumanevilisdepictedasawolf;inCeltictraditionthe
King of Ireland was descended from a wolf and Cormac, and are often considered helpful animals; in
Scandinavian, the wolf is ambivalent; in Japan it is admired for its ferocity, tenacity, and swiftness among the
Ainus.ThewolfisthetotemanimalofGreekSunGodApolloLycaeus.SeeDog.
Animals,Totem:Manynativecultures,includingNativeAmericanIndiantribes,usedanimalstorepresentthe
embodimentofacertaintypeofenergy.Forinstancetheowlisasymbolofwisdomandthedogisasymbolofloyalty.
Ankh:ThissymbolisalsoknowninEgyptastheCrossofLifeandKeyoftheNile.Originally
evolvedfromthesymbolfortheGoddessinLibyaandPhoenicia,thissymbolwasadaptedbythe
EgyptianstorepresenttheunionoftheGoddess(oval)andGod(cross),whichproducedthelife
giving floods of the Nile each year, according to Barbara Walker, in her book The Womans
EncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).TotheEgyptians,thissymbolrepresenteduniversallife
charmofeverybeing.ChristianitylaterrefinedtheCrossofLifetoonethatlackedthefemale
ovalinthe5thcentury,butoccasionallyuseditearlyonasasymbolforimmortality.
Anointing:AccordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanIn
ArtAndMyth(2002),Anointingusuallysignifiesthecrossingofasymbolicthresholdandachangeofstatus
[it]involvestheuseofwetelements(water,oil,milk,blood,andsoon)tomarkeventssuchastheconsecration
of a priest, a coronation, or the inauguration of a project. Indian religions, Christians, Jews, Egyptians, and
others use anointing in their religious ceremonies. Christians usually used holy water or oil for anointing at
baptism,death,ordinationorcoronation.YounghunterswereanointedwiththebloodoftheirfirstkillinBritain.
JewsanointedSacredkingsorpriestswhobecameaMessiah,oranointedone.InEgypt,anointingwasusedto
purifyshrinesaswellashumans,aliveanddead.
Antichrist:TheantichristisaChristiancreationfortheequalandoppositeofChrist.BarbaraWalker,in
her book The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983) explains this universal pattern of dualism,
whereby each god had to have an equal and opposite antigod, and the Antichrist is this opposite for Christ
andeverythinghestandsfor.TheAntichristresultedfromanimmaculateconceptionofSatan.Throughouttime
many people have been dubbed the Antichrist including Nero, Attila, Genghis Khan, Merlin, Frederick II,
Napoleon,KaiserWilhelm,Hitlerandevenseveralpopes.
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Anubis:ThisEgyptiangodcomesintheformofaJackalheadedhumanandrulestheunderworldand
mummificationastheopeneroftheway,actingasjudgeofthedead,likeHermes,intheGreekPantheonof
Gods,ruleroftheUnderworld.AnubisispartneredwithNephthys,anundergroundaspectofIsis,accordingto
Barbara Walker, in her book The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), and both were considered
essentialtotheworshipofIsisandOsiris.AnubiswasalsoknownastheGreatDogandwas,attimes,demanded
thehighesthonors.AnubismayhavebeenoriginallyacanineincarnationofShiva,whosenamealsomeanta
jackal,accordingtoWalker.SeeDog.SeeUMSGods,GoddessesandMythologycourse.
Apex: This pointed conical cap, worn by the Roman high priest, Flamen Dialis, was a phallic symbol
representingacontinualunionwiththeQueenofHeaven,accordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbookTheWomans
Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983). Dialis never went outdoors without wearing his hat. The wife of the
Flamen, called the Flaminica, represented the Goddess and was the more important then the Flamen. On her
deaththeFlamenautomaticallylosthissacredofficeandonceagainbecameanordinarycitizen.Thesecustoms
werecommoninRomeandalludetoanimportantandpowerfulpriesthoodofmagicalwomen.InCeltiberian
paganimagery,theApexiswornbytheLordoftheUnderworld,Helman,theconsortoftheGoddessHel.The
heavenly counterpart to Helman and Hel were the God Frey and Goddess Freya, who also wore the cap. The
ApexlaterbecamethecrownofEgyptianpharaohs,thepopestiara,thebishopsmiter,theFoolsorDuncecap
wornbytheCarnivalKing,andwitchhatwornbyTantricpriestsandsorcerersinTibet.
Apple:SeeFruit.
Aquarius:SeeZodiacSigns.
Ash:Asallthingshavingtodowithfire,ashrepresentspurification.AccordingtoRowenaandRupert
Shepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),EarlyJewsmixedtheashesof
burnt offerings with water to create the water of purification (used after touching the dead), as the ashes
containedthelifeforceoftheslaughteredanimal.Buddhistsbelievetheashofcremationhadspecialpower;in
Chinese folklore ash warded off evil spirits and ghosts; for Christians it represents penance (such as Ash
Wednesday);andHindusbelievedburningextractedtheoriginalpurifiedelementsfromanobjectandsosadhus
(ascetics)smearthemselveswithash.
Athene:SeeGoddess,Mother/PreserverGoddesses.
Avatar:Anavataristhenameofasoulwhohasmasteredthephysicalworldbutchoosestoreincarnate
backintoaphysicalbodytoteachothers.TheDaliLamaandBabajiareexamplesofavatarswhoremaintoteach
us.Thesepeoplethemselvesbecomesymbolsofenlightenmentandmasteryandtheirimagesareoftenplacedon
altars(Walker,1983).SeeUMSGreatSpiritualTeachers,GurusandYogiscourse.
Axe:Asoneoftheveryfirsttoolsofhumans,theaxegainedspiritualattachmentforitsincrediblepower
and strength. According to Man, Myth And Magic: The Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Mythology, Religion And The
Unknown (1995), edited by Richard Cavendish, even the earliest stone axes were probably thought to contain
dynamicpower,foronimpacttheyemittedexplosivenoisesandsparksreminiscentofthethunderandlightning
of the storm gods, and they also destroyed enemies. Iron from meteors was considered a metal of the gods
because it came from heaven and the creation of iron axes increased their value because they were nearly
invincible in battle. The doubleheaded axe became a religious symbol of sacrifice in Crete, and thin, curved
doublebladed axes became an emblem of the goddess, displayed above sights of sacrifice. The upsidedown
triangleswerewidelyusedasthesignforwomenandtheshaftasasignformen,togetherrepresentingunion.
BaptismandBathing:BaptismisthepracticebytheCatholicChurchtosubmergebabiesorconvertsin
holywatersothattheymaybecleansedoftheirsinfulcreationsex,(Walker,1983).Inthispractice,aswellas
many others, water represents cleansing, purification, and rebirth. The Celts also used a type of baptism in a
sacredpoolorwellaspartoftheirnamingceremony.BathingisprevalentinIndiantraditions,wherewashing
takesplacebeforeprayer,fasting,oranyimportantventure.AccordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheir
book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), Bathing is often associated with ritual
purificationWorshippersatShintoshrinesinJapanwashtheirhandsandmouthsastheyenter,whileMuslims
mustcompleteastrictlyprescribedseriesofritualablutionspriortoprayer.Manyculturespracticebathingin
holywaters,suchastheGangesriver,JewishMikveh,andJapaneseBuddhistsbathingunderwaterfalls.InCeltic
mythology,theirGoddessbathesinawellonceayeartoretainheryouth.SeeWater.
Bat:SeeAnimals.
Bear:SeeAnimals.
15
Bee:SeeAnimals.
Bells: Another symbol of masculine and feminine union, Bells have been used for social, ritual and
magicalpurposesfromtimeimmemorial.Inthepagantemplesofantiquitythebellsoutershellwasregardedas
femaleandtheclapper,alatersubstitutionforthehammerwithwhichthebellwasoriginallystruck,asmale,
according to Man, Myth And Magic: The Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Mythology, Religion And The Unknown (1995),
edited by Richard Cavendish. The Chinese rung bells to summon rain, the Tyrolese used them to protect the
harvest, Domestic animals wore bells in Italy to ward off evil spirits and the Evil Eye, High Priests in the Old
Testament wore golden bells. Bells are significant to the religions of Assyrians, Babylonians, Hindus and
Egyptians.TheLibertyBell,ChurchBells,andweddingbellsstillholdmeaningtoday.
Bible:TheBibleoriginatedfromtheGreekwordbybloswhichmeansholybook.Thistermoriginallywas
used for the library of texts collected by the priestesses of Byblos, the City of the Great Mother and the oldest
continuouslyoccupiedtempleintheworld,(Walker,1983).TheBiblehastakenonmanyforms,fromsacredtext,
toOldandNewTestament,butconsistentlyremainsasymbolforlearning,religiousandspiritualteachings,and
writings.TheChristianBibletodayisacompilationofseveralbooksbydifferentauthors,John,Mathew,Mark,
and Luke, but has, at different times included dozens of other books, many of which were denounced at the
CouncilofCarthagein397A.D.(Gardner,1997).TheBible,OldTestamentandNew,hasbeentranslatedthrough
avarietyoflanguagesandusedbythepowersinchargetomeettheirneeds.ConstantinewasaPaganleaderwho
whittledtheGospelsdowntothefourremainingauthors(amongthetextdiscardedaretheGnosticGospels,the
GospelofMary,TheGospelofThomas,theGospelofMaryMagdalen,andtheGospelofPhillip,someofwhich
weresmuggledtoEgyptandlaterrecovered).KingJameswasaprotestantwhoorderedtheBibletranslatedinto
English. There are many other examples of rewriting the Bible and each time, changes were made to suit the
needsoftheauthoritiesatthetime.
BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),states,Thegreatest
mistake of religious authorities in the western world was their view of the Bible as intrinsically different from
otherancientscriptures,inthatitwasdictatedwordforwordbyGod,notcollectedslowly,rewrittenandmis
written, revised and worked over by human beings for a long time. The notion that the Bible did not evolve
haphazardly,likemostotherholywritingofthesameperiod,persistedalmostuptothepresentday,evenamong
peoplewhoshouldhaveknownbetter.
One of the saddest alterations to the Christian Bible is the exclusion of women from places of power.
Barbara Walker elaborates, In several books the word translated God is really a feminine plural, Goddess,
especiallyinreferencetothematriarchalfunctionsoflawgiving,avengingcrime,andbestowingtheimperiumof
leadership.AmongtheseisthedestructionofthesignificanceofMaryMagdalenefrombelovedcompanionof
JesusandleaderoftheApostles,torepentantharlot.ThisisthankstoaRomansermonbyPopeSt.GregoryIin
591A.D.(Starbird,1999).Onceonelooksbeyondtheliteraltranslations(ormistranslations)oftheBiblicalstories,
the universal symbolism begins to shine through for the Bible contains the same mythic stories of all people.
Walker(1983)exclaims,Allpeoples,nearlyeverywhereintheworld,sharedthesamefablesofthecreation,the
flood,themagicgardenwithitstreeoflifeanditsprimalcouple,thewiseserpent,theheavenpiercingtower,the
divided waters, the chosen people, the virgin mothers, the saviors, and all the rest. See Mary Magdalene and
Jesus.SeeUMSMysticalBeginningsofChristianitycourse.
Birds
Bird: Birds have held symbolic meaning for many different cultures and peoples. In
symbolism and myth, birds, with their powers of flight, universally represent the spirit, the
soul, ascent to the heavens and communication between heaven and earth, gods and men.
Havingwings,theycanalsosymbolizeangelsandthehigherstatesofbeing,andareameans
of travel to the next world, according to Symbolic And Mythological Animals (1992) by J. C.
Cooper.AccordingtoMan,MythAndMagic:TheIllustratedEncyclopediaOfMythology,Religion
And The Unknown (1995), edited by Richard Cavendish, Men have always envied the birds
abilitytofly,whichbroughtthemintocontactwiththeskypowersandthegods.TheLatin
originofthewordbird,aves,meansbothbirdandancestralspirit,orghost,orangel.Barbara
Walker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)pointsoutthat,
16
because birds traveled freely between the earthly and heavenly realms, they were everywhere regarded as
angelic messengers, givers of omens, possessors of occult secrets, as well as soulcarriers. Carrion crows and
vulturestooksoulstoheaven.Storksbroughtthembacktoearthforrebirth.
IndoEuropeansbelievedthatasoulcouldappearintheformofabird.Birdsareinvolvedinthemagicand
spiritualpracticesofSouthPacific,Indonesian,CentralAsian,andSiberianshamansandprophetswhoallbelieve
they cantransform themselvesintobirds.Ecstaticflightisamagicalpowerof theBuddhist yogis.In Celticmyth
fairies could change into birds (which is why they are shown with wings). The Maori gods of the South Pacific
island were often halfbird, halfman in form. According to Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000
Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), Maori gods, called manaica, are also represented in carvings
with a heavily stylized or abstract human form and birdlike characteristics. The Goddess Freya, of northern
Europe, had magic feather gowns that gave magicians the power to fly like birds. Mayan and Aztec priesthoods
possessed elaborate feather garments as well. Each day of the thirteenday week of the Aztec calendar was
representedbyadifferentbird.Thebirdalsobroughtthecosmiceggthatbirthedtheworldinmanycreationmyths.
Seeegg.
Albatross:ConsideredtheGodoftheSeabytheAinuofJapan,theAlbatross,withitshugewingsand
ability to seemingly never touch ground, plays a roll in many island cultures, including the South Pacific and
coastalEuropeans.AccordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanIn
ArtAndMyth(2002),OneHawaiiansayingrunskamanukaupuhaloalookamoana(Thealbatrossthatobserves
thesea):Thebirdrepresentsacarefulobserver.
Cock: From Symbols Of Church Seasons And Days (1997), by John Bradner, This is a symbol of Peters
denialandsooneofthesymbolsofthePassion.Astheannouncerofdawn,thecockhasbeenconsideredasolar
bird with the masculine principles of courage, vigilance, war, and aggression and was often sacrificed, but the
Celts and other Scandinavians sometimes associated them with the underworld. A white cock was considered
sacred to the moon goddesses Athene and Demeter, while the golden cock was sacred to solar gods such as
Apollo,Anubis,Osiris,andNephthys.InChinathecockwasconsideredfortunateandwardedoffevilspiritsand
inChristianitythecockwasbelievedtohavethepowertofightdarkness.
Crow:Thiscarrioneatingbird,alongwiththevultureandtheraven,wasasymbolinnorthernEurope
fortheDeathGoddessKrakealsocalledQueenofWitches.TheCrowhasappearedinmanylegends,Valkyries
andAngloDanish,astheGoddesssorawitchsfamiliarorshapeshifter.
Cuckoo:TheCuckoobirdwas,inMedievalEurope,thebirdofMayandthefertilityrightsofMayday.It
wassaidthatthisbirdsangtheannouncementofMay.
Doves: Known for love, passion, and life. According to the story of Jesus Baptism, the Holy Spirit
becameadoveandflewdowntoJesus,andconsequently,ThisistheusualsymbolfortheSpiritofGod.Thus,
during the canonization ceremony of Christian saints, white doves are released to represent the soul rising to
heaven,accordingtoSymbolsOfChurchSeasonsAndDays(1997)byJohnBradner.However,likemanysymbols,
this latter Christian meaning stems from an older tradition. Doves also symbolize sexuality and lust as
Aphroditesfamiliar,thesymbolicbirdoflustinIndia,andtheSyrianDovegoddess,consorttotheSnakeGod.
AccordingtoTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),byBarbaraWalker,thedoveisAphrodites
totem,thebirdofsexualpassion,symbolicallyequivalenttotheyonijoinedtoherconsort,thephallicserpent,
the Dovegoddess stood for sexual union and Life. Gypsies remember this Syrian Couple in folk tales.
AccordingtoSymbolicAndMythologicalAnimals(1992)byJ.C.Cooper,Thedoveisoneofthemostvenerated
creatures,symbolizingthespirit,thesoul,bringingthespiritdowntotheearthandthetransitbetweenonestate
andanother;italsorepresentspeace,innocence,gentleness,timidityandchastity,thoughinsometraditions(and
especiallyasthepigeon)itcanrepresentlasciviousness.DoveswereuniversallysacredtotheGreatMotherand
Queens of Heaven and were depicted with them as symbols of maternity and femininity. Terra Cotta
representationsofdovesarefoundasearlyas4500B.C.inMesopotamiaand2500B.C.inEgypt.Associatedwith
theTreeofLifeandparticularlytheOliveTree,thedovesymbolizespeace,theGoldenAge,andrenewedlife.
Duck:InChinaandJapan,ducksaresymbolsofhappiness.AccordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherd
intheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),Mandarinducks(socalledbecauseoftheir
flamboyantplumage)aresymbolsofconjugalfelicityandfidelity.
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Eagle:Eaglessymbolizefireandlightning.AccordingtoTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAnd
Secrets (1983), by Barbara Walker, the eagle is a Classic soulbird, symbol of apotheosis
associated with the sun god, fire, and lightning. The Eagle is the royal bird of Rome and
Roman emperors had an eagle released over their funeral pyre to carry the soul to heaven.
GreeksbelievedthattheEaglewasrepresentativeofthelightningspiritsandnailedthemtothe
topsoftemplesaslightningrods.Zeustransformedhimselfintoaneagletocarryhisloverto
heaven. Pagans associated the eagle with the rites, and called down fire from heaven, in
sacrificial rituals. Eagles are also symbolic of the soul of Heracles. According to Rowena and
Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), The
EagleisoftenassociatedwithnobilityThedoubleheadedeagle,asolarsymbolrepresenting
theabsolutepowerofroyaltyandskydeities,wasalreadyfamiliartotheMesopotamianThird
DynastyofUr(21122004B.C.),anditappearsintheHittitesanctuariesofthe13thcenturyB.C.
incentralAnatolia.TheHolyRoman,PrussianandRussianEmpireswouldlaterusethisas
theirimperialsymbol(topleft).
Goose:ConsideredtheGreatCackler,thegooseisbelievedtohavelaidtheeggofcreation.
Hawk:Egyptianpharaohshadahawk,representingthesolarhawkofHorusreleasedattheir
funeral. According to Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes
Mean In Art And Myth (2002), Many tribal peoples of North America believe the swift and
keeneyed hawk to be the messenger of their ancestors. Its cry is so sharp and shrill that it
piercesthehumanmind,sothattheancestorscallcanbeheard.Indigenousrepresentationof
theHawkpicturedhere.HawkswereusedforaristocraticsportinbothEuropeandJapan.InNorsemythology
theHawksitsonaneagle,sittingontheYggdrasil,WorldTree.SeeTreeOfLife.
Magpie(woodpecker):ThetotemanimalforthegodMarsinRome.
Nightingales: The nightingales sweet singing at dusk has made it an appropriate symbol of love.
However,accordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAnd
Myth(2002),ThemournfulnessofitssonghasmeantthatinEuropeanfolkloreithasbeenassociatedwiththe
soulsofthedamned.
Owl:Theowlisrecognizedassignificantinmanycultures.TheRomansusethesamewordforwitchas
theydoforowl;GreeksassociatedtheowlwithAthene;theMesopotamianscalledtheowltheEyeGoddess;the
owlwasthetotemoftheTripleGoddessintheformofLilith,Blodeuwedd,Anath.BarbaraWalker,inherbook,
TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),states,Theowlisalsoabirdofwisdombecauseitusedto
embody the wisdom of the goddess. In general, the owl is considered a familiar of women and the goddess,
associatedwiththenightandthemoon.
Peacock: Sacred to the mother of Roman gods Juno, the Etruscan Goddess Uni, the Hindu Goddesses
Sarasvati and Maya, the Argive goddess Hera. According to Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans
EncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),Thepeacocksiridescenttailfeathereyessymbolizedthegoddesss
watchfulness,hermanycoloredveils,andherplumesofjustice,againstwhichtheheartsofmenwereweighed,
as against the plumes of Maat in Egypt. In Roman myths empresses are carried to heaven by peacocks. In
ChristianNativityscenes,peacocksrepresentimmortalityandeternallife,accordingtoSymbolsOfChurch,Seasons
AndDays(1997),byJohnBradner.
Pelican: Like the stork, the pelican is also associated with the arrival of babies. Barbara Walker, in her
book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), asserts, the pelican was an early symbol of the
Sacred Heart. Legend told that pelican mothers pecked holes in their breasts so that their infants could be
nourishedfromtheirheartblood.Althoughthisisunfoundedandprobablyderivedfromthehabitofpelicansto
resttheirbeaksintheirbreastfeathers,WalkerassertsthatTheselfsacrificingmotherpelicanbecameapopular
motifonbothecclesiasticalandsecularcoatsofarms.
Phoenix: Patron bird of the Phoenician god Phoenix, this mythical bird burst into flame,
cleansing itself before rebirth, representing eternal life. Barbara Walker, in her book, The
WomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),explains,Herosetoheavenintheformof
the Morning Star, like Lucifer, after his fireimmolation of death and rebirth. The Phoenixs
journeyrepresentedthedeathofthesacredkingforEgyptians,whoperformedceremonies
18
representing his cremation, journey to heaven as a bird, and rebirth up to the second century. In Egyptian
mythology,thephoenixwasalternatelyamanandafirebirdwhoperiodicallycrematedhimselfandroseagain
from his ashes(Walker,1983). In Greek, the sacrificial sacredking of Astarte who wouldbe burnedat Byblos
wascalledthePhoenician.Egyptianphoenixtotheleft.
Raven:Withblackplumage,theravenisoftenassociatedwiththeLordofDeathandresurrection.The
BigRaven,whowasceremoniallycastratedandkilled,wastheancestralwizardkingoftheChukchishamans.
TheDanescalledtheirkingoftheunderworldsValraven.ValkyriesoftheNorsesupposedlytookontheformof
the raven inorder to drink the blood of slain warriors.Ravens were the animalaccompanying Orphic initiates
andRavenwasthetitleofinitiateswhoattainedthefirstdegreeofenlightenmentfortheMithraicMysteries,the
MoonGoddesswhoreceivedthedead.TheGermanicheroEmperorFrederickwassaidtobeguardedbyravens
andintheArmenianversionofthesameemperor,hesillsleepsunderamagichillcalledRockoftheRaven.
Stork: Classic bird of birth, the stork carries souls from heaven to earth. Man, Myth, And Magic: The
Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Mythology, Religion And The Unknown (1995), edited by Richard Cavendish, states,
Legendstellofstorksbeingtransformedintohumanbeings,possiblybecausethelargesizeanduprightposture
suggestanaffinitywithmankind.TherearelegendsofstorksinGermany,Greek,Arab,andEasternlegends.
Swan: The swan appears in many myths from Hindu swan maidens to the Scandinavian Valkyries
incarnatedasaswan,toKaliorKauritakingtheshapeoftheswaninbattletotheSwanknightKrishnaandthe
similar Greek Zeus disguised as a swan, whose lover the Goddess Leda gives birth to the world Egg, to Old
Religion myths of the Knight of the Swan, servant of women of the Knights Templar and the Grail myths.
Shamansacrosstheglobehavedonnedswanfeathercloaksduringceremoniesthatmayrelatetothesemyths.As
the largest birds of the Northern Hemisphere, People of the Old Stone Age to The Middle Bronze Age have
worshipped swans in their art. According to Man, Myth And Magic: The Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Mythology,
ReligionAndTheUnknown(1995),editedbyRichardCavendish,Thesizeoftheswananditsflighthighinthe
skyimpliespower,anditsassociationwithwaterimpliesfertility.
Thunderbird: Ruler of the Heavenly realm, the Thunderbird is revered in North America.
Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth
(2002),retellsomeoftheThunderbirdlorefromtheVancouverIslandofNootka,Windsblow
whenheruffleshisfeathers;thesunshineswhenheopenshiseyes;whenhemoveshiswings,
thebrightcoloursofhisfeathersflashandemitlightning;andwhenheclapshiswingstogether,
thunderisheard
Vulture: A totem animal of the Great Mother Goddess in her death aspect, the vulture was revered in
NeolithictimesastheembodimentoftheMothersspirit,eatingthedeadandcarryingthemuptoheaven.Barbara
Walkerexplains,Vultureswhodevouredcorpseswereregardedasherangelsofdeath,sincetheycarriedthedead
piecemeal to heaven. The vulture was particularly important in Egypt, were it was worshipped as Mut, Isis, or
Nekhbet and was considered the origin of all things, and ancient Iranians exposed their dead to vultures in
dakhmas,towersofsilencethatwerebuiltwhentheyworshippedMah,theMoongoddess(Walker,1983).
Waterbird:TheinfluenceofmissionariesonIndigenousAmericansispresentinthesymbolism
ofthewaterbird,whichisalsocalledthewaterturkeyorcoyotebird.AccordingtoRowena
andRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),the
waterbirdhasasymbolismsimilartotheChristiandoveoftheHolySpirit.
Blood:AccordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAnd
Myth(2002),BloodisassociatedwithlifeforceinmanyculturesandintheHebrewBibleitisacquaintedwithlife
itself.BloodisequatedwiththesoulinChinaandusedinvoodooinWestAfrica.Bloodsacrificeswereusedin
cultures including Mayan, Judaism, Roman Mithraic and others. Shepherd explains,bloodletting was a way to
expresspity,afirmrulershipandtocalltogodsinattendance.Oftenwatersymbolizesblood.SeeWater.
Blade: The corresponding masculine symbol to the feminine chalice is the blade. At its most
basic level the blade is an upside down V shape or a triangle and corresponds to the male
reproductiveorgansofthepenis.Initsmorecomplexform,thebladecanappearintheformofa
knife,sword,dagger,sickle,reapinghook,etc.Thebladewasoneoftheearliesttoolsofhuman
kind and during the Bronze Age became a valuable tool. Many great mythic tales include a
sword,suchastheBrightSwordoftheTuathadeDanann,ExcaliberofArthur/Merlinlegends,
orDraoisSwordofLight.Withallmythictales,thesereferencestoaswordhaveadeeper
19
meaningthantheswordsuseasaweaponortool.TheBladeasasymbolhasmoretodowithitsuseasatoolfor
cutting and digging. In his article, The Sacred Sword (2000), Michael Ragan explores the symbol of the sword and
concludes,Itheldthemagicalqualitiesofnotonlyprotection,butalsowasasymbolofillumination,wisdom,skill,
creativity, speech and honorthe symbol of Illumination and Truth. MoonSickle is pictured here. See Chalice,
underthewombsection.
Blood,Blue:SeeQuintessence.
Blood,Menstrual:Inancienttimes,beforethediscoveryofmensparticipationinconception,menstrual
bloodwasreveredasthesubstancelifeismadeof.Itwasbelievedthatitwassometimesretainedwithinthebody
tothickenintotheinfantthatwouldemergeandinthiswasthesecretofreincarnation.Itsapparentconnectionto
themoonandunharmfulbleedingprocesswasastoundingandastonishingtoancientpeoples(particularlymen
whowerecompletelyignorantoftheprocess),whocalleditthingslikeincomprehensible,sacred,supernatural,
deity,andspirit.TheHinducreationtheoryisthattheGreatMotherformedtheuniverseandallofcreationwith
her clotted, or curded substance, and women do this same thing on a smaller scale. South American Indians
calledthissubstancemoonblood;theMesopotamianGreatGoddessNinhursagmadepeopleoutofherblood
oflifeandclay.Similarstoriesappearthroughreligionsandcultures.TaoistChinaassociatedthecolorredwith
women,blood,sexualpotency,thesacred,andcreativity;andwhitewithsemen,passivity,anddeath.Traditions
andsuperstitionsarosearoundmenstruation,includingthedrinkingofmenstrualblood(sometimesliterallysuch
as Egyptian Pharaohs blood of Isis for immortality, sometimes only in myth, like the Celts red mead of
divinityfromtheFairyQueenMab).
Beliefsthatitisunclean,stemmingfromfear,werealsoevidentasBarbaraWalker,inherbookTheWomans
Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983) explains, Because menstrual blood occupied a central position in
matriarchal theologies, and was already sacerHolydreadfulpatriarchalascetic thinkers showed almost
hystericalfearofit.Thisfearhasledtoavarietyofpracticessegregatingwomen,atleastduringtheirmensesfrom
men.Itwasbelievedthatmenwouldloosetheirwisdom,strength,vitality,andsightiftouchedbyamenstruating
woman in Manu. The avoidcance of marital relations with a menstruating spouse is observed by Orthodox Jews,
although in Conservative Judaism today there are differing opinions on how much physical contact needs to be
prohibited. AmericanIndiansdonotallowmenstruatingwomenintosweatlodgesandvariousotherritualsand
ceremonies.MenstruatingChristianwomenwerenotallowedinsideachurchupuntilthe1600s.Theuncleanliness
of menstrual blood was the excuse for why women were not allowed to become clergy of the Catholic Church,
althoughpostmenopausalwomenarenotallowedeither.Unfortunatelythisfearandignorancearoundmenstrual
bloodhasalsoinfluencedthemedicalprofession,andaslateasthe20thcentury,Scottishmedicaltextquotedanold
rhyme: Oh! Menstruating woman, thourt a fiend, from which all nature should be closely screened (Walker,
1983).Thesebiaseshavehadimpactonwomenshealthcareinsofaraswhatstudiesareconductedandthecareand
attentiongiventowomenshealthconcerns,whichcontinuestobeunderstudied.
Boar:SeeAnimals.
Bones/Skeleton: According to Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes
Mean In Art And Myth (2002), skeletons have been a symbol of death in Europe since the late Middle Ages: a
primeexampleisthecommonmedievalallegorycalledthedancemacabre,inwhichskeletonsandallranksof
humanity are shown dancing around each other, indicating that death was no respecter of position, age or
gender.TheMexicanDayoftheDeadorDiadelosMuertos,marksthedaythesoulsofthedeadmaybejoined
totheliving.SimilarWesternfestivalsincludeHalloween,allSaints,andallSoulsDay.Onthesedays,skeletons
aredresseduptoseemaliveandfoodintheshapeofbonesisfeastedon.
Breath:AccordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAnd
Myth (2002), breath is linked with power and the animating spirits, whose breath set the winds and planets in
motion.IndigenouspeoplesbelievedthatpowerpassedthroughpeopleintheirbreathandCeltsheldsimilarbeliefs.
Bronze:SeeMetal.
Broomstick:Thisimagehasbeenassociatedwithwitchesbecauseitisusedinpaganritualsofmarriage
andbirth,butissignificantbeyondthesimplisticimageryofaHalloweenwitchwithherbroom.TheBroomwas
thesymbolfortheTripleGoddess(representingmaiden,mother,andcrone)HecatespriestessmidwifeinRome,
becausetheyusedittosweepthehouseofanyevilspiritsafterthebirthofachildandalsoasymbolformarriage
andsex.OldweddingcustomsofjumpingoverthebroomstickthatGypsies,Pagans,blackslavesinnineteenth
century America, and others performed may originate from this. Later, the broomstick became associated as a
20
sortofhorseforWitchestoride,whichisanallusiontowomenbeingontopduringsexandtheChurchsclear
disapprovalofanytypeoffemalepleasureorpowerduringsexormasturbation.BarbaraWalker,inherbook,
TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)explains,attimesawitchsbroomstickseemstohavebeen
nothing more than a dildo, anointed with the famous flying ointment and used for genital stimulation. The
Broomstickhasbeenusedtosymbolizefemalesexuality,includingmarriageandbirth.
Buffalo:SeeAnimals.
Bull:SeeAnimals.
Butterfly:SeeAnimals.
Cabala/Kabbalah: This medieval Jewish mystical idea is influenced by Tantrism and Sufism and is
similartotheChristianideaofcourtlyloveduringthemedievalperiod.ThebasicpremiseisthatGodslossofhis
femalecounterpart,Shekina,createdalltheillsoftheworld,anduniversalharmonywillberestoredwhenGod
andGoddessareonceagainone.Underthisbelief,sexualunionbetweenpeoplebecomesasacredacthelpful
to restoring this divine union. As a symbol, the Cabala represents union and connection of masculine and
feminine. BarbaraWalker,in her book,TheWomansEncyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets(1983) stated,universal
harmony must be restored by making God and his Goddess once more one. The Sefer haZohar or Book of
SplendoristhemajorcabalisticworkandwaswrittenbyMosesdeLeonofGuadalajarainthe13thcentury.
Camel:SeeAnimals.
Candle: Candles have long been a symbol of light, during the short and dark winter months and
especiallyontheWinterSolstice,theshortestdayoftheyear.TheYulecandles(longerthanregularcandles)in
the Christian traditionare left burningall night onChristmasEve, according to Symbols OfChurch Seasons And
Days(1997),byJohnBradner,theyaresymbolsofgoodluckaslongastheyremainburning.AccordingtoMan,
MythAndMagic:TheIllustratedEncyclopediaOfMythology,ReligionAndTheUnknown(1995),thebirthdaycandles
representedapersonslifeasasinglesourceoflight,asinglefragmentoftheuniversesstoreoflight,andstands
foranindividualpersonslifeasasinglefragmentoflifeintheworld.
Candelabrum: Many cultures use candelabras in temples and rituals for illumination and
symbolic meaning. They illuminated the temples and rites of the Greek and Romans; they are
one of the three main implements of Buddhist rituals; in Mexico they are the TreeofLife
candelabrawithpaganandChristiansymbolsandadornChristianaltars.TheMenorah,aseven
branchedcandelabrumfromtheJewishtabernacle,isusedduringimportantJewishrituals.Itisshapedlikean
almond branch, symbolizing Aarons almond wood staff. According to Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their
book1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),thesevenbranchesalsosymbolizethesevenpillars
ofwisdom,andthesevendaysofcreation.AccordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbookTheWomansEncyclopedia
OfMythsAndSecrets(1983)theMenorah,probablyrepresent[s]theSevenSistersorMoonHorae,sinceitwas
decoratedwithyonicsymbols.Menorahtotheleft.
Cancer:SeeZodiacSigns.
Cannabis: Known as the holy herb, Cannabis is sacred to Rastafarians who take the herb as a
sacrament,withtheresultofalteredstatesofconsciousness,accordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheir
book1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002).
Capricorn:SeeZodiacSigns.
Caste Systems, Hindu: Called the pundra, the Hindu cast system, consists of lines, dogs, rectangles,
circles, or triangles depending on the sect. While they can be painted on any part of the body, the are usually
painted on the forehead, and ascetics and holy men called sadhus have them tattooed on. Rowena and Rupert
Shepherd in 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002) explain, these symbols often reflect a
devotion to just one attribute of the deity, and so express adherence to that aspect alone. In her book The
WomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),Walker,explains,theAryanpriestsdevisedthecastesystem
torelegatenativepeoplestoalowerstatus,andtopreservethisorderwithaclaimofdivineordinance.
Castle: The castle is one symbol in a larger system of hierarchy, established to justify the relegation of
peopletocertainclasses.PlacingsomeselectindividualhighupwithinguardedCastlewallsgivesthemessage
thatnotonlyaretheymoreimportant,butalsohavedivineordinance,muchlikeIndiasUntouchables.
Castration: Castration is the removal of either just the gonads and/or the penis of the male sex organs.
Thishasbeendoneindifferentculturesthroughouttimefordifferentpurposes.Today,withintheUS,repeatsex
offendershavetheoptionofvoluntarycastrationbuttheoriginsofcastrationaremuchmorespiritualinnature
21
and go back to the days before men figured out they had a hand in the magical and mysterious experience of
birth.InherbookTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),BarbaraWalker,explains,beforemen
understood their reproductive role, they tried to make women of themselves in the hope of achieving
womanlike fertility. Myths and stories of the Gods reflect this endeavor by the efforts of Gods, including the
EgyptianSunGodRa,tohavechildrenthroughartificialmeans(likebirthingababyoutofhisthigh)oractually
removingthemalereproductiveorganssothattheyappearedmorefemale.WhentemplestotheGoddesseswere
common,menwhowishedtoservecouldbecomeeunuchs,akindofrespectedservantofthepriestesseswhose
genitalshadbeenremovedinordertobecomemorefeminineandalsotoprotectthepriestesses.Castrationwas
alsopracticedformonkswhocouldnotgetbeyondsexualdenial.InIndia,thereisathirdsexcategorycalled
hijras,whoarepeoplebornbiologicallymaleorintersexedandupondecidingtobecomehijras,receivecastration
inordertobetterservetheirgoddess.Thehijrashaveasociallyconstructedgenderidentity,culturaldutiessuch
asperformingritualsatthebirthofchildrenandspecificreligiousobligations.
Cat:SeeAnimals.
Cauldron:SeeWombsection.
Cave:SeeWombsection.
Cernunnos:SeeGods.
Cerridwen:SeeGoddesses.
Chakra: This Tantric symbol, according to Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of
Myths And Secrets (1983), represents the rings or stages of enlightenment, visualized as steps ascending the
spinalcolumn,astheinnerserpentgoddessKundaliniuncoilsfromthepelvisupwardtothehead.Eachchakra
hasacorrespondingenergy,number,andcolor;forinstance,the4thchakraistheheartcenter,isgreenincolor,
andworkswiththeenergiesofloveandconnection.FormoreonChakras,refertotheChakrasandAurascourse,
forspecificcolormeaningsofchakrasrefertotheColorssectionofthiscourse.
Chalice:SeeWombsection.
Chaos:TheideaofchaoscomesfromtheGreekwordfortheundifferentiatedmixtureofrawelements
supposed to occupy the WorldGoddesss womb before creation and after destruction of each recurrent
universe,accordingtoBarbaraWalkerinherbookTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).Chaos
symbolizestheeternalfluxoftheuniverse.
Charon:SeeGods/UnderworldGuardians.
Cheetah:SeeAnimals.
Cherry:SeeFruit.
Cherub:OriginallythisHebrewtotemanimal,calledKerubh,wasrepresentedbyacreaturewitheagle
wings,lionfeet,bullheads,andserpenttails.AccordingtoBarbaraWalkerinherbook,TheWomansEncyclopedia
Of Myths And Secrets (1983), the Hebrew Cherub represented the four seasons, cardinal directions, and
elements.ProbablythisHebrewCheruboriginatedfromanearliermukarribim,guardiansoftheshrineofthe
MoongoddessatMarib.LatertheCherubwasadaptedbyChristianityasthefatlittlenakedbabieswithwings
andloveinspiringarrowswhoguardHeavensGates,likeCupid.
ChristmasTree:SeeTrees.
Circle:Thecircleisoneofthemostbasicandwidelyusedshapesinsymbolism,representing
wholeness, oneness, and completion. Man, Myth And Magic: The Illustrated Encyclopedia Of
Mythology, Religion And The Unknown (1995), edited by Richard Cavendish states, From
ancientritestoastrology,alchemyandmagic,thecircleisoneofthemostpowerfulandmost
widelyusedofallsymbolsIfyouwanttodepictagroupofthings,linkedtogether,complete
initselfandseparatedfromeverythingoutsidethegroup,theshapewhichmosteffectively
expressescompletenessandseparatenessatthesametimeisthecircle.SeeOneunderNumberssection.
Circumcision:Thiscustomofremovingthepieceofskincoveringtheheadofthepeniscalledforeskin,is
practicedinEgypt,Persia,andtheMiddleEast.Thiscustommayhaveoriginatedasameansofemulating
menstruation,asitwasperformedonteenagedboysdressedupasgirls.IntheOldTestamentoftheBible,
circumcisionisfirstmentionedinthebookofGenesisasasignofthecovenantwithGodthroughoutallgenerations
ofmales,asAbrahamsetsouttoleadanationofJewishpeople.Traditionally,circumcisionhasconnectedJewish
malestotheirreligiousmalecommunityaswellastotheirlineageofforefathersandtoGod. Itwasalsopracticedas
asubstituteforcastrationasawayofhonoringadeity.AccordingtoBarbaraWalkerinherbookTheWomans
22
EncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)circumcisionisasymbolicversionofthesacrificeofvirilitytoadeity.See
Sacrifice.
Clover:SeeShamrock.
CommunionWafer:TheCommunionWafercomesintheformofbreadorcrackerandistakenduringa
Catholic Mass ceremony as the body and blood of Christ. According to Myth, Man And Magic: The Illustrated
Encyclopedia Of Mythology, Religion And The Unknown (1995), edited by Richard Cavendish, The host, or
communionwafer,isasymbolofChristbutwhenithasbeenproperlyconsecratedintheMass,italsoisChrist.
SeeTransubstantiation.
Convent: This religious center evolved from pagan colleges of priestesses who were dedicated to
religiousservice.Thesepeoplewereunmarried,andconsequentlycalledvirgins,althoughtheywerenotnecessarily
biologicalvirgins.Bothsexes,malemonksandfemalepriestesses,livedandworshippedintheconventunderthe
ruleofanabbesswhoownedtheland,asitwascustomaryforwomentobelandownersuntilthesecondhalfofthe
first decade when the Catholic church used discrediting female ownership of land as a way to gain power and
property. Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983) explains that as
Christianlawsencroachedonwomenspropertyrights,manywomenofnobleranktookvowstoremainsingle,so
as to protect their wealth from the claims of husbands. Thus originated the socalled convent of noble ladies, an
independent miniqueendom The abbess conducted her own courts of law, kept her own seat in the imperial
parliament,andmaintainedherownstandingarmy.TheAbbessbecamecanonizedlikeBishopsandwasableto
retainthepaganstructureandcustomsoftheconvent(includingsexualfreedom.)TheAbbessattimesheldpowers
over not only the convent, but also surrounding towns and countryside. Within these sanctuaries, education and
culturewerehighlyvaluedandsomeofthefinestintellectualandartisticladieswereschooledwithintheirwalls.
AccordingtoWalker(1983),Thewordnunoriginallymeantanurse,thatis,apriestessofahealingshrine,likethe
nymphsincollegesofHygeiaandPanaceainpaganGreece.Bythe12thcenturytheCatholicchurchwasplacing
morerestrictionsonconventsandtheirnuns,cuttingthemofffromtheoutsideworldandrestrictingeducation.
Copper:SeeMetal.
Cornucopia:Ahornfilledwithflowersandfruitofplenty.Itsoriginsareambiguous,perhapscoming
fromZeus/Jupiter,whocreateditfromthehornofthenannygoatAmaltheainthanksforhernurturing,
perhapsitisfromabullshorn.AccordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOf
Myths And Secrets (1983) A favorite Roman emblem of the Goddess was the Cornucopia, Horn of
Plenty:acowshornpouringforthallthefruitsoftheearth.Forthesignificanceofthecow,seeCow.
Cow:SeeAnimals.
CowrieShell:SeeYoni.
Crab:SeeAnimals.
Creation:Auniversalbeliefamongallpeoplethroughouttheworldisthatofacreationorbirthofthe
universe and/or world. The qualities of precreation, darkness, liquid, and movement are similar to that of the
uterusandmenstrualbloodofacreationParent(mostcommonlyaMother).AccordingtoBarbaraWalker,inher
book,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),Mostcreationmythsspeakofasplittingoropening
inthedark,formlessMother.Thebeginningoftheexistingworldissignaledbythecomingoflight.
Crone:SeeCrone/DestroyerGoddess.
Cross:TheLatin,orPassion,crossbecamethemainsymbolofChristianityinthesixthcenturyA.D.
Before it was coopted by Christianity, the cross was a pagan symbol throughout Europe and Asia.
From Man, Myth And Magic: The Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Mythology, Religion And The Unknown
(1995),OlderthanChristianity,thecrosshasbeenusedasasymboloftheworld,thesun,fireand
life.TheChristiancrossisanemblemofthetriumphoflifeoverdeath,ofgoodoverevil.The
Scarecrowisoneoftheoldestusesofthecrossandwasimploredinsacrificialmagicforfertilityoftheearth,not
to scare away crows. The cross also represented the phallic Tree of Life, and often appears with the feminine
shape of the circle. The Romans used the cross as a tool to execute millions including Jesus, so the cross also
becameasymboloffearanddeath.Thecrossbecameasymbolofhealinganddivinityduringthemiddleages
whenchurchesalloverEuropeclaimedtheyhadapieceoftheTrueCrossthathealedpeople.InTheWomans
Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), Barbara Walker states, Today the cross is often an article of jewelry,
attestinganamuletfunctionvirtuallyindistinguishablefromitsmagicalprophylacticuseinantiquity.
23
CelticCross:AlsocalledKiakra.Thissymbol,withthecombinationofthemasculinecrossand
the feminine circle represents sexual union. In The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets
(1983),BarbaraWalkersays,ThesocalledCelticcross,withthecrossingofthearmsencircled
byaring,wasanotherLingamyonisignofsexualunion,knowntotheHindusasKiakra.
Greek Cross: This equal armed cross seems to be the earliest form of the cross, used since prehistoric
times,andappearsinseveralforms.AccordingtoMan,MythAndMagic:TheIllustratedEncyclopediaOfMythology,
ReligionAndTheUnknown(1995),editedbyRichardCavendish,10,000B.C.atLeMasdAzil,a
caveintheFrenchPyrenesshasengravingorpaintingofthiscross.Meaningisuncertainbecause
theearliestcross,maybefourdirections,plusacenter,maybeasymbolofthesun.TheGreek
cross is shown in association with Christ, Isis, and Sarapis. The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths
AndSecrets(1983),byBarbaraWalkersays,TheGoddessIsisisshownontheIsiacTablewiththe
crossinonehand,alotusseedvesselintheother,signifyingmaleandfemalegenitalia.
NaziCross:Theswastika,anequalarmedcrosswithbentendsisveryoldandoftenstandsfor
the sun or fire, life and vigor, possibly originating from the whirling round firedrill of
indigenouspeople.ItisveryoldandhasitsoriginswiththeEgyptianankh,asymboloflife
whichappearsfrequentlyinEgyptianart,heldinthehandofagodorappliedtothenoseofa
deadmantogivehimlifeintheafterworld,accordingtoMan,MythAndMagic:TheIllustrated
EncyclopediaOfMythology,ReligionAndTheUnknown(1995),editedbyRichardCavendish.One
oftheoldest,mostuniversalsymboloftheworld,theswastikafromtheSanskritsvastikameans
sobeitoramenandcanbeseenonPaleolithicmammothivorycarvingsfromtheUkrainedating10,000B.C.
TheswastikasymbolizedmanydeitiesformanyculturesincludingIceland,Japan,Scandinavia,NorthAfricaand
representedtherotatingaxismundi(AxeoftheWorldanancientvisionoftheworldspinninginthecosmos)
forPersia,AsiaMinor,andGreece,accordingtoBarbaraWalkerinTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets
(1983). It is believed to be the symbol of the rain god in Central and South America, as well as the Aztec rain
Goddess. Some North America Indians, New Mexican Indians, Dakotas, Creeks, Pueblos, Blackfoot and others
useditinrainmakingrituals.InJapantheswastikarepresentedinfinity.Thetwodepictionsoftheswastika,the
leftpointing (counterclockwise) and the rightpointing (clockwise) were called the Moon Swastika and the Sun
SwastikaandwereassociatedwiththeGoddessandGodrespectively.TheHindusidentifiedthesolarswastika
with the god Ganesha and the lunar swastika with his consort and mother of Buddha, KaliMaya and early
ChristiansadoptedittorepresentChristunderthetitlecruxdissimulata,disguisedcross(Walker,1983).Greek
MycenaeandEtruscan(Italy)fortressesandswordhiltsasearlyas3rdcenturyA.D.inDenmarkweredecorated
with swastikas, as well as early Christian and pagan tombs in Northern Europe. The Hopi Indians used this
symboltodepictthefourdirections,north,south,eastandwest.Unfortunately,theNazismistooktheswastikaas
apurelyAryansignandadopteditasthesignoftheNazipartyinthe1930s,causingittobecomeasymbolof
fear,shameanddeathinthemodernday.
TauCross:ThissymbollookslikeacapitalTandisoccasionallycalledtheOldTestament,Advent
Cross, or Prophetic Cross. The Greek word for T is tau and is how this cross gets its name. This
cross symbolizes the cross that Moses made of a staff with a bronze serpent on the top. Druids
made the Tau cross of striped oak trees with a branch fastened on to represent arms and
symbolizedgod.TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),byBarbaraWalkersays,A
Tau cross was the sign of the holy day aptly named the Invention of the Cross. The Latin Cross eventually
replacedtheTauCross.
Crossroad:Crossroadsbecameasymbolofesotericmeetinggroundsbetweenpagansandgods,witches
and the devil, a place where justice was created and ghosts walked the earth. Originally, it was revered as the
symbol for the crossing over of the dead. The Greeks and Romans believed that Diana was the mistress of the
crossroads,andherchildrenwerethespiritsofthecrossroads.TravelersmadeofferingstoherandCompitalia
festivals were held at roadsides. The Hermetic cross, a Greek equal armed cross carved with twin serpents
becameatalismanthattravelersleftatcrossroadsin10thcenturyIrelandastheroadsweresometimesdedicated
toHermes.Ascrossroadsbecameasymbolformeeting,gallowsandcrucifixeswereerectedthere.Criminalsand
those who committed suicide were buried at crossroads as sacrifices because it was believed The Goddess as
Mother Earth, dispenser of naturallaw and creatress of birthanddeath cycles, wasalways present where the
dyinggoddied,accordingtoTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),BarbaraWalker.
24
Crown: Crowns are usually the most important part of the regalia of divine and early rulers.
AccordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArt
AndMyth(2002),Inthecaseofmortals,itisassociatedwiththebestowalofdivinerightupona
sovereignduringacoronationceremony.InIndiathecrownofkingsiscalledthemukut;the
HinduscalltheircrownofdivinekingshipKiritamukuta;theBuddhawearstheMuktadharin.In
Symbols Of Church Seasons And Days (1997), by John Bradner, the use of crowns to denote sovereignty and
kingship,orinothercasesaswreathstodenotevictory,isveryancient.Westernalchemistsbelievedthecrown
symbolizedcompletionandperfectionofametal.SeeHeadDress.
Cuckold:Thislabel,takenfromthecuckoobird,wasgiventopeoplewhoattendedtheMaydaygames
inMedievalEurope.Thisfertilityritualincludedsociallysanctionedpromiscuousbehavior.BarbaraWalker,in
herbookTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)says,Themanwhobecameacuckoo,orcuckold,
wasonewhodidntcarewhetherhiswifewasfaithfulornot,forbothofthemattendedtheMaytimefestivities
whenritualpromiscuitywastheruleoffertilitycharmaslateasthe16thcentury.
Cupid:ThisRomanGodoferoticloveiscalledErosinGreece,andKamainHinduism.SonofVenusand
Mercury(alsocalledAphroditeandHermes),Cupidsymbolizessexualunion,butduringtheRenaissanceperiod,was
depictedasthediminutivewingedbabywithlovearrows.TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),by
BarbaraWalker,saysancienttalismansofCupidwerenotbabies;theywerewingedphalliofbronze,ivory,orwood.
Death:Deathisaformidablepartofeverysocietyandreligiononearthandwhathappensafterdeathhas
beenthemotivatingfactorformanyreligions.TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),byBarbara
Walker says, It has been said that Death came into existence only with the rise of mans consciousness, a
roundaboutwayofsayingdeathismorerealforhumansthanforanyotheranimalbecauseonlyhumansforesee
it.ReligionsowetheirexistencetotheuniqueabilityofthehumananimaltounderstandthatitmustdieIts
hardforanyperceivingmindtoperceiveitsownnothing,withcessationofallperception.Deathhasbeencalled
the Dreamless Sleep by worshippers of Kali, the House of Dust or Road Of No Return in Babylon, and the
IntermediateStatebyTantricBuddhism.UsuallyconceptsofDeathstillincludeperceptionwithasenseofplace.
Deer:SeeAnimals.
Demon:FromtheoriginalGreekworddaimon,demonoriginallywasusedtodescribeafriendlyspiritor
guardian angel. During medieval times, when Christianity was degrading all Pagan beliefs, demon became a
negativetermforthemessengerofSatanthatwaseitherspiritoranimalinform.Unfortunatelyanimaldemons
wereusedasproofduringthewitchtrialsofthe12thand13thcenturies.TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAnd
Secrets(1983),byBarbaraWalkersays,Notonceintherecordedtrialsdidauthoritiesquestionwitnessesability
to distinguish these demons from ordinary animals. It was taken for granted that anyone, even a small child,
couldrecognizeHisSatanicMajestynomatterhowcleverlyhedisguisedhimselfasanapparentlynormalbeast.
SeeGods/UnderworldGuardians.
Devi:SeeGoddesses.
Devil:SeeGods/UnderworldGuardians.
Diamond: This precious gem has become a symbol for commitment, virginity, and love as the rock of
weddingbands.DiamonditselfliterallytranslatesintoWorldGoddessandwasbelievedtobesolidifieddrops
ofthedivineessence,embeddedinrockswhentheworldwascreated,accordingtoTheWomansEncyclopediaOf
MythsAndSecrets(1983),byBarbaraWalker.TheserockswereconsideredsacredtotheGoddessbecausetheywere
harder then any other stone, and consequently revered by the cults of virgins or priestesses (predecessors to the
convent). In Tibet, the EarthGoddess Tara assumes the form of a Diamond Sow, which is considered the female
counterpart to the Dalai Lama. The Tarot cards, predecessors to the modern playing cards, have a diamond suit,
representingtheancientpentacleorsignoftheMotherEarth.SeeConventandTarot.
FourDirections
Directions: Each culture has oriented itself around systems of directions. Many have
included6directions,North,South,East,West,Above,andBelow.TheindigenousAmericans
called this the medicine wheel, and sculpted it with large rocks onto the plains as well as
symbolizing it in fetishes and art. Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols:
WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),explain,Thesimplestformoforientationwasbythe
sun,thustheeastwasbasedontherisingsunandwestthesettingsun.Themeetingpointof
25
thedirectionsvaried;fortheInca,itwastheircapitalcityCuzco,fortheMoslems,itisMecca.
North:Onthemedicinewheel,Northrepresentsair,animals,themind,heart,wisdom,
balanceharmonyandwhiteraceswhoknowthewaysofmind,science,researchandtechnology,
accordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAnd
Myth(2002).InChinesetraditionitdepictswinter,water,andisrepresentedbyatortoisewitha
snakearoundit.BuddhistsofJapanbelievenorthisprotectedbythebluegodBishamonten,whiletheYorubaof
NigeriaassociateitwithredandthegodOgun.
East:Onthemedicinewheel,Eastrepresentsfire,thehumanworld,spirit,thesparkoflife,spirituality
and the place from which one sets out on the vision quest; it is also related to the yellow races, masters of the
waysofmeditation,accordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanIn
ArtAndMyth(2002).InChinesetraditionitdepictsspring,wood,andablueorgreendragon.BuddhistsofJapan
believeeastisguardedbytheredfaceddeityKomokuten,whiletheYorubaofNigeriaassociateitwithgreenand
yellowandtheirgodEshu.
South:Onthemedicinewheel,Southrepresentswater,plants,emotionsandmovement,theinnocence
of the child and the red race who know how to dance in harmony with the earth, according to Rowena and
Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002). In Chinese tradition it
depictssummer,fire,andthephoenixoraredbird.BuddhistsofJapanbelievesouthisguardedbythewhite
facedZochoten,whiletheYorubaofNigeriaassociateitwithwhiteandthegodObbatal.
West:Onthemedicinewheel,Westrepresentsearth,minerals,thebody,dreaming,intuition,memories,
andtheblackraces,whoknowhowtodanceanddrumthenaturalrhythmsoftheearth,accordingtoRowena
andRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002).InChinesetraditionit
depicts autumn, metal, and a white tiger. Buddhists of Japan believe West is guarded by the greenfaced
Jikokuten,whiletheYorubaofNigeriaassociateitwithblackandtheirlighteningdeity,Shango.
Dog:SeeAnimals.
Dolphin:SeeAnimals.
Dragon:SeeAnimals.
DreamSymbols:SeeDreamsandDreamingcourse.
Drum:Usedbythepriest,magician,andshamanofindigenouspeople,thedrumswereusedinavariety
ofritualsandmagicalpractices,includingsignifyingspecialoccurrencesorevents,duringreligiousceremony,to
communicatemessages,tofrightenoffevilspirits(believedtopreventstormsandearthquakes),andasamusical
instrument. Man, Myth And Magic: The Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Mythology, Religion And The Unknown (1995),
edited by Richard Cavendish states, The throbbing beat of the drum in many societies forms a bridge to the
supernatural.
Earth
Earth: The female counterpart to the masculine sky, the earth is idolized as a divine mother by
many peoples, due to its nurturing gifts of food, water, and shelter. According to Rowena and
RupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),InChina
thedomeoftheskyrepresentsyang,whileearthrepresentsyin.TheBatammaliba(FromToga
Africa)calltheirskygodKuiyeandhiswife,theearthgoddessButan.FortheMaori,thegodis
RangiandtheearthgoddessPapatuanuku.However,inEgypt,theskyisruledbythegoddessNut,whoseearth
husbandisthegodGeb,andinChristianitytheskyrepresentsthemanteloftheVirginMary.Theequalarmed
crosswithinacircleistheastrologicalglyphfortheearth.SeeElement.
Gaea: (Gaia) The Greek name for the earth as Mother and Provider. Barbara Walker in her book, The
Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983) explains that Gaea is the Greek name for Mother Earth, the
DeepbreastedOne,calledOldestofDivinities.TheOlympiangodssworetheiroathto herbeforeZeus,and
wereruledbyherlaw,astheoldestofalldeities.
KhonMa:KhonMaistheTibetannameforEarth.BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopedia
OfMythsAndSecrets(1983),saysTibetansviewedearthasMotherEarth,theoldmotherGoddesswhorules
overallspiritsemanatingfromtheearthelements.
Tara: The IndoEurope Earth Goddess, in Latin known as Tarra Mater, in Hebrew Terah, in Gaulish
Taranis, In Etruscan Turan, according to Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And
Secrets(1983).
26
Terra Firma: Translated as Mother Earth, according to Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans
Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), the title was Taken from the Homeric phrase Great Mother, Firmly
Founded,OldestofDivinities.
Eden:SeeParadise,Eden.
Egg:TheEggsymbolizesnotonlylifebutalsotheCreatressoftheworld,theuniverse,andthesun.From
Man, Myth And Magic: The Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Mythology, Religion And The Unknown (1995), edited by
RichardCavendish,Theeggisasymbolofnewlifeandfertility.TheideaofaWorldEgg,birthedbyMother
Night,theGreatGoddessofDarkness,whoproducedthefirstcreature,appearsinmanyearlycreationmyths,
especially from the Orient. The Cretan writer Epimenides introduced the worldegg to Greece in 600 B.C. The
Egyptian sun god Ra was born of the Cosmic Egg made by the god Khnum, with mud from the Nile. The
EgyptiansignforwombandtheWorldEggarethesame.AnothermythtellsoftheSunEggbornofthegreat
cackler goose. In Hindulegend, thegolden WorldEgg calledHiranyagarbha hatches Brahma, thesun. Chinese
legendsaysthatthefirstbeing,PanKuappearedfromtheCosmicEgg.ThebisexualEros,GodofDesirewasalso
saidtohavebeenthefirstcreaturebornfromtheWorldEgg.
Eight:SeeNumbers.
Elements
Elements:LongbeforethePeriodicTableoftheElementswascompiled,humansasearlyasSumeria(the
earliestliteratecivilization)werecategorizingthefourbasicelementsas:Earth,Air,Water,andFire.Alloverthe
world,NativeAmericanIndians,Aztec,Hindus,Chinese,Greeks,Egyptians,andRomansallrecognizethesefour
basicelements.AccordingtoTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),byBarbaraWalker,Oneach
oftheinhabitedcontinents,thesamefourelementsweredistinguishedasbuildingblocksofallsubstancesliving
ordead,organicorinorganic:water,fire,earth,andair.
Scientistsuntilthe18thcentury(whentheperiodictablewascompiled),believedinthefourelementsas
the building blocks of life as temperaments: sanguine (caused by an overabundance of blood), phlegmatic
(phlegm),melancholic(causedbytoomuchbile),andEthereal(ether)whichmixedtogethertocreatethetemper
of a person. Indian legend says the four elements were created by the Great Mother Kali, who wrote Sanskrit,
whichissaidtobeinvestedwiththepowerofcreatingwhateverisspoken:VAforwater;Raforfire;Laforearth;
and Ya for air. Kali created humans out of the four elements, blood, heat, solids, and breath and is shown in
Westerniconographyasholdingthefourelementssymbolizedasbloodforwater,scepter(lightningbolt)forfire,
lotus wheel for earth, and sword for air. In Greece this was transferred to the Goddess Nemesis as a cup for
water,anappleboughorwandforfire,wheelforearth,andaswordforair.
TheTarot,aforerunnerofthemoderndeckofcards,wascreatedinfoursuitswhichmirroredthesefour
elements,cups;wands,rods,orscepters;pentacles,coins,ordiscs;andswords.NativeAmericansdesignedtheir
villages and encampments so they lined up with the four directions, which also corresponded to the four
elementsaswellascolorsandqualitiessuchasWind:north,war,andyellow;Fire:south,summer,farming,and
red;Water:west,spring,peace,andblue;Earth:east,autumn,magic,andwhite.TheAztechadsimilarcategories
withwaterandearthandareassociatedwiththeMotherEarthGoddesswhilefireandairareassociatedwiththe
FatherSkyGod.Inpaganlore,spiritsofsuperhumannaturewereconnectedwiththefourelementsasundines
(water),salamanders(fire),gnomes(earth),andsylphs(air).
Thereissometimesafifthelement,Ether,addedtotheseprimaryfour,ofether,whichistheheavenly
stuff that Gods, angels, starspirits, saints, astral bodies and the gas that filled outer space as believed by
astronomersof the 18th and 19th centuries. Why these four elements are chosen, above others, is unknown. It is
speculatedthatthesearethefourwaysofreturningthehumanbodybacktoitsorigins,burial(earth),burning
(fire),carnalbirds(air),orcarriedawayinriversortheocean(water).Walker(1983)states,Ingeneral,theloreof
the elements was a prime example of what may be one of humanitys most characteristic behavior patterns:
classifying.Belowaretheelementsandselectedexamplesofmeaningsthatinnowayincludethesignificanceto
everycultureandtime.
Fire: Masculine, Fire of Life, Wands, Ra, scepter, south, blue, summer, fire, red, farming,
salamanders,ruby,Mars.Alchemicalfiresigntoleft.SeeFire.
27

Water: Feminine, mothering vehicle of the energies of birth, nourishment, and growth, Cups,
Va, blood, west, red, spring, peace, blue, undines, honey, milk, sapphire, lapis lazuli, Venus.
Alchemicalwatersigntoleft.SeeWatercategory.
Earth: Feminine, the world supporter and base, Pentacles, La, Lotus, east, white, autumn,
magic,gnomes,gold,Jove.Alchemicalearthsymboltoleft.SeeEarth.
Air: Masculine, the breath of life, Swords, Ya, sword, north, black, winter, rabbit, wind, war,
yellow,sylphs,silver,crystal,diamond,Saturn.Alchemicalairsymboltoleft.
Eleven:SeeNumbers.
Elk:SeeAnimals.
Enneagram: The Enneagram is an ancient teaching of the nine types of personalities or
strategiesthatpeopleembodyinordertomeettheirbasicneedsofloveandsafety.Theorigins
of the Enneagram are unknown. Some believe that geometry symbol of the Enneagram
originatedwithPythagoras,othersbelievethatitisanearlyformoftheCabbalisticTreeOfLife,
stillothersbelievethatitcomesfromtheIslamicSufitradition.ThemodernEnneagramwas
compiled, created, and taught by Oscar Ichazo (19761982) in his Arica Training. Enneagram comes from the
Greekrootenneameaningnineandgrammeaningfigure.Intheiressay,WhatIsTheEnneagram(2004),
Helen Palmer and David Daniels explain, Hence, the Enneagram is a diagram or star with nine points
representing the nine personality patterns. Each of these nine patterns is based on an explicit set of perceptual
filtersthatdetermineourworldview.Underneatheachoftheninepatternsisabasicpropositionorbeliefabout
whatyouneedinlifeforsurvivalandsatisfaction.Theninepersonalitytypesarenicknamedbyvariousexperts.
Althoughthesenicknamessometimesarenotnecessarilyuniversal,theyarecommonlycalled,thePerfectionist,
the Giver/Helper, the Performer/Achiever, the Romantic, the Observer, the Loyalist/Safety and Security, the
Epicure/HaveFun/Adventurer,theProtector/Boss,theMediator/Peacemaker.SeeUMSEnneagramcourse.
Eve:Likemostbiblicalstories,EvehasahistorybeforetheBible.OriginallyanIndiantaleofKaliMa,titled
Jaganmata,whichmeansMotherofAllLiving,EvewasknownasJiveorIeva,theworldCreatress.InAssyrian
myth Eve was the MotherWomb, Creatress of Destiny and made the first man and woman out of clay. Barbara
Walkerinherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)states,theoriginalEvehadnospouse
excepttheserpent,alivingphallusshecreatedforherownsexualpleasure...BecauseJehovaharrogantlypretended
tobethesoleCreator,Evewasobligedtopunishhim,accordingtoGnosticscriptures.ThoughtheMotherofAll
Livingexistedbeforeeverything,thegodforgotshehadmadehimandhadgivenhimsomeofhercreativepower.
AtthebeginningofmanyreligiousdoctrinesisaGoddesswhoCreatedaGodtobehercompanion,butthistheme
islatercorruptedtoreinforcepatriarchalcreationmyths,andthestoryofEveisnoexception.
Eye:Theeyeisasymbolofknowledgeandtruthofthesoul.TheAmericandollarbillsportsa
trianglewithaneye.WhentheEgyptiangodRaopenshiseyes,thesunrises,whenhecloses
them,lightdisappearsanditisnight.TheEgyptianAllSeeingEyeofthefirstgoddessoftruth
andjudgment,Maat,laterbecametheEyeofHorusandRa(left),whichcouldcauseterror.This
tale morphed into the Evil Eye, which caused hardship and fear. Charms against the Evil Eye tend to be
synonymouswithsymbolsfortheyoni (uterus/vulva)suchascowrieshellsortrianglesinIndia,Greece,andthe
Balkans. Medusas eyes could petrify all but the worthiest viewers. Early Neolithic portrayals of an Eye Goddess
who searches mens souls, have been found all throughout Mesopotamia and the old saying that eyes are the
windowsofthesoulstillremains.BothChristiansandMuslimsbelieveintheAllSeeingEyeofaholybeing.Also,
asBarbaraWalkerinherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)explains,Itseemsmenwere
verymuchaversetomeetingadirectglancefromawoman.Inthemostpatriarchalsocieties,frommedievalJapan
toEurope,itwascustomarytoinsistthatproperwomenkeeptheireyelidsloweredinthepresenceofmen.There
isalsothethirdeyeofmetaphysicalpracticesthatallowsforinnerandoutervisionsandmeditations.
28
Fasting:AccordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArt
And Myth (2002), Fasting symbolizes devotion, renunciation and penance. Christians fast during Lent as
penancebyabstainingfromselfgratification;Jewsfastforrepentance,mourning,atonementduringYomKippur
and other holy times; Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan from sunrise to sunset; in many Indian
religioustraditionsfastingisanactofhumilityandrecognitionofinsignificancebeforegod.
Fates:SeeTripleGoddess.
Feasting:AccordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArt
AndMyth(2002),Feastshavemanymeanings.Theymarkritesofpassagesuchasbirth,deathandmarriage,or
seasonaleventssuchastheharvest.Japanesefeastinhonorofthericedeitiesatthericeharvest;inScandinavia
thefeastsareassociatedwithwarriors;JewsfeastonPassover,thedaythatmarkstheHebrewflightfromEgypt.
Feather:AncientEgyptiansassociatedfeatherswiththebalanceoftruthandlying.Symbolofpeaceand
carriers of prayer for Native Americans, Feathers have, predictably, many magical and ritual roles in the
complex religious activity of southwestern Indians. But their greatest prominence is as the primary symbolic
decorationontheprayersticksthataresoimportanttosuchtribesasthePuebloorNavaho,accordingtoMan,
Myth And Magic: The Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Mythology, Religion And The Unknown (1995), edited by Richard
Cavendish. The carrion eagle and turkey feathers are associated with death, while the hawk feathers are
connectedwithwar.SeeBirds.
Female Genital Mutilation: (also known as female circumcision, although it is incomparable to male
circumcision).Femalegenitalmutilationisthepracticeofremovingpartoralloftheexternalfemalereproductive
organs(theclitoris,labiaminoraandmajora,andtherestofthevulva)andiscurrentlybeingpracticedinpartsof
theMiddleEastandAfrica.Thispracticeisperformedbymothers,aunts,andgrandmothers,asacomingofage
ceremony that prepares young girls for marriage. This procedure becomes a symbol of cleanliness and honor.
Removing the vulva assures that a husband may know his bride is a virgin because the opening to the vagina
growstogetherandhastobecutopenbeforeintercourse.However,thegirliseffectivelyrenderedincapableof
experiencingsexualpleasure.Unfortunately,duetotherepeateduseofasharpobjectwithoutsterilization,this
procedureisoneofthecausesofAIDSinAfricatoday.
Fiftytwo:SeeNumbers..
Fire:ManysocietiesassociatefirewithadeitysuchasApollo,Helios,Hestia,LokiandLleuaccordingto
Man, Myth And Magic: The Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Mythology, Religion And The Unknown (1995), edited by
RichardCavendish.SeeElements..
Fish:SeeAnimals.
Five:SeeNumbers.
Flowers
Flowers:Acrossallcultures,flowersareasymboloflove,appreciationanddevotiontowhomtheyare
given.Flowersrepresentpurityandsweetness.
Carnation:CarnationsgrewinthewakeoftheVirginMarystearsonthewaytoCalvaryandsotheyare
a symbol of love. In China they are a symbol of marriage. Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000
Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),states,IntheVictorianlanguageofflowers,redcarnations
symbolizemaritallove;pink,compassionate,maternallove;white,purespirituallove;andyellow,rejection.
Cherry Blossoms: Significant in Japan, the Cherry Blossom symbolizes spring, purity, and shortlived
beauty.RowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),go
on, Because the blossom is in flower only briefly before dropping, the Cherry tree is a symbol of purity and
shortlivedbeauty.Thefallenblossomissometimesusedtosymbolizewarriorswhohavediedyoung.InChina
itcanrepresentthefourthmonthoftheyear.
Chrysanthemum:TheChrysanthemumisasymbolofautumnandlonglifeinChinaandJapan.Rowena
andRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),explain,TheChinese
name for this flower is almost a homonym with the word meaning to remain; and it is linked to the number
nine,whichformsahomonymwiththewordmeaninglongtime.Forthisreason,theChrysanthemumfloweris
a symbol of long life. The Chrysanthemum, along with the plum, orchid, and bamboo, is one of the Four
Nobiliites,whorepresentthevirtuesofaConfusiangentleman.InJapanitistheemblemfortheimperialfamily.
Daisy:Anothersymbolofinnocence,associatedwiththeVirginMaryandinfantChrist.Daisieswerealso
sacredtotheNorsegoddessFreya(Shepherd,2002).
29
Iris: First associated with the Greek messenger goddess Iris, they are sometimes associated with the
VirginMary(asareplacementofherlily).TheyalsosymbolizeearlysummerinJapan,accordingtoRowenaand
RupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002).
Lily: The flower of the SumeroBabylonian Goddess Lilith. Barbara Walker, in her book, The
WomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),referstoitastheliluorlotusofhergenital
magic. The lily often represented the virgin aspect of the Triple Goddess, while the rose
representedhermaternalaspect.ThelilyalsobecameassociatedwiththevirginmotherofGod
MaryandintheSymbolsOfChurchSeasonsAndDays(1997),JohnBradnerstates,Asasymbol
ofpuritythisflowerbelongsparticularlytotheVirginMary.AnotherVirginMother,Juno,also
used a lily on her conception of her saviorson Mars. In general the Lily symbolizes the female reproductive
capacityand,asWalker(1983)pointsout,Thismythreflectedanearlybeliefintheselffertilizingpowerofthe
yoni(vulva),whichthelilysymbolized.ThismythwaslaterassimilatedintotheChristianchurchbyadopting
thedayofJunosvirginconceptionastheFestivaloftheMotherofGod,in656A.D.atthe10thCouncilofToledo.
TheFleurdelissymbolizesthelily,theFrenchroyalfamily,andtheTrinity,duetoitsthreeleaves(totheleft)
(Shepherd,2002).SeeLilithunderMother/PreserverGoddesssection.
Lotus:Agreatwhitewaterlily,varietiesofwhichgrowfromIndiatoAustralia.Earliestlotus
art was found in 3000 B.C. in India on a fertility goddess. The Lotus or Cosmic Flower is the
symbolformanyEgyptian,Indian,andOrientalGoddessesincludingPadma,Cunti,Lakshmi,
andShakti,andisoftenpairedwiththemalelingam.TheLotusphysicallyrepresentedtheyoni
orvulvaandmanymythsofaSupremeFathergodwhocreatesall,actuallytelloftheirbirthof
alotus(meaningauniversalGoddess),includingBrahmaandRa(thelotusalsosymbolizedthe
sun due to its raylike pedals). In Hindu creationmythology the spirit of the Supreme Being
waspersonifiedbyagoldenlotusonagreatseaInessenceitsignifiesthefemaleprincipleof
life,fromwhichstemsfertility,prosperity,creationitself;andalsoenlightenment,immortality
andresurrection,accordingtoMan,MythAndMagic:TheIllustratedEncyclopediaOfMythology,
ReligionAndTheUnknown(1995),editedbyRichardCavendish.Fromthisbeliefoftheyonibeingthephysicalentrance
tospiritualknowledge,arousemanyspiritualsexualrituals,suchasthesexualexercisesofOrientalmysticsandritual
cunnilingus of theEast.BarbaraWalker, in her book,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAnd Secrets(1983),further
asserts, The central phrase of Tantrism, Om mani padme hum, meant the Jewel (male) in the Lotus (female), with
interlocking connotations: the penis in the vagina, the fetus in the womb, the corpse in the earth, the God in the
Goddessrepresentingallofthese.Thelotusisusedinfuneralrites,votiveofferings,andtombpaintingsanditispart
of social ceremony. The association of the waterlily with the lifegiving Nile made it one of Egypts many sacred
objects,standingforfertilityandresurrectionInEgyptianmythologythewaterlilyrepresentedthenewlycreated
earth,seenintheformoftheflowerfloatingonthewater,enshriningthemysterioussecretsofthegods,(Cavendish,
1995).Itisplacedwiththemummiesofwomen.InGreeceamultitudeofpatternsweredevelopedfromit,whichare
foundalsoinIndiaandinEtruscanandRomanart.SeeLingamandYoni.
Marigold:AssociatedwiththedeadbyMexicans,theyareusedasdecorationduringtheDayoftheDead.
TheyareassociatedwiththesungodApolloasthetalegoes,theNereidClytiewho,havingbeenspurnedinlove
bythesungod,wastransformedintoamarigoldandeverafterturnedherheadtofacethesun,asinterpretedby
RowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002).
Narcissus:OneofChinasFourNobilitiesalongwithplum,cinnamon,andchrysanthemum,Narcissus
aresymbolsofgoodfortuneandtheNewYear.PartofthecharacterforNarcissusmeansDaoistImmortal,so
theflowercanalsostandfortheEightImmortals.InGreeklegend,Narcissuswasthebeautifulyouthwhodied
lookingathisownreflection,andeventuallyturnedintotheNarcissusflower.RowenaandRupertShepherdin
their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), explain, He symbolizes the deadly cost of
excessiveselfabsorption.
Peony: Symbols of good fortune, riches, female beauty, and the yoni, it is associated with erotic love.
RowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),states,In
ChinesethepeonyiscalledtheKing(orQueen)ofFlowers.Itisalsorepresentsspringasoneofthefourflowers
representingtheseasonsalongwiththelotus,chrysanthemum,andplum.
Poppy:Poppiesaresymbolsofsleepanddeathduetotheirmedicinalqualitiesasasleepaid.Theyare
associatedwithwinterandDemeter,whodrankpoppyjuiceinthefallandsleptthroughwinter.IntheGreco
30
Roman pantheon, the poppy is the flower of Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep, Nyx, goddess of the night, and
Morpheus,Godofsleepanddreams,accordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:What
ShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002).
Sunflower:Anotherflowerthatfollowsthesun,theSpanishcalleditgirasol,turntothesun.Rowena
and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), state, Hence it
becameassociatedwiththefaithfulloveofgodand,inportraiture,withloyaltyanddevotion.
Tulip:AsymbolofthedivineandparadiseintheOttomanEmpire,theTuliporlaleusesthesameletters
asthewordforAllah.IntheNetherlandstulipsbecamehighlyprizedassymbolsofwealthandbeautyduring
the16thcentury,accordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArt
AndMyth(2002).
Rose: Symbols of beauty, fertility, and purity, roses were sacred to Aphrodite, the Muses,
Aurora,andDionysus(Shepherd,2002).FirstassociatedastheFlowerofVenusandhersacred
prostitutes, the rose is a feminine symbol of sexuality and love for many traditions. A white
rose, like the lily, represented virginity and the red represented sexual maturity. The original
fivepetalled rose was sacred to witches and pagans along with the fivepointed pentacle and
theappleblossom.Likewise,itwasassociatedwiththeEgyptianfivepointedstarofIshtarand
AphroditesMysteriesoftheRose.InMarianism,theChristianVirginMaryadoptedtheHoly
Rose as her female symbol in conjunction with the masculine cross and during the Gothic period, Mary
Magdalenewassymbolizedbytheroseinthecathedralsbuiltforher,namelytheNotreDames.InIndiatheGreat
Mother is sometimes called the Holy Rose and in the East the Tree of Life and Immortality is a rosetree. The
Mongolian version of this tree is called Zambu and the Hindus recognized the cosmic RoseApple tree on the
mythicalparadiseislandJambu.ThenumberfivewassacredtotheMariansbecauseitwasthenumberofpetals
intherose,andalsointheappleblossomanothervirginitysymbolgivingrisetothefivelobesofthemature
apple,thecorrespondingsymbolof[virginity],motherhood,fruition,regeneration,andeternallife,accordingto
BarbaraWalkerinherbookTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).InZoroastrianism,theroseis
associated with innocence, whose thorns are a result of the evil in the world; in Sufism, the rose flower is a
symboloflifespleasure,thethorns,itspain;inIslamtheyareassociatedwithparadise;InChinatheysymbolize
youth and the four seasons. The Rosette is a stylized rose from Mesopotamia that is connected to the Goddess
Inanna, and in the GrecoRoman culture, Aphrodite/Venus, as well as the Virgin Mary with the cross, is the
symbolofRosicrucianism(Shepherd,2002).SeeRosary.
Violet: A modern symbol of female modesty and frailty (for instance a shrinking violet), violets
traditionallyadornedtheparticipantsofDionysianfestivals(Shepherd,2002).
Fly: Celtic and Greek folklore both assert that flies and insects carry human souls, and women can
conceive by swallowing a fly. The Middle Eastern God, Baal Zebub, translates to Lord of Flies or Lord of
Souls.BarbaraWalkerinherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets,(1983)explains,Behindsuch
images can be seen an archaic mode of thought, predating the discovery of fatherhood, when men evolved
variouscrudetheoriestoexplainthemysteryofhowafetuscametobeinawomansbody.SeeBirds.
Footbinding: This Chinese symbol of beauty is just one of many forms of mutilation like corsets, breast
implants,andfemalegenitalmutilation,whichhavebeenusedtocrippleanddisempowerwomen.Thispracticeof
slowlybreakingthebonesofthefeettocausetinyfeet,tookplaceforathousandyearsuntilthe20thcentury.Itwas
performedonwealthyyounggirls(age5or6)bytheirmothers(likemanymutilations)andtransferredovertothe
Westastheidealoftinyfeet,insuchtalesasCinderella.BarbaraWalkerinherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOf
Myths And Secrets (1983) states that like many mutilations, Chinese men were conditioned to intense fetishistic
passionfordeformedfemalefeet...Thecrippledwomanwasconsideredimmeasurablycharmingbyreasonofher
vulnerability,hersuffering,andherhelplessnessshecouldntevenescapeanattackerbyrunningaway.Thegoal
wastoobtainthreeinchlongfeetcalledlotushooks,and,accordingtoWalker(1983),thefoursmallertoeswere
foldedcompletelyunderthesole,thenthewholefootwasfoldedsotheundersideoftheheelandtoeswerebrought
together,howevermanywomendiedofgangreneorsuppuration.
Forty:SeeNumbers.
Four:SeeNumbers.
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Freemason:Settogetherthecompassesandthesquarearesignificantsymbolsforfreemasonsas
they have come to be associated with building temples. According to Rowena and Rupert
Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), compasses
representtheneedtokeepthepassionscircumscribed,andthesetsquaresymbolizesthe
universalmoralityagainstwhichonemustmeasureoneself.Itrestswiththecompassesuponthelodgesaltar;
the combination of compass and set square has come to symbolize masonry. The compass also represents the
circularsun,withraysateachpointofthecompass.SeeGreatArchitect.
Frog:SeeAnimals.
Fruit
Fruit: Fruit is the symbol of harvested labors, the result of hard work and abundance. Fruit represents
theprize.
Ambrosia:Thismythicalfoodgiveseverlastinglifeandhealsallwoundsandisoftenrepresentedwith
wine,honeyorfruit.InGreekLegends,MotherHeragivestheotherGodsadrinkofmagicalwine,whichgives
them immortality, according to Barbara Walker, in her book The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets
(1983). However the ancient sacred eastern Indian texts also impart this idea of a food or drink that gives
immortalitysuchastheVedicsoma,Persianhaoma,andEgyptiansa.Allofthesewordsarealsoconnectedwith
themoonandmenstrualblood,suggestingimmortalitythroughthelifegivingfeminineblood.
Apple:Applesaresignificantinourculture,fromsayingslike,Theappleofmyeye,orAn
applefortheteacher,tofolklegendsaboutJohnnyAppleseed,andAmericanapplepie.The
appleinChristiandogmacomesfromtheTreeofKnowledgeinEden.Itisthekeytooriginal
sin, the fall of grace from God. From Symbols Of Church Seasons And Days (1997), by John
Bradner, By tradition the apple is the fruit of the Paradise Tree. It is used sometimes as a
symbolofChrist,thenew(orsecond)Adam.Howevertheapplesfivepetalledblossoms,like
the rose and pentagram, in older IndoEuropean tradition represents the knowledge of sacred femininity,
sexuality,andimmortality.TheGoddessmagicalparadisetooktheformofapplegrovesinmanytraditionssuchas
theCelticApplelandofAvalon,theNorseGoddessIdunsmagicalappleskeptthegodsimmortal,andtheGreek
GoddessHerasmagicalapplegardencontainedtheTreeofLifeandthesacredserpent.Asignificantaspectofthe
appletowitchesandgypsiesisthefivepointedstarofappleseedsinthecoreoftheapplewhencuttransversely,
and relates to mythology about the Virgin Kore (Core) within her Earth Mother Demeter. Barbara Walker in her
book The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983) explains, The fivepointed star in a circle was the
Egyptian hieroglyph for the underworld womb, where resurrection was brought about by the motherheart of
transformations.Thus,amonggypsiesandpaganstheapplesymbolizedasacredunion.
Cherry:Todaythissymbolisusedinslangforavarietyofexpressionsfromacherryredpaintjob,tothe
hymen of a virgin. Like the apple and pomegranate, this fruit represents the virgin (or maiden) Goddess, and
dependingontheculturesviewofsex,mayalsoincludetemptation.AccordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,
The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), the cherry symbolized the Virgin Goddess: bearing her
sacred blood color and bearing its seed within, like a womb. Many cultures include the cherry in myths or
practices.BuddhasvirginmotherMaya,wassupportedbyacherrytree,theSala,whilegivingbirth;Gypsiesuse
thecherryinlovemagic;andtheFrenchcourtlyloveusedCherryasthenameforthebeloved.
Peach:Similartotheapple,thepeachisasymbolinChinaforthegenitaliaofwomen.Orientallegends
tell of gods being reborn in magical peach gardens. According to Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans
Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), Peach Blossom meant a virgin in Taoist symbolism, while the fruit
stoodforamaturewomanwhosejuiceswereessentialtomanshealth.
Pomegranate: The pomegranate, like the apple and peach, also represented female sexuality and
reproduction. Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), states, The
pomegranatewithitsredjuiceandmanyseedswasaprimesymbolofuterinefertility.Legendtellsthateating
pomegranatesimpregnatedwomen(Nana,motherofAttis);keptsoulsintheunderworld(Persephone,Kore,and
Eurydice);PomegranatejuicewasusedtoanointthepillarsofSolomonstemple;itwasdrunkontheoccasionof
importantweddings;andaccordingtoSymbolsOfChurchSeasonsAndDays(1997),byJohnBradner,Thisfruit
(has the) meaning of the hope of resurrection. To this day the statue of Argive Hera or Our Lady With the
Pomegranate,holdingachildandapomegranate,isworshippedbypilgrimsatCapaccioVecchio.
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Fool:MedievalCourts,CrowIndiansoftheNorthernPlains,Dakotatribe,Iroquois,AfricanAzande,and
Korean Cherokee all have social positions for a character like the fool. Man, Myth And Magic: The Illustrated
Encyclopedia Of Mythology, Religion And The Unknown (1995), edited by Richard Cavendish, says, The privileged
positionofthefool,theclownandthejesterallowshimawidelatitudeforsatiricalcommentonsacredinstitutions.
Byprovokinglaughterandbringingsuppressedanxietiestothesurface,heoftenplaysatherapeuticrole.
Foot Washing: Common in the bible, Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What
ShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),explains,washinganothersfeetshowshumilityandhomage,particularly
whenperformedbythepowerful.
Fountain:SeeWater.
Four: Groups of four appear all throughout religion and spirituality. Barbara Walker in her book, The
WomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)states,fourcardinalpoints,thefourwinds,thefoursidesof
theHolyMountain(pyramid),thefourspiritscalledSonsofHorusthefourPrincesofHeavenreveredinChina
andJapanasguardiansofthefourcardinaldirections:abluedragonintheeast,aredbirdinthesouth,awhite
tigerinthewest,ablackwarriorinthenorth.Therearealsothefourelements,fire,water,earth,andair;and
fourelementaltotem,fourangelsoftheApocalypseandfourevangelists,inChristianitysymbolizedasthebull
(earth),lion(fire),serpent(water),andeagle,angel,orman(air).SeeNumbers.
Gaea:SeeEarth.
Ganges:SeeWater.
Garlic: This Christian talisman of protection against vampires and werewolves, like the crucifix stems
frompaganbeliefthatonecouldobtainimmortalitybydrinkingthebloodofgods(similartotransubstantiation).
Garlic was taboo in GrecoRoman Goddess temples, probably because sweetsmelling breath was required for
groupcontactandsexualworship,accordingtoBarbaraWalkerinherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMyths
AndSecrets(1983).However,asRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanIn
Art And Myth (2002), explain, In antiquity garlic was associated with the moon and magic, and believed to
protectagainsttheEvilEye,snakes,scorpions,spirits,vampires,werewolves,magic,andillness.
Gemini:SeeZodiacSigns.
Ghost:Originallymeaningthespiritofanancestor,aghostwasaguest(fromthesameGermanicroot)
invitedtofestivalsandfeastssuchasSamhainandAllHallowsEve.BarbaraWalkerinherbook,TheWomans
EncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)states,aghostisoriginallyaspiritofadeadancestorinvitedtotribal
feasts. It was a European custom to preserve, decorate, and consult the skulls of dead ancestors; however the
Christian doctrine of the resurrection required burial of full bodies. It is believed in folklore that ghosts are
angeredwhennothonoredandtendtorevisitplacesfromtheirpast,especiallythescenesoftheirdeath.
Giants:Giantsappearinmythologyasoneoftheearliestracesofpeople.Themostobviousoriginsofthe
mythologyofthegiantcomefromachildsperceptionoftheadultworld:thatabiggerbeingismorepowerful
and knowledgeable. Barbara Walker in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets, (1983) states,
Likegrownupsseenthroughtheeyeofthetoddler,giantstendedtobefearsome,sometimesbloodthirstybut
sometimes benevolent; possessors of an arcane ancient wisdom; and adepts of magic. Within mythology this
GiantarchetypesymbolizesaprimalElderRace.TheBibleclassifiesGiantswithotherSaviorsandDivinebeings
with earthly mothers and divine fathers. Walker asserts, Semitic tradition held that all the biblical patriarchs
wereofenormoussize.Abrahamwasseventytimesasbigasamodernman.NonformallyeducatedArabsand
HindusstillassertthattheancientpeoplesoftheGoldenAgeofhumanity,whobuiltmegalithicstructures,were
giants.Walkerparaphrasesthemaslikeparentfigures,theearliestracesweregigantic,sinless,wise,andlong
lived and with an understanding of reincarnation through a matriarchal family. Ancient legends of Thor and
legends from Greece tell of traveling to a giant land via crossing rivers of menstrual blood, called the Styx in
Greece.TheTitansofGreecewerealsoagiantrace,childrenofMotherEarthandFatherSky.ManyOedipuslike
legends evolved out of this primal giant beginning. The Irish still believe that Giants inhabit the chambered
undergroundsofTarawhodwellthefourthraceofgodswhosettledIreland(Walker,1983).Thesepeoplewere
calledtheTuathaDeDanann,aftertheirGoddessDana,whobecameTitania,theFairyQueenoffolklegends.It
wasbelievedthatasawarenessandbeliefinGiantsdiminished,sotoodidtheirsizeandpoweruntiltheywere
littlepeoplesuchaselvesorfairies,andthereligiousmythsbecomechildrensfairytales.
Goat:SeeAnimals.
Gods
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God: Recognized later than the Goddess, the God in misogynistic traditions has tended to usurp the
Goddess original qualities, such as Creator. Paired with the Goddess, the God provides the cosmic masculine
componentofcreationpreservationdestruction(theaspectsoftheTripleGoddess).InHisfertility/creatoraspect,
theGoddiestoprovidethefertilityforhispartner,Gaia(Earth).Thishasbeenreenactedinmanytraditions,with
thecouplingofasymbolicFertilityGodandasymbolicMaidenGoddessoftenapriestandpriestessorkingand
queen, and then sometimes literally killing the Fertility God, other times only symbolically killing him. The
fertilityofthepriestess/queeninsuredthefertilityoftheland.InHisfather/preservationaspect,theGodisoften
representedasheavenorthesun.HeisusuallycreatedbytheGreatGoddessandthencoupleswithhertocreate
the universe. They often appear as consorts of the Triple Goddess, such as Shiva, Hades, Pluto,
Neptune/Poseidon,theDevil,etc.Thetridentistheirsymbol,mostoftenassociatedwithPoseidon/Neptune,and
representsthetriplelingamconsortingwiththetripleyoniofthetriplegoddess.InHisdeath/destroyeraspect,he
appears as the Underworld Guardian. Ideally, this was a place of regeneration, where departed souls rested
beforerebirth,butitlaterturnedintotheneverendinghellofpunishment.
Fertility/SaviorGods
Fertility/Savior Gods: From the Greek Soter, savior literally means one who sows the seed and
metaphoricallyreferringtoaphallicfertilitygod,consortoftheMotherEarth,suchasRomesSemoSancus,Soter
isoftenincorporatedintothenameofgodsordivinekingssuchasDionysusSoterandAntiochusSoter.Savior
gods all had similar life patterns of being born of a virgin mother and god, and coming to earth to save the
virtuous, whose death insures that salvation. Itisacommon myth for Goddessesandfertility saviorgods to
copulateinnewlytilledfieldstoinsurefertility,oftenreenactedwithpriestessesanddivinekings.ThePersian,
Egyptian,Babylonian,MiddleEasternandChristianbeliefsallhadsaviorsamongtheirmyths.
Ares(Greek)/Mars(Roman):GodofWar,Marsalsohasrootsasafertilitysaviorgod.Barbara
Walker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),explains,Marswas
redbecausehisbasicIndoEuropeanprototypewasthepreVedicflayedgodRudra,fatherof
theMarutsorsacrificialvictims,redwiththeirownblood.AccordingtoRowenaandRupert
Shepherd
in their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), Its glyph
representsdirectionanddesireoverthecircleofspirit.Venus(Aphrodite)isMars(Ares)
counterpart.SeeGreatGoddesses.SeeUMSGods,GoddessesandMythologycourse.
Cernunnos:CernunnosistheCelticHornedGoddepictedinsacredartwithaheaddressofantlers,sitting
in a meditative lotus position. He is the fertility consort of the Goddess, and particularly this symbol represents
unionbetweenmaleandfemale.AccordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAnd
Secrets(1983),Medievalromancesspokeofpaganheroeswhoacquiredgodlikepowersbyfallingintoatranceof
contemplationoftheGoddessasladylove.SeeHorns.SeeUMSGods,GoddessesandMythologycourse.
Christos: Meaning Anointed One, Christos was the title of many MiddleEastern sacrificial gods
Attis, Adonis, Tammuz, Osirisderived from Oriental cults of the sacred marriage, according to Barbara
Walker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).
Kokopelli:FluteplayingKokopelliisadeityofmagic,traveler,andbringerofbabiesforthesouth
west indigenous American tribes. According to Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000
Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), Kokopelli symbolizes fertility, sexuality,
procreation and a passion for life. He is associated with the strong, bright colors of the macaw,
symbolizingthevividnessoflifelivedtothefull.
Messiah:APersianwordfortheAnointedOne,asaviorgodwhoissupposedtocometoearthatdoomsday
tosavethevirtuous.InherbookTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),BarbaraWalkerassertsthatthe
MessiahisbasedontheKalkiAvatar,finalincarnationofBuddha,duetoappearintimetosavethevirtuous,before
destructionofthisuniverse.Oftenbornofavirginmotherandgod,theMessiahhasbeenassociatedwithZoroaster
(Persia),Elijah(Jewish),DavidandJoseph(fromtheTalmud,carriedoninChristianity),andJesus(Christian).
Mithra:APersiansaviorGod,proclaimedProtectoroftheEmpirein307A.D.andmorepopularthan
Jesus during the first early Christian era. In fact, many of the details of Jesus life were copied from Mithra.
Mithrasbirth,onDecember25th,wasalsowitnessedbyshepherds,andMagicbroughthimgifts.Hetoohada
miraculousbirthoftheSunGodandtheMotherofGod(althoughhermortalityisquestioned).Mithraperformed
miraclesandhealing,finallypartakinginaLastSupperwith12disciples,andreturningtoHeavenatthespring
34
equinox.Thesimilaritiesgoon.Mithrascult,however,wasstrictlymasculine,comprisedofcelibatemenonly.
ThewomenparticipatedintheirownworshiptotheGreatMotherasIsis,Diana,orJuno.
Moses:LikeJesus,Mosesisabiblicalcharacterwhosemythicdeedsandlifestoryfollowthepatternof
sacredkings. Egypts archetypal Moses characters included Thutmose, Ahmoses, and Heracles, who all
performedheroicdeeds.Thesecharacterswerebornofvirginprincessorpriestessmothers.TheAkkadmythof
KingSargonissimilaraswell.Hetoowasbornofavirginpriestess(titledVirginBrideofGod),andwasrescued
fromabasketfloatingontheriverbyadivinemidwife(aswasHeracles,Perseus,Horus,Jason,TrakhanofGilgit,
Oedipus,JoshuaSonofNun,andmore).Hismiraclesarealsoreplicatedfromearliermyths.Isis,onherjourney
toByblos,partedtheriverPhaedrus,asdidBindumatiwiththeriverGanges.BarbaraWalker,inherbook,The
WomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),states,ThehistoricalbasisofMosesmythsseemstohavebeen
theexpulsionofJewsfromEgyptduringanoutbreakpestilence,possiblyleprosy.Moseswasacharacterofhis
time,likeallSaviorKings,andhewasthepredictedsaviorandleaderofhispeople,theJews.
Jesus:OthernamesincludeJaho,Iao,Ieuw,Jehu,Joshua,Ieu,Ieud,Jeud,Iasion,Jason,Iasus,
and Yeshua. His titles included Christ, derived from Christos, meaning Anointed One, from
the MiddleEastern tradition of saviorgods like Adonis and Tammuz, and ZeusSabazius,
signifying him as the nocturnal sun or Lord of Death (Lord of the Underworld); Good
Shepherd, which Jesus shared with Osiris and Tammuz; King of Glory, shared with Sarapis;
LightoftheWorldandSunorRighteousness,sharedwithMirthaandHeracles;KingofKings,
GodofGods,sharedwithDionysus;EnlightenedOneandLogos,sharedwithHermes;Sonof
ManandMessiah,sharedwithVishnuandMirthra;etc.
JesusisthemostsignificantsymboloftheChristianChurch,astheLordandSaviorwhodiedforthesinsof
the world. The Bible is a composite of four different alleged accounts of Jesus life by Mathew, Mark, John, and
Luke.However,thereareotheraccountsbypeopleclaimingtohavealsoknownJesus.Thesearegenerallytitledthe
GnosticGospels,andincludetheGospelofMaryandtheGospelofThomas,amongothers,althoughthesearenot
accepted by the church and are disputed among historians and theologians. Barbara Walker, in The Womans
EncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),pointsout,Moderntheologianstendtosidestepthequestionofwhether
Jesuswasinfactafableorarealperson.ThereisverylittleofficiallyrecordedaboutJesusphysicallifeand,what
issuggestedfollowsapatternofreligiousandspiritualprocedures.Forinstance,theJewspracticedthesacrificeof
SacredKingstoappeasetheirgod,Yahweh,intoforgivingthesinsofman,anditwouldseemthatJesusplayedthis
role.WalkerexplainsthattheGospelsappeartohavenotbeenwritteninthetimeofJesus,orevenbypeoplewho
knewhimandThedetails[ofJesuslife]wereaccumulatedthroughlateradoptionofthemythsattachedtoevery
saviorgodthroughouttheRomanEmpire.JesusborrowedfromAdonis,thathismotherwasaconsecratedtemple
maiden, from the House of Bread and the tradition of eating bread to represent the body (along with Osiris,
Dionysus,andothers).LikeAttis,Jesustimedhissacrificeatthespringequinox,onlytoarisethreedayslater.Like
Orpheus and Heracles, Jesus held the secret to eternal life. The similarities go on. See Bible. See UMS Mystical
BeginningsofChristianitycourse.ChristsMonogram(signature),picturedabove,comprisedofthefirsttwoletters
inhisnameinGreek(Christos)meansauspicious.
Quetzalcoatl: Born of the goddess Chicomecoatl, this Aztec saviorgod follows the same life pattern as
othersaviorgods.Hissymboliccropwascorn,hisdeathandresurrectionbeinglinkedtothepatternsofplanting,
growth,andharvest(Walker,1983).
Father/SunGods
Father/Sun Gods: For most cultures the sun represented the lifegiving father while the moon or earth
representedthemother.Often,theFatherGodistheConsortoftheMotherorTripleGoddess,sometimesinthe
simpleformofthemoonorearth,suchasArtemisorGaia,sometimesastheGreatGoddessessuchasAstarteor
Hathor.
Apollo (Greek and Roman): Born of the MoonGoddess Artemis (as most gods are born of moon, sea,
earthorheavengoddesses),ApolloistheGreek(andRomanbythesamename)sungod.Heissymbolizedbythe
totemanimalswolfasApolloLycaeus,mouseasApolloSmitheus,goldenmanedlionasApolloChrysocomes,
andwhenApollotookovertheGoddessspowersofprophecy,music,magic,poetry,andhealingsuchasatthe
Oracle of Delphi, he became the Great Serpent, Apollo Python/Sol Niger (Black Sun). In the Bible he is called
Apollyon, Spirit of the Pit, and the Egyptians knew him as Apep or Apophis, the Serpent of Darkness,
35
accordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).SeeUMSGods,
GoddessesandMythologycourse.
Baal: Consort of the Mother Astarte, the Semites recognized Baal as the Lord. Barbara Walker, in her
book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983) explains, Every god was a Baal. The title was
introducedintoIrelandviaPhoeniciancoloniesinSpain,andbecametheIrishBelorBial,LordofBeltain.Baal
BerithwasGodoftheCovenant;BaalGadwastheGoatLord,anotherPan;BaalHadadwastheLordofthe
Hunt; BaalHamman was Lord of the Brazier or fire; Baal Peor was Lord of the Cleft as the Phoenician
phallic god coupled with Asherahs yonic cleft, as Walker explains; BaalZebub as Lord of Flies, Lord of
Death,orConductorofSouls;andthefemaleequivalentwasBaalatastheMiddleEasternLadyGoddess.
SeeUMSGods,GoddessesandMythologycourse.
Cronus (Greek)/Saturn (Roman): This Titan God, son of Uranus (Heaven) and Gaia (Earth),
predated the Greek Gods and would later castrate and replace his father Uranus. Trying to
preventthesamefate,Cronustriedtoswallowallhischildren,butZeus(hisson)eventually
succeededindeposingofCronusastherecognizedfather(Walker,1983).Cronusmeanstime
andaccordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMean
InArtAndMyth(2002),Initsglyphthecrossofmatterpressesonthecrescentofthesoul.See
UMSGods,GoddessesandMythologycourse.
Haschezhini: A Navaho Black God of fire and creator of the stars and constellations,
Haschezhini came into being with the earth and is an ancient, dark and masculine force,
accordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArt
And Myth (2002). Haschezhini wearsa black maskand sows the Pleiades on his left forehead.
Being quick to anger,itissaid that he caused the people to migrate from thefirst to this fifth
worldbysettingitonfire.
Iao:IaoisthenameofGod,speculatedbyOrphicstobethesameasDionysus,firstbornofthegods.In
herbookTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),BarbaraWalkerexplainsthatIaoisOneofthe
mostcommonandmostreveredsecretnamesofGodforuseinspells,charms,andinvocations,adoptedfrom
Neoplatonicmysticswhocalledittheessenceofthe[pagan]Logos.SeeUMSGods,GoddessesandMythology
course.
Poseidon (Greek)/Neptune (Roman): Sea God Neptune, its glyph is Neptunes trident,
accordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArt
AndMyth(2002).NeptunewasaconsortoftheTripleGoddessandhistridentrepresentedhis
triplephallus(Walker,1983).SeeUMSGods,GoddessesandMythologycourse.
Ra: Ra, the Egyptian Sun God is the father of every pharaoh by virtue of his coupling with the Queen
Mother.Oftenconfusedasthesupremedeity,RaisthesonoftheEgyptianDivineMother,calledbyNut,Hathor,
Isis,theGreatCat,andMehurt.WhiletherearescripturalattemptstoerasetheGoddessesinRasbirth,calling
himselfbegottenandselfborn,thesamesourceslaterstateheistheDiscwithinthymotherHathormade
strong each day by thy mother Nut, according to Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of
MythsAndSecrets(1983).SeeEye.SeeUMSGods,GoddessesandMythologycourse.
Sin: Born of Inanna or Nanna, the Virgin Queen of Heaven, Sin was the Moongod of Mount
Sinai,MountainoftheMoon,andtheruleroftheLandofSinim,landofthelunarmoon,
(Walker, 1983). According to Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths
AndSecrets(1983),HewasthegodwhoreceivedtheTabletsofLawfromtheprimalMotherof
Creation,Tiamat.AsMosesGod,hestillhadthesamemountainthroneandthesametablets.A
biblical scholar has pointed out that the Jehovah of the Hebrews was merely another
transformation of the primitive lunar deity of Arabia. See UMS Gods, Goddesses and
Mythologycourse.
Tetragrammaton: The secret name of God in Hebrew, yodhevauhe or YHWH, was the
Tetragrammaton or fourletter word. The root of the Tetragrammaton was HWH meaning
being,life,andwomaninterchangeable,whichwasinLatinEVE(Eve).BarbaraWalker,in
herbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),explains,Thusthesocalledinnermeaningof
the Tetragrammaton was really Eve, Mother of All Living, the real creator of the world and mother of Adam,
36
according to Gnostic scriptures. Important to the Cabala, the Tetragrammaton was confused by uneducated
medievalwritersasamagiccharmornameofademon.
Uranus(GreekandRoman):RepresentingHeaven,UranusistheconsortofGaia(TellusinRome),the
primordial mother; Uranus fathered Saturn (who later overthrew him) and the Titans, including Cronus. See
UMSGods,GoddessesandMythologycourse.
Zeus(Greek)/Jupiter(Roman):RulerofthepantheonandFatherHeaven,ConsorttoHeraorGaea
(the Great Mother Goddess), Zeus was not originally the patriarch or ruler of Mount Olympia.
Thathonorwaslefttohiswife,asGaeaOlympiaandGreatMother.Onlylaterdidhetrytousurp
herlifegivingpowers(Walker,1983).ThissamegodwascalledJehovahbytheJews.Accordingto
(2002), Its glyph shows the soul (crescent) crossed by matter (the cross). See UMS Gods,
Gods/UnderworldGuardians
Underworld Guardian: Most underworlds are ruled by a supreme deity, who is often the twin of the
heavenlysupremedeity.SeeTwins.BelowaresomeoftheUnderworldGuardians.
Charon: Charon is the Styx ferryman of the underworld. Other representations of this guardian to the
afterlife are Hermes, Christianitys Peter, and the Greek St. Charus. Also China and the Balkans both have
traditionsofburyingthedeadwithmoneytopayforthecrossingtothenextworld.Thiscrossculturalarchetype
representsthegatekeeperbetweenlifeandwhatcomesafter.
Devil: The evil Christian Devil comes from the need of every dualistic religion for god to have an
opposite. In fact, devil and divinity share the same root word Devi (feminine) or Deva (masculine), meaning
Divine and Goddess or God. Originally Divine and Devilish were fairly neutral terms and simply meant good
and bad, or nice and hurtful and the Gods and Devils could act in both ways. According to The Womans
EncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),byBarbaraWalker,Iftherewereanydevilishattributesonwhichmost
myths agreed, they were the rather godlike qualities of (1) superhuman intelligence, and (2) superhuman
sexuality The devil was essential to the dualistic theology that Christianity copied from Persia. The Persian
beliefofGodandtheDevilisthattheyweretwinbrothers,andtheDevilwasthecreatorofearthandworldly
things,sotheymadesacrificestohim.ItwasevenacknowledgedthatpaganDevilWorshipcouldhealthesick
around the same time as early Christianity. Walker (1983) states, The Christian devil became a composite of
ancient deities in a single Protean form, with the goathorns of Pan, Marsyas, and Dionysus; the trident of
Neptune,Hades,andShive;thereptilecharacteristicsofLeviathan,Pythion,andOuroborus;thefireofAgniand
Helios;thebreastsofAstarteandIshtar;thewolffaceofDis,Feronius,andFenrir;wingsofBabyloniancherubim;
andbirdtalonsofancestralspirits.
The belief that the Devil seduces people to give him their souls has been cause for punishment by the
church,evendeathduringthewitchtrials.AsWalkerpointsout,theFathersandtheologiansneverexplained
how the devil could profit from the pact, other than to receive a soul that was his anyway. As Samuel Butler
said,nooneheardthedevilssideofanystory,becauseGodwroteallthebooks.ChristianityandJudaismboth
claimthatGodisthecauseofallgoodintheworldandmanisthecauseofallevil,sohumanfascinationwiththe
devil may come from wanting to pass on the responsibility of producing evil. Therefore the Devil became the
scapegoat for mans sins. Accordingly, the seven Devils correspond with the seven deadly sins: Lucifer with
pride, Mammon with avarice, Asmodeus with lechery, Satan with anger, Beelzebub with gluttony, Leviathan
withenvy,andBelphegorwithsloth.
Hades (Greek)/Pluto (Roman): Pluto is the Roman ruler of the Underworld, and consort to
Persephone.ThecombinationoftheinitialsPlutoLowellmakesuptheglyph,accordingtoRowena
andRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002).Hadesis
theLordofDeath,paganGodoftheUnderworld,partnerofHecateorPersephone.Hehasalsobeen
calledEitaandAdeinRome,partnertoPersipnei.InGreecehebecametheabductorofPersephone,
which became the creation story of the seasons. Hades was also called Aidoneus, Pluto, Pluton, and Lord of
Riches.AccordingtoBarbaraWalkerinherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),Hades
representsthephallicHiddenGodinthewomboftheEarth.Duetohislocationwithintheearth,heisoften
regardedasknowinghowtofindgemsandpreciousmetals.Christianitylaterturnedhimintothedevil.Walker
37
explainsthatlikeallundergrounddeities,Hadeswasthoughtaleadingresidentofhell,whichwasoftencalled
byhisnameinsteadofbythenameHel,theGoddess.SeeUMSGods,GoddessesandMythologycourse.
Hermes (Greek)/Mercury (Roman): Messenger of the gods. According to Rowena and Rupert
Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), Its glyphthe
moons crescent (the soul) over the circle (spirit) over the cross (matter)encompasses allthe other
planetaryglyphsandmaybederivedfromthecaduceus.AccordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,
The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), Hermes was the consort to the Great Mother
Goddess Aphrodite, and as she was the Lady of Life, he was the Lord of Death, and Conductor of
Souls.ThisunionwasrecognizedalloverIndoEurope.EgyptrecognizedhimasThoth,Romeas
Mercury,andhewasoneandthesamewithBuddha.Walkerexplains,AnEnlightenedOnebornofthevirgin
Maia, he was the same as the Enlightened One (Buddha) born of the same virgin Maya in India, Maya
translating as Moon. Hermes was the god of magic, letters, medicine, and occult wisdom. See UMS Gods,
Iblis:IblisistheArabicnameforSatan,leaderofthedjinnspiritsmoreancientthenevenAllah.Inher
bookTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),BarbaraWalkerexplainsthatSatan,orShaytan,is
theangelwhorebelledagainstAllahandrefusedtoworshipAllahscreation,Man.
Lucifer: From the Latin title means Lightbringer, represented as the Morning Star god who
announcedthedailybirthofthesun,asBarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAnd
Secrets(1983)putsit.HewascalledShaherbytheCanaanites,whoalsohonoredhisbrotherShalem,theEvening
Starwhonightlyannouncedthedeathofthesun.TheJewishMorningServiceisstillknownasShaharit.These
two brothers, Shaher and Shalem were sons of the Great Mother Asherah (also called Helel). Canaanite
mythology states that Shaher tried to steal the throne of the powerful sun god, and was cast out of the sky
(heaven)byalightningbolt.ThisstorywaslaterborrowedbyJudaismandthenCatholicism.
Pautiwa: The indigenous American Zuni people recognize Pautiwa as the Chief of Kachina
Village, an underworldlocated at the bottom of a lake near Zuni. When a Zuni dies, they are
received at the bottom of the lake by Pautiwa, a helpful and benevolent god. According to
(2002), For all Pueblo peoples, Kachinas are spirit beings who embody the essences of all
aspectsoflife;inPautiwascase,thesearedignity,beautyandleadership.
Satan: Satan originated as a god of death as the Egyptian Great Serpent Sata, son of the Earth, who is
dailyregeneratedintheGoddessswombandthusisimmortal.Satanappearedastheundergroundtwinofthe
sungodHorusRaandwasthephallicconsortoftheGoddessSati,orSatet,whowassimilartothevirginaspect
ofKaliinHinduism(Walker,1983).Thesnakegodwasoftenpairedwithafountainimageofthegoddessasa
fertilitysymbolandassociatedwithOraclesofDelphi.InherbookTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets
(1983),BarbaraWalkerexplains,Theserpentwasoftenasymbolofthesungodsalterego,theBlackSunkspirit
of night or of death in such pairs as Osiris/Set, Apollo/Python, Anu/Aciel, Baal/Yamm, etc. Lucifer, another
lightningserpent,wasidentifiedwithSatanasafallengod(meaninggodofdeathortheunderworld).Aswith
othergodsofdeath,SatanwasdemonizedbytheearlyChristianChurch.SeeDevil,andTwin.
Goddesses
Goddess: Also called Devi in The IndoEuropean tradition. The ancient Goddess is the dual partner of
God.Inmostoriginlegendsauniversal,omnipotentGoddesscreatedtheworld,universe,andalllivingthings,
aswellasGod,endowinghimwithhispowers.BarbaraWalkerinherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMyths
And Secrets (1983) asserts, the Goddess was a fullfledged cosmic parent figure who created the universe, its
laws, ruler of Nature, Fate, Time, Eternity, Truth, Wisdom, Justice, Love, Birth, Death, etc. Misogynistic
historians and authors broke down the Goddess into diminutive forms, sometimes masculinizing her,
demonizingher,orotherwisedisguisingher,althoughalittleresearchoftenrevealsthearchetypalcharacteristics
ofthelifegivingGoddess.AlthoughshecreatedGod,inmanyreligions,Godbecomespowerhungryandusurps
herpowerbyclaimingtobethefirstCreatorandcreatingaphallocentrictheology;Zeusisoneexampleofthis.
As patriarchal societies and religions encroached onto the pagan peoples, her temples and shrines were torn
downorrededicated.Thismatricidecontinuestodaywithlegendsthatarehalftold,hidingordistortingtherole
oftheGoddess,orbysimplycallingallancientdeitiesGods.However,itisimpossibletodestroyanarchetypal
38
energy, and although she was forgotten, her symbolism and energy was not lost. Many mystical spirituality
systemspreservedtheknowledgeoftheGoddess,forinstance,Wiccacontinuedtoworshipher,andhertheology
andcoreconceptsareincludedinpatriarchaltraditionslikeMarianism,theworshipofMotherMary.Theaspects
orfacesoftheGoddessarepersonifiedthroughaplethoraofGoddessesfromculturesaroundtheworld,asthe
ancient saying goes, the Goddess has a thousand names and faces. Often these appear as Great Goddesses,
TripleGoddesses,Maiden,Mother,orCroneGoddesses.However,eventhoughIhavelistedthegoddessesinto
categoriesfororganizationalpurposes,allofthegoddessessimplyreflectthesameomnipotentGoddessandtheir
qualitiesandpowersoverlapeachotheragreatdeal.
GreatGoddesses
ThemostsupremeandpowerfuloftheGoddesssfacesaretheGreatGoddesses,reveredastheoriginal
and supreme Creatress/Mother of the universe, including Aphrodite/Venus, Asherah, Astarte, Demeter/Ceres,
Hathor,andsoon.
Aphrodite(Greek)/Venus(Roman):CyprussGreatGoddess,oftenheraldedastheGreekGoddess
ofLove,AphroditeembodiedallthreeoftheMaidenMotherCroneaspectsoftheTripleGoddess,as
did Venus, the same Roman Great Goddess of sexuality, including birth and death. She was also
knownattimesastheFates,Moira(anothernamefortheFates);Ashera,Astarte,orDeaSyria,asthe
Goddess to the oldest continuouslyoccupied temple in the world; in Rome she is called Venus;
EgyptianscalledherAyMari,theSea(Walker,1983).HerpatroncitywasPaphosonCyprus,and
During the Christian era, Aphrodites temple on Cyprus was converted into a sanctuary of the virgin Mary,
another name of the same Goddess, but in this sanctuary the virgin Mary is hailed to this day as Panaghia
Aphroditessa,AllholyAphrodite,accordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbookTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMyths
AndSecrets(1983).SeeFatesunderTripleGoddesses.SeeUMSGods,GoddessesandMythologycourse.
Asherah:SemiticGreatGoddess.AccordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbookTheWomansEncyclopediaOf
Myths And Secrets (1983), The Old Testament Asherah is translated grove, without any explanation that the
sacredgroverepresentedtheGoddesssgenitalcenter,birthplaceofallthings.SeeUMSGods,Goddessesand
Mythologycourse.
Astarte:ThisBabylonianGreatGoddesswasworshippedasearlyastheNeolithicandBronzeAge,asthe
Lady of Bablos. She embodies the Triple Goddess as the creatorpreserverdestroyer (as all Great Goddesses),
continuously eliminating the old, to make it anew. Barbara Walker, in her book The Womans Encyclopedia Of
MythsAndSecrets(1983),states,Astarteruledallthespiritsofthedeadwholivedinheavenwearingbodiesof
light,visiblefromearthasstars.Hence,shewasknownasAstroarche,QueenoftheStars,anditisShewho
gave souls their astral bodies. Although she is a prototype of the Virgin Mary, Astarte was demonized by
Christianity.SeeUMSGods,GoddessesandMythologycourse.
Demeter(Greek)/Ceres(Roman):CereswastheLatinGreatMotherEarthGoddess,similarto
theGreekKore.DemeterwastheMycenaeGreatGoddess.FromDemeaningdeltaortriangle,
referringtothevulvaandmetermeaningmother.AswithallGreatMothers,Demetergavebirth
toalllife,butalsoappearsasallthreetripleaspectsofthegoddess,creatorpreserverdestroyer,
ormaidenmothercrone.BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAnd
Secrets (1983), states, Corresponding lettersSanskrit dwr, Celtic duir, Hebrew dalethmeant
the Door of birth, death, or the sexual paradise. Thus Demeter was what Asia called the
Doorway of the Mysterious Feminine the root from which Heaven and Earth sprang.
WalkergoesontoexplainthatCeres,AstheearthrulingaspectoftheGoddessstrinity,Ceres
combinedwithJunoasqueenofheaven,andProserpineasqueenoftheunderworld.AsCeresLegiferashewas
atheLawgiverandherpriestessesareconsideredthefoundressesoftheRomanlegalsystem,accordingto
Walker,andCeresruledRomeforfourcenturiesbefore200B.C.Patronofcrops,herfestival,theCerealia,was
kept by farmers of the British Isles, as well as Roman and Christian farmers. See UMS Gods, Goddesses and
Mythologycourse.
Devi:ThisSanskritwordmeansDivineorGoddessandistherootwordformanyIndoEuropeannames
fortheGreatMother,accordingtoTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),byBarbaraWalker.
Hathor:EgyptianGreatGoddess,MotheroftheGodsandQueenofHeaven.LikeallGreatGoddesses,
She embodied the triple aspects of creatorpreserverdestroyer. As Creatress she was HetHert, The Womb
39
Above bringing forth in primeval time herself and then the world, according to Barbara Walker, in her
book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983). She was the seven Holy Midwives, giving each
Egyptiantheirsevensoulsatbirth.Latersheappearsinmedievalmythsasinherpreserver/motheraspectoffairy
godmother,MotherGoose,MotheroftheSunKing,andLadyoftheLake.Asthedestroyersheappearsasthe
Huntress,withhertotemanimal,theSphinx.SeeUMSGods,GoddessesandMythologycourse.
SpiderWoman:RecognizedastheCreatressbytheNavajo,SpiderWomanistheweaverofthepatternsof
timeandspace,thesymboloffate,accordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:What
ShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002).SpiderWomanissaidtohaveconsortedwithFatherSkyandboretheWarrior
Twins,MonsterSlayerandBornforWater.ShetaughttheNavajowomentoweavetheirblanketsandrugs.Shewas
RedSpiderWomantothePawnee,whotellofherdeathtransformingherintothehealingrootofthesquashplant.
Tanit:AnothernameforthePhoenicianGreatGoddess,TanitwasrecognizedbytheCarthaginiansas
a Heavenly Virgin, Queen of the Stars. She is also known as Astarte, Ashtoreth, and Asherah.
AccordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),Her
priestesseswerefamousastrologers,whoseprophecieswerecirculatedthroughouttheRomanempire
andevenrivaledbythepronouncementsoftheCumaeansybils.
Xochiquetzal:DaughterofCoatlicue,thisAztecGoddessofAllWomenissimilartoAphrodite(Walker,
1983).
TripleGoddesses
OftentheGreatGoddessencompassesallthreeaspectsofTheTripleGoddess,asthemaidenmothercrone,
or creatorpreserverdestroyer, which also appears in almost every culture, as Athene/Minerva, Cerridwen, Fates,
KaliMaandmore.SometimestheseThreeAspectsoftheGoddessareseparatedintoindividualdeities,sothatone
willencompassthemotheraspectalone,onethecrone,anotherthemaiden.Mostgoddessesfallintooneofthese
three categories, as a fertility (maiden) goddess, protector (mother) goddess, or a deathbringer (crone) goddess.
What is often missed about the crone or death aspect to the Goddess is the cyclical nature of life, death, and
rebirth,andthatonlybythedestructionoftheoldisthereroomforthenew.
Artemis(Greek)/Diana(Roman):ThisAmazonianMoongoddesswasrecognizedbytheLatinnameDiana
orGoddessAnnainEphesus,andisrecognizedastheMotherofCreatures.ShewastheTripleGoddessofthe
threephasesofthemoon,waning(lifegiver),full(preserver),andwaxing(lifetaker).AccordingtoBarbaraWalker,
inherbookTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),HerHuntressaspectwas anotherformofthe
destroyingCroneorWaningmoon,andhertotemanimalswerethehuntingdogsAlani,forherpriestesseswho
worshippedherinGreece,andtheSheBearorUrsaMajor.SeeUMSGods,GoddessesandMythologycourse.
Bast: ThisEgyptian cat goddess was mother of Egypts most sacred animal, cats,and Bubastis was her
holycity,wherethegreatesttemplewassupposedtoreside.TheGreekscalledherArtemisorDiana,whowere
also mothers of cats. According to Barbara Walker, in her book The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets
(1983),ThecatslegendaryninelivesstemmedfromArtemisasthemotherofthenineMuses,correspondingto
theEgyptianEnneadofnineprimordialdeities.SeeUMSGods,GoddessesandMythologycourse.
Cerridwen:CerridwenistheCelticTripleGoddess(representingthethreestagesoffemalelife,maiden,
mother,andcrone),withanemphasisonthecroneasananimaltotemofawhite,corpseeatingSowofthemoon.
TheGreekscalledthisfaceoftheGoddessDemeter,theSyriancalledherAstarte(botharealsorepresentedby
sows).AccordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),Cerdo,
theSpanishversionofCerridwenistheGoddesswhobothtookaway,andharvestedsoulsinhercharacteras
thesourceoflife,andthereceptacleofthedead.SeeUMSGods,GoddessesandMythologycourse.
Chimalman:AztecTripleGoddessandmotherofthesaviorQuetzalcoatl,accordingtoBarbaraWalker,
inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).
Fates: Fates symbolize the course of life. The mythological figures of Fates crosses cultures and stems
fromtheimageoftheTripleGoddess,asrulersofpast,present,andfuture,whoareusuallypersonifiedasthe
VirginorMaiden,Mother,andCrone.BarbaraWalkerinherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets
(1983)states,NearlyallmythologiesbeartracesoftheTripleGoddessasthreeFates,rulersofthepast,present,
andfuture.ThesethreearchetypescanalsobepersonifiedastheCreator,Preserver,andDestroyer.Originally
fromtheIndoEuropeanMotherofKarmaorKaliMa,thisfemaletrinitypopsupthroughoutmythologyasthe
WeirdSistersofWesternEurope;inGreektheyshowupinmanyformssuchastheMusesorAphroditestrinity
ofcelestialnymphs,Eunomia,Dike,andIrene(meaningOlder,Destiny,andPeace);inAngloSaxonmythsthey
40
arethethreeweaversoffatewhocouldsustainortakeawaylifeatcriticalmomentsbyaddingstringtotheirweb
oflife;theRussianVirginofDawn,whobecameMaterMatutainLatin,ErosinGreek,andtheSlavicBujanor
Buyanallwerefairmaidensweavinglifewithsilk.Whenshestopped,someonedied.FatebecameFortunafor
theRomans;andGypsiesbelieveinthethreeladiesinwhitewhoguardanewbornscradleandtakelifewhen
itistime.SeeUMSGods,GoddessesandMythologycourse.
Gunas:TheGunasarethethreestrandsofthreadusedbyFate.Originallyatantricsymbol,thethree
strandswerewhite,red,andblackforthedivinefemalePrakritiwhoisalsoKali.AccordingtoBarbaraWalker
inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),theGunasrepresentPrakritisthreeaspectsof
Creator, Preserver, and Destroyer; or giver of birth, life, and death. The VirginCreator was Sattva, white; the
MotherPreserver was Rajas, red; the CroneDestroyer was Tamas, black. combined these three faces of the
TripleGoddessrepresentedpurity,passion,anddarkness.SeeFatesonpreviouspage.
Hecate: Originating in Egypt as one of Hathors seven midwives, Heqit, midwife of the birthchamber,
HecateisaTripleGoddessrecognizedinGreece,astherulerofheaven(creator),earth(preserver),andunderworld
(destroyer).SometimesshewasonlyrecognizedasHecateSelene,theMooninheaven,whileArtemistheHuntress
ruled Earth, and Persephone the Destroyer was patroness of the Underworld. Hecate became the patroness of
travelersandshrineswereerectedtoheratthreewaycrossroads.Shewasalsothepatronessofchildbirth,winning
herparticularcontemptandfearfromtheCatholicauthoritiesduringthemiddleages(Walker,1983).
KaliMa:OriginallyaTripleGoddessofHinduism,Kaliisbestknownforhercrone/destroyeraspectand
isportrayedinmanyreligions.AccordingtoBarbaraWalkerinherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAnd
Secrets (1983), Kali was the basic archetypal image of the birthanddeath Mother, simultaneously womb and
tomb,giveroflifeanddevourerofherchildren:thesameimageportrayedinathousandancientreligions.She
typifies the Lifegiving and lifetaking Earth Mother, and she stood for Existence, which meant Becoming
because all her world was an eternal living flux from which all things rose and disappeared again, in endless
cycles,states Walker. Hawaiis volcanic Kali is just one example, asshe was worshipped in Tantra; consort to
ShivainBrahman(althoughhertripleaspectwasdivviedouttothreegods,Brahma/creator,Vishnu/preserver,
and Shiva/destroyer); also called Ieva or Jiva, Kali was Mother of All Living and found Her way into the Old
TestamentasEve;thekaluwerepriestessesofthemoongoddess,latermasculinizedasSinai;similarlytheCeltic
priestessesoftheGoddessKelewerecalledkelles;etc.SeeUMSGods,GoddessesandMythologycourse.
Hestia(Greek)/Vesta(Roman):RomanGoddessVestafromtheearlymatriarchaltradition(called
HestiabytheGreeks).TheVestalVirginswereHerpriestesses.Theywerecalledvirginsbecause
theydenouncedmarriage,beingdevotedtotheGoddessandsymbolicallymarriedtothephallic
godPalladium,notbecausetheyneverexperiencedsexualintercourse,asinfact,motherhoodwas
one of their sources of power. Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths
And Secrets (1983), further states, the Vestals were entrusted with keeping alight the perpetual
firethatwasthemysticheartoftheempirethatburnedfor600years,untiltheVestalscame
under attack by the rising Christian powers in 382 A.D. although many Vestal traditions were passed onto
Christiannuns,suchasheadshaving.SeeUMSGods,GoddessesandMythologycourse.
Virgo:VirgotranslatestotheVirginandmayhaverepresentedavarietyofGoddessesfromErigone,
GoddessofJustice;AstraeatheStarryOne;Libera,Libra,ortheLadyoftheScales,judgeofmenandrulerof
theirfates,accordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbookTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).See
UMSAstrologyBasicscourse.SeeUMSGods,GoddessesandMythologycourse.
WhiteBuffaloMaiden:SiouxNationlegendtellsofhowWhiteBuffaloMaidenbroughtthemtheSacred
PipefromtheGreatSpirit,appearingfirstasabeautifulmaidenandleavingasawhitebuffalocalf.Accordingto
Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), When a
youngwomangoesthroughpuberty,sheisunderthespecialguardianshipofWhiteBuffaloMaiden.
Mother/PreserverGoddesses
41
Athene (Greek)/ Minerva (Roman): Minerva was the Roman Goddess of wisdom and the moon.
Athene, the Mothergoddess of Athens had several consorts, including Hephaestus, Pan, and
Phallas,andwasworshippedasHolyVirgin.OriginatinginNorthAfrica,Athenewasrecognizedas
theLibyanTripleGoddessNeith,Matis,Medusa,Anath,orAthenna,accordingtoBarbaraWalker,
inherbookTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).DaughterofMedusaandZeus,
AthenesphalluslikeSnakehairedmaskhadtheabilitytoturnmentostone.AtheneandMinerva
sharedthetotemanimal,theowl(symbolofthemoon),withLilithandtheWelshGoddess
Blodeuwedd.SeeUMSGods,GoddessesandMythologycourse.TheSignofAtheneispicturedonpreviouspage.
Buana:CelticcowGoddessknownastheGoodMother,(Walker,1983).
Coatlicue:TranslatedasLadyoftheSerpentSkirt,shewastheAztecGreatMotherofthedeities,sun,
moon,andstars(Walker,1983).Shecoupledwiththesaviorgods.
Hera (Greek)/Juno (Roman): The Roman Great Mother Goddess and consort of Her brother
Jupiter (Zeus in Greece), Juno had many faces including Juno Fortune, Goddess of Fate; Juno
Sospita, the Preserver; Juno Regina, Queen of heaven; Juno Lucina, Goddess of Celestial Light;
JunoMoneta,theAdvisorandAdmonisher;JunoMartialis,virginmotherofMars;JunoCaprotina
or Februa, Goddess of erotic love;Juno Populonia,Mother of the people;etc. Her sacredmonth
June has retained its tradition of weddings as Juno presided over marriage and family. Barbara
Walker,inherbookTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)states,EveryRoman
womanembodiedabitofGoddesssspirit,herownsoulajuno,correspondingtothegeniusoftheman.Juno
waslaterdroppedwhilegeniusremained.SeeUMSGods,GoddessesandMythologycourse.
Isis:ThisEgyptianMotherGoddesscoupledwithOsirisandbirthedHorus.ShewastheMother
ofLife,whileherdarktwinsisterNephthyswasthedestroyerCroneofDeath.BarbaraWalker
inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),quotesEgyptianscriptures,In
the beginning there was Isis, Oldest of the Old. She was the Goddess from whom all becoming
aroseshegavebirthtothesun.SeeUMSGods,GoddessesandMythologycourse.
Lilith: In the Old Testament Lilith became the first wife of Adam, who tried to force himself onto her in the
patriarchal missionary position. It was the only sexual position acceptable to Moslems and Christians because it
emphasizedwomenasearthwhoweresubjecttomenasheaven(Walker,1983).Lilithnotonlyrefusedtosubmitto
Adam, but also cursed him and flew away to live by the Red Sea (another form of Kali Mas fertile, but sacrifice
demanding,OceanofBlood).GodcommandedhertoreturnandsubmittoAdambutshecursedhimtooandspenther
dayscouplingwithdemonsandbirthingahundredchildrenaday.GodinturncreatedAdamssecondwife,Eve,tobe
more docile. However Lilith was no rebellious creation of God, but the Goddess by the names of Belitili, Belili, and
Baalat, sacred to Sumerians, Babylonians, and Canaanites. Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of
MythsAndSecrets(1983),explains,LilithsfecundityandsexualpreferencesshowthatshewasaGreatMotherofsettled
agriculturaltribes,whoresistedtheinvasionsofnomadicherdsmen,representedbyAdam.ThestoryofLilithhasallbut
disappeared in the revisions of the Bible, but her daughters, the lustful lilim shedemons were feared through the
MiddleAges.SeeDemons,andEve..SeeUMSGods,GoddessesandMythologycourse.
Ma: Universal title of the Goddess. Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And
Secrets(1983),saysMaisaBasicmothersyllableofIndoEuropeanlanguages,worshippedinitselfasthefundamental
nameoftheGoddess.Theuniversalityofthemotherword(notsharedbywordsforfather)indicateseitherthatthe
humanracecarriedthesamewordfromitsearliestsourcetoallpartsoftheearthataperiodprevioustothediscovery
offatherhood;orelsethatallhumanbeingsinstinctivelysaysomethinglikemaasthefirstverbalsoundandassociate
itwiththemothersbreast,consequentlywithemotionaldependenceonadivinityperceivedasamilkgivingmother.
Mama: Another form of Ma, Mama is a title for the Great Goddess, Kali, also called Mamaki (spirit of
Fertilizing Waters); and Mamata (spirit of belonging). Mesopotamia titled her Mami, Mammitu, and Mama,
whocreatedhumansfromclay.
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SunGoddess:InOrientaltraditionthesunisfemale.FortheJapanesetheGreatSunGoddesswas
OmikamiAmaterasu.InHindutheGreatGoddesswasAditi,Motherofthe12zodiacalAdityas,
spiritswhowouldrevealtheirlightatDoomesday,accordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,
The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983). For Tantric Buddhists she was Mari or
Mary,thesun.FortheArabsshewastheGoddessAtthar,TorchoftheGods.InGermanyshewas
Sunna; the Norwegians called her Sol; the Celts, Sulis, meaning eye/sun; and in Britain she was
recognizedasallthree.
Bitch: Sacred name for ArtemisDiana, bitch refers to her Scythian alani or hunting dogs. According to
BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),TheBitchgoddessofantiquity
wasknowninallIndoEuropeancultures,beginningwiththeGreatBitchSaramawholedtheBedicdogsofdeath.
ForRomanstheGoddessLupawastheWolfBitchInChristianterms,sonofabitchwasconsideredinsulting
not because it meant a dog, but because it meant a devilthat is, a spiritual son of the pagan Goddess.
Crone/DestroyerGoddesses
Crone:ThePagandeityoftheTripleGoddessappearsinthreephases,theMaiden,Mother,andCrone.
TheCronebeingthethirdaspectoflifeincludeswisdom,death,andrebirth.AccordingtoBarbaraWalker,inher
book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), throughout the world the Crone has had different
forms,exemplifiedbysuchfiguresasKalitheDestroyer,CerridwenthedeathdealingSow,AtropostheCutter,
Macha, Hecate, Hel, EreshKigal, Morgan, Queen of the Ghostworld, Queen of the Underworld, Queen of the
Shades, and Persephone the Destroyer. The Crone exemplifies the cycle of life that includes old age, winter,
death,thewaningmoon,anddoomsdaythatmakesroomfortherebirthandnewbeginningsoftheMaiden.The
Cronealsorepresentsthelastphaseofawomenslifeinwhichwomenbecameverywisewhentheynolonger
shedthelunarwisebloodbutkeptitwithin,theCronewasusuallyaGoddessofWisdomMinerva,Athene,
Metis,Sophia,andMedusa(Walker,1983).
Hag:OriginallyHagwasareveredtitleforaHolyWomanwhorepresentsthethirdphaseoftheTriple
Goddess,theCrone.AHagwasawisewomanorpriestess.ItcomesfromtheEgyptianhaqandhekau,thetitleof
apowerfulmatriarchalruler.BarbaraWalkerinherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),
describeshertransformationinGreeceasHecate,theCroneorHagasQueenoftheDead,incarnatedonearthin
aseriesofwisewomenorhighpriestesses.InNorsemyth,hagimeansasacredgroveofIronWood.InNorthern
Europe stone idols such as the Stone of Scone represented the Hag and are considered sacred. Hag did not
becomeaderogatorytermuntilChristianministriesorderedtheidolsshattered.Walker(1983)recitesonceIwas
theGoddessandnowIamnothingatall.
Mara:AncienttitlefortheCroneGoddess,Marawasadeathbringerandhernamehastraveledallover
theworld.BuddhistsrecognizeherasFearofDeath;Hinduscreatedlegendsaboutherentrappinghuntsmen
inmirrorsofdeath,astorythatwasretoldinPelasgianofDionysus;SlavsknewherasMora,whodrankthe
blood of men; Semitics knew her as Marah, the passive weight and darkness of the Underworld; the New
TestamentcalledherMaralahandhershrinesaplaceoftrembling.AsanotherfaceofKali,KelMariwasMara
inEgypt;inHebrewshewasMariamne,Miriam,andMary;othernamesincludeMariAmmaandMari(Walker,
1983).BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),assertsthatMaraisan
ExceedinglyancientnameoftheGoddessasCrone,thedeathbringer.Thenameanditsvariantsmaybefound
fromIndiatonorthernEurope.
Gold:SeeMetals.
GoldenCalf:SeeAnimals.
Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, is the essence of the Golden Rule.
Originally the foundation of the Tantric karmic law as do good to other beings as if they were his own self, yogis
broughtthelawtotheMiddleEast.TheBuddhistversion,Whatyesow,thatshallyereap,wascopiedbyChristianity
500yearslater.Akkadia,Egypt,Greece,andtheJewishallhadsimilarproverbs.Althoughthislawhasbeenattributedto
masculineheroesandGods,itwasoriginallysacredtotheGoddessinsuchformsasHillel,Dike,andMaat.
Goose:SeeAnimals.
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Grail,Holy:TheHolyGrailisaprimeexampleofthecombiningofpaganandChristiansymbolism.
The Holy Grail is the chalice or cup used by Christ during the last supper, when he said that
infamousline,thisismyblood.AftertheResurrection,JosephofArimatheabroughttheGrailto
Glastonburyforsafekeeping,butitdisappeared.Itbecameasymbolofgallantryandchivalrytogo
onGrailQueststofindtheHolyGrailduringtheRenaissance.ZillionsofGrailstories,allcomplex
withsymbolismandChristiandogmawerewrittenandcontinuetobecreated,somebasedlooselyonhistorical
figures such as the Knights of Templars and King Arthur and the Round Table, whose origins are still being
exploredbyhistorians.However,asBarbaraWalkerinherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets
(1983)states,TherealoriginsoftheHolyGrailwerenotChristianbutpagan.TheGraildidntbecomeChristian
until the poet Robert de Borron, of Burgundi wrote a poem about how the cup had been given to the devil by
angels,anduponbeingoutcast,itfellfromtoearth,whereitwasmadeintoacupandgiventoJesusbyJosephof
Arimatheaanditpredictablybecamethecupofdoom.
Thepagansymbolofthegrailissynonymouswiththechaliceandcauldron.Itrepresentsthewombof
theGoddess,thepowerofcreation.Paganmythsofcauldrons,chalices,andgrailsfrequentlyincludethembeing
filled with unending, lifesustaining blood or wine, an illusion to the menses. The pagan myth is of the Grail
being kept by a holy harlotqueen, Repanse de Joie (Dispenser of Joy), possibly in the Spanish Pyrenees, at a
temple topped with a giant ruby titled Holy Rose, on the Montsalvatch (Mount of Salvation). The Knights
Templars, as described by Walker were, a group of warriors dedicated to the grail temple and the defense of
women,andwentaroundrescuingdamselsindistress.Truetothemythologicaltale,theywaitedforthecoming
ofaMahdi,orDesiredKnightwhowouldendtyrannyandcreateapeacefulkingdomunderthelawofthegrail,
whichisasymbolicwayofsayingthelawoftheGoddess.KingArthurwasthatKnight,andhisKnightsofthe
Round Table were all Knights Templars, and of course Gwenhwyfar, also called Guinevere and Cunneware
(meaningfemalewisdomandanamefortheTripleGoddess)washisQueen,theearthlymanifestationofthe
grail.EarlygraillegendsclaimthegrailbattlecryisAmor,orLove,andwithbannerssportingtriplelilies,
symbolsoftheGoddess.Duringtheearlypartoftheseconddecadetherewasarebirthofpaganismandgoddess
worshipingwhichisevidentinthebuildingofsuchchurchesastheNotreDame(OurLady,withLadybeingan
analogytotheGoddess),thereverenceofCourtesans,andthenotionofCourtlyLove.ThePaganversionofthe
grailstorieswastorestorethebalanceoffemininityandatimeofpeaceandcooperation,orunionbetweenthe
promised, benevolent leader and his Divine partner. Unfortunately the Church responded with the Inquisition
and Burning Times. French Christians transformed the grail story from Pagan to Christian with such works as
LEstoiredelSaintGraalbyVulgateCycle(1230)andLaQuestedelSaintGraalbyaCistercianmonklaterinthe
century.WiththeremovaloftheemphasisoftheDivineFeminineonthegrail,itsimplybecameanobjectthat
held the Blood of Christ and the Grail stories were rewritten to disempower women and promote Christian
Values.SeeLily,andMother/PreserverGoddess,Lilith.
GreatArchitect:Theeyeinthetriangle(ontheU.S.dollarbillandelsewhere)originatesfrom
thefreemasonsymboloftheGreatArchitectoftheUniverse.AccordingtoRowenaandRupert
Shepherdin1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),thissymbolrepresentsthe
maingoverningprincipleatworkinthephysicaluniverse,thebuilderofallGodTheGreat
ArchitectisusuallydepictedastheallseeingeyeofGod.SeeFreemason.
GreatYantra:SeeHexagram.
Griffin:SeeAnimals.
Grotesques: The tradition of the Grotesques or Creatures of the Grotto of paintings and figures of
demons in churches was created by the Catholic attempt to convert pagans. Barbara Walker in her book, The
Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983) explains, Early churches were built right over the heathen
grottoandthesamedeitieswereworshippedsidebysidewithChristianonessothepeoplewouldcontinueto
come to the church by force of habit, finding their familiar idols there. Pope Gregory the Great ordered his
missionaries to accommodate the ceremonies of the Christian worship as much as possible to those of the
heathen,thatthepeoplemaynotbemuchstartledatthechange,(asquotedinWalker,1983).Pagangodssuch
asanimalgods,sirens,masques,gorgons,theGreenMan,satyrs,serpentdeities,andmorewerealldepictedin
paintingandstatue.TheChurcheventuallydeclaredtheseGrotesquesDemons,buttheyremainedwithinchurch
wallsandpeoplecontinuedtopayhomagetothem,makingofferings,prayingtothem,andtouchingthemfor
luck.AccordingtoWalker,Sometimesaporch,afacade,orawholechurchpresentsasymbolicmeaningentirely
44
foreign to worship, even inimical to the Church. Later this tradition evolved into the fashioning of secret
symbolsandsymbolicmeaningstochurchartbyartists,masons,andsmithswhomayhavebeenpartofsecret
societiesdedicatedtokeepingthetraditionoftheoldreligionalive.
Gunas:SeeTripleGoddess,Gunas.
Hades:SeeGods/UnderworldGuardians.
Hag:SeeCrone/DestroyerGoddesses,Hag.
Hair:Hairisbelievedtohousethesoulandisatoolforthedeitiesinmanytraditions.BarbaraWalkerin
her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983) relates, As shown by its importance in witch
charmsandin the mutual exchange oftalismans between lovers,hair was usually viewedas arepository ofat
leastapartofthesoul.Traditionholdsthathairisusedasatalismanofprotection,anofferingtotheGoddess,a
tool of the Goddess to control the weather/cosmos; Tantric Sages believed they can control the weather by
bindingorunbindinghair.Itisananalogyfordeath(tobeintheshadowoftheQueenofShadeshairistobe
near death), as well as a mythic tool of resurrection in many Goddess myths (such as Isis resurrecting Osiris).
Egyptiansplacelocksofawidowshairinherhusbandstombasprotectionintheafterlife.ManyGoddessesare
portrayed with a significance placed on the hair, as wild or with snakes (such as Medusa). Pagan
priestesses/witchesbelievethattheycancontrolthespiritworldwiththeirloosenedhairandthisledSt.Paulto
greatly fear these spirits, and create the rule that a womans hair must be covered in church. It has been a
traditioninbiblicalJudaismformarriedwomentocovertheirhair,andithasbeenshavedorcutshortforeaseof
totalimmersionintotheritualbath,calledthemikvahjustbeforethewedding.However,womenwerenot to
taketheinitiativeincuttingoftheirownhair,asthiswaspunishablebydeath.Gypsiesusedhairinlovepotions
anditwasacustomoftheMedievalAgeforloverstoexchangehairlocksasasignofloveandforafuturespellif
a loveris spurned.Walker explains,Whoever possessed anothers hair hadpower over his soul. Hair is also
associatedwiththesungodssuchasApollo,asrepresentingtheirraysandvitality.
Halloween: This modern holiday has its roots deep in spiritual tradition and is about honoring the
spirits/ancestorsonadaywhentheveilsbetweentheworldsarebelievedtobethinnest.BarbaraWalkerinher
book,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)explainsThepaganideausedtobethatcrucialjoints
betweentheseasonsopenedcracksinthefabricofspacetime,allowingcontactbetweentheghostworldandthe
mortalone.ChristianitynameditAllSoulsDayafterAllHallowsEve(November1st)andbaseditontheCeltic
festforthedead,Samhain.TheLordofDeath(alsocalledtheGrimReaper)wasknownasSamanaandinspirited
thefestivalstitle.IrishcalleditVigilofSamanandconsidereditholy.Thegameofdunkingforapplesisbased
onadivinationtoolbelievedtorevealthefutureonthisnight,withthetankofapplesrepresentingtheCauldron
ofRegeneration.SeeCauldronintheWombsection.
Halo:AlsocalledNimbus.TheHaloistheChristiansymbolofanapotheosis,deification,orcanonization.
AHaloisaringoflightaroundafigureshead,suchasJesusorMary.ThissymbolwastakenfromtheEleusinian
MysteriesinwhichtheHaloasaviorgod(calledDionysus,Triptolemus,orIasus)washonoredattheFestivalof
the ThreshingFloor. According to Barbara Walker in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets
(1983),He[Haloa]representedthegrain.Athisbirth,hewaslaidinamanger.Hewassacrificed,buried,and
resurrected:thesequencerepresentingharvest,replanting,andnewgrowth.Hisfleshandbloodwereconsumed
byhisworshippersintheformofbreadandwine.InTantrictraditionitbecamethethousandpetaledlotusof
light,calledthenimbusorcloudoflightaroundtheheadsofenlightenedsages.ThehalowasalsoanEgyptian
symbolforthedailyrebornsungod.RowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMean
In Art And Myth (2002), explain, Related to the Ancient Egyptian sundisc, haloes were first depicted around
deities associated with the sun, such as the Zoroastrian godAhura Mazda.Roman sun deities such as Apollo
andMithrashavesunraycrownsthatrepresentthesamething.
Hammer:FromMan,MythAndMagic:TheIllustratedEncyclopediaOfMythology,ReligionAndTheUnknown
(1995),editedbyRichardCavendish,Thehammerisoneoftheearliestsymbolstobedrawnfromtechnology,
andintheSovietUnionsymbolizesthepoweroftheworkingpeople:thecombinedmotifofhammerandsickle
representstheallianceoftheindustrialworkingclassandthepeasantry.SeeBlade.
Hare:SeeAnimals.
HeadDress: Hats outside of being practical have meaning for the society, so that, like clothes, they can
identifydeities,socialgroupsorindividuals,accordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:
WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002).ThebookMan,MythAndMagic:TheIllustratedEncyclopediaOfMythology,
45
Religion And The Unknown (1995), edited by Richard Cavendish, gives the example that Horned headdresses are
frequentlymeanttogivethewearerthestrengthandvirilityofpowerfulhornedanimalslikethebull.Headdresses
symbolizepowerandstrengthespeciallyforsoldiers,priests,andotherpersonsofpower.SeeCrown.
Heart: The heart has long been a symbol of the soul and a persons character. Many phrases
usedtodaydatebacktoearlierassociations;suchasapersonsheartmaybeheavy,cold,hard,
light, warm, or soft. A heart may be stolen, or filled with emotion. Absence makes the heart
growfonder,unlessofcourseitisgivenbackandtheheartbreaks.TheEgyptiansregardedthe
heartsoul(theAb)asthemostimportantof7soulsgivenbytheHathorsor7birthgoddesses,
astheonetobeweighedagainsttheFeatherofTruthbyMaatatthegatestotheUnderworld.
Theabwasconsideredthemostimportantbecauseitwasthebloodsoul,filledwiththeessenceoftheGoddess,
andfosteredthebeliefthatmenstrualbloodcamedirectlyfromtheheart.Consequently,astheorganofcreation,
givenbytheGoddessandusedforreproduction,theheartwasalsotheprimeofferingtotheGoddessasitwas
believedsheneededsomethinginreturninordertocontinuecreation.BarbaraWalkerinherbook,TheWomans
EncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)explainsthattheprimitivetheorywasthatwhatadeitygavemustbe
returned at least in part, to keep up the deitys energy to give more. The practice of removing hearts from
mummies probably started as an offering to the Goddess. The Heart is also significant to Tantric Sages who
believethatwithintheheartisrepresentedthecenteroftheuniverse,orChidambaram,wheretherhythmof
eternityisdancedbyShiva.Theheartbeatissaidtobethebasictempoforpoetry(iambicpentameter)andmusic.
Heart,Mother:TheMotherHeartofearliertimeswassimilartotheSacredHeartanddescribedinthe
sametermsasthetempleinwhichdwellsthelifeoftheworld,asarose,acup,atreasure,aspring,asafurnace
ofdivinelove...asabridalchamber.(JungandvonFranzquotedinWalker,1983.)
Heart,Sacred:TheSacredHeart,amoonwithinaheart,wasadoptedbyCatholicisminthe17th
centuryafterSt.MargaretMarieAlacoquehadavisionofit,howeverthissymbolwassported
instainedglasswindows(ChapelofSt.ThomasAquilnasandConventdesCordeliersinParis)
andcloisterwalls(Jacobincloister)datingbacktoearliercenturies(Walker,1983).Christianity
addedthethornedwreathandcrownofChristtotheheart.
Heart,Sufi:ThesymbolofthemysticalpathofIslamistheSufiHeartwithwings.Thewings
symbolize ascension, the star, divine light, and the moon, responsiveness to the light. Hazrat
InayatKhan,theordersfounderchosethesymbolandexplainsitsmeaninginTheGathas(part
of The Sufi Messages, a 14 volume set): It explains that the heart is between soul and body, a
mediumbetweenspiritandmatter.Whenthesouliscoveredbyitsloveformatteritis
naturallyattractedtomattertheheartissubjectnotonlytogravitation[theearth],butalsotoattractionfromon
high,andasintheEgyptiansymbology,wingsareconsideredasthesymbolofspiritualprogress;,theheartwith
wingsexpressesthattheheartreachesupwardtowardsheavenThecrescentrepresentstheresponsivenessof
thecrescenttothelightofthesun,fornaturallyitreceivesthelight,whichdevelopsituntilitbecomesthefull
moon. The principal teaching of Sufism is that of learning to become a pupil The crescent in the heart
represents that the heart, responsive to the light of God, is illuminated It is the divine light, which is
representedbythefivepointedstar,andthestarisreflectedintheheart,whichisresponsivetothedivinelight.
Andtheheart,whichhasbyitsresponsereceivedthelightofGodisliberated,asthewingsshow.Therefore,this
sentencewillexplain,inshort,themeaningofthesymbol:theheart,responsivetothelightofGod,isliberated.
Hell:SeeUnderworld.
Henna:Alsoknownasredochre.ThisherbwhengroundisanaturaldyeandusedtraditionallyinIndia
andEgypt,althoughothersthroughouthistoryhavealsotakenadvantageofit,suchasGreekworshipersofHecate
andGypsies.Hennaproducesearthtonesofred,consideredthesacredcoloroftheGoddessandusedtostainhair,
nails,andskin(especiallythesoulsofthefeetandhands).AccordingtoBarbaraWalkerinherbook,TheWomans
EncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),hennawasusedtostainwomenspalmsandsolesthesacredcolorofthe
Goddess,(because)hennawasimportantinhersacrificialrites.ItselfasymbolfortheGoddess,itcandyetheskin
inpatternsthatalsohavesignificancesuchastheOmsymbol.DuringtheMiddleAges,becauseofitsassociation
withtheGoddessandfemalereligion,Hennawasassociatedwithwitchcraftandconsideredahereticalcrime.
46
Hexagram: Also called Magen David, Shield of David, Star of David, Solomons Seal, Sri
Yantra, or Great Yantra. The Hexagram, two triangles, one right side up, one upside down
superimposed upon each other is ancient in origins, important to Tantric Hinduism and
Judaism,aswellasothers.Itcombinesthemostbasicsymbolofthefeminine,thedownward
pointing triangle (often referred to as the Yoni Yantra, cup, chalice, or Holy Grail and has
obviousconnectionswiththewomb),withthesymbolforthemasculine,theupwardpointing
triangle(oftenreferredtoastheprimordialandrogyneorblade,andhasobviousconnections
withmalesexualanatomy).FromMan,MythAndMagic:TheIllustratedEncyclopediaOfMythology,ReligionAndThe
Unknown (1995), edited by Richard Cavendish, The hexagrams twin triangles, one pointing up and the other
down,canbetakentoembodytheesotericmaximasabove,sobelowandinterpretedasasymbolofGodand
man,ofthemagicpowerofmanasthepotentialmacrocosmandmasterofallthings.Thetwotrianglesofthe
Hexagram also symbolize the fire and water, of alchemy and may represent the Philosophers Stone. Six is the
numerologicalnumberofbalanceandharmony,muchliketheCabalasixthsefirah,Tifereth,andtheharmonizing
sphere of the Tree of Life. Known as Solomons Seal and Magen David, this symbol was used by the Jewish
KingsDavidandSolomon.HundredsofyearsbeforeitbecameasymbolofJewishreligion(itwasfirstdiscussed
in the 12th century and officially accepted in the 17th century), it was used on shields during warfare between
GentilesandotherIsraelites(thusitsothernameShieldofDavid).FromthisuseitbecamethesymbolforGods
protectionandguidanceoftheJewishpeople(Chaimberlin).SeealsothenumberSix.
The Star of David has other symbolic meanings as Rabbi Shraga Simmons, in his essay, Jewish Literacy,
KeyConcepts,StarOfDavid(2002),explains,ThesixpointsoftheStarofDavidsymbolizeGodsruleoverthe
universeinallsixdirections:north,south,east,west,upanddown.BarbaraWalker,inherbookTheWomans
EncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)explainsthatbeforeJudaismcooptedthissymbol;itwasknownasthe
Yantra and was part of the Tantric Hindu Cabalistic sexworship that Judaism incorporated and then later
eliminatedthissymbolsoriginalmeaning.BarbaraWalker,inherbookTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAnd
Secrets(1983)explainsTheoriginalsourceoftheMagenDavidwastheTantricGreatYantra,whichstoodfor
union of the sexes: the downwardpointing triangle being female, the upwardpointing one male, the two
signifyingtheeternalunionofGodandGoddess.Walkergoeson,Inthecourseofinfinitetime,theGoddess
conceived a spark of life within her triangle, the bindu, which was eventually born and developed into a male,
symbolizedbytheupwardpointingtriangle...Thesignofthisunionwasthehexagram.ThisBindumati(Mother
oftheBindu)wastheDeitywhopersonifiedtheGreatYantra.Inmythsheisadivineharlot,rulingnaturewith
magicandmiracles.WalkerassertsthatFromtheTantricimageofthesexualhexagramaroseaJewishsystemof
sexworshipconnectedwiththemedievalCabalaandfromthis,arosethetraditionofdisplayingthehexagram
to represent this union. There is also significance in the two triangles that make up the complete symbol, In
Kabbalah,thetwotrianglesrepresentthedichotomiesinherentinman:goodvs.evil,spiritualvs.physical,etc.
(Simmons,2002).ThecreationstoryinGenesis,borrowedthehexagramtorepresentthe6thday(ofthe7tocreate
theworld)inwhichGodmademan.Unfortunately,thisbeautifulsymbolwasalsousedduringtheHolocaustto
markJewsfromtherestofsocietybymakingthemwearanarmbandwiththeStarofDavidprintedonit.
HierosGamos:SeeSacredMarriage,Marraige.
Himalaya:SeeParadise,Himalaya.
HocusPocus:Thismagicalincantationcomesfromthemiddleageswhenliturgicalwordswereintonedas
invocationsandcharms.InherbookTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),BarbaraWalkerexplains,
Hocuspocusisacorruptionofhocestcorpusmeum,thisismybody,fromthesacramentoftheEucharist.
Holly:SeeTrees,Holly.
HolyWars:HolyWarsarewarsthatarejustifiedbyreligion.Peoplehavebeenkillingeachotherinthe
name of religion for thousands of years and continue to do so today. The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And
Secrets(1983),BarbaraWalkersaidthatthecrusadeswereHolywarsdesignedtowrestpropertyawayfromthe
heathenorhereticenemiesoforthodoxChristianity.Christianlords,clergy,andsoldiersalikefoughtthesewars
and were promised not only the normal spoils but also instant remission of sins and admission to heaven
guaranteednomatterwhatcrimesthecrusadermayhavecommitted(Walker,1983).Thecrusadeswerearesult
of tension between the Holy Roman Empire and other powers of Europe, particularly pagan Normans and
MoslemSaracenswhothreatenedtotakecontrol.PopeUrbanIIattemptedtosolvetheproblembydeclaringthe
crusadesinthe10thcentury.InTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),BarbaraWalkerstatesthat
47
Forthenext400years,ChristianknightswentforthtoastonishtheSaracenswiththeirintellectualnavetand
theirmilitarysophistication,developedinafeudalsocietybasedonwarfare,claiming8to10millioncasualties.
Honey:Anaturalpreservative(alongwithsalt),sweetener,andsourceofalcoholicfermentation,honey
was significant to ancient cultures. In her book The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), Barbara
Walker explains, honey was widely regarded as a substance of resurrectionmagic. Honey was used by the
people of Asia Minor to embalm the dead, placing them in fetal positions in preparation for rebirth in 3500 to
1750B.C.HoneywasthesacredessencetothegoddessPandora,theAllGiver.Honeyhasbeenassociatedwith
theGoddessasherbeebalm,investedwithrestoringlifetothedead.AnicknameofgoddessDemeteristhe
pure mother bee, and goddess Aphrodites symbol was a golden honeycomb. The titles of high priestess or
queensoftenmeansbeesuchasMelissaandDeborah.Thehoneymoon,traditionallyfromtheweddingnight
spanningalunarmonth(thesamespanofafullcycleofmenstruation),indicatesthecloseassociationofhoney
withthegoddessandrebirth.InBabylonia,honeyisgiventoabridegroomonhisweddingdayanditisspread
on the threshold of newly married couples houses in Croatia. In Germany, beehives were decorated at a
wedding.Honeyisawidespreadsymboloffruitfulnessinloveandmarriage,andhasalonghistoryevenasan
aphrodisiac according to Man, Myth And Magic: The Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Mythology, Religion And The
Unknown (1995), edited by Richard Cavendish. Norse mythology tells of a nectar of the gods that inspires
wisdom, literacy, magic, and eternal life, which was a combination of honey and wise blood or menstrual
blood. Walker (1983) asserts that blood, honey, and salt are the three substances most often associated with
resurrectionorrebirth.TheChinese,Sanskrit,AncientGreek,andEnglishwordforhoneywineormeadallhave
a common root. Ancient Babylon had a honey God and honey represented the universe. Richard Cavendish
furtherexplains,Inthebeliefofmorethanoneancientpeople,honeyisabundantinholyordivineplacesinthe
bookofExodus,theGodofAbrahampromisestheeldersofIsraelthathewillbringthemtoalandflowingwith
milk and honey. In Jewish tradition, the Messiah feeds the pious in heaven with honey and Manna, and in a
number of medieval mystical prayers, Christ himself is addressed as the honeycomb. Honey is poured in
offeringsandlibations.Russia,SouthAfrica,Silesia,Switzerlandallhavecustomsinvolvinghoney.
HornofPlenty:SeeCornucopia.
Horns:Thesignificanceofhornsdateasfarbackasthecavedrawingsof5thcenturyB.C.intheiroriginal
representationastheStagandDoeoffertility.Menwearingbull,stag,ram,orgoathornsareprolificinprimitive
sacredartandlaterbecametheHornedGodsActaeontheStag,DionysusorZeustheBull,AmentheRam,and
PantheGoatwhowereunfortunatelyallcombinedlatertoproducetheChristiandevil.TheHornedGodwas
representativeofthelifeforceofNature(Cabot,1997).AccordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbookTheWomans
Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), horns were connected with the oldest Tantric belief concerning male
vitality:thatbysuppressionofejaculation,mysticenergymountsupthespinetotheheadandflowersforthin
wisdomandmagicpower,madevisiblebyhorns.MariAsherah,thedivinecow,tooktheformofamoonbull,
muchlikeShiva,theWhiteBullNandi,theBlessedOne.Thissymbolcrossesculturesandhasbeenusedbythe
Aztecs,Mayans,Egyptians,Greeks,Romans,andCeltsinspiritualandreligiousforms.Notably,importantCeltic
festivalsoffertility,suchastheSpringEquinoxfestivalofBeltane,utilizethearchetypalenergiesoftheStagand
Doeinaritualofunion,balance,andfertilityandhassurvivedintothiscentury.AccordingtoMan,MythAnd
Magic:TheIllustratedEncyclopediaOfMythology,ReligionAndTheUnknown(1995),editedbyRichardCavendish,
The outstanding courage and virility of the male horned animal led men to adopt the horn as the emblem of
manhood; the gods themselves were frequently depicted as horned in ancient times A challenge to mans
strength, horned creatures have been both feared and admired by him for millennia. The Bible makes several
allusions to horns in association with Yahweh being the horned one. See Gods Underworld Guardians, Devil,
Yahweh,Tertragrammaton.
Horse:SeeAnimals.
Horseshoe: The horseshoe is a symbol of the beginning of creation and cycle of life, as the Great
Mothersfertility.AccordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbookTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAnd
Secrets(1983),Hindus,Arabs,andCeltsregardedtheyonicshapeofthehorseshoeasasymbolof
theGoddesssGreatGate,thusitwasalwaysesteemedasaprophylacticdoorcharm.Druidsand
Hindusbothbuilttemplesintheshapeofahorseshoe,andArabscreatedsacredarchitectureinitsshape.TheGreeks
consideredittheWordofCreationorOm,anduseditssignasthelastletterintheirsacredAlphabet,Omega.
48
Humours, Four: Developed by the Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates (469399 B.C.), these four
vapours of the body were believed by western physicians to regulate health, character and temperament.
Medicinewasprescribedtobalancethefourhumoursandrestoreequilibriumtothebodyandmind.TheFour
Humours,accordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAnd
Myth(2002)areasfollows:
Blood:(redincolor)hotandmoist,associatedwithairandasanguinetemperament(amorous,happy,
generous,andoptimistic).
YellowBile:Hotanddry,associatedwithfireandcholerictemperament(violent,unreasonable,vengeful).
Phlegm:(green in color)cold and moist, associated with waterand a fanatic temperament(slow, dull
andcowardly).
BlackBile:coldanddry,relatedtoearthandassociatedwithamelancholytemperament(gluttonous,
lazy,sentimental,pensiveanddepressive).
Huppah:TheHebrewHuppahisthe marriagecanopy traditionallyheldaboveacoupleduringaJewish
wedding.Thiswasasymbolofpermissiontoenterawomenstent,leftoverfromatimewhenwomenownedthe
property and tents, and she gives permission for her husband to dwell with her. In her book The Womans
EncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),BarbaraWalkerexplains,Thetentandthelanditoccupiedweresymbolic
ofthewomanherself.Beforethedevelopmentofpatriarchalrules,shehadcompletecontrolofherproperty.
Husband:. Hus means bonded to the house. All over Europe and India, before the patriarchal rule of
IslamandChristianity,therearecustomsandphrasesthatreflectthismatriarchalcontrol.InGreeceahusbandwas
calledastrangerandnotconsideredapartoftheclan.InArabiahusbandsdidnotgainprominenceorrecordina
clanuntiltheyfatheredchildren,atwhichtimetheygainedthetitleabu,orfatherof...Thewifeownedthehouse
and land and the husband worked the land for her, but the wife retained the harvest. In her book The Womans
EncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),BarbaraWalkerexplains,amongAngloSaxontribes,husbandrymeant
farmworkasitstilldoesbecauseahusbandwasusuallybondedtoworkonhiswifesland...Theoldcustomof
providingworkincompensationformarriagegaverisetothewordbridegroom,literallythebridesservant.
Iao:SeeGods,Jesus.
Iblis:SeeGods/UnderworldGuardian.
Idolatry:Anidolisanimageinthelikenessofadeityandidolatryisworshipingthatidolasasymbolof
thedeity.InherbookTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),BarbaraWalkerexplains,Thepagan
habitofmakinggravenimagesofdeitiesandheroeswascopiedbytheCatholicchurchandneverabandoned,
despite Gods many prohibitions of idolatry in the Bible (Exodus 20:4, Leviticus 19:4, and more). During the
Protestant Reformation idols were one reason Protestants felt that the Catholic Church no longer followed the
bible.ItwasfearedthatpeoplewouldlosereverenceforidolsandthuslosereverenceforGod.
ImmaculateConception:ImmaculateConceptionreferstoconceptionfreeoforiginalsin(Evesaccused
seductionandAdamssubsequentrebellionwhichcausedthefallofgrace).AccordingtoBarbaraWalker,inher
bookTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),Oftenerroneouslythoughttorefertotheconception
ofChrist,thedoctrineoftheImmaculateConceptionactuallywasinventedtoabsolvethevirginMaryoforiginal
sinfromthemomentofherownconception.Itwasbelievedthatapersontaintedwithsincouldnotbearagod,
andfurthermore,couldnotbeworshipped.However,Mariolatrywasprolificbythe12thcenturysothedoctrine
oftheImmaculateConceptionwascreatedtomakeherholy.In1854PopePiusIXapprovedanarticleoffaithin
which he said that Mary at the first instant of her conception, was preserved immaculate from all stain of
originalsin,bythesingulargraceandprivilegegrantedtoherbyAlmightyGod(asquotedinWalker).
Incense: Incense is often used in meditation or spiritual practices for a variety of purposes. According to
Man,MythAndMagic:TheIllustratedEncyclopediaOfMythology,ReligionAndTheUnknown(1995),editedbyRichard
Cavendish,Theburningofsweetsmellingsubstancesinreligiousceremonies,bothpublicandprivate,isofgreat
antiquityandcommontomanypeoples.Pleasingodorshavebeenthoughttodelightthegodsandtobeoffensiveto
evilspirits.Smokerisingtoheavenwasbelievedtosymbolizetheascentofprayerandsoulstoheaven.
Sage: From the Latin salvere, meaning to save, sage has been used for purification and healing in
EuropeanandNativeAmericantraditions(Shepherd,2002).ItisevenattributedtotheVirginMaryforitspurity.
Frankincense: This incense was prized by the Greeks, Romans, and Jews. The Boswellia tree in Africa
and Asia produces the gum for this incense. According to Symbols Of Church Seasons And Days (1997), by John
49
Bradner, Since it was an accompaniment of worship, it symbolizes divinity. It was also used on the altars of
JewishTemples(Shepherd,2002).
Myrrh:ThegumforthisincensecomesfromAfricaandArabiaandisbitterandpungent.FromSymbols
OfChurchSeasonsAndDays(1997),byJohnBradner,Ancientpeoplesvalueditasaningredientforperfumesand
unguents.Itsymbolizesasufferingbodyordeathbecauseitisusedtoanointbodiesbeforeburial.TheBiblical
JesuswasanointedwithMyrrhtwice,athisbirth(Matthew2:11)andathisdeath(Mark15:23)anditwasusedto
represent rebirth. Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), explains,
myrrhrepresentedthemysticvirginmotherwho wasalsoMotherDeath,calledMary,orMiriam,orMari,or
Myrrha,orastheChristianscalledthevirginMaryMyrrhoftheSea.Inaparallelpaganmyth,thepriestess
Myrrha births the god Adonis, and myrrh was used as an aphrodisiac in his honor. In the Orient, myrrh
representedMara,thespiritofdeath.
Incubus: The Incubus is the practice of inducing a spiritual/insightful dream or vision. In her book The
WomansEncyclopediaofMythsandSecret(1983),BarbaraWalkerexplains,Thepaganincubuswasaspecialpriest
embodyingapropheticspiritwhocouldcomeindreamsorvisionstothosewhoincubatedovernightintheearth
womborpitofatemple.TheGreeksritualizedthispracticeofincubationinthetemplesofAsclepiusandHygeia,
theEgyptianusedthetemplesofImhotep.ThepracticewasChristianizedaswatchingorkeepingvigil,staying
upthroughthenight,prayingforguidance.Abyproductofthesenightstaysintemplesandchurcheswassexual
relationsbetweentheincubatorandthepriest/priestess,andtheChurcheventuallydemonizedtheincubus.
Indulgence:IndulgenceistheCatholicchurchspracticeofabsolvingsins.AccordingtoBarbaraWalker,
inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),Billsofindulgencebecamethespiritualcarrot
correspondingtothestickofexcommunication,whichwasthoughttosentencethesinnerirrevocablytohellfire.
TheyweresoldbyRenaissancepopesasameanstosupporttheirlushlifestylesandpromisedtomilitaryleaders
oftheCrusades.
Infallibility:TheideaofInfallibilityisthatGodwouldnotallowhispopetoactorspeakwithouttotal
divine approval, so therefore whatever the pope did or said was necessarily right and true. The idea first
appearedinthewritingsofTorquemadainthe15thcentury.CardinalCajetanoagreedandthepopecreatedthe
bullPastorEternus,makingitapartofcanonlaw.Bythe19thcentury,scientistswereprovingstatementsofthe
popetobefalse,atleastwhenitcametomattersofearthsciences,sothebullwasrevisedthepopeswordwas
onlyinfalliblewhenhespokeofficially.HoweverthatdidntholduplongeitherandasBarbaraWalker,inher
book,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),explainsItwassoonfoundthatpopeswerewrong
in numerous statements officially enshrined in bulls and encyclicals, and it was revised again, this time the
popeisinfallibleonlywhenspeakingonmattersoffaithandmorals.
Infernus:SeeUnderworld.
Innocents,Slaughterof:TheSlaughteroftheInnocentsisanarchetypalpartofthelifeofasacredkingor
messiah or divine leader, in which the current king is warned of the birth of his rival and successor and in an
attempt to retain power, orders all the recently born infants killed. This has occurred in the myths of Nimrod,
Sargon,Moses,Jason,Krishna,Jesus,andMordred.
Jaguar:SeeAnimals.
JambuIsland:SeeParadise.
Jesus:SeeGods/SaviorGods,Jesus.
Jewel in the Lotus: This translation of the Tantric Holy Phrase, Om mani padme hum, refers to sexual
intercourseliterally,butsymbolicallyhasavarietyofmeanings.SeeUMSMantrascourse.BarbaraWalker,inher
book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), breaks the sexual symbol down as this: the
fructifyingmaleprincipleenclosedwithinthesustaining,birthgiving,envelopingfemaleprinciple.Italsorefers
to creation or the spark of life; as well as the dead body enclosed in the womb of Mother Earth; the cosmic
danceofShiva(thelotus)andKali(thejewel);orthesleepinggod,betweenreincarnations,cradledintheLotus
ofhisMother(Walker,1983).
Journey: Man, Myth And Magic: The Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Mythology, Religion And The Unknown
(1995), edited by Richard Cavendish, states symbol of mans attempt to gain salvation, spiritual perfection,
paradise; examples include the Christians journey in Pilgrims Progress, and the Quest of the Holy Grail: a
methodofattainingholinessorwisdomisoftencalledapath,roadorway.
Jupiter:SeePlanets.
50
Justice:ThepopularsymbolofJusticeasablindfoldedwomanholdingascaleineachhandcomesfromthe
LibrasignoftheZodiac.Howeverthenotionthatjusticeisfeminineisnotspecifictoastrology.PagansandRomansboth
attributed justice as a feminine characteristic. Pythagoreans said, iusticia and aequitas (justice and equity) are innate
attributesofthefemininenatureprinciple.(asquotedinWalker,1983)Zodiac.SeeUMSAstrologycourse.
Kaaba:AlsocalledKubaba,Kuba,andKube.ThisshrineofstonesinMeccaiscurrentlydedicatedtothe
IslamicGod,Allah,butwasoriginallyconstructedinhonoroftheTripleGoddessManat,AlLat,andAlUzza.
KnownastheOldWoman,thisgoddesswasworshippedbyKoreshites,thetribesmenofMohammed.Barbara
Walker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),explains,Thestoneboretheemblem
oftheyoni,liketheBlackStoneworshippedbyvotariesofArtemisalthoughthissymbolismhasbeenlost.
Kalanemi:TranslatedasRimoftheWheelofTime,thisearlyzodiacwassymbolizedbytheMilkyWay
(literally),andtheWorldSerpent(figuratively)whoencirclestheearth,chasingitstail.TheKalanemiwasstudied
asaguideforseasons,festivals,andSabbaths.BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMyths
AndSecrets(1983)asserts,KalanemiwasprobablyanaspectofKaliMaastheCroneofTime.
Kalenderees: Ancient Hindu dervishes, who were traveling teachers of Tantric doctrine in Persia and
Arabia.BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),explains,Theircult
oftheGoddessKalimayhavebeentheoriginofthefemalecenteredSufisectwhichreveredthesamefeminine
Word of Creation (Om, Umm: the Matrix or Motherbelly), and believed that religious fulfillment for men or
womencouldbefoundonlyinsexuallove.
Karma: The Hindu symbol for karma is a neverending cycle of life in which each action
producesanequallypowerfuloppositereaction,necessarytomaintainbalance.Itissimilarto
theconceptFate.BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets
(1983),explainsTheGoddessslawwasthatanyindividualevolutionmustbeworkedoutby
aseriesofreincarnationsthroughtheturningofthegreatwheeloftime.Evilactionsresultedin
rebirthtoamoreevillife;goodactionsbroughtlivesofincreasingvirtueandhappiness.
Man Myth And Magic: The Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Mythology, Religion And The Unknown (1995), edited by
RichardCavendishsays,Thelawofcosmicrequitalforonesgoodandbaddeeds,knownaskarma,isacentral
concept of all Hindu and Buddhist sects, the chief aim of which is the acquittal of the soul of its debts; this is
achievedbysuccessiverebirthuntiltheslateiswipedcleanEveryaction,everythought,everypassingwishis
alinkinthechainthattethersmanmorefirmlytothewheelofbirthdeathrebirth;hemustcontinuetoreturnto
earthuntilallkarmaisexpended.TheWheelofLife(left)isoftenartisticallydepictedinthemandala.
Kernos:Meaningkernelorheart,thisEleusiniasymbolrepresentedthefertilityandharvestofnew
lifeandwasrepresentedbyaseedsplantedinasacredpot(symbolicoftheuterus).Laterthisevolvedintothe
traditionofwomenplantingwheatorbarleyinapotcalledGardenofAdonis.BarbaraWalker,inherbook,The
WomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),saysCeremoniesofthekernoswerestillobserveduptothe20th
centuryinSardinia,Sicily,Calabria,andotherareas.
Keroessa:ByzantinetitlefortheHornedOne.SeeHorns.
Key: Man, Myth And Magic: The Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Mythology, Religion And The Unknown (1995),
editedbyRichardCavendishsays,Animportantsymbolinmagic,religionandfolklorebecauseitprovidesand
preventsaccesstosomesoughtafterplaceorspiritualcondition;associatedwithentrancetotheMysteries,andto
degrees of initiation; in many religions the key has the power to open heaven and hell; freedom of a city is
symbolicallygrantedbybeinggiventhekeys,andadecorativekeyispresentedon21stbirthdaystounlockthe
doorofadultstatus.
KhertNeter:SeeUnderworld.
KhonMa:SeeEarth.
Kingship:TheKingwasconsidered,inmanycultures,sacredleaderfortheGoddess.Inancienttimesof
Asiatic, Sumeria, and Assyria, kings were chosen by women and were not succeeded by their sons. Barbara
Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983) explains, Women were the
kingmakersinthelandsheruled.MarriagewastheearthlyrepresentativeoftheGoddess,andintheformofthe
queen,wasessentialtothepositionofkingship
Kiss: The gesture of a kiss symbolizes affection and love, usually and probably derived from copying the
affectionate behavior of mothers with their children. It was also common for mothers to prechew food and feed it
mouthtomouthwiththeirchildreninGermanyandAustria.BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopedia
51
OfMythsAndSecrets(1983)says,Scholarsbelievekissingoriginatedwithmouthtomouthfeeding,practicedamong
ancientGreeksandothersasaformofloveplay.InEuropeitwasbelievedthatkissingpromotedbondingbetween
tribemembers,butkissingwasunheardofinnorthernAsiaandtheEskimosrubbednosesinstead.JudasintheBible
betrayedJesuswithakiss,symbolizinghowclosetheywere,andthesignificanceofthebetrayal.
Knighthood: The ceremony of Knighthood involved touching each shoulder in turn with a sword.
BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)explains,IntheMiddleAges,
aknightwascreatedbyasymbolicimitationoftheritualthatusedtomakeamanintoagod:beheadinghim.
CeltsandGreeksalikeperformedthisritual.
Knot:Knotswereasymboloffatefortheancients,whenitwasbelievedthattheFategoddess
tiedthethreadsoflifetogethertocausecertainevents.Aphroditewasresponsiblefortying
theknot(marriage)betweencouplesandIsisHathortiedoruntiedTat,theKnotofFatefor
Egyptians (Walker, 1983). Greeks, Pagans, Celts, Witches, Scotts, Jews, Mexican midwives
believed in and/or used knot magic to influence fate. Man, Myth And Magic: The Illustrated
EncyclopediaOfMythology,ReligionAndTheUnknown(1995),editedbyRichardCavendishsays,
Apowerfulmagicalweapon,becausetotieaknotistoimpedethepersonagainstwhomthespellisdirected;to
untietheknotistoreleasethevictimfromthespell;thewitchesladder,astringwithnineknots,wasbelievedto
throttle the victim slowly to death; in many societies knots were tied at love and marriage; tying knots is widely
believedtopreventconception,anduntyingthemisthoughttoeasechildbirth.Celticknotpicturedhere.
Koran: This sacred book of the Moslem religion is believed to be written based on the Prophet
Mohammedslife,byhisclosefollowers.Man,MythAndMagic:TheIllustratedEncyclopediaOfMythology,Religion
AndTheUnknown(1995),editedbyRichardCavendishsays,theKoranisThesacredbookofIslam,Godseternal
and uncreated word, which was revealed to Mohammed while he was at Mecca and Medina; it contains 114
chapters,orsuras,andisregardedasinfallible.However,BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopedia
OfMythsAndSecrets(1983),statesmanydontknowtheKoranwasanenlarged,revisedversionoftheancient
WordoftheGoddessKore,reveredbyMohammedstribe,theKoreshites(ChildrenofKore),whoguardedher
shrineatMecca.LiketheChristianandJewishbibles,theKoranhasbeenrevisedandrewrittenthroughoutthe
decadestosuittheneedsofthoseinpower.SeeKaaba.
Kula: This Hindu word associated with menstrual blood refers to the flower or nectar of
menstruation. Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983) says, A girl
bore the Kula flower at first menstruation, which assimilated her to the clan spirit dwelling in maternal
bloodlines.ItalsoreferstothecircumcisionofadolescentboysinFiji,throughthebeliefthathisgenitalblood
giveshimfertilitymagic.SeeCircumcision.
Kyklos Geneseon: This Greek symbol translates as Wheel of Rebirth or Wheel of Becoming and
representstheideaofreincarnation.BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets
(1983),assertsthatitisasymbolofearlyGreekideasofreincarnationputforthbysuchphilosophicalsectsasthe
PythagoreansandStoics.
Labarum: This is the symbol that Constantine claimed to have seen in a vision in the sky, which
converted him to Christianity. It is known as the monogram of Christ. Later records of the story change the
symboltoacross.Constantinelaterorderedthissymbolplacedontheshieldsofhissoldiers.Infact,thissymbol
belongedtothegodMithra,honoredbythesoldiersofthelegions.ConstantinesclaimthatitrepresentedChrist
was an attempt to assimilate the symbol and thus Christianize his soldiers. Barbara Walker, in her book, The
Womans Encyclopedia OfMyths And Secrets(1983), claims that a series of holy signs fromPhilae showthat the
labarumevolvedfromtheEgyptianankh.SeeAnkh.
Labrys: This doublebladed ax was used as a ceremonial weapon, representing the Goddess by her
variousnamesGaea,Rhea,Demeter,andArtemis.ThisdeitywasworshippedbytheAmazonianandScythian
warrior women of ancient times and the ax was used in her honor. Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans
EncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),pointsoutthatInmoderntimesthelabryshasbeenadoptedbylesbians
asasymbolofreminiscence,injewelryorart,oftheallfemalecommunityofLesbosanditsfoundingmothers
whoworshippedonlytheGoddessinnatureandineachother.
Labyrinth:AlsocalledDromenon.TheLabyrinthrepresentsajourneyofdeathandrebirthand
is used as a spiritual tool for symbolic rebirth of the spirit and soul. Originally meaning
HouseoftheDoubleAxfromtheceremonialLabrys,(seeabove)theLabyrinthwasusedasa
52
small visual representation over the entrance of sacred caves used for the purpose of rebirth
ceremonies or lifesized path carved or drawn onto cave floors. From the Labyrinth evolved
themaze,whichhasbeenasacredsymboltoGnostic,Pagan,andChristiansalike,whouseditin
floor designsand hedges.Barbara Walker,in her book,TheWomans Encyclopedia OfMythsAndSecrets(1983), says,
Earlylabyrinthinedesignsoncoins,caves,tombs,etc.referredtotheearthwombsuchlabyrinthsweremeantfor
ceremonialwalking.SeeLabrys,above.
Ladder:TheGnostictraditioncalleditaxismundi,MithraicMysteriescalleditklimax,Egyptiantradition
called it Ladder of Set, and Christianity called it Jacobs Ladder and Ladder to Paradise. The ladder is a
symbolforthesoulspathtoheavenandbackagain.ItisusedinShamanisticdeathandrebirthceremoniesandis
climbedbysages,prophets,kingsandbodhisattvas.Asianstribes,whoplaceditongraves,andEgyptians,who
reserved the ladder for pharaohs and prophets, believed that souls ascend to heaven on a ladder. In India the
laddersrungsweremadeofwoodenswordblades;inChinatheywereknives;inAsiatherewerefourteenrungs
forthefourteendaysofdarkwaningofthemoon,inGnostictraditionthesoulladderhadsevenrungsforthe
sevenheavens.Atthetopoftheladderitwasbelievedtheseekerwouldmeettheirdeity,andtheladderwasalso
asymbolofthemarriagebetweenGodandGoddess,asthesexualinnuendoofthetitleklimaxsuggests.Barbara
Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), explains, Priestkings in antiquity
climbedsoulladderstomeettheGoddessontheoccasionoftheirhierosgamosandalsoafterdeath,whentheir
soulsreturnedtotheMotherwhoborethem.SeeSacredMarriage.
Lamb:SeeAnimals.
Lantern: Particularly important to Buddhists, for whom the light of lanterns symbolizes the Buddhas
wisdom and knowledge, according to Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes
MeanInArtAndMyth(2002).InChinatheyarealsoconnectedwithfertility,andalitlanternisusedasafertility
charm.DuringtheChineseLanternFestivalandJapaneseBonFestivallanternsarebelievedtoattractthesoulsof
deadancestors.Similarly,pumpkinlanternsarelitonAllHallowsEveorAllSaintsEve(October31st).Christ
holdingalanternsymbolizesthelightoftheworld.
Laurel:SeeTrees.
Leopard:SeeAnimals.
LeftHand:FromtheLatinwordssinisterleftanddexterright,theleftacquirednegativeconnotations,
aswellasbeingassociatedwithwitchcraft,whiletheright,dexterous,acquiredpositiveconnotations,likeskilled,
righteous, and correct. In French, left, gauche, means clumsy or stupid; the English translation is gawky. The
Italian mancino means deceitful; the German link means wrong and perverse; the AngloSaxon lyft means
worthlessandweak.Thisbiastowardtherightcomesfromapatriarchaldevaluingofthefeminine,traditionally
associatedwiththeleftside.BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)
asserts,Allmythsagreethattherightsidewasmale,theleftsidefemale.
Lent: The fast of Lent is a Christian tradition of abstaining during the month of March, in recognition of
Christs sacrifice. In actuality this tradition evolved from the Saxon tradition of Lenetmonath (one lunar month
duringthelengtheningofdays),whichwascopiedfromtheRomanMatronalia(FestofMothers).Womenheld
theseRomanfertilityrightsinthesacredgrovesoftheAventineandPalatinehills,wheretheysacrificedtoConsus,
theharvestgod,andfastedandpracticedabstinenceinpreparationfortheAprilfertilityfestivalofCeres.
Leo:SeeZodiacSigns.
Lesbians:ThewordlesbianisderivedfromthefemaleonlyGreekislandofLesbos,inhabitedbyAmazons.
LesboswasdedicatedtotheworshipofAphroditeandArtemisinthe6thcenturyB.C.andthesedeitieswerehonored
with charis (music, dancing, philosophy, poetry, art, and romance). This island produced the famous poet Sappho
(unfortunatelyonlyasmallportionofheroriginalworksurvived).Thehistoryoflesbianismisasvariedanddifferent
as there are cultures and women in the world. In general, a patriarchal society discouraged independent female
relationships,however,abeliefinalackoffemalesexualityatothertimeshascreatedexceptionalfreedomforwomen
to live and be together (for instance, thanks to Queen Elizabeths claim that women were not sexual, lesbian
relationshipsintheformofBostonMarriageswerecommonduringtheturnofthecentury).Ingeneral,patriarchal
structures are ignorant of female sexuality, which bred fear and violence toward all women, lesbians in particular.
BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),states,ChristianEuroperegarded
lesbianismasacrimewithoutaname,andsometimesburnedlesbiansalivewithouttrial.
Libra:SeeZodiacSigns.
53
Light:Manymysticaljourneysincludeatimeofdarknessanddiscovery,attheendofwhichtheseeker
seesthegreatlightofillumination(oftenexperiencedliterally).Man,MythAndMagic:TheIllustratedEncyclopedia
OfMythology,ReligionAndTheUnknown(1995),editedbyRichardCavendishsays,Inmosttraditionsdarkness
precedesandisolderthanlight,andwhenlightcameintobeingitpenetratedadarknessthatwastherebeforeit,
justastherisingsunbanishessleepandtheblindnessofnightandbringsthedaytimeforactivity.Wepatternthe
basic rhythm of our lives on this alternation of night and day In religion, legend and symbolism light is
primarilyconnectedwithgoodandwithcreativepower.
Lightning:LightningisatoolofGodinmanymyths.AncientEuropeanandIndiancreationmythstellof
aHeavenlyFatherconsummatingMotherEarthwithalightningbolt.Manygodshavewieldedthelightningbolt
including Zeus (Greek), Jupiter (Roman), and the original Dyaus Pitar (meaning Father Heaven in India).
LightningalsowasasymbolofadescendingfromheaventoearthasDumuzi,Leviathan,andDionysusdidand
laterinspiringthefallfromgracestoriesofLuciferandSatan.Amongthebasicassumptionsatplayhereisthat
GodisfieryinnatureandtheGoddesswatery.
Lilith:SeeMother/PreserverGoddesses.
Lily:SeeFlower,Lilies.
Lingam: The Lingam is a Hindu symbol for god in general, Shiva in particular, and is represented by a
penis(eitherlifesizedorlargepillarlike)andisthecounterparttothefeminineyoni.BarbaraWalker,inherbook,
TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)says,Thelingamyoniisstillthesupremesymbolofthevital
principle,representingmaleandfemalegenitaliainconjunction.AnancientcustomofGreece,Rome,theMiddle
East,andHindusistohavebridesandpriestesses(alsocalledtempleharlots)undergoaceremonyofthelingamin
whichtheyenterintosacredmarriagewithGod(Shiva)throughritualpenetration.SeeJewelintheLotus,andYoni,
Pillar.
Lion:SeeAnimals.
Little Red Riding Hood: This fairy tale is based on the archetypal characters of the triple goddess
(Maiden, Mother, Crone). Little Red Riding Hood is the redcloaked maiden (Diana of paganism), sent on an
errandbyhermother(themother),tovisithergrandmother(theCrone).Onherwaysheisinterruptedbythe
threateningwolf, (also the Crone), but is rescued by the woodsman (representing any number ofForest Gods).
Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), sees that The Hunter was
originallyleChasseurMaudit,orpaganLordoftheHunt;whilethemaneatingSheWolforgrandmotherwasa
westernformoftheKalika.SeeDog.
Logos:Logosistheideathatthesupremedeitycouldcreateanythingthatwaswantedbysimplycalling
its name, including other goddesses/gods, universes and creatures. Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans
EncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)explains,TheLogos,then,wasdivineessenceconcentratedinaWord
andmademanifest,asJesuswascalledtheWordmadeflesh.Logoswaspopularamongpatriarchalreligions
becauseitgavemaledeitiesthepowertocreate,whichhaduntilthenbeenreservedfortheGoddess.Logoshas
passed from Tantrism to Neoplatonic philosophy to Christianity, but originated with the Egyptian concept of
hekau,WordofPower.TheoriginalDeitiesinvestedwiththeWordofPowerwereGoddesseslikeHecate,Kali,
etc., who created sacredlanguages (Sanskrit), mantras, andalphabets. The originalWord,the tone that created
the universe is Om, and is claimed in mythology to be spoken by Kali as an invocation of her own pregnant
belly (Walker). Kalis Om is not specific to Egypt and appearsin the nameof many goddesses like the Celtic
MoonmotherOmh(SheWhoIs);ShebanMoontempleofMaribAum(BellyoftheWorld);Lydiancalledtheir
GoddessqueenOmphale;Greekscalledtheirtemplesomphalos;theGreekshonoredOmasthelastletteroftheir
alphabet,Omega(meaningGreatOm).SeeOm,andName.
Lorelei: TheLoreleiis the name ofafamous rock of the RhineRiver. BarbaraWalker, in her book, The
WomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),explainsitisancientlyidentifiedwithaWatersirenorRiver
goddesswholuredmentodeathbydrowning.
Lotus:SeeFlowers,Lotus.
LotusPosition:Sittingcrossleggedwitheachfootontoptheoppositeknee.ThisTantricyogapose
is practiced for meditation. Celtic Gods were also depicted in the Lotus Position as were some
figures made by Pagan Scandinavians. Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of
MythsAndSecrets(1983),pointsout,Themedievalchurchdenouncedthiscrossleggedposeasa
relicofpaganism,anddeclaredallwhosatcrossleggedwereworkingsorcery.
54
Lucifer:SeeGods/UnderworldGuardian,Lucifer.
Luna:ThisLatintitlefortheMoongoddessisconsorttotheGnosticSungodSol.BarbaraWalker,inher
book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983) asserts, Together they represented fire and water,
whose combination produced the Blood of Life. Many creation myths tell of the Moon as the ultimate, first
Creatress,whocreatedtheworldoutofherprimaloceanofchaos.
LunarCalendar:SeeMenstrualCalendar.
Ma:SeeMotherPreserverGoddesses,Ma.
MagenDavid:BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),states,
TheoriginalsourceoftheMagenDavidwastheTantricGreatyantra,whichstoodforunionofthesexes;The
downwardpointingtrianglebeingfemale,theupwardpointingonemale,thetwosignifyingtheeternalunionof
God and Goddess. Taught to the Jews by Cabalistic sexworshipers, the Yantras original meaning was later
obscured.SeeHexagram,StarofDavid.
Magic:MagicwaslegalinRomantimesandtolerateduptotheearlyMiddleAges,whenitassistedthe
nobilityandchurchandwasoftenemployedindecidingaffairsandwardingoffdemons.BarbaraWalker,inher
book,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),Thoughthechurchcondemnedmagicasadevilish
art,theAgesofFaithwerefilledwithmagicalbeliefsandpractices.
Magic Carpet: The idea of a Magic Carpet appears in several cultures. It probably originated from an
Eastern Shamanic tradition of initiates learning to fly during spiritjourney. In Asia, during the initiation
process,theinitiatewascarriedonacarpetbyfourpriests(similartothepracticeinancientEgyptoffourSonsof
Horus carrying dead men). Also, learning to fly to heaven and back again in trance was an important part of
deathandresurrectionceremonies.AMagicCarpetbecameasymbolforbeingabletotravelinthemind.
Mama:SeeMotherPreserverGoddesses,Mama.
Man:TheoriginalNorsewordmanmeantwomanandwermeantman,(Walker,1983).Manwasalsoa
titlefortheprimeCreatressMooninScandinavia.InRomeManorManawasthemotherofallmanes(ancestral
spirits).EventheSanskritrootwordmanmeantmoonandwisdom.
Mandala: The mandala (Sanskrit for circle) is used as a meditation tool in both Hinduism and
Buddhism.Usuallycircular,amandalacanalsoappearinotherformssuchasthelotus.BarbaraWalker,inher
book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), states that as an Oriental sacred diagram or
meditationsymbolContemplationofthemandalawassupposedtoleadtomysticalinsight.Man,MythAnd
Magic: The Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Mythology, Religion And The Unknown (1995), edited by Richard Cavendish
furtherexplains,Themandalaorcircleisoneofthemostwidespreadofallsymbols,foundinreligiousartinall
parts of the world. In the East, it so consecrated that space may be regarded as charged with the presence of
deitieswhohavebeenhousedwithinit.Oftenusingrepeatingdesignsandcolors,mandalasmayalsobesplit
intosectionswitheachsectionrepresentingadifferentaspect,likeamedicinewheel.
Mandorla: A Mandorla, from the Latin word for almond, is the vesica, halo or aura that surrounds
saintsinmedievalChristianart(includingChristandtheVirginMary)andthedeitiesinBuddhistart.
AccordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAnd
Myth(2002),Encompassingtheentirefigure,itsymbolizeswholenessandhealing.
Manifest Destiny: Manifest Destiny was the phrase of early white settlers to North America who
believedthatitwastheirdivinelyappointedmissiontosettlethecontinentfromseatosea,civilizingthenative
peoples in the process. This civilizing process, besides arrogant and greedy, was often inhumane and cruel.
Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), says that when Native
AmericansobjectedtoManifestDestiny,theGeneralInCommandssolutionwastoexterminatethebuffalo,on
whomthePlainsIndiansdependedforfood,shelter,andclothing.Whenthegreatherdswerekilledandleftto
rot,manyIndiantribesdiedoffamine.ThiswashailedasaworkingofManifestDestiny.
As well as endeavoring to inflict mass genocide on the native people, the white settlers took it upon
themselves to convert the native people to their own religion. In response, a Seneca chief told missionaries in
1805: Brother, we do not wish to destroy your religion, or take it from you; we only want to enjoy our own.
Brother.Wearetoldthatyouhavebeenpreachingtowhitepeopleinthisplace;wewillwaitalittlewhileand
see what effect your preaching has upon them. If we find it does them good, makes them honest, and less
disposedtocheatIndians,wewillthenconsideragainwhatyouhavesaid.(Starkloff,ascitedinWalker)The
55
genocideoftheNativeAmericanpeopleisashorrendousastheHolocaustandtheInquisition,however,itdoes
notusuallyreceivethesameawarenessintheUnitedStates.
Mantra:AMantraisacombinationofwordsofpowerthatarespokenrepetitivelytoinvokedivineenergy.
ThisbeliefissharedbytheEgyptianideaofhekauandNeoplatonictheoryofLogos.BarbaraWalker,inherbook,The
WomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),explainsTherootwordmanmeantfemininewisebloodemanating
from the moon; it was usually defined as Intelligence. (See Man.) Mantras have been used by Egyptians, Hindus,
RomanPagans,Tibetanlamas,andTantricyogis.TheMotherofMantrasisconsideredtobematrikamantra,KalisWord
ofCreation,Om,asthewordthatbroughtintobeingtheuniverse.Walkerasserts,Hindusbelievedanythingcouldbe
accomplishedif one only knew the correct mantras. The Catholic Church had a similar belief which caused them to
retaintheLatinlanguageformass,longaftercommonersnolongerspokeLatin,becauseitwasbelievedthattherewas
powerinvestedintheverysoundofthewords.SeeLogos,andJewelInTheLotus.
Mars:SeePlanets.
Mascot:SeeAnimals,Mascots.
MashyaandMashyoi:AnearlyversionoftheAdamandEvemythfromPersia,MashyaandMashyoiwerethe
primarycouplebirthedfromtheearthwombafter40yearsofgestation(aparalleltothe40weeksofpregnancy).Barbara
Walker,inherbookTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)says,God(AhuraMazda)toldthemnotto
listentotheliesofthedevil(Ahriman).Buttheydisobeyed,andcametoregardAhrimanasthecreatorofthefeminine
elements, water, earth, and fruit. Like the biblical creation story, this couple also gave birth to seven other primary
couples,whosedescendentspopulatedtheearth.SeeEve,Adam,andParadise,Eden.
Mask: Masks have been used as a tool to connect humans with deities or animal spirits, as hidden
identities,asrepositoriesofsacredpower,personifyingthesupernatural,andmarksofdistinction.Earliestmask
cavepaintingswereOldStoneAgeofFranceandSpainc.20,000B.C.BarbaraWalker,inherbookTheWomans
EncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)explains,Itiscommonplaceinprimitivereligionthatdeityresidesina
sacredmask.Itisbelievedthatwhenthemaskisputon,thewearerbecomestheanimalordeityitrepresents.
CarlJung,inhisbook,ManAndHisSymbols(1964)clarifiesthatareligiousmaskwearerisntpretendingtobea
lion;heisconvincedthatheisaLion...[He]sharesapsychicidentitywiththeanimal(ascitedinWalker,1983).
Many cultures, from Paleolithic times to preChristian Europe, to modern Africa, Melanesian, and Australiaall
usemaskmagic.Scandinavianpeopleswordformaskwasgrim,whichwasalsoapartoftheirgodsnames,like
GrimReaper(themaskedreaperofsouls).Christianitydemonizedmaskwearing,claimingthatiswaspossessed
by the devil, leading to the negative connotation on the Grim Reaper. Man, Myth And Magic: The Illustrated
Encyclopedia Of Mythology, Religion And The Unknown (1995), edited by Richard Cavendish states, In many
primitivesocietiesamaskismorethanameansofchangingyourappearance;itisalinkwiththeworldofthe
spirits,achannelbywhichmencantaptheforcepossessedbysupernaturalbeingsthehumanguardianand
wearer of the mask partakes of the power of the spirit or divinity which the mask symbolizes and is thereby
elevatedabovethecommonmassoftheuninitiated.
Mass: Catholic religious practice including the consumption of wine and bread representing the body
and blood of Jesus Christ. Barbara Walker, in her book The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983),
asserts that mass is derived from the Latin missa, from the PersianMithraic communion cake called mizd,
thoughttoembodythedivinefleshandbloodoftheSoleCreatedBullsacrificedbyMithra.
MatrilinealInheritance:BeforetheGreekscreatedasystemofpatriarchalrule,whichwaslateradoptedand
spreadbyChristianity,almosteveryonefollowedthesystemofMatrilinealInheritanceinwhichpossessions,children,
property,andevenkingdomswerepassedfrommothertodaughter.Traditionally,amaidenwouldstayinherhome,
inherittheland,andbeburiedunderherhearth,withtheexpectationthatsonswouldventureouttofindawife.In
factitwassometimesaviolationoflawtotakeabridefromherfamily.Remnantsofthissystemofsuccessionsurvived
inpartsoftheBritishIslesuntilthe9thcentury.TheEnglishwordheirisderivedfromtheGreekwordforafemale
landownerhereorHera,thegoddess.TheLatinwordforlandowner,latifundia,isderivedfromtheGoddessLat.
In Egypt, Lydia, Africa, Ireland, Middle East, and within tribes such as Sioux, Cree, Kiowa, Algonquin, Pawnee,
Seminole,Seneca,andSeminole,womenweremistressesofthesoil(Walker,1983).Perhaps,becausewomenwere
the first to cultivate land, it was considered natural as Barbara Walker, in her book The Womans Encyclopedia Of
Myths And Secrets (1983) explains: Indian men didnt resent the prerogatives of motherright. They considered the
mothersauthoritynatural,asChristiansconsideredthefathersauthoritynatural.EverywhereChristianmissionaries
went, they tried to reform these systems, resulting in destruction of clan ties, and disrespect for women, creating
56
masculine dominance. Walker explains, Patriarchal religious authorities everywhere changed ancient systems of
matrilineal inheritance to put property in the hands of men. Interestingly, a side effect of this was to produce
weddingsthatmockedstealingthebrideandpropertyfromthebridesfamily.Walkerasserts,Thelegal/ecclesiastical
waronfemalepropertyownershipwentoncenturyaftercentury,untilwomenweresohamstrungbythelawsofGod
andmanthattheyhadalmostnothingleftthattheycouldcalltheirown.
Mara:SeeCrone/DestroyerGoddesses,Mara.
Mari:NamefortheCroneGoddess.SeeMara.
Marriage: Marriage is a religious and secular symbol of commitment between two or more people, or a
person with a deity, the implications of which vary from culture to culture. Originating from the Latin word
maritare, marriage was a union presided over by the Goddess AphroditeMari, before the rule of patriarchal
religions,butlaterwouldbepresidedoverbyherson(withDionysus)HymeninGrecoRome.Matriarchalsocieties
retained flexibility about the structure of marriage and the necessity of marriage. Asian Gods had to be married;
Brahman priests could not perform important rituals unless they were married; Oriental mystics believed mens
spiritualityrequiredmarriage;TantricbeliefwasthatwomenrepresentedtheGoddess;unmarriedIsraelitescould
notbecomepriests;Jewishscriptureinsinuatedthatmengainedstatusthroughmarriage;theRomanhighpriest,the
FlamenDialis,onlyruledthroughhismarriagewiththeFlaminica,thehighpriestess;theCeltspracticedpoligamy;
and preBrahmanism Indian wives retained sovereignty. In China the bride was represented by a phoenix and
consideredempressfortheday.Similarlyin16thand17thcenturyEuropethebrideworeawreathorcrownlikea
queen (Shepherd, 2002). All over the globe, a mans authority was justified through his marriage, which was
completelyretractablebythewife.AccordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMyths
AndSecrets(1983),theearlyAnglicanmarriageserviceincludedthebridegroomsaying:WiththisringItheewed
andthisgoldandsilverIgivetheeandwithmybodyItheeworship,andwithallmyworldlychattelsItheehonor.
Thebrideresponded:Itaketheetobemyweddedhusband,tohaveandtohold,forfairerforfouler,forbetterfor
worse,forricher,forpoorer,insicknessandinhealth,tobebonnyandbuxom[whichpossiblymeansmeekand
obedient]inbedandatboard,tilldeathusdepart.
TheGreeks,oneofthefirstpatriarchalsocieties,believedthatamanshoulddominateandcontrolhiswife.
AttheturnofthefirstcenturyA.D.,duringtheriseofpatriarchalreligion,theattitudetowardmarriageandfemale
sovereignty changed to reflect masculine control and dominance. Early Christian dogma believed marriage was
unclean,obscene,andacrimeagainstGod,becauseitchangedthestateofvirginitythatGodgaveeverymanand
womanatbirth.(Walker,1983)SaintsandpriestsalikefoundmarriageanabominationagainstGod,foundedon
thebelief,asSaturninusputit,Godmadeonlytwokindsofpeople,goodmenandevilwomen.(Walker,1983)
WalkerstatestheSyrianChristianChurchbelieved,Marriageperpetuatedthedeviltryofwomen,whodominated
men through the magic of sex The Christian priesthood was fighting ancient traditions in which it was
remembered that male spiritual authority was dependent on marriage: either a hieros gamos (Sacred Marriage)
between the ruler of a land and his Goddess, or the mandatory husbandship of priests who were not allowed to
contact the deities unless they had wives. It was not until the 16th century that the Christian Church created a
sacramentofmarriage,andthiswasonlydonereluctantly.AccordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook
1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), In many cultures, the bride leaves her parental family
whenshemarries.Oftenthiswasseenasadeathinthefamily,asinthecaseofJapanesebrideswhoworewhiteto
symbolize their death and ancient Greek brides who were accompanied to their new home by lamentation and
torchestowardofevilspirits.SeeHusband,andSacredMarriage.
Mars:SeePlanets.
Martyrs: A Martyr is a Christian who died in the persecution during the 4th and 5th century and was
turned into a Saint by the church, gaining Christlike status and becoming among the blessed in heaven
(Walker,1983).OneofthebiggestconflictsthatcreatedMartyrswaswithDiocletian,beginningin298A.D.and
basicallyendingby313A.D.ChristianZealotsinterruptedandpreventedanofferingtoDiocletianspriestsand
were in turn imprisoned and forced to make offerings to the Gods, then released, although a few who refused
were executed. Barbara Walker, in herbook, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), asserts that
Thesetenyearsandcomparativelyfewdeathswereblownupintoalegendaryreignofterror.
Mary: As with Jesus, Mary the Mother of God is a composite of many early Goddesses such as
AphroditeMari,theBlessedVirginJuno,StellaMaris(StaroftheSea),anotherfaceofIsis,TheOrientalVirgin
MotheroftheRedeemer,Maya,TheSemicQueenofHeaven,Mariamne,andmore.Overthefirstfourcenturies
57
oftheChristianera,theideaofMaryformedandwastransformedwithdifferentaspectsoftheGoddess.Itisfor
thisreasonthatFathersoftheChristianChurchstronglyopposedtheworshipofMarybecausetheywerewell
awarethatshewasonlyacompositeofGoddesses,asBarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOf
Myths And Secrets (1983) points out, The Speculum beatae Mariae said Mary was like the JunoArtemisHecate
trinity:queenofheavenwheresheisenthronedinthemidstoftheangels,queenofearthwheresheconstantly
manifests her power, and queen of hell where she has authority over the demons. The Church went to great
lengths to prevent Mary from being worshipped, although she was the logical suppository of adoration of the
Goddess for recently converted pagans. Apparently, Anastasius declared, Let no one call Mary the Mother of
God, for Mary was but a woman, and it is impossible that God should be born of a woman. (Walker, 1983)
However, Marys position in the church has varied over time. The Patriarch of Constantinople, Germanus in
717A.D.claimedthatashistruemotherGodobeyedherthroughandinallthings,makingherthepathto
grace.ThebeliefthatMarywasaliteralvirginisamistranslationoftheoriginalLatintext(Gardner,1997).See
Virgin/Birth.
MaryMagdalene:TheBiblicalfigureofMaryMagdalenehasrecentlybeenasubjectofmuchscholarly
andtheologicaldebate.PopularbeliefisthatMaryMagdaleneisarepentedsinnerandfollowerofJesus,whom
Jesussavedfromstoningandexorcisedsevendemonsfromher.ThisisactuallynotsupportedbytheBibleand
comesfromadeliberateconfusionofMaryandanunnamedprostitutealsointheBiblebyPopeSt.GregoryIin
591A.D.However,theexorcismofthesevendemonsisBiblicallyaccurate,accordingtoSirLaurenceGardner,in
his lecture The Hidden History of Jesus and the Holy Grail (1997). In actuality Mary Magdalene is the sole person
Jesusappearedtoafterhisresurrection,adefiningeventinChristianity,aswellasbeingafinancialbackerand
valuedcompanionofJesus.BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)
states, Books later eliminated from the canon by Christian censors gave further curious details about the
relationship: Jesus loved Mary Magdalene more than all other apostles, called her Apostle to the Apostles and
theWomanWhoKnewtheAll,andoftenkissedher.Hesaidshewouldexceleveryotherdiscipleinthecoming
kingdomofLight,whereshewouldrule.
Other biblical writings eliminated from the canon of the bible, the Gnostic Gospels, reveal a loving, if not
intimaterelationshipbetweenMaryMagdaleneandJesus,whomhecalledDearlyBeloved.ExactlywhoMarywas
isunknown,althoughhistorianshavesomeidea.ShecouldbeMaryofMagdala,signifyingthatshewasimportant
enoughtobeassociatedwithwhereshecamefrom,likeJesusofNazarene(Gardner,1997).Magdalenemayalsohave
meant She of the templetower, as Walker (1983) suggests, meaning that she was a priestess and sacred temple
harlot.ItmayalsobethatMaryisthetitleoranorderofpriestesses,asGardner(1997)suggests,andifthisisthecase,it
mayalsobetrueofMarythemotherofJesusaswell.MaryisacorruptionoftheGoddesssnameMariorMara.The
BabylonianTripleGoddessMariAnnaIshtarmaybetheoriginsofthisarchetypalsacredwhore,whoboreasavior
son.Walkerasserts,TheGospelofMarysaidallthreeMarysofthecanonicalbookswereoneandthesame.See
Mara,Jesus,Bible,Prostitution.SeeUMSMysticalBeginingsofChristianitycourse.
Maize: In Mayan mythology, humans were madeby mixing the gods ownblood withmaize
flour. The Mayan Earth God is depicted sprouting from a stalk or maize (left). Rowena and
RupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),explains,
FormostofthegreatculturesofancientCentralAmerica,toeatmaizewastoeatthefleshof
thegods,andthisbeliefmayaccountforthepracticeofhumansacrificeasagifttothegodsin
return.TheIndigenousAmericansrecognizedmaizeasoneofthethreesisters,alongwith
beans and squash, which form their staple diet. The Hopi use maize in healing ceremonies,
blessing,andtomakemasksanddolls.TheHopiMaizeGodispicturedatleft.
Maypole:AspartofthepaganMayDayfestival,Maypolesofcoloredribbonswerewovenbyyoungwomen
andmendancinginoppositedirections.MayDayisafertilityfestival,themaypoleaphallicsymbol.SeePillar.
MedicineWheel:SeeDirections.
MedicineBundle/Pouch:UsedbyNativeAmericans,theMedicinePouchcontainssacredandspiritual
objectssuchasherbs,ceremonialtools,andobjectsspecialtotheowner.RowenaandRupertShepherdintheir
book1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),state,Itmaybemadebyanindividualforpersonal
use, by a healer, a shaman or a medicine man, or as a collective representation of the spiritual power and
cohesivenessofatribeorasociety.
Menorah:SeeCandelabrum.
58
MenstrualCalendar:AlsocalledLunarCalendarandtheMayanCalendar.Thissystemdivides
theyearin13months,of28days,eachcontainingfour7dayweeksandisbasedonthewaxing
and waning of the moon in which the Sabbath falls on the new, waxing, full, and waning
moons.Thissystemcreated364daysaccumulatedfromthelunarmonths,soitwasnecessaryto
alsoaddadayeveryyeartomake365days,whichcreatedthesayingayearandadaywhichsimplyreferstoa
full365dayyear.BarbaraWalker,authorofTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),states,Ithas
been shown that calendar consciousness developed first in women, because of their natural menstrual body
calendar, correlated with observations of the moons phases. In this system, a normal gestation of pregnancy
lastsaperfect10months(280days).By1000B.C.Chinesewomenhaddevelopedalunarcalendar,dividingthe
phaseofthemooninto28stellarmansions.AvariationofthissamemythcallsthemansionsHsiu,Houses
andstatesthattheMoonMothereachnighrestsinadifferenthouse.InancientLatiumitwasbelievedthatthe
Goddess transitioned on the 7th day of the week and so it became unlucky to do activity on this day and the
custom of resting on the seventh day was created, a custom that even the biblical God followed. Romans,
Greeks,northernEuropeans,Mayans,andEgyptiansallhavesimilarbeliefsandcustomsoftrackingtimebased
onthemoonsdevelopment.TheGregoriancalendarbasedonthesun,thecalendarusedtoday,wasintroduced
in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII to correct the Julian calendar (also based on the sun) and became the dominant
calendarinthenextthreedecades.Whentheswitchfromlunartosuncalendaroccurred,therewasagreatdeal
ofconfusionsurroundingthedatesoffestivals(thosethatconsistentlyfallonaparticulardayoftheweek,like
thefirstSundayofthemonth,arebasedonthelunarcalendar)andthetimelineofmythsandlegends.
Mercury:SeePlanets.
Meriah:SeeTrees.
Merlin:Merlinisacharacterofmythandlegendthathaschangedovertimeandwiththerewritingof
themythsbyChristians.Inallthemythsheisotherworldly,withexceptionalconnectionwithnature,prophecy,
and wisdom, whether that be as a Druidic wizard, Welsh wild man of the woods, a prophet or shaman,
magicianorbardtotheFairyQueen,theChristianwiseman,ortheChristianizedsonofavirginmotherandthe
devilwhosgoodnaturealwaysprevailed;andheconsistentlyappearsasaservantoftheGoddess.Hehasbeen
calledAmbrosius(fromtheambrosiaoftheGoddess),Lailoken,andMyrrdin.MerlinsconnectiontotheGoddess
isevidentinhismyths.BarbaraWalker,authorofTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),asserts,
MerlinlearnedallhismagicfromtheGoddess,intheguiseofMorganleFay,orVivian(SheWhoLives),orthe
LadyoftheLake.Attheendofhislifeshetookhimbackintohermagiccaveandwrappedhimindeathlesssleep
untilhisSecondComing...PaganBritonsbelievedMerlinwouldreturnfromhisenchantedsleeptoannouncethe
coming of a new age of peace and fertility. The Goddess was also called the Fairy Queen, Nimue, Muirgen
(CelticWatergoddess)inhislegends.AlthoughChristianwriterstriedtohidethisconnection,itwasevidentthat
he was connected to Goddess worship and in the 16th century, the Council of Trent prohibited the Book of
MerlinsPredictions.SeeUMSWizards,MagicalCreaturesandAdeptscourse.
Mermaid:Themythichalfhuman,halffishcreatureoftheseawasasymbolofthegoddessasAphrodite
(thelover)orRan(thedeathbringer)fornorthernEurope.InherbookTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAnd
Secrets (1983), Barbara Walker asserts, Literally Virgin of the Sea, the mermaid was an image of fishtailed
Aphrodite, the medieval Minne, Maerin, Mari, Marina, mereminne, maremynd, mareminde, marraminde, or
maraeman.TheMermaidwasthecreaturethatreceivedthebodiesandsoulsofmenwhentheyweresentouton
funeral boats and she was the cause of drowned fishermen, entrapping them in her nets. See UMS Wizards,
MagicalCreaturesandAdeptscourse.
Messiah:SeeFertility/SaviorGods,Messiah.
Metals
Gold: Gold has been associated with majesty, god, the sun, wealth, and immortality. According to
Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), Gold is
associatedwithdivinityasitisincorruptible,neitherrusting(likeiron)nortarnishing(likesilver),anditisalso
purifiedbyfire.Goldwasassociatedwithimmortalitybecauseitwasincorruptible,andoftenthetreeoflifeor
its fruit was depicted as golden, (including the Japanese treeoflife on the paradise island Horaizan, and the
NordicgoldenapplesoftheheavenAsgard).Somereligiousculturesputgoldintothemouthsofthedeadattheir
burialtoinsureimmortality.Egyptiansmaskedtheirroyalty(whoweredivinelyguided)withgoldbecausethey
believed that a gods flesh was made of gold and their bones of silver; and their sun god Ra was strongly
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associatedwithgold.ChristiansalsoconsidereditapuresubstanceassociatedwithGod,majesty,andthesun.
AccordingtoSymbolsOfChurchSeasonsAndDays(1997),byJohnBradner,Goldrepresentswealthandroyalty.
As a gift to the Christ Child it symbolizes his kingship. Gold represents enlightenment in Buddhism, and the
colorsgoldandyellowaresacred.InalchemygoldsymbolizesenlightenmentandtheGreatWorkofturninga
basemetalintogoldwasametaphorforthisenlightenment.
Silver: Silver symbolizes the moon, femininity, treachery and is also associated with the gods and
immortality,buttoalesserextent.AccordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:What
Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), In the Western Classical tradition, the Silver Age was the second age of
mortals created by the greater god, Jupiter. The metal was associated with purity, femininity and the moon, to
whichitwaslinkedbecauseofitscolour,andsoitissometimesrepresentedbythemoonsglyph.Alchemists
also linked silver to the moon and femininity and the Lesser Work was the symbolic transformation of a base
metalintosilver,metaphoricallythefeminineenergies.InEgyptitwasbelievedthebonesofgodsweremadeof
silver. In Christianity silver represents treachery because Judas betrayed Christ with thirty silver pieces. As a
formofcurrency,silveralsorepresentswealth.
Copper:Copperrustsfromaorangebrowncolortoagreen,associatingitwithautumninclassicaltimes.
AccordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),
The color green was thought sacred to Venus, so copper is linked to both the goddess and her planet and is
sometimesrepresentedusingVenussglyph.InChina,theworldforcopper,tong,issynonymouswithtogether,
soitisplacedonbridalbeadsasanaffirmationofalongrelationship.
Bronze: As a lookalike of gold, deities and ritual objects were made out of bronze in Buddhism,
Hinduism,andbytheChinese.
Mezuzah:ThisJewishtitleforadoorcharmagainstevilspiritsisnotuniquetoJewishcustom.Copiedfrom
theEgyptian PillarsofHorus,hieroglyphicspellsengravedinto tabletsoneithersideofthedoor,doorcharms
datebacktoHindustatuesofKaliguardingdoorentrances.Inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAnd
Secrets(1983),BarbaraWalkerasserts,Touchingorkissingthedoorcharmwhenpassingthroughdatesbacktothe
HinducustomoftouchingtheyoniofthedoorpostKalifigureforluck,whenenteringhertemple.SeeKaliMa.
MiddleEarth:InherbookTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),BarbaraWalkerasserts,
Middle Earth is the Scandinavian Midgard, the world of men, located between the spirit worlds above and
below.
Midwifery: Meaning wisewoman or witch from the AngloSaxon medwyf, midwives originated as
priestesses of the goddess, who had sole domain over Her temples of healing. Egyptian and Malayan Semai
midwiveswerebothruledbyHathorandconsideredsacred;Mexicansrecibidoraperformedthedutiesofpriestess,
obstetrician,godmother,andwitch,oftenusingknotmagic;Romehonoredmidwivesasobstetrix,whodeliveredthe
baby,nutrixwhotaughtthemothertonurse,andcerariawhoperformedthebirthrituals.Eventhroughthemiddle
agesofEurope,midwivesweregivenexclusivereinoverthemysteriesofpregnancyandchildbirth,partlydueto
thebeliefsandcustomsofpatriarchalreligionabouttheuncleanlinessofmenstrualblood.However,midwiveshad
the secret knowledge of sex, birthcontrol, birthingaids, and abortifaciants, which made them feared and hated
amongpatriarchalauthorities.Inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),BarbaraWalker
asserts,Therealreasonforecclesiasticalhostilityseemstohavebeenthenotionthatmidwivescouldhelpwomen
controltheirownfate,learnsecretsofsexandbirthcontrol,orprocureabortions.
Inquisitionhandbooksstated,noonedoesmoreharmtotheCatholicfaiththanmidwives,andin1559
A.D.,EufameMacalynewasburnedaliveinScotlandforelicitingamidwifeshelpinrelievingbirthpains(Walker,
1983). Midwives were a major target for the inquisition and unfortunately the profession fell into the hands of
unqualifiedanduneducatedmaledoctorsandpatriarchalclergy.Walkerexplains,Christianitysofficialviewwas
thattorelievewomenssufferinginanyaspectofreproductionwastoopposeGodswillinthematterofthecurse
onEve...Consequently,uptothebeginningofthe20thcentury,doctorsrefusedtoconsidertreatmentofthemajor
causeofwomensdeaths,childbed(puerperal)fever,asitwasconsideredjustanddeserved.Theuseofchloroform
toeasechildbirthwashotlydisputedbytheclergy,whobelievedthatitwasadecoyofSatanaccordingtoone
New England minister. However, Queen Victoria used it during the birth of her eighth child and publicly
announcedthatitwasagreatblessing,whichoverruledtheclergysprotests.SeeBlood,Menstrual.
MilkyWay:TheancientssawalikenessbetweentheMilkyWayinthenightskyandmilkorriversand
proclaimed it the Great Mothers lifegiving milk. According to Barbara Walker in her book The Womans
60
EncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),Theancientsbelievedthisheavenlystarstreamissuedfromthebreast
oftheQueenofHeaven.WorshippersofArgiveHerasaidthestarsweremadeofmilkfromHerasMooncow
incarnation.ThissameMoonCowwascalledIobytheIoniansorEuropa,consortofZeusbyothers.Norsemen,
Scandinavians,Celts,aswellasotherEuropeansallbelievedinadivinecow,WhiteCow,orMoonWay.
Thissamecowbecamethecowwhojumpedoverthemooninnurseryrhymesandisshownhoveringoverthe
moon, just as the mooncow is depicted in pagan icons. The Greeks called it gala, mothers milk. Akkadians
calledittheRiveroftheDivineLady,theGreatRiverHiddagal;EgyptianscalleditNileintheSky,andArabians
calleditMotheroftheSky.SeeCow.
Mirror: Mirrors have a range of symbolism from a variety of cultures. Sometimes they are seen are
reflecting the truth (like Medusa seeing evil reflected in Perseuss shield), or divinity (such as the Christian
speculumsinemaculaorflawlessmirroroftheVirginMaryreflectingGodsflawlessness),orareconnectedwith
thesun,liketheJapanesesungoddessAmaterasuOmikami(Shepherd,2002).Thereflectionofthephysical,ina
mirror,water,orphotographhavebeeninvestedwithcontainingpartoftheonlookerssoulanddisruptionofthis
image by rippling the water, breaking the glass, or ripping the photo, was believed to potentially damage the
persons soul (thus the taboo against breaking a mirror and the Native Americans reluctance to be
photographed).AccordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),
The esoteric meaning of the mirror was explained long ago by Plotinus, who connected it with the Hindu
conceptofMaya,creatressofthereflectionsofspiritualrealityinthemirrorofthematerialworld.Matterserves
asamirroruponwhichtheUniversalSoulprojectstheimagesorreflectionsofitscreations,andthusgivesriseto
thephenomenaofthesensibleuniverse.
Mistletoe:SeeTrees.
Mola:ThiswasthenameofthesaltedfloursprinkleonsacrificialanimalsbytheVestalVirginsinRome.
AccordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),Molawascredited
withmiraculouspowers,aswasthesaltthatChristianslaterusedtodedicatealtars.SeeVirgin,Birth.
Money:Theuseofanintermediarysubstancetosellandbuygoodshasbeenusedforeons,asopposed
toastraightbartersystem.Onepopularformofmoneywasthecowryshell,symbolicoftheGreatMothers
yoni.TheuseofcoinsormintformoneydidnotevolveuntilRome.DerivedfromthenameoftheGreatMother
goddess, Juno Moneta, coins were manufactured and housed in her Capitoline temple. According to Barbara
Walker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),Silverandgoldcoinsmanufactured
there were valuable not only by reason of their precious metal but also by the blessing of the Goddess herself,
whichcouldeffectgoodfortuneandhealingmagic.TheoriginalRomancoinsweremanufacturedwiththeface
oftheemperorononesideandthefaceofagodontheother.
Moon: The moon has been associated with the goddess since the earliest of religions and
peoples.Duetoherlightgivingatnightandconnectionwithmenstrualcyclesandseasons,the
Moonwasbelievedtobethefirstcreatress,MotheroftheUniverseandGreatMotherformany
peoples. Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983),
states, The Moongoddess created time, with all its cycles of creation, growth, decline, and
destruction,whichiswhyancientcalendarswerebasedonphasesofthemoonandmenstrual
cycles.Everywhere,theMoonGoddesswasworshippedasthethreefoldrepresentationofCreatress,Sustainer,
and Destroyer. Egyptiansbelieved themoon to be the Mother of the Universe; Babylonians consideredit more
sacredthenthesun;Orientalpeoplesviewedthemoonassacredbeforethesun;inAsiathemoonwasconsidered
the Goddesss reflection of the world; Ashanti peoples named all their deities Boshun, meaning moon; Sioux
IndianstitledthemoonTheOldWomanWhoNeverDies;IroquoistitleditTheEternalOne;Africanrulers
of Eritrean are titled Moon, as well as the rulers of the Tutsi tribe. According to the Vedas, the moon retrieves
souls after death; Mexicans call the DestroyerMoon Mictecaciuatl; in central Asia the Tartars recognized the
moonasQueenofLifeandDeath,MachaAlla.Walkerexplains,Becausethemoonwasthereceptacleofsouls
between reincarnations, it sheltered both the dead and the unborn, who were one and the same. Late into
ChristianizedEurope,themoonwashailedasOurLadyandMotherofGodandcustomssuchasscheduling
weddingsbasedonthemoonphasespersisted.
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Moon,CrescentandStar:ThissymboliscommonlybelievedtorepresentIslam(likethecross
representsChristianityandtheStarofDavid,Judaism),however,itisnottheuniversalsymbol
ofIslam.ThestarandmoonpredatesIslambyseveralthousandyearswhentheywereusedby
thepeoplesofCentralAsiaandSiberiaascelestialsymbolsoftheirsun,moon,andskygods.
This symbol was also used to represent Diana (Greek Goddess) and Tanit (Carthaginian
goddess).ThecityofByzantiumalsochosethecrescentmoonandstarastheirsymbol.The
earlyMuslimcommunitydidnotassociatethemselveswithasymbol.Huda,authorofTheEverythingUnderstanding
IslamBook(2003)andAbout.comsGuidetoIslamsince1998,states,ItwasntuntiltheOttomanEmpirethatthe
crescent moon and star became affiliated with the Muslim world. When the Turks conquered Constantinople
(Istanbul)in1453,theyadoptedthecitysexistingflagandsymbol.LegendholdsthatthefounderoftheOttoman
Empire,Osman,hadadreaminwhichthecrescentmoonstretchedfromoneendoftheearthtotheother.Taking
thisasagoodomen,hechosetokeepthecrescentandmakeitthesymbolofhisdynasty.Forhundredsofyears,the
OttomanEmpireruledovertheMuslimworld.AftercenturiesofbattlewithChristianEurope,itisunderstandable
howthesymbolsofthisempirebecamelinkedinpeoplesmindswiththefaithofIslamasawhole.Basedonthis
history,manyMuslimsrejectusingthecrescentmoonasasymbolofIslam.ThefaithofIslamhashistoricallyhad
nosymbol,andmanyrefusetoacceptwhatisessentiallyanancientpaganicon.
Moses:SeeGods/SaviorGods.
MotherandMotherhood:Thefirstobviousrecognitionoffamilyandparentagewasthatofa
mother and her offspring, as this connection in animals and humans was physically
observable. The inability of men to create life (and the ignorance of the process of
reproduction) led to many interesting practices and beliefs such as castration, circumcision,
and miraculous creation stories. Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of
Myths And Secrets(1983), states, During the early evolution of the human race, motherhood
was the only recognized bond of relationship. Like any mammalian family, the primitive
human family consisted of mother and offspring. This connection formed the basis of early
tribal bonds and property inheritance rights. Beyond kinship patterns, the mother was
associatedwithcosmiccreation,asaccordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook
1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), explains, In many European languages the word for
mother is etymologically associated with the matrix in which all things exist, the amorphous matter from
whichallthingsarecreated.MostculturesrecognizeaGreatMotherGoddesswhocreatedtheworldandother
deities(whowouldlaterclaimtobetheprimarycreator).Oftenthisgoddesswasessentialtorulership,asinthe
caseoftheEgyptianqueensofthepharaohsgettingtheirauthorityastheMotherofEgyptfromthegoddessNut.
The Mother Goddess was the earliest deity recognized and worshipped, and statues and other artistic
representationshavebeenfoundofherfromasearlyastheStoneAge.Aswiththeearth,themotherisknown
notonlyforfertility,butalsofordeathandregeneration,asthecontinuanceofthecycle.Thefirstimagetotheleft
is an early representation of the goddess, with the spiraling symbol on her belly representing fertility and the
universe. The second image, of a woman giving birth is an alchemical illustration representing creation. See
Castration,MatrilinealInheritance,andCircumcision.
Mountain:SeeParadise,Mountain.
Nakedness:NakednesswasaprimeattributeoftheGoddess,foritwasthemysteriesofherbodythat
producedcreationandhadpoweroveramansbody.Furthermore,theTantricsagesassertedthatritualsshould
be performed sky clad as the Goddess saw all people as equal, without the rank and class that garments
emphasized. Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), asserts, It is
widelyrecognizedthatthemagicofthegoddessdweltmoreintherealityofherfleshthaninhergarments...By
contrasttothisearlieremphasisonnakedness,themagicofmenandtheirgodsusuallydweltintheirgarments.
Medals, badges, rank, and uniforms tended to be emphasized in patriarchal societies, as a way of asserting
power.
Name: Many ancient people, up through the Middle Ages, believed that the name of a thing was the
same as the things soul. Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983),
explains,Forthepurposesofmagicandreligion,thenameofanythingwasconsideredidenticalwiththething
itself, a spiritual handle by which the thing or the supernatural being could be manipulated. The Egyptians
goddessRenenetwasthekeeperofsoulnames.EgyptiansandIndiansbelievedthatwithouttheirsoulname,a
62
personandevenagod,wouldwitherawayanddie.Thesoulnameandfoodwereoftenconnectedinthatboth
wereneededforaninfanttosurvive,thisisreflectedinFrance,werechildrenaregivenamilknamebytheir
mothers;inChina,childrenweregivensecretricenameswhentheybeganeatingrice;andintheIndianMyth
the god Existence criedafter his birth,Give mea name, for without a name I will not eatfood (asquoted in
Walker, 1983). The importance of naming the ancestral line in different customs and the use of a family name
originatedfromthisemphasisonthepowerofnames.Thepowerofinvestingachildwithanamewasgivento
different people in different times, although it usually was the responsibility of religious leaders. Egyptians,
Babylonians,Phoenician,Scythians,andnorthernEuropeantribesincludingtheCelticandGermanicpeople,as
wellasothermatriarchalpeoplesallusedamaternallineagefortheirheritage.Withtheincreaseofpatriarchal
power,thisnamegivingwaspassedtothefathersandfamilynamesweretracedthroughthepaternallineage.
Walkerstates,Transitionsfrommatriarchytopatriarchyweremarkedbyfatherstakeoverofthenamegiving
function.Egyptiantombs,Romanepitaphs,andChristiantombstonesallhavethedeceasedsnamecarvedinto
it,evolvingfromthebeliefthattowriteandspeakthenameofthedeceasedallowedtheirsoultocontinuetolive.
Ancientpeoplealsobelievednameshadtheabilitytocreateand/ordestroywhenathingsnamewasverbalized
(Sanscritwasbelievedtobeonesuchlanguage).WalkerexplainsPrecedentsolderthancivilizationevolvedthe
ideathatforcesofcreationanddestructioncouldbeactivatedbypronouncingadivinename.Thisappliedeven
tothegods,whowerecreatedbytheGreatMotherwiththespeakingoftheirnames.
Natron: Natron is the name of the saltwater fluid that Egyptians used for mummification. It was
supposed to replicate the birth fluid and preserve the mummy until rebirth. Barbara Walker, in her book, The
Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), states, Curing in salt water was a magical imitation of fetal
existence.ThemummywassupposedtobeawaitingrebirthfromtheGoddessswomb.
Neptune:SeePlanets.
Nine:SeeNumbers.
Nirvana:IntheEasterntraditionofkarma,nirvanaisthefinalescapefromthecontinuouskarmicwheel
of life and rebirth. Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), states,
[nirvana]wassupposedtoliebeyondallsenseperceptions,memories,loves,hates,fears,joys,orwill;itwaslike
theTantricideaofDreamlessSleep,forever.ThisisincontrasttothetrendyideaofNirvanaasanotherworldly
paradise.Astheultimateachievementofahumansoul,accordingtothelawsofkarma,nirvanacouldonlybe
achievedbyholymenwhoconqueredtheirdesiresthroughlifetimesoflearningandpractice.SeeKarma.
North:SeeDirections.
Nun: A nunor religious woman, evolved from pagan priestesses, derives its title from the word nurse
becausepriestesseswerealsohealers.However,nunhasanotherreligiousmeaningastheEgyptianprimalocean,
which later evolved into the Hebrew word for fish, according to Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans
EncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).SeeConvent.SeeUMSMysticalBeginningsofChristianitycourse.
Numbers
Numbers:SeeUMSDivinationSystemscoursetolearnaboutdivinationwithnumbers.
0:Anabstractconcept,Zerorepresentedthecompletecycleandcircleofallthatisandnothingatthesame
time(Shepherd,2002).TheAncientHindusandMayansoriginallyconceptualizedzero(althoughattwodifferentends
of the planet), and the Hindus brought it to the Arabs and Europe. It was important to the Kabbalah, where zero
represented what existed before creation; it is therefore allied with divinity, yet represents nothing and infinity,
accordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002).
1:Onerepresentsunity,totality,andthesupremedeityofmonotheisticreligions.RowenaandRupert
Shepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),explain,thebeginning
andthefirstbeing,onerepresentsprimalbeginningsandcreation.TheChinesecharacterforone,a
horizontallinealsorepresentsunityandthesourceofeverything(Shepherd,2002).Itrepresentsfire,
GrandfatherSun,andcreationintheNativeAmericanEarthCount.SeeCircle.
2: Having obvious connections to duality, polarity, binary, and pairs, twos have been important in
spiritualityastwinsandoppositessuchasGod/Devil,earth/sky,male/female,good/evil,left/right.However,binary
systemsareaproductofthelinearmindandnaturerarelyabidesbythem.Thereisusuallymorethantwooptions,
and even the binaries that we think are the most fundamental like male/female do not pan out as natural laws
(manyculturesrecognizemorethantwogendersandsexes).Nonetheless,thelogicalbraintendstocategorizein
religionandelsewhere.AccordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanIn
63
Art And Myth (2002), In Pythagorean theory, two represents the female principle. Two represents the body,
introspection,earth,death,andGrandmotherEarthintheNativeAmericanEarthCount.SeeTwins.
3: The number three, represented by the triangle, represents the trinity: GodChristHoly Spirit
(Christian trinity); MaidenMotherCrone (the Triple Goddess); CreatorPreserverDestroyer (the
Triple Goddess); Brahma/creatorVishnu/preserverShiva/destroyer (the Hindu Trimurti); Isis
OsirisHorus (Egyptian); heavenearthhumanity (Chinese philosophy); and more. Rowena and
RupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),state,In
manyculturesitrepresentsdivinetriumvirates.Pythagoreantheorybelievesthreerepresentsharmonyandthe
unionofunityanddiversity.Therightsideuptrianglerepresentsmasculinityandvirilityandtheupsidedown
trianglerepresentsfemininityandfertility.InIslamitrepresentsthesoul,anditrepresentsemotionsandwaterin
theNativeAmericanEarthCount.SeeTriangle.
4:Representedbythesquare(left),fourrepresentsperfectioninPythagoreantheory.According
toRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth
(2002), Related to the square, four represents matter, solidity and stability. There are four
seasons:winter,spring,summer,fall,markedbytwoequinoxesandtwosolsticesintheWiccan
tradition;therearefourelements:fire,water,earth,air,intheGrecoRomantradition;four
HumoursinIslam;fourEvangelistsinChristianity.ForSomeJapaneseandChineseitisahomonymfordeathanda
taboonumber.FoursymbolizesbalanceandharmonyintheNativeAmericanEarthCount.SeeSeasons.
5: Represented by the pentagram (fivepointed star) or pentagon (left), five represents the
perfect number of man, in the Pythagorean theory (Shepherd, 2002). Humans have five
senses,fivefingersandtoes,andspreadoutlikeDaVincisViturianMan,humansfitwithina
pentagramwithfourlimbsandahead.Christreceivedfivewoundsathiscrucifixion;thereare
fivepillarsofIslamicpiety;bothIndia,China,andIslamicmysteriesrecognizefiveelements
(fire, air, earth, water, and ether); the Quintessence of the hermetic mysteries likewise recognizes a fifth essence or
elementofspirit.ThenumberfivewassacredtotheMariansbecauseitwasthenumberofpetalsintherose,andalso
intheappleblossomanothervirginitysymbolgivingrisetothefivelobesofthematureapple,thecorresponding
symbolof[virginity],motherhood,fruition,regeneration,andeternallife,accordingtoBarbaraWalkerinherbook
TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).Asignificantaspectoftheappletowitchesandgypsiesisthe
fivepointedstarofappleseedsinthecoreoftheapplewhencuttransversely,andrelatestomythologyaboutthe
VirginKore(Core)withinherEarthMotherDemeter.Walker(1983)explains,Thefivepointedstarinacirclewasthe
Egyptian hieroglyph for the underworld womb, where resurrection was brought about by the motherheart of
transformations. Thus, among gypsies and pagans the apple symbolized a sacred union. Five represents sacred
human who makes the bridge between earth and sky, past and future, and the material and spirit worlds in the
Native American Earth Count, according to Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes
Mean In Art And Myth (2002). The pentagon symbolizes the fifth sephira on the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, Geburah,
whichrepresentsseverity,justice,warandtheplanetMars.SeePentagram.
6:Representedbythehexagram(SeeHexagram),sixrepresentsharmonyandbalance,associatedwith
the Cabalas sixth sefirah, Tifereth, and the harmonizing sphere of the Tree of Life. According to
RowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),in
relation to the cube it represents matter and threedimensionality and in Pythagorean theory it
representsjustice.BarbaraWalkerinherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAnd
Secrets (1983) explains, Six was everywhere the number of sex, representing the union between the Triple
Goddessandhertridentbearingconsort,whichiswhyChristianauthoritiescalledsixthenumberofsin.The
nameofawitchsspell,theHexisassociatedwiththenumbersix,fromtheGreekhexandthesymbolforahexis
hexagonal.Thehexagramrepresentstheunionofmaleandfemale,thephilosophersstoneoffireandwater,and
GodsprotectionoftheJewishpeople.JudeoChristianmythologystatesthatittooksixdaystocreatetheearth;
666isthenumberofthebeastoftheapocalypse;inBuddhismtherearesixperfectionsandrealmsofexistence.
SixrepresentstheancestorsintheNativeAmericanEarthCount.
7:Sevenisauniversallysignificantnumber.InJudeoChristianmythologyitisthenumberofdaysina
week, the seventh being the day of rest, and according to Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000
Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), For Christians it is the number of Virtues, of deadly sins,
sacraments,joysandsorrowsoftheVirgin,amongothers.Therearesevenchakras;theEgyptiansbelievedthat
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the Sevenfold Hathor endowed each person with seven souls; there are seven heavens in the Malayan Semai
tradition;thereweresevenplanetsintheoriginalastrology(Mercury,Venus,Mars,Jupiter,Saturn,Moon,and
Sun);thesevenbranchesoftheJewishMenorah(thesacredcandelabrum)representcreation,theplanets,andthe
seven heavens; there areseven starsinUrsa Major (important to the Chineseand others).Seven represents the
DreamofLifeintheNativeAmericanEarthCount.
8:Eightisthenumberofpetalsofthelotusandthespokesofthedharmachakrawheel,bothimportantto
Buddhism, symbolizing the path of spiritual perfection. In Chinese tradition there are eight directions, Eight
ImmortalsandEightPreciousThings;JesusinhisSermonontheMountgaveeightBeatitudes(blessings);there
areeightraysonthestarthatrepresentstheBabylonianGoddessofloveandwarInnanaandtheGreekGoddess
ofloveAphrodite(Shepherd,2002).EightrepresentsNaturalLawintheNativeAmericanEarthCount.
9: Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002)
state, The tripling of the triple, nine represents the powerful multiplication of the symbolism of three. Nine
representsyanginChinesetraditionandisthenumberofthedirections(eight)plusthecenter.Itrepresentsthe
moon,rhythms,cycles,changes,andmovementintheNativeAmericanEarthCount.
10:Anotherabstractnumber,tenisthebasisofthedecimalsystem.RowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook
1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002)state,tenrepresentscompletionandthereturntounity.Asitisthe
sumofone,two,threeandfour,Pythagoreansconsideredtentobeanumericalversionofthequintessence,withdivine
power,itwassometimesrepresentedasatriangleofdots(fourtoeachsideandoneinthemiddle)calledtheTetrakys.God
gaveMosesTenCommandmentsandtenrepresentsthecollectivemindintheNativeAmericanEarthCount.
11: There were 11 faithful apostles to Christ and in the Native American Earth Count it represents the
Stars,orStarNations,andtheabilitytotraveltothem;byextension,itmeansalteredstatesofconsciousness,
12/13:Thenumber12popsupofteninreligiousandspiritualtradition.The12apostlesofChrist;the12
tribesofIsrael;the12signsofthezodiac;12monthsofthesuncalendar;theMayancalendarpredictstheyear
2012willbethepivotalyearforcolossalworldchange.Twelverepresentsthetwelveplanetsandtwelvewindsin
theNativeAmericanEarthCount.However,thenumber13isalsosignificantandmanyofthesefamous12sare
speculated to be 13s,such as the missing 13th tribeof Israel;it is the traditional number of witches in a coven;
Mary Magdalene as the 13th Apostle of Christ, there were 13 present at the last supper (making 13 unlucky to
Christians); when the Gregorian calendar was being created there were originally 13 months, like most moon
calendars, including the Mayan (13 months of 28 days) but one was taken out. Christians feared the number
thirteen and prized the number 12. Barbara Walker, author of The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets
(1983), states, In general, the symbols of ancient matriarchy came to be known as night, the moon, and the
number 13, while those of patriarchy were day, the sun, and the number 12. Thirteen represents the Goddess
MotherintheNativeAmericanEarthCount(Shepherd,2002).
40:SignificanttoAncientMesopotamia,thenewyearwascelebratedfortydaysafterthePleiadeshad
disappeared under the horizon, according to Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What
ShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002).Thesignificanceoffortycarriedintothebible,firstwiththefortynightsand
daysoftheflood,MosesreceivedtheTenCommandmentsafterfortynightsanddayswaitingonMountSinai,
similarlyChristfastedforfortynightsanddaysinthedesert,Exoduslastedfortyyears,andChristresurrected
andappearedtohisdisciplesfortydaysafterhisdeath.
52:Thenumberofweeksinayear(includingtheMayancalendar).
108:ThenumberofbeadsonHinduandBuddhistPrayerBeads,itensuresthattheprayerisspokenat
least100times(Shepherd,2002).
360:Asthenumberofdegreesinacircle,360representsperfectionandcompletionofacycle.
Ten Thousand: Japanesewish the emperor a longlife with theaffirmationbanzai which means ten
thousand years.RowenaandRupert Shepherdin their book1000 Symbols:WhatShapesMean InArtAndMyth
(2002)explains,IntheDaoDeJing,tenthousandmeansall.
One Hundred Thousand: As a number too huge to conceptualize, One Hundred Thousand represents
infinity.RowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002)explain,
in early cultures this symbolized a high number, considered beyond reckoning: it became a standard term for
infinity.Intodaysculture,perhapsonetrillionwouldbesimilarinitseffectivenesstoconveytheideaofinfinity.
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Obelisk:Alsocalledbenbenstoneorbegetterstone.AnEgyptianobeliskisagiantphallusshapedstone.
BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),explains,Usuallytheobelisk
wasregardedasanerectionoftheearthgodGebinhisperpetualeagernesstomatewiththeGoddessofHeaven.
Octopus:SeeAnimals,OctopusorPolypus.
OdorofSanctity:TheOdorofSanctityistheChristianbeliefthatentombedsaintssmellsweet,insteadof
thedecayingfleshofsinners.BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),
explains,Accordingtotheconventionalphrase,everytruesaintdiedintheodorofsanctity,forthesweetsmell
wastakenasasymbolicassuranceofundecayingimmortality,tiedtothechurchsdoctrineofresurrectionofthe
flesh.ThisbeliefhasearliertiestotheEgyptianpracticeofusingfragrantoilsandspicesformummificationwith
sothedeceasedwouldsmellpleasingandbeacceptedbythegods.
Oil:Oilhasbeenusedtoanointpriests,kings,andholyobjectsasitisbelievedtoinvokeGodandpurify
the soul. Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002),
explain,Usedinlights,oliveoilbecamesynonymouswithillumination;usedintheeternallightsofsynagogues,
itbecameasymbolofspiritualpowerandillumination,andfromthemorefragrantoilsofalifeofsweetness
and devotion. Olive oil was used for cleaning the body and promoting youthfulness in the Ancient
Mediterranean,inCameroonpalmtreeoilwasusedwithredcamwoodtolikewisesymbolizeyouthandfertility,
andpalmwoodoilisassociatedwithlife,health,andwealthintheKongo.
Om:Logosistheideathatasupremebeingcancallintoexistenceanythingtheywantifthey
knowthenameorword,knownastheWordofPower.OriginatingintheOrient,thereligious
songscalledMantrasarerepetitivechantsoftheseWordsofPower.TheMotherofMantrasis
knownasOm,andisbelievedtobetheoriginalwordthatcreatedtheuniverse;spokenbyKali,
it represents her pregnant belly. Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of
MythsAndSecrets(1983),explainsOmistheUniversalWordofCreationspokenbythe
Oriental Great Goddess upon her bringing forth the world of material existences; an invocation of her own
pregnant belly. Kalis Om is not specific to Egypt and appears in the name of many goddesses like the Celtic
MoonmotherOmh(SheWhoIs);ShebanMoontempleofMaribAum(BellyoftheWorld);Lydiancalledtheir
GoddessqueenOmphale;Greekscalledtheirtemplesomphalos;theGreekshonoredOmasthelastletteroftheir
alphabet,Omega(meaningGreatOm).SeeLogos,andName.
Omophagia:TheOmophagiawastheGreekreligiouscustomofconsumingthefleshoftheirhumanand
animal sacrifices. Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), explains,
Accordingtotheprimitivetradition,worshipperswereexpectedtotearapartthevictimwithbarehandsandteeth,
devouringhimraw,asin theearliest cultsof Dionysus,Orpheus,Zagreus,andothergods torn to piecesin their
myths.TranslatingasEatingintotheBelly,OmophagiaissimilartotheideaofHolyCommunion,althoughthe
Christianversionhasbeendilutedtotheconsumingofsymbolicbreadandwine.SeeTransubstantiation.
One:SeeNumbers,One.
OneHundredEight:SeeNumbers,OneHundredEight.
OneHundredThousand:Seenumbers,OneHundredThousand.
Otter:SeeAnimals,Otter.
PalmTree:SeeTrees.
Pandora:LiketheBiblicalEve,themythofPandorawasdistortedbymentoblametheevilsoftheworld
on women. Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), explains,
Pandorasvesselwasnotaboxbutahoneyvase,pithos,fromwhichshepouredoutblessings:awombsymbol
likethecornucopia,ancientlyusedasavesselofdeathandrebirth.OriginallybasedontheEarthgoddessRhea
(theAllGiver),themythofPandorawasdistortedbyHesiod,tosayZeussenthertoEarthtopunishmenwith
pain,strife, sickness,andall other affliction, and he included hope, so that man would not commit suicide but
sufferlonger.ZeusgavePandoraavasefulloftheseevilsandinhercuriositysheopenedit,asZeusknewshe
would,andreleasedthemintotheworld.Erasmusmistranslatedhervaseasboxinthelatemedievalperiod.
Paradise: Paradise unanimously is connected to divinity, immortality, and the virgin mother. Barbara
Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), explains, The Persian Pairidaeza
(Paradise)wasamagicgardensurroundingtheholymountainofthegods,wheretheTreeofLifeborethefruitof
immortality.PairidaezawasalsothedivineVirginwhowouldgivebirthtothefutureRedeemer:theMahdi,or
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Messiah, or Savior, of Desired Knight of Saracenic Grail myths. The Hebrews version of Paradise was pardes,
gardenalsowithconnotationstoavirginbride.PagansandChristiansalsohaveversionsofaParadise.
Eden:TheideaofatropicalparadiseinwhichworkandhardshipisunknownstemsbacktothePersian
Heden, the primal garden in which the first couplelived in the golden age,located in thewest, where the sun
sets.LaterHebrewinterpretationsofHedenturnedintotheGardenofDelights,whichwaslatertransformed
intotheGardenofEdenbytheNewTestament(Walker,1983).
Himalaya: These mountains were known in Sanskrit (the root language for other IndoEuropean
languages)asMountainsofParadiseandhaveinspiredotherculturesimagesofparadise,suchastheGerman
Himmel(Walker,1983).SeeMountain,below.
JambuIsland:ThisistheTantricversionofthefairyland,BlessedIsles,andEden,aparadiseofRoseApple
trees, likened to Shaktis body. According to Barbara Walker, in her book The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And
Secrets(1983),TheshapeofJambuIslandislikeayoni,theChariotorthroneofShiva.InitscenteristheDiamondSeat
(vajrasana)orclitoris,wheretheWayofAwakeningisdemonstratedtothesexuallyandspirituallyenlightened.
Mountain:Mountains,formanypeopleshavebeenasymboloftheGreatMotherandproviderofthenatural
world,probablybecauseoftheconnectionbetweenlifesustainingriversandstreamsandmountains(associatedwith
the menstrual blood of the Goddess). Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets
(1983),statesPerhapsmorethananyothernaturalobjects,mountainsmostoftenrepresentedtheGreatMother,in
everylandthemountainswereidentifiedwithbreasts,belly,ormonsvenerisoftheEarth,aswellastheparadisewhere
gods live. Mount Everest, is also called ChomoLungMa or GoddessMother of the Universe, and its nearby
cousin, Annapurna is known as Great Breast Full of Nourishment. The headwaters of the Ganges, Nanda Devi
translatestoBlessedOne.TheHimalayastranslatetoMountainsofHeaven,similartoMountOlympus,homeof
theGreekpantheonofgodsandgoddesses.TheHinduversionofOlympuswasMountMeruorSumeru,translated
GoodMountain;theChinesehadtheMountofParadise;theIranianscalledtheirMountainMotherHighHaraiti;
theJapanesetraditiontellsofamagicmountain,Fujihama;andtheancientDravidianMountainMotherwascalled
Hariti;ThePersianhomeofthesungodAhuraMazdawasMountHara.Also,asRowenaandRupertShepherdin
their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), point out, Mountains are the meeting place
between heavenandearth,where the gods can be encountered.Such mountains include Mount Olympus,Mount
Sinai,theHimalayas,andthefoursacredmountainsoftheNavajo.SeeWater.
Pangaea:Todayscientiststheorizethatallthecontinentsstartedoutconnectedasonelandmass
they call Pangaea. However, the title Pangaea was borrowed from the pagan name for the
mountain shrine to the Earth Mother in Thrace, translated as Universal Gaea. According to
Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), She was
alsocalledIda,Olympia,andPanorma,UniversalMountainMother.SeeMountain,above.
Shalimar: The Oriental mythical garden paradise of love where kings and the Goddess would join in
sacredunion.ShalimarrepresentedboththebodyoftheGoddessandtheafterworld,similartoboththeTibetan
ShalMari,landofsoulsandtheMiddleEasternGreatGoddessSheolMari,amagicgardenwithintheMother
Earth,accordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).
Path: As a synonym for a spiritual journey, a spiritual path. According to Man, Myth And Magic: The
IllustratedEncyclopediaOfMythology,ReligionAndTheUnknown(1995),editedbyRichardCavendish,Thepathor
roadorwayisafrequentlyusedsymbolTheimageoftheopenroad,runningfreelyonacrosshillanddale,
representingadventure,release,andfreedom.SeeLabyrinth.
Peach:SeeFruit,Peach.
PearTree:SeeTrees,PearTree.
PearlyGate:AstheChristiansymbolfortheentrancetoheaven,thePearlyGatewasderivedfromthe
pearlyentrancetotheSeaGoddessAphroditeMarina,whowasherselfthegatetoHeaven.BarbaraWalker,in
herbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),asserts,VariousyonicsymbolsoftheGoddess
weresaidtobeborderedwithpearls.ThissameideaisreflectedintheChineseGoddesssJadeGate.
Pegasus:FromGreekmythology,thiswingedhorsesymbolizesthesacredking/herosfinaljourneytoheaven.
BornofMedusa(asymbolforwisdom),orDemeter,PegasushasalsobeencalledArionandAganippe.Originating
fromPegae,thetitleforthepriestesswhotendedthesacredspringsPega,inCorinth,thetaleofPegasusfirstevolved
inEgyptandthenlaterspreadtoGreece.InthemythofBellerophon,Pegasusisriddenbythedyingsacredkinginan
attempttoflytoheavenandbecomeimmortal.BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAnd
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Secrets (1983), asserts, Pegasus represented divine inspiration as well as godlike apotheosis. Pegasus is associated
with the moon goddess (as represented by his moonmothers Medusa or Demeter) and a muse of poets who can
figurativelyflytoheavenfromtheinspirationofPegasus.SeeUMSWizards,MagicalCreaturesandAdeptscourse.
Pentacle: A five pointed star, pointing to the sky, surrounded by a circle, the pentacle is a
physical object. The pentacle has been used in many religions and traditions all through the
planet. Barbara Walker, in her book The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983),
outlines the significance of the pentacle at different times. The myth of the Egyptian Goddess
Korecuttinganappleandrevealingthefiveseededstarinthecenterofthecoreisprobablythe
first appearance of the pentacle. Egyptians thought of the pentacle as representing the underground womb of
nature.InBabylonthissymbolwascommonlydrawnonpotsandwasbelievedtopreservethecontents.InJudeo
Christian tradition, the pentacle is the first of Seven Seals meant to represent the names of God. Hermetic
magiciansusedthesignasthemodelforMantheMicrocosm,apersonwitharmsandfeetstretchedout,muchlike
DaVincisViturianMan.ForthePaganCelts,thePentaclewasthesignoftheundergroundGoddess,Morgan.Many
paganandWiccantraditionshaveusedthepentacleforcenturies.Inthemiddleages,becauseitcanbecreatedout
ofoneunbrokenline,itwasconsideredtogiveprotectionfromspirits(becausetheyneededagatetoenter),soit
wasoftenasamagicalsymboltoencloseanareaandconsequentlyearnedthenamesofDevilsSign,WitchsCross,
Wizards Star, Govlins Cross, and Witchs Foot from fearful church clergy. A pentacle pointing down, although
commonlybelievedtobeasymbolforSatanworship,isactuallytherepresentationoftheHornedGodwhoappears
intheshapeoffourhornedanimals(ram,goat,stag,andbull),andhumanform.SeePentagram,below.
Pentagram:Thepentagramisafivepointedstarwithitsfifthpointfacingtowardthesky,withinacircle,and
isimportantintheWiccantradition.Aswithmanythingsofthistradition,themeaningchangesforeachindividual
person. However, some basic understandings of this symbol are that the star represents the four elements in
correspondencewiththefourdirections(clockwisefromtoprightwater/west,fire/south,earth/north,andwind/east)
withthefifthpointrepresentinglifeforceenergyorspirit.Italsorepresentsapersonwitharmsandfeetstretchedout,
muchlikeDaVincisVituvianMan.Thecirclesurroundingthestarisalsosignificant.SeeCircle.
PhallusWorship:Religionsandculturesthatworshippedmaledeitieshadatendencytoworshipmale
genitalia as well, just as Goddesscentered religions worshipped the vulva. The male genitals were used as
symbolsofownership,authority,andhonor.Thewordstestimony,testify,andtestamentallcomefromthesame
rootastesticlesandwerebasedonthepracticeofswearingoathsuponeachothersgenitals.BarbaraWalker,in
herbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),asserts,Phallusworshipisstillevidentinthe
symbolsandsayingsofthemodernworld,althoughitsmeaningislesslikeimpregnationandmorelikedeath.
Guns,cannon,missilesandotherweaponsarethephallicsymbols...Initsworshipofthemasculineprincipleof
aggression,themodernworldsorelymissesthecentralideaofancientGoddessworship:thattruepoweristhe
powertopreserve.SeeLingam,andObelisk.
Pillar:ApillarintheformoftheMaypole,obelisk,sacredtree,cross,andsoon,representsthesacredmale
genitals. Probably originating from the phallus worship of Shiva in India, giant phalluses were erected at temple
entrancesinAsia,Siberia,andIndia,andmiracleswerereportedtohappenintheirpresenceandsinswerebelievedto
be forgiven. Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), states, Blood was
ancientlyconsideredessentialtothelingampillar,whichHindusfrequentlypaintedredorsmearedwithblood.This
probablystemsfromtheancientbeliefthatblood,notsemen,impregnatedwomen.SeeObelisk.
Pisces:SeeZodiacSigns,Pisces.
PlanetarySpheres:Anearlyformofastronomy,theChaldeanastrologicalcosmologywasstudiedandpracticed
intheearlypartofthefirstcenturythroughouttheMediterranean.BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopedia
OfMythsAndSecrets(1983),states,Accordingtothiscosmology,theearthlayunderaseriesofnested,invertedcrystal
bowls,turnedindependentlyofeachotherbystarangels.Thesun,moon,andotherknownplanetsweresupposedto
turnontheseplanetaryspheresandthisexplainedtheseeminglyindependentmovementsofcelestialbodies.Gnostics,
pagans,andChristians,amongothersadaptedthisconceptintovariousbeliefs.Forinstance,theEgyptiansbelievedthere
were seven planetary spheres, each guarded by a Heavenly Midwife (an aspect of Hathor). These spheres also
representedthesevengatesofheaven.Transversely,theyalsobelievedthereweresevenbowlsextendingintotheinterior
oftheearththatrepresentedthejourneytotheabysses,calledtheSevenRecessesorGates.
Planets
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The planets are associated with Gods, perhaps because the ancients noted their continual movement
aroundtheearth.SeeUMSAstrologyBasicscourse.
Jupiter: Largest of the planets, it is named for the Roman ruler of the pantheon, Jupiter.
And Myth (2002), Its glyph shows the soul (crescent) crossed by matter (the cross).
Astrologically, it is associated with growth and expansion, and so with the liver and pituitary
glands.ItiscalledthewoodplanetinChinesetraditionandconsideredfemale,associatedwith
spring,growth,andbirth.Its12yearcyclemarksthezodiac,winningitthetitletheYearStar.It
representsthethunderboltinalchemyandrulesSagittariusandPisces(withNeptune).
Mars: This red planet is named after the God of War. According to Rowena and Rupert
Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), Its glyph
represents direction and desire over the circle of sprit. Astrologically it is linked with
masculinity, and the expression of individuality, energy, aggression and desireand so with
blood,theexcretoryorgans,theadrenalsystem,muscles,thenoseandtheexternalreproductive
organs.Venusisitscounterpart.InChinesetraditionitistheFirePlanet,correspondingtothe
southandrulingthesummermonths.MarsrulestheastrologicalsignsofAriesandScorpio.
Mercury: This fastest planet takes its name from the messenger of the gods. According to
(2002),Itsglyphthemoonscrescent(thesoul)overthecircle(spirit)overthecross(matter)
encompassesalltheotherplanetaryglyphsandmaybederivedfromthecaduceus.Itgoverns
thenervoussystem,hearing,speaking,respiration,thyroid,limbs,bowels,feet,andgallbladder.
Itscolorsaremetallicblue,lilac,andyellowanditiscalledtheWaterPlanetandassociatedwith
theNorthinChinesetradition.MercuryrulesVirgoandGemini.
Neptune: Named for the Sea God Neptune, its glyph is Neptunes trident, and this planet is
bluegreen.AccordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapes
Mean In Art And Myth (2002), Astrologically, the planet relates to the mobile, fluid worlds of
dreams, invention, imagination, psychism and mysticism, while its influence can be related to
theeffectsofalcoholandnarcotics.Itgovernsthepinealglands,thepartofthenervoussystem
thatcontrolsdreamsandpsychism,auras,andchakras.NeptunerulesPiscesalongwithJupiter.
Pluto: The furthest planet from the sun was named after the Roman ruler of the Underworld,
PlutoLowell, the combination of the initials make up the glyph. According to Rowena and
Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002),
Astrology relates the planet to the deep psyche, and how people cope with fundamental
change; its influence leads to an urge to refocus and reformulate values and ideas. It rules
obsession, power, control, sexual instincts, and attraction. It governs the excretory system,
reproductiveorgans,metabolism,regenerativeprocess,andisrelatedtothecolorblack.
Saturn:ThisslowestmovingplanetisnamedfortheTitanSaturn,sonofUranusandGaia,theEarth
Goddess.AccordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMean
In Art And Myth (2002), In its glyph the cross of matter presses on the crescent of the soul. In
astrological terms it is related to old age, the father, structure, restriction, hardship, discipline and
learning;italsorepresentsthepartsofthepersonalityoneavoidsexamining.Itgovernsthebones,
skin,teeth,ligaments,joints,spleen,andhearing.Itscolorsareblackandmuted.InChinesetradition
itisconsideredtheRegulatororEarthPlanet.SaturnrulesCapricornandAquarius.
Uranus:NamedfortheGreekGodandconsortofGaia,theprimordialmother,Uranusfathered
Saturn(wholateroverthrewhim)andtheTitans.AccordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdin
their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), Astrologically, Uranus is
associated with disruption, revolution and sudden change, and represents the powers of
revolutionary transformation and the urge to break through restrictive boundaries. Uranus
rulesAquariuswithSaturn.
Venus: This planet derives its name from the goddess of love and is the brightest in the sky.
And Myth (2002), Its glyph depicts the circle of spirit over the cross of matter. Astrologically, it
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represents the female, allurement, beauty, harmony, refinement, attraction, affection and
relationships.Itgovernsthehair,skin,facialfeatures,kidneys,thymusgland,circulatorysystem,
andfemalereproductiveorgansandisassociatedwiththecolorgreen.InChinesetraditionVenus
istheGreatWhiteorMetalPlanetandassociatedwithGold.VenusrulesLibraandTaurus.
Pluto:SeePlanets,previouspage.
Pomegranate:SeeFruit,Pomegranate.
PrayerBeads:Buddhists,Muslims,Hindus,andCatholicsalluseprayerbeadstoassistthemintheirprayers.
RowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),state,Thesesets
ofbeadssymbolizetheprayerandmeditationforwhichtheyareused.JapaneseandChineseBuddhistsuserosary
strandsof108beadstoinsurethattheysaytheBuddhasnameatleast100times.Similarly,Muslimsusetheirprayer
beads,misbahaorsubha,toinsurethattheyrecitetheninetyninenamesofAllahandhisattributes,andtohelpthem
memorize a variety of prayers. Strings of 33 beads can also be used. Shepherd (2002) explains, The beads act as a
symbolicchain,connectingandbindingthehumantothedivine.Hindususetheirmalas,prayerbeads,tohelpthem
recitemantras.Thereareavarietyofmalastobeusedduringdifferentsituations,whetherpeaceful,powerful,wrathful,
orforprosperity.RomanCatholicprayerbeads,therosaries,werefirstdevelopedinthe13thcenturytoassistinprayers
toMary(herconnectionwithrosesgavethebeadstheirname),andhavesincedevelopedavarietyofprayers.They
usuallyhave165beadsinfifteensetsoftenbeadsandonelargerone,thesmallonesrepresentingAveMariaorHail
Mary.ThelargebeadsrepresentPaternosterorOurFather.SeeRosary.
PrayerWheel:Aprayerwheelisarotatingdruminscribedwithorcontainingprayers,oneturnofwhich
isconsideredtohavetheequivalentpowerofaspokenprayer(Shepherd,2002).Individualsusesmall,handheld
prayerwheelswhilelargeonesarerotatedbypilgrimsoutsideofBuddhistshrines.
PrayerStick:Prayersticksappearinavarietyofcultures,fromtheJapanese(Ainu)IkupasuytoEthiopian
totheHebrewMattahtoNativeAmericans.Theyareusedinrituals,atceremonialsitestocarryprayer.Theycan
bemadeofwoodorreedanddecoratedwithsacredobjects,feathers,theownersname,etc.,andcanbeavariety
ofsizesandshapes.AccordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanIn
Art And Myth (2002), Sticks may be placed, according to custom, around a ceremonial site or they may be
bundledtogetherandplaceduponit.
Prophecy: The ability to prophesize wasa necessary gift of holymen and women of biblical times and
considered their most important talent. Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And
Secrets (1983), explains, The ancients chief standard of judgment for any holy man or woman was his or her
powertoprophesycomingevents.
Prostitution:Prostitutionisoneoftheoldestspiritualandfinancialoptionsavailabletowomenandwas
highlyhonored.Templeharlotsorprostitutepriestessesfilledthetemplesofancienttimes.IntheHindutradition
theywerecalleddevadasis;intheMiddleEasttheywerecalledCharitesorGracesandpracticedcharis,kindness,
and beauty (later translated as charity); in Egypt they were called ghazye, sacred whores; Tantra called them
Veshya. Temple prostitution was practiced in Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Eryx, Corinth, Babylon, Asia, etc., by the
thousands.BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),explains,Ancient
harlotsoftencommandedhighsocialstatusandwerereveredfortheirlearningaswellastheirabilitytoheal.
Theywerewelleducated,likecourtesans,prizedaswives,andconsideredtohavethemagicalabilitytohealand
prophesize. Even during times of incredibly little power for women, temple prostitutes wielded independence,
respect,andpower,untilChristianitydemonizedthepractice.
Python:SeeAnimals,Python.
Qi:(AlsocalledChi)AccordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMean
InArtAndMyth(2002),TraditionalChinesemedicineisbasedonthebeliefthateverylivingthingiscomposedof
fundamentalenergy,calledQi.Throughyinandyang,Qiformsintofiveelements(wuxing):fire,water,metal,wood
andearth.Chinesemedicine,includingacupunctureandTaoistinternalalchemy,allarebasedonQi.
Quetzalcoatl:SeeGods/SaviorGods,Quetexalcoatl.
Quintessence: A sign of divine rule, quintessence or blue blood was called by Romans, quinta essential or
essentialfifthpart,accordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).
Hindu gods, such as Shiva and Vishnu are depicted with dark blue skin; the Picts and other British tribes painted
themselvesbluebeforereligiousceremoniesorbattle;thealchemistsofMedievaltimesidentifiedablueelixirwiththe
propertiesofspiritualilluminationandphysicalresurrectionasquintaessential;andtheEssentialFifthwasincorporated
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intotheTarotdeckasthefifthtrumpsuitthattellsofmysticaldoctrines.Thequintessencehasbeenincorporatedinto
legendsofdeitiesincludingAphroditeandHoraceaswine,ambrosia,nectar,honey,ormenstrualbloodoftheGoddess.
HomerbelievedthatthebluebloodoftheGodswastheetherealfluidofAphroditeshoneybeesandAristotlebelieved
thatthequintessencewasafifthelementafterearth,water,air,andfire,whichthebodiesofGodsweremadeof.
Ra:SeeGods,Father/SunGods,Ra.
Rabbatu:TitleoftheSemiticGoddessandherpriestesses,rabbatuisthefemaleformofrabbiandmeans
HolyOne,accordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).
Ragnarok:Theendtimes,doomsdayofNorselegends,RagnarokwouldcomewhenHeimdallsignified
thelastbattleofthegodswithaLastTrumpofhishorn.Theearthwouldbedestroyed,thesunwoulddisappear,
the gods would die, and chaos would again rule, according to Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans
EncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).
Ram:SeeAnimals,Ram.
Raven:SeeBirds,Raven.
Reincarnation:Meaningrefleshingofthesoul,thisbasicbeliefaboutthecyclicalnatureoflife,death,
and rebirth (in contrast to one life ending in either heaven or hell), is prominent in many spiritual paths from
Hinduism toPaganism. In legends,reincarnation was controlledby a varietyof Fategoddesses from the Great
Mother who controlled the Wheel of Becoming to Kalis Wheel of Karma, according to Barbara Walker, in her
book,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).SeetheUMScourseonReincarnationformoreinfo.
Revelation:Todayrevelationreferstoanyreligiousvision,opinion,orevenfortunetelling,butitsroots
gobacktotheLatinrevelatio,meaningtodrawbackthevelumorveil.AccordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,
The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), It was the Goddesss rainbow veil that concealed the
futureandthesecretsofthespiritunderthecolorsofearthlyappearance,thatarerevealedindeath.Later,the
BiblesBookofRevelations,recountsSt.JohntheDivinesdoomsdayvisionandsimilardoomsdayrevelationsare
heldintheScandinavianVoluspaorSybilsVision.
Riddles:According to Man, MythAndMagic: TheIllustratedEncyclopedia OfMythology, Religion And The
Unknown(1995),The telling of riddles was once far more thanan amusement for children: a condemned man
mightsometimesriddlehiswayoutofthenoose,whilecertainAfricantribesusedtheminconnectionwithrain
makingandintheCelebesitwascustomarytotellthemonlyinthepresenceofacorpse.
Rose:SeeFlowers,Rose.
Rosary: This symbol, so often associated with Catholicism and St. Dominics beatific vision, was
adaptedfromthepagansandhasitsrootsintheHindujapamalarosechaplet,orRosaryoftheMantras,worn
byKaliMa.Therosaryisusedtocountrepetitiveprayersormantras,likeaportableprayerwheel.Accordingto
BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),Itsalternatelyredandwhite
beadssymbolizeherMotherandVirginformsandtheBuddhistRosaryUpanishedaddressesitsuses.TheArabs
adaptedredandwhiterosesassymbolsoffemininity,callingtheirrosarieswardijaorrosegarden,andinLatin
itwascalledarosariumandwasassociatedwiththecultoftheVirginMaryintothe14thcentury.InGermanya
wreath of roses called a Rosenkranz was the symbol of virginity for maidens, and in the east, this same wreath
representedsacredmarriageandwaswornbythephallicgod.SeePrayerBeads.
Runes:ThesacredrunicalphabetoriginatedfromaNorsetaleofOdingainingtheknowledge
of runes in return for his selfsacrificea common demand in myths in return for male
acquisition of feminine wisdom. Odin hung in a Yggdrasil tree for 9 nights, the traditional
childbirthperiodforwomen,accordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomans
Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983). Originally called the Elder Furtharc, the runic alphabet has 16 to 33
symbols,althoughoriginallystartedwith24.Therunesbecameatoolofdivinationforthepagansbycastingthe
rune.ConsequentlyChristianitydemonizedthepractice.
Sacred:fromtheLatinsacermeaninguntouchableasbothholyandunclean,andreferredtosomething
tabooorsetasideforadivinepurpose.
SacredGeometry:SeeUMSSacredGeometrycourse.
Sacred Marriage: Also called Hieros Gamos, this ceremony symbolizes the union and balance between
the Goddess and God, or the archetypal feminine and masculine. The Sacred Marriage refers to the union of a
rulertobe,actingthepartofasacredking,andapriestessqueen,actingthepartoftheGoddess.Thispractice
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was prevalent in pagan tradition. In her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), Barbara
Walkerexplains,Thesacredmarriagewasonceconsideredessentialtotheking.
Sacrifice:AccordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArt
AndMyth(2002),sacrificederivesfromtheLatinsacrumfacere,tomakeholy.Malehumansandotheranimals
weresacrificedtodeitiesinmanytraditionsasaformoffertilitymagic.Thissacrificerepresentedthelaststepinthe
cycleoflifeandthesacrifice,especiallyifhuman,wasconsideredbothkingandgod;itwasbelievedthatwhatever
is killed becomes father. The next step of birth or resurrection would continue the cycle, especially if the ritual
includedconsummatingwithaqueenorpriestess(Walker,1983).AnimalsweresacrificedtoShiva;criminalswere
sacrificed in place of kings at the Sacaea festivals of Babylon, for Scythians and Amazonian Sacae; Jewish sacred
kingsandChristianmartyrsweresimilarlykilledorcrucified;theEgyptiansofferedanimalstosymbolizemen;and
inEgypt,India,andtheMiddleEastpigswereoftenconsideredthesacredvictims(astheconsortofAphrodite,the
boargod Vishnue). Often the meat was not wasted, while the blood (considered the carrier of the soul) or other
inedible parts were offered to the gods. Sometimes, as in the case of Chinese Shang rulers (c. 17001050 B.C.)
servants,familymembers,andsoldiersweresacrificedatthedeathoftheruler.
Sagittarius:SeeZodiacSigns,Sagittarius.
Saints: A saint is a deceased person who has been canonized by the Pope because of their superior
holiness.TheearlyChristiansaintsallowedforapantheonofgodlikebeingstoworshipforthenewlyconverted
pagans and also allowed the Goddesss multiple forms, as well as other gods, to be represented as saints. The
ancient GrecoRomans started the practice of apotheosis or godmaking, which was later practiced by the
pagansthroughceremoniesofreleasingbirdsoulstorepresentthenewlydeceasedflyingtoheaven.
Sala:SeeTree,Sala.
Salem:AlsoShalem,Shalom,Selim,Solomon,Shalman,Salmon,andShalmaneser.SalemistheSemitic
word for Peace. In herbook, TheWomans Encyclopedia OfMythsAnd Secrets (1983), Barbara Walker explains,
JeruSalemwastheHouseofPeace,orofthegodSalem.
Salt:Salt,havingthepeculiarproprietiesofpreservation(bothfoodandbodies),comingfrom
thesea,andtastinglikebloodbecameasymbolicinstrumenttokinship,likematernalblood,
accordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).
SharingsaltwasconsideredtocreateabondandwasusedinRomanweddingritesandArab
bondsofgoodfaith.JewsandChristiansusedsaltwhendedicatinganaltaranditisoftenused
inmanyotherritualsorspiritualpractices.RowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapes
Mean In Art And Myth (2002), explains that because it is found in seawater, and in rock salt on land, it is
associated with the sea and earth and thus with female energy. In Europeanfolklore salt was given cleansing
properties and throwing salt over ones shoulder was supposed to throw salt in the eye of the Devil, and
similarly in Japan salt is scattered at the thresholds and floors of funeral services because of its cleansing and
purifyingpowers.Itwasaphilosophicalelementinalchemy(symboltotheleft).
Sapphire:Acorruptionofsappur,meaningholybloodandrepresentedbylapislazuli,associatedwith
thedivinebluebloodoftheBabylonianCroneGoddess.SeeQuintessence.
Satan:SeeGods/UnderworldGuardian,Devil,andSaturn.
Saturn:SeePlanets,Saturn.
Savior:SeeGods,Fertility/SaviorGods.
Scales:Scalessymbolizejudgment.IntheEgyptianHallsofJudgmenttheheartsofthedeceasedareweighed
againstafeatheronthescalesoftheGoddessMaattoseeifthesoulwithintheheartsisheavy.Ifitisvirtuousandlight,
thedeceasedwillliveonintheAfterlife.Ifnot,theywillbedevouredbyamonster(Shepherd,2002).Avarietyofdeities
areshownwithscalesincludingtheGreekgoddessofjusticeThemis,ArchangelMichael,andLadyoftheScales,Libra,
judgeofmenandruleroftheirfates,(Walker,1983).TheScalesarethesignofthetenthZodiac,Libra.
ScallopShell:FromSymbolsOfChurchSeasonsAndDays(1997),byJohnBradner,Thescallopshellwith
afewdropsofwaterisasymbolofbaptism,andattimesoftheBaptismofChrist.
Scepter: Meaning staff, from the Greek skeptron, the scepter symbolizes authority (Shepherd, 2002).
FromSymbolsOfChurchSeasonsAndDays(1997),byJohnBradnerasanemblemofroyalpowerand
authority,kingsmayholdarodorwandcalledascepter.Originallythismayhavebeensimplyastaff
andlateraweapon.Sceptersfrequentlyterminateatthetopwithafurthersymbolsuchasaneagle.
SeeWand.
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Scorpio:SeeZodiacSigns.
Scorpion:SeeAnimals.
Scythe:AccordingtoMan,MythAndMagic:TheIllustratedEncyclopediaOfMythology,ReligionAndThe
Unknown(1995),editedbyRichardCavendish,Symbolofdeath,andoftimewhenlinkedwithdeath;
death is frequently represented as a skeleton carrying the scythe with which he mows down the
living.
Seasons: Agricultural societies live closely with seasons and break the years cycles into a variety of parts.
AncientGreeceandEgypthadthreeseasons,basedontheNilesriseandfall.SimilarlyJapansseasonsarebasedon
thegrowthofrice.InChinatheseasonsareconnectedwithdirections,colors,animals,andflours.SeeFourDirections.
Theancient Celtsmarked their year by thesolsticesandequinoxes, celebrating theminsymbolic richfestivals: The
WinterSolsticeandbeginningoftheyearisSamhain;theSpringEquinoxmarksImbolc;Beltane,theSummerSolstice,
markstheseasonofcourtship;andLammas,theAutumnSolsticemarksharvestandbetrothals,accordingtoRowena
andRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002).
Serpent:SeeAnimals,SerpentSnake.
Seven:SeeNumbers,7.
Sex Organs: According to Man, Myth And Magic: The Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Mythology, Religion And
TheUnknown(1995),editedbyRichardCavendish,Thefeelingthatthesexorgansaredirtyanddisgustinghas
notbeensharedbymostoftheworldspopulation.Thepowersofreproductionwerethoughttobeamongthe
fundamental potencies of the universe, and to represent them in images was to invoke them in activity. From
prehistorictimesmenhavemadeidolsandfiguresdepictingtheprimarysexualattributesoftheirchiefdeities.
Shadow: Often described as one of several souls of a human, the Egyptian name was khaibut and the
Romans called it umbra. Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983),
explains, The shadow was a vulnerable soul because it was external and had to be carefully preserved from
accident.Itwasbelievedthattheshadowsoulcouldbegivenawaytoeitheragodorthedevil,inwhichcasethe
person would be shadowless. According to Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What
Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), shadows are often associated with the dead. The Jewish Underworld
Scheoltranslatestoshadowandisthedwellingplaceofthedead.
Shalimar:SeeParadise,Shalimar.
Shamrock: Also called clover. Mesopotamia, Crete, Egypt, PreIslamic Arabia, and the Celtic
traditionalldepictedthetrefoilinart.BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOf
Myths And Secrets (1983), states, PreIslamic Arabs called the trefoil shamrakh, the threelobed
lilyorlotusfloweroftheMoongoddessstrinity;adesignofthreeyoniswhichappearedon
artifactsoftheancientIndusValleycivilization.TheIrishworshippedthesymbolasthetriple
dooroftheTripleGoddess,whoseGodoftheShamrock,titledTrefuilngidTreeochairofTripleBearerofthe
TripleKeyrepresentedatriplephallus.ChristianitylateradoptedthesymbolasSt.Patrickswayofexplaining
the trinity to the pagans, as John Bradner in Symbols Of Church Seasons And Days (1997), explains, The three
leavedclovermakesagoodTrinitysymbol.Thefourleavedcloverwasasignofluckandagoodomentothe
Druids,asitstillistodayformanypeople.
SheepandShepherds:SeeAnimals,SheepandShepherds.
ShieldofDavid:SeeHexagram.
Shimenawa:SacredstrawropeshungtodesignateaholyplacesuchasaShintoshrine.Theycancontain
symbolsofthedeitiessuchasstonesandaretwistedtotheleftforgoodfortune.AccordingtoRowenaandRupert
Shepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),InShintolegend,ashimenawawas
placedbehindthesungoddessAmaterasuOmikamitopreventherfromreenteringtheRockCameofHeaven.
Silver:SeeMetals,Silver.
Six:SeeNumbers,6.
Sky:Themasculinecounterparttotheearth,theskyisregardedbymanypeoplesasadivinefatherfigure,
andthehomeofthegods.AccordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMean
In Art And Myth (2002), In China the dome of the sky represents yang, while earth represents yin. The
Batammaliba(FromToga,Africa)calltheirskygodKuiyeandhiswife,theearthgoddessButan.FortheMaori,the
sky god is Rangi and the earth goddess, Papatuanuku. However, in Egypt, the sky is ruled by the goddess Nut,
whoseearthhusbandisthegodGeb,andinChristianitytheskyrepresentsthemanteloftheVirginMary.
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Sleipnir:SeeAnimals.
Sneeze: Similar to the shadow, the ancient IndoEuropean world believed humans had multiple souls,
oneofwhichwasanairorbreathsoulthatwasindangerofbeingexpelledfromthebodybyasneeze.Thusthe
Roman pagans coined the saying God bless you or Gesundheit, May you have health as a verbal charm
against losing their breathsoul. Similarly, the practice of covering the mouth when yawning was meant to
preventthelossoftheairsoul.SeeShadow.
SolomonsSeal:SeeHexagram.
SonofMan:Theconceptofagodmadewhollyintheimageofman,accordingtoBarbaraWalker,in
her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983). The term was applied to Vishnu, the Persian
Messiah Yima the Splendid, and then to Christ. These Sons of Man were supposed to be able to defeat death,
whereassonsofwomenweredestinedtodie.
Soul:Theologiansandphilosophersalikehavetheorizedonthesoul.TheearlierGermanictermforsoul
Seele denoted the feminine Ultimate Reality, was called psyche, pneuma, anima, alma, was ruled by the
GoddessesKore,Sophia,Metis,Sapientia,andJuno.Itwasbelievedthateverymanhadafemininesoul(Walker,
1983). According to Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), The
philosophersreasonedthatifGod=air=soul,thentheairwithinabreathingpersonwasaninnerGodjudginghis
actions, an interior conscience. The Egyptiansassociated the seven souls ofa humanaakhu, ab, ba, kakhaibut,
khat,andren(primordiallifespiritorblood,heartfromthemothersheart,theghostafterdeath,thereflectedself,
theshadow,thephysicalbody,andthenamerespectively),withtheSevenHathors,guardiansoftheplanetary
spheres. The Greeks attributed the souls to gods such as the spirit to Psyche who married Eros the body. The
breathorairsoulwasparticularlyimportanttotheBrahmanwhobelieveditwastheonlysoulprovidedbythe
fatherandmanydeitiesperformedmiraclesusingtheirbreath.
South:SeeFourDirections.
Speaking in Tongues: Also called Glossolalia, speaking in tongues refers to a spiritual or religious
experience in which a person experiences a trance or sense of ecstasy that is accompanied with spontaneous
speakingofalanguageunknowntothespeakersconsciousmind.Theyarethoughttobetemporarilypossessed
bythedivinespirit,accordingtoWalker,inherbookTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).The
BiblicalSt.PaulwasknownforhisabilitytospeakintonguesandthepracticehasconnectionstoBuddhismas
Walker (1983) explains, The idea originally came from Buddhists who claimed that when Buddha addressed
gods,demons,men,andanimals,eachheardtheEnlightenedOnespeakinthelanguagehecouldunderstand.
Sphinx: The sphinx was a twoface Goddess of birth and death sometimes depicted with two
heads and two foreparts, according to Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of
MythsAndSecrets(1983).Sometimescalledxerefuandakeru,theLionsofYesterdayandToday,The
GoddessHathortooktheformofaSphinx,askingmentheriddle,Whatgoesonfourlegsatdawn,twolegsat
midday,andthreelegsatsunset,andisweakestwhenithasthemostsupport?Shekilledthemiftheycouldnot
answer.KingOedipusfinallysolvedtheriddleaseithermanorthesungodRawhodailymadehiswayacross
theskyturningintoanoldmanbynight,bothofwhomcrawlonfourlegsatbirthordawn,twolegsduring
middayormostoflife,anduseacrutchorthirdlegatsunsetortheendoflife(Walker,1983).SeeUMS
Wizards,MagicalCreaturesandAdeptscourse.
Spider:SeeAnimals,Spider.
SriYantra:SeeHexagram.
Stable:ThissymbolrepresentsthestructurethatChristwasbornin,althoughtheBibledoesnotsaywhat
kindofstructureitisanditisunlikelythattherewouldhavebeenastableinPalestine,ashorseswerefewand
farbetweenaccordingtoSymbolsOfChurchSeasonsAndDays(1997),byJohnBradner.Nonetheless,thestablehas
becomethesymbolforthehumblestructurethatChristwasborninto.
Stag:SeeAnimals,Stag.
Star:Thissymbolhasmanylayersofmeanings.Itisamessianicsymbolaswellasaroyalsymbol,
inadditiontobeingasymbolofguidance.TheStaroftheEastguidedtheWiseMentoJesusand
it is a long tradition for travelers to use the stars as a guide, According to Symbols Of Church
SeasonsAndDays(1997),byJohnBradner.
StarofDavid:SeeHexagram.
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Stigmata:ThestigmareferstothefivewoundsexperiencedbyChristatthepassion.Theseincludethe
four nail wounds on both of his hands and feet and the spear wounds on his side. According to Rowena and
Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), the stigmata may be
transferredtoChristians,mostlywomen,asasymbolofmysticalidentificationwithChrist.St.Franciswasfirst
toreceivethestigmatainthe13thcentury.
Styx: Also called Alphathe beginning or birth, and daughter of Oceana Great Goddess, the
Styx was the Greek mythical river that the dead crossed to get to the underworld land of death and rebirth.
OriginatingfromasecretyonicshrineatamountainnearthecityClitor,theStyxrepresentedtheGoddesss
fertilemenstrualblood.Inmythology,OceanmarriedPallas(representingthelingam)andafterwindingaround
7timesintheunderworld(representingthe7monthsofgestationoriginallythoughtnecessaryforbirth),Ocean
and Pallas gave birth of Power, Force, and Dominance This was a mythic expression of the magic power
supposedlyengenderedbythecombinationofsemenandmenstrualblood,accordingtoBarbaraWalker,inher
book,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).ThisissimilartotheRiverofBlood,thepaganbarrier
toFairyland,andtheJordanriverthatJewishsagescrossed.Manyculturesheldsimilarbeliefs,includingGreece
andIrelandintothe17thcentury.Thepracticeofburyingthedeadwithmoney(oftenintheirmouth)camefrom
thebeliefintheneedtopayfortherivercrossing(Walker,1983).
Sun: Dieties such as the Egyptian gods Ra and Horus, and Oriental goddess Omikami
Amaterasu as well as others, have been associated with the sun. Man, Myth And Magic: The
Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Mythology, Religion And The Unknown (1995), edited by Richard
Cavendish,explains,Onthefaceofit,thereisnomoreobviousrecipientofdivinehonorsthan
thesun:visibleandyetmysterious,beneficentandyetthoroughlydangerous,itisthegiverof
lifeandyetthemostpotentofdestructiveforces.Totheleftisthesungoddesssymbol.Thesimplesunsymbolis
just the circle with the dot in the middle. Astrological sun/divinity symbol to the left (for the Freemasons, this
signrepresentsthepointfromwhichaMasterMasoncannoterraccordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdin
theirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002).)
Swastika:SeeCross,Nazi.
Swine:SeeAnimals,Swine.
Sword:Asasymbolofthephallus,theswordwasoftenpairedwithfemalesymbolssuchasa
pyramidofbrushwoodinScythiantaleofthewargodHerodotusandtheNorsepairingofthe
sword with the house, both symbolic of fertility. Man, Myth And Magic: The Illustrated
Encyclopedia Of Mythology, Religion And The Unknown (1995), edited by Richard Cavendish,
explains,RegardedwithmysticalreverenceintheDarkAges,theswordwascreditedwitha
personalityandpowerofitsown;indancesofimmenselyancientlineageitreplacedthesticks
andclubsofvictorycelebrationsandseasonalfertilityrites.SeeBlade.
Talisman:FromtheGreektelesma,aTalismanisacharmedobject,oftenwithinscription.InChinathey
werewrittenonpaperinalanguagethoughttobeunderstoodbythespirits,calledghostscript.InJapanthe
gofutalismanoffersgoodfortuneandissoldandgivenawayatShintushrines.ThetawizisanIslamictalismanof
stoneormetalinscribedwithaquotefromtheQuran.Themagicsquareofawordorsumthatcanbereadin
any direction inspired the Jewish Kabbalah and European alchemical and hermetic traditions. Hindus use a
varietyofobjects(Shepherd,2002).
Tao: Tao or The Way is the Chinese practice of conserving vital energy force, similar to Tantrism,
accordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).Menabstainedfrom
sexinordertonurturetheirYangenergy,thoughttobeabsorbedbytheYinenergyforceofawomansorgasm.
Tara:SeeEarth.
Tarot:Predecessorofthemoderndeckofplayingcards,theTarotoriginatedwiththeSaracensandwas
broughttoEuropebygypsies.AccordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAnd
Secrets (1983), The Tarot has been linked with several nonChristian mystical systems: the Cabala, Hermetic
magic, classical paganism, witchcraft. Moreover, Alfred Douglas states, The Tarot speaks in the language of
symbols,thelanguageoftheunconscious,andwhenapproachedintherightmanneritmayopendoorsintothe
hidden reaches of the soul (quoted in Walker, 1983). The Tarot, along with many books of pictures, was
originallyusedintheEast,toteachtheilliteratesmysticaldoctrines.SeeUMSDivinationSystemscourse.
Tartarus:Greeknamefortheunderworld.SeeUnderworld,Hell.
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Tattoo/Scarification: Men get tattoos as signs of honor, courage, and manhood in the South Pacific
islands,accordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth
(2002).InAfricatattooing,scarification,andpaintingallhavereligiousandtribalsignificance.InancientChina
andJapantheyareusedtodenotesocialgroupsandclasses.Unfortunatelytattooingwasalsousedduringthe
Holocaustandsoithasbecomeasymbolforconcentrationcampsurvivors.
Taurus:SeeZodiacSigns,Taurus.
Ten:SeeNumbers,10.
TenThousand:SeeNumbers,TenThousand.
TerraFirma:SeeEarth,TerraFirma.
Thirteen:SeeNumbers,12/13.
Three:SeeNumbers,3.
ThreeHundredSixty:SeeNumbers,360.
Throne: Modern monarchs as well as GrecoRoman to Egyptian deities use the throne to symbolize
authority.RowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),
explain,Athroneisaspecialseatsymbolizingtheauthorityofagodorasovereigntheauthorityrepresented
byathronemaybetemporalorspiritual.
Thistle:SeeTrees,Thistle.
Thumb:Thesoulwasfrequentlydescribedasthesizeofathumb,whichtheHindusreferredtoasthe
innermostSelf,[that]dwellsforeverintheheartofallbeingsandtheKathaUpanishadalsostates,deepwithin
the heart. He is the lord of time, past and future, according to Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans
EncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).Theimageofathumbsizedpersonstampingoutaheartbeatwithinthe
heart(similartotheDancingShivastampingouttherhythmoftheuniverse),traveledtoEuropeandsurvivedin
theformoffolkloresuchasThumbelina.
Thyrsus:Dionysusrodandstafftippedwithapineconesymbolizedthegodsabilitytofertilize;often
seeninconjunctionwithawinecup,representingthefemininecounterpart.
Tiger:SeeAnimals,Tiger.
Toad:SeeAnimals,Toad.
Toga: This head garment, originally worn by the ruling class of the matronae tribe in prepatriarchal
Rome,wasasignofpoliticalpower.Also,atogawasaloose,onepiecegarmentworninpublicbycivilians.
Tohu Bohu: The Hebrew Tahu Bohu or Primal Chaos was the elemental formlessness between the
destructionofoneuniverseandthecreationofthenext,accordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomans
EncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).OriginallyfromtheAsiaticbeliefintheGoddessKaliscauldronorsea
ofinfiniteformlessness,fromwhichallpotentiallifewascreated.
Tomb:AsahomeforthedeadsinceNeolithictimes,tombsareoftenfilledwiththenecessitiesofdaily
lifeaswellastherichesoftheoccupantslife.Egyptiansviewedtheirtombsaswombsofrebirthintotheafterlife,
RowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),explain,The
magical symbols painted on the sarcophagus enabled its occupant to continue to live in this world and in the
Otherworld.Romantombsbecamededicatedtothedeceasedspirit,likeanaltar.
Tophet:SeeUnderworld.
Torch: Believed to ward off evil that lurks in darkness, torches are attributed to the goddess
Demeter/CereswhousedtheminherUnderworldsearchforherdaughterPersephone,andthegoddessHecate
wholikewiseusedthemintheUnderworld.IntheGrecoRomantradition,torchesareusedduringprocessionsto
templegatherings,toescortabridetohernewhome,aretheattributeofHymen,godofmarriage,andusedat
theOlympicgamestosymbolizetheSpirit(Shepherd,2002).
TotemAnimals:SeeAnimals,Totem.
TotemPole:UsedbyNativeAmericantribesoftheNorthwestcoast,TotemPolesarelargecedarpillars
carvedwithtotemanimalsrepresentingsacredstories,legends,andbeliefs(Shepherd,2002).
Transubstantiation: Catholic belief that the wine and bread of the holy communion are literally
transformedintothebloodandfleshofJesus.Thisritualgoesbacktomoreprimitivesacrificesinwhichtheblood
and body of the sacrificed was literally consumed. Cults of Osiris, Mithra, Attis, Dionysus, and Orpheus all
practiced blood sacrifices. Worshippers of Dionysus drink wine symbolizing the gods blood (Shepherd, 2002).
BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)explains,Thetheorybehind
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transubstantiation was the most primitive kind of magic, the echo of some prehistoric cannibalistic religion
ThefleshandbloodconsumedbecomesaninnatepartofthedinerIfheeatsagod,hebecomesgodlike(Jobes
quoted in Walker, 1983). While a literal belief in transubstantiation is integral to Catholicism, it was one of the
mainthrustsoftheProtestantReformation.
Transvestism:Thepracticeofcrossdressing,orthemoreextremecastration,startedasawayformento
gainaccesstoreligiousandspiritualactivity,thedomainofwomeninprepatriarchaltimes.Bywearingwomens
clothing, they hoped the deities would find them acceptable. Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans
Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983) states, Mens transvestism was rooted in the ancient desire to imitate
female magic and occurred in Europe, Rome, and the Middle East. Many indigenous peoples recognized
shamansormedicinemenwhodressedoractedaswomen,suchastheNativeAmericanberdacheandthehijraof
India.
Trees
Apple:Applesaresignificantinourculture,fromsayingslike,Theappleofmyeye,Anappleforthe
teacher,tofolklegendsaboutJohnnyAppleseed,andAmericanapplepie.TheappleinChristiandogmacomes
fromtheTreeofKnowledgeinParadise.Itisthekeytooriginalsin,thefallofgracefromGod.FromSymbolsOf
Church Seasons And Days (1997), by John Bradner, By tradition the apple is the fruit of the Paradise Tree. It is
usedsometimesasasymbolofChrist,thenew(orsecond)Adam.However,thesymbolismoftheapplesfive
petalledblossoms,liketheroseandpentagram,comesfromtheolderIndoEuropeantraditionrepresentingthe
knowledge of sacredfemininity, sexuality, and immortality.The Goddess magical paradise took the form of
apple groves in many traditions such as the Celtic Appleland of Avalon, the Norse Goddess Iduns magical
appleskeptthegodsimmortal,andtheGreekGoddessHerasmagicalapplegardencontainedtheTreeofLife
andthesacredserpent.Asignificantaspectoftheappletowitchesandgypsiesisthefivepointedstarofapple
seeds in the core of the apple when cut transversely, and relates to mythology about the Virgin Kore (Core)
withinherEarthMotherDemeter.Walker,inTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)explains,The
fivepointed star in a circle was the Egyptian hieroglyph for the underworld womb, where resurrection was
broughtaboutbythemotherheartoftransformations.Thus,amonggypsiesandpagans,theapplesymbolized
sacredunion.
ChristmasTree:Thissymbolisoneofmanysymbolsthatstemfromthetree(suchastheTreeof
LifeorTreeofKnowledge).Thecustomofcuttinganevergreenandbringingitindoorsduringthe
short,dark,daysofwintergoesbacktoNorseYulecelebrationsofthedarkestdaysofwinter,but
wascooptedbyChristianMissionariesinanattempttoeasilyconvertthelocalpagans,andhence
themodernChristmasTreewascreatedaccordingtoSymbolsOfChurchSeasonsAndDays(1997),
byJohnBradner.BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)explains,Onthe
nightbeforeaholyday,Romanpriestscalleddendrophoriortreebearerscutoneofthesacredpines,decoratedit,and
carrieditintothe[GreatMothers]templetoreceivetheeffigytoAttis.Figuresandfetishesattachedtosuchtreesin
latercenturiesseemtohaverepresentedawholepantheonofpagandeitiesontheWorldTree.
Tree of Life: Also called World Tree. Man, Myth And Magic: The Illustrated Encyclopedia Of
Mythology,ReligionAndTheUnknown(1995),editedbyRichardCavendish,explains,Aninfinity
ofsymbolicdetailaccompaniesthedifferentpartsoftheWorldTreeThecosmictreeoftenbore
fruitswhichthegodsatetoensuretheirimmortality:andsoitbecameatreeoflife.Theideaof
thetreeastheuniversedatesbacktoScandinaviawheretheOdenAsh(Yggdrasil)wasgiventhis
quality;inIndiaitwasthefig(Asvattha);inHinduitistheBanyan;inChristianityitistheapple
tree and many other religions have similar ideas, including China and Russia. The Celts and
Druids represented it as the sacred oak tree, connecting the three worlds of the Upperworld,
MiddleEarth,andUnderworldthroughitsbranchesandroots.Theconceptoftheaxismundialso
isvisualizedasaworldtree,intheMayancultureasWacahChan.Wikipedia(2005)encyclopedia
states, It is a common shamanic concept, the healer traversing the axis mundi to bring back
knowledge from the other world. The axis mundi both connects heaven and earth as well as
providedapathbetweenthetwo.TheDruidicWorldTreeistopleft,theKabalisticTreeofLife
istothebottomleft.SeeYggdrasil.
Holly: This bush of thorny leaves and red berries is green year round and is used in many winter
celebrations.ItwasalsotheBurningBushofMosesvision.ThisplantwasimportanttotheDruidsaswelland
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representeddeathandregeneration.ItwastheplantofMotherHolle(orHel)theNorseUnderworldGoddess.In
Germany, witches used holly for making wands. In her book The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets
(1983),BarbaraWalker states,Red holly berries showed thefemale bloodoflife color, corresponding to white
mistletoeberriesassociatedwithmaleelementsofsemenanddeath.AtYule,thewinterfestivaloftheDivine
Marriage,thesetwoplantsweredisplayedtogether.TheDionysiancultofRomantimesdisplayedthehollywith
ivy, as the symbol of feminine and masculine balance during times of the solstitial festival. Because of its
connectionwithsexitwasrenouncedbyTertullianandtheCouncilofBracaraasnotfitforChristians,although
thepracticeofadorningdoorwayswithitcontinued.Kissingunderthemistletoeoriginallyrepresentedaunion
between the man and mistress of a house. However, according Symbols Of Church Seasons And Days (1997), by
JohnBradner,hollyissymbolicofthecrownofthornsanddropsofbloodontheSaviorshead.
Pear Tree: All throughout the ancient world the pear tree was significant. VishnuNarayana was
recognizedas Lord of Pear Trees in the Himalayas; in Eurasia it was recognized to have feminine significance;
Russiansuseditasaprotectioncharmforcows;peasantsofEuropebelievedittobealifetreeforgirls.The
PartridgeinaPearTreeisananalogyforthemythofAthenessacredkingPerdixsjourneyfromearthtoheaven
as a bird, with the help of the Goddess. Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And
Secrets(1983),states,Hewasthepartridge,shethepeartree.ChristianstranslatedthepartridgeasChrist.
Laurel:Man,MythAndMagic:TheIllustratedEncyclopediaOfMythology,ReligionAndTheUnknown(1995),
editedbyRichardCavendishsays,Poets,militaryheroesandOlympicvictorsallsoughtthecrownoflaurelas
the highest honor. Sacred to Apollo, the laurel or bay was also associated with oracular powers. The nymph
Daphne,ofGreekmythwasturnedintoaLaureltreeinordertoescapethelecherousarmsofthegodApollo,
whoconsequentlyworeawreathofLaurelleavesanddeclaredthetreesacredtohim.
Meriah: Like the ancient Israelites, the people of northern India also made sacrificial offerings to their
gods by hanging the victims on crosses or trees, called Meriah. Barbara Walker, author of The Womans
Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), states that the Meriah is a Sacrificial victim bought for a price and
hungonatreeorcrossbetweenheavenandearthinnorthernIndia,asanofferingtotheEarthgoddessTara,or
herspouse,FatherHeaven.IntheOldTestament,AbrahamgoestosacrificehissonIsaactohisgodYahwehon
thesacrificialmound,Moriah;similarly,thePolynesianscalledtheirsacrificialplacemorai.
Mistletoe: Mistletoe is a parasitic that lives on Oak trees and means all heal (Shepherd, 2002). The
mistletoesymbolicallyrepresentsthemythicalunionbetweenthegodandgoddessthroughyearlycastrationand
deathofthesaviorgod,necessarytoinsurethepeaceandfertilityofthelandandpeopleforthedruidsandpagans
ofEurope.ItwasconnectedwiththedeathofBaldurinScandinavianlore.Theoaktreewasviewedastheliving
god,calledZeus,Jupiter,BalderorDianusofDodona,andthemistletoe,withitswhitesemencoloredberrieswas
considered the plants genitalia. In the same fashion as ancient sacrifices of human saviorking, the genitals
(mistletoe)ofthegodwerecastrated(cutoff)inceremonialfashion,beforethesacrificewasperformed.According
toBarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),Attheseasonofsacrifice,
Druidicpriestsceremoniallycastratedtheoakgodbycuttingoffhismistletoewithagoldenmoonsickle,catchingit
in a white cloth before it could touch the ground, so it remained like every sacrificial deity between heaven and
earthThephallicmeaningofthemistletoemadeitthekeythatopenedtheUnderworldwomb,keyandphallus
being interchangeable in mystical writings. The female counterpart to the mistletoe was the holly, with its red
menstrualcoloredberries,representingthegoddessandconsorttothegod,LadyoftheGroveandMoonmother
Diana Nemetona. Through the Renaissance, mistletoe was still being placed on altars in English churches on
ChristmasEve.FromSymbolsOfChurchSeasonsAndDays(1997),byJohnBradner,mistletoeintheChristianworld
becomes a symbol of joy and good will. The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe may have come from the
religiousceremonyofthekissofpeace(Bradner,1997).SeeHorns,andHolly.
PalmTree:LiketheAppleTreeoftheBiblicalGardenofEden,thePalmTreewasthesacredTreeofLifeinthe
Babylonian Primal Garden, sacred to the Goddess Astarte (in Hebrew known as Tamar, which translated to Palm
Tree).BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),explains,TheGoddesswas
oftenembodiedinaMotherpalm,givingthefoodoflifeintheformofcoconutmilkordates.TheGoddessspartner
wasBaalPeor,alsoknownasPhoenix,deityofPhoenicia,whichtranslatestoLandofthePalm.
Sala:TheSalaisthesacredcherrytreeunderwhichtheVirginMayagavebirthtoBuddha.Representing
virginity,thecherryiscommonlyassociatedwiththeGoddess,alongwithotherredfruitssuchastheappleand
pomegranate,accordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).
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Thistle: According to Symbols Of Church Seasons And Days (1997), by John Bradner, The thistle as a
thornyplantandasymbolofsorrowisasymbolofthePassionandinparticularthecrowningwiththorns.
Willow:Alongwithwater,thewillowrepresentedtheGoddessHelice,thevirginalformofHecate.Willowalso
representsmelancholyandsorrowasitsassociationwithqueenoftheUnderworld,Persephone,andOrpheus;Chinese
coffinswerecoverdwithwillowboughs.Man,MythAndMagic:TheIllustratedEncyclopediaOfMythology,ReligionAndThe
Unknown(1995),editedbyRichardCavendish,explains,Atraditionalemblemofgriefandmelancholy,thewillowis
alsoasymbolofforsakenlove,anditwasoncecustomaryforthejiltedtowearawillowgarland.However,accordingto
BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),Willowwandswerebelievedtogive
protectionintheUnderworld,invoketheMuses,andweresacredtotheMoonGoddess.
Xikum: Representing Ishtar, this sacred Babylonian Tree of Heaven, spread her branches into the
celestialandnetherworlds,holdingtheSaviorTammuzinhermidst,accordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,
The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983). This same tree later appeared in the Moslem Koran as
Zakkum,theTreeofHell.
Yggdrasil: Norse name for the Terrible Horse or The Horse of Ygg [Ogre], symbolic for
OdinsgallowstreewheremenrodetoDeath,accordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,The
WomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).ItisalsoconsideredaWorldTree,connecting
nineworlds:Asgard,Alfheim,andVanaheiminthebranches;Miogaro,Jotunhaim,Nidavellir,
and Svartalfheim around the trunk; and Helheim, Niflheim, and Muspelheim at the roots,
accordingtotheWikipediaEncyclopedia(2005).
Triangle:Thedownwardpointingtriangleisthemostbasicsymbolofthefeminine,the(oftenreferred
toastheYoniYantra,cup,chalice,mountain(Pueblo),orHolyGrailandhasobviousconnectionswith
thewomb),andtheupwardpointingtriangleisthesymbolforthemasculine,(oftenreferredtoasthe
primordial androgyne, blade, or clouds (Pueblo) and has obvious connections to male genitalia).
However,thetrianglegenerallysymbolizeswomenandspecificallyfertilityinitsrepresentationofthe
vulva.Egyptianhieroglyphics,aswellasgypsysymbolism,holdsthetriangleasthesignforwoman
and the Greek leter delta, triangle stood for the AllMother Demeter or Mother Delta. Tantric
traditioncalledittheTriangleofLifeorKaliYantra.AccordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,The
Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), Most ancient symbol systems recognized the
triangle as a sign of the Goddesss VirginMotherCrone trinity and at the same time as her genital
holyplace,sourceofalllifeanditwasworshippedasanicon.AlsoworshippedwastheChristian
HolyTrinity.
Trident:TriplepointedstaffofHades,Pluto,Neptune,Poseidon,Shiva,andtheChristiandevil.
SymbolicallytheTridentrepresentedthetriplephallusdisplayedbyanygodwhosefunctionit
wastomatewiththeTripleGoddess;amasculinecounterpartofthetriangle,explainsBarbara
Walker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).TheIrishshamrock
wasanotherrepresentationofthetriplephallus.
Trinity: Many religions have a trinity of archetypal energies. These including the Creator
PreserverDestroyer; femalemalemixed; FatherMotherSon trinity (like the pagan OsirisIsis
Horus; ZeusRheaZagreus; ApolloArtemisHeracles); the Triple Goddess in the form of the
Maiden, Mother, Crone (ParvatiDurgaUma/Kali of India; AnaBabdMacha of Ireland; Hebe
heraHecataofGreece);andtheChristianTrinityoftheFather,Son,andHolySpirit,according
to Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983). The
trinitysymboltotheleftrepresentstheinterconnectednessofeachpartofthetrinity;ifone
circle is broken, the whole trinity falls apart. Other trinity symbols include a triangle and a shamrock. See
Triangle,andShamrock,Numbers,3.
Tuat:SeeUnderworld,Tuat,andKhertNeterbelow.
Turtle:SeeAnimals,Turtle/Tortoise.
Twelve:SeeNumbers,12/13.
Twins: Pairs of opposites permeate religion in the forms of light/dark, yin/yang, good/evil, god/devil.
Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983) asserts, Throughout all
mythologiesthesamepaircanbefound:twinsoflightanddarkness,bornfromtheGreatMother.Everydualistic
religion opposing a principle of evil to a principle of good had to begin with the two principles personified as
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offspringoftheprimordialwomb.TheCeltsrecognizedDylan(powersofdarkness)andLleu(light),twinsof
theGoddessArianrhod;theGreeksnamedthemorningandeveningstarsthegodsCastorandPollux,bornofthe
primal mother Leda; the Persians recognized Ahura Mazda and Ahriman as the God and devil, twin sons of
Zurvan,symbolofInfiniteTime;NativeAmericanscalledtheWhiteMannituLordofLifeandtheBlackManitu
LordofDeathandrecognizedtheirmotherastheMoonGoddess,TheOldWomanWhoNeverDies;etc.
Two:SeeNumbers,2.
Unicorn:SeeAnimals,Unicorn.
Underworld
Hell:ThisChristianversionoftheUnderworldconsistantlyfollowsthedualistrealityofHellandHeaven.
DerivedfromthenameHel,theNorseQueenoftheUnderworld(aCronegoddess),Hellisarepositoryofsoulsfor
the afterlife, a womb of regeneration. Positive and negative connections have been placed on this world, but
originally it was a place souls went to await rebirth. The Underworld has been ruled by many, Persephone or
Hecate,PlutoorHades.BarbaraWalkerinherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)points
outTheearlyhellseemstohavebeenauterineshrineorsacredcaveofrebirth,denotedbytheNorsehellir.The
earlyimageofhellasawomboffiremayhavelentitselftootherimages,thatofthevolcanicMothermountainof
theHawaiianvolcanogoddessPele,anotherkeeperofsoulsuntilrebirth;theChristianinfernooftheHellthatnon
Christiansaresenttoupondeath;theRomansbelievedthattheovenisthemotherandsoulsandbirthedinher
ovenlike womb (Walker, 1983). These early versions of Hell are of a place of judgment and rebirth. Patriarchal
asceticreligionslikeZoroastrianPersiacreatedthefirstimagesoftortureinhellfordamnedsouls.Jewishtradition
heldthatHellwasthealternativeforthoseunfitforspendingeternitywithGodinHeaven,andmostwomenwere
doomedtoliveinHellduetotheirsubversivenatures.Christianitylateraddedtheideaofeternaltorture.Christians
developedafascinationwithHellandspentmuchtimecategorizingthedemonsofHell,creatingartisticrenditions
ofHell,preachingsermonsonHellfireanddamnation,andtellingchildrenhorrendousstoriesofHellinorderto
impress upon them the fear of God. However, as Walker (1983) explains, In the end, scholars were forced to
renounceHellbecauseitmadeGodlookmorevindictivethanman,thoughfewdaredadmitthatthevindictiveness
sanctionedandstressedbythechurchwasreallymansalone.ShaftesburysaiditwasimpossibletoadoreaGod
whosecharacteristobecaptiousandofhighresentment,subjecttowrathandanger,furious,revengeful.
Infernus:LatintermfortheUnderworld,meaningtheplacewithin.
KhertNeter:AlsocalledAmentiandTuat,thisistheEgyptiantitlefortheUnderworld.BarbaraWalker,in
herbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)says,KhertNeterwasthelandofmanymansions,
rulednominallyatleastbythemysteriousNeter,anarchaicdivinitythatseemtohavemeantmaternalancestors.
Tophet: Another name the Underworld; Solomon offered fire sacrifices to the Tyrian god Heracles
MelkartorHolechbyburningvictimswhopassedthroughthefiretoeternallife(meaningtheybecamegods)
ontheshrineofTophet,accordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets
(1983).Thefireburningdeathwasalsousedforheroesandkings.SeeHell,seeabove.
Tartaras:Greekwordforhell.
Tuat:EgyptiantermforUnderworld,sometimesenvisionedasawomb,oragreatsnake.SeeHell,Khert
Neterorpreviouspage.
UnderworldGuardian:SeeGods/UnderworldGuardian.
Vagina Dentata: Translated as the toothed vagina, this phenomena occurs in Native American
storiesinwhichyoungwomen(sometimesthedaughterofaCreator)withvaginadentatagotothe
trickster coyote for help in making her reproductively safe. Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their
book1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),explains,thevaginadentatasymbolizes
the dangerous side of female sexuality and procreation. The Vaginae Dentatae is also found on the
PeruvianChavindeities,particularlytheStaffGoddess.
Vajra:Sanskritforjewel,phallus,orlightningreferringtomalesexualpower.BarbaraWalker,inher
book,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)explains,thevajraisthemalespiritenclosedinthefemale,
graphicallyrepresentedbythelingamyoni.ItissimilartoVajarsanaordiamondseat,referringtotheclitoris.
Vampire: Evolving from the basic belief in the necessity of blood for life, it was commonly believed that
feeding blood to dead spirits could turn them into the undead or vampires. Barbara Walker, in her book, The
WomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),explains,Theprimalnotionthatalllifedependsonthemagicof
menstrualbloodorthebloodofMoon,assomeprimitivessayevolvedacorrespondingnotionthatthedeadcrave
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bloodinordertomakethemselvesliveagain.Themoonwasconnectedtovampiresastheirproviderofvitallifeforce
(Walker, 1983). The Greeks believed that the dead could be called from the Underworld with offerings of blood.
NecromancywascenteredaroundthisnotionandthesuperstitionsoftheMiddleAgesperpetuatedfearofvampires.
Veil:Veilshavebeenusedbysocietiesaroundtheworldtoconcealthedivine,powerfulordangerous
frommortalsight,accordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanIn
ArtAndMyth(2002).LiftingIsissveilrevealedherpowerfulmysteries;whenheenterdtheTentofthePresence,
Mosesveiledhisface;Roman,Chinese,andChristianbrideshavebeenveiled(redfortheformer,whiteforthe
latter)untiltheyareofficiallymarried(torepresentmodestyandvirginity);Christiannunssincemedievaltimes
wearaheaddressorveiltosignifytheyarebridesofGod.
Venus:SeeGreatGoddesses,Aphrodite(Greek),(Roman),andPlanets,Venus.
Vida: Similar to the Hindu Vedas, the Vida is the Norse term for the sacred poetry of religious tales,
Virgin Birth: Priestesses of ancient goddesses including Ishtar, Asherah, Aphrodite, and Vesta were
calledHolyVirgins.Virginitywasatermforanunmarriedwoman,notasexuallyabstinentorinexperienced
woman and in fact, these Holy Virgin priestesses were often also templeharlots, who had virginborn
children (called parthenioiby the Greeks).BarbaraWalker, in her book, TheWomans Encyclopedia OfMythsAnd
Secrets(1983),explains,ThefunctionofsuchholyvirginswastodispensetheMothersgracethroughsexual
worship; to heal; to prophesy; to perform sacred dances; to wail for the dead; and to become Brides of God.
MotherMarywasoriginallydescribedintheHebrewGospelsasalmah,youngwoman,whichwasmistakenly
translatedasvirgin.Allearlysaviorswerebornofvirginaltempleharlots.SeeGods/SaviorGods.
Virgo:SeeGreatGoddesses,Virgo,andZodiacSigns,Virgo.
Vulture:SeeBirds,Vulture.
Vulva: An obvious symbol of fertility the vulva is usually associated with Mother Goddesses,
HindushonortheyoniasthegoddessswombandShivasspouse,whoissymbolizedbythelingam.Drawings
of pagan fertility icons, known as Sheela na gig, of a voluptuous woman holding open prominent vulva, were
foundoncavewallsinIreland.SeeYoni.
Wand:Wandscomeinavarietyofformsfromakingsscepter,theconductorsbaton,tothegodstrident
or rod, the shepherds crook, to a magicians staff, to the simple stick, all symbolizing power and virility.
According to Man, Myth And Magic: The Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Mythology, Religion And The Unknown (1995),
editedbyRichardCavendish,Assymbolsofauthority,thewandandtherodcanbetracedbacktothestaffsof
priestkingsandmagicianhealersofantiquity.InEgypttheywereanemblemofroyalauthorityandRedIndian
chieftainsborecarvedwandsastheirbadgesofoffice;thefairywandisanagentoftransformation;theWizard
wand is usually of hazelwood, English, Irish, and Welsh Druid wands were yew; Medieval magicians had
magnetized steel caps at the tip projecting a powerful magnetic force. The use of a sword, in place of a wand,
occursintherecordsofEnglishwitchcraftpastandpresent.
War:WarwasvirtuallyunknowntothematriarchalsocietiesoftheNeolithicandearlyBronzeAgeand
evenafteritscreationbypatriarchy,theGoddessbroughtpeacewhenevokedamongwarringpeoples(Walker,
1983).TheGodsofpatriarchycreatedareligionandcultureofhierarchies,domination,andwar.Thisviolenceis
mainstreaminpatriarchalculturetodayandisintertwinedwithourpoliticalandpersonalrelationships.Inthis
system of dominator and dominated, women become target symbols of power. The country often takes on the
symboloftheMotherandprotectingthemothercountryisusedinmilitaryrhetorictogainsocialpopularity
andconcealtherealmotivationsofthewar.Further,warenactstheOedipusComplexbyallowingmatureand
powerful men to send their younger, handsomer, more virile rivalsthe sons who can be made obedient
soldiers and sent off to be destroyed, according to Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of
Myths And Secrets (1983). Walker explains, Wars are begun by elite males and carried out by those of lower
status,whilepriesthoodsblesstheeffortIneffect,warisagentlemensagreementbetweentheauthorityfigures
onbothsidesthattheywillkilloffeachothersyouths,andevenwinsocialapprovalandadulationfordoingso.
Water
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Waterisanessentialpartofmanyreligiouspracticesaswellasbeinganimportantsymbolin
manymythictales.Oceans,rivers,streams,lakes,tears,blood,wine,baptism,andrainarejusta
few of the forms water takes. Water represents cleansing and purification in many practices
includingCatholicBaptism.Totheleftisthealchemysymbolforrunningwater.SeeElements.
Fountain:Assourcesoflifegivingwater,springsandfountainshavetraditionallyrepresentedasource
offertilityandthewateroflife.Man,MythAndMagic:TheIllustratedEncyclopediaOfMythology,ReligionAndThe
Unknown(1995),Asthespringheadoflivingwaters,sourceoffruitfulnessandlife,fountainshavebeenseenas
thehauntofvirginnymphsandasbebestowersofyouthandwisdom.
Ganges:MillionscometotheGangaRiverinIndiaeveryyeartobathbecausetheGangesisasymbolof
cleansing,baptism,andredemption.DaughteroftheMountainmotherNandaDevi(BlessedGoddess),theGoddess
Gangaclaimedtheriverasatoolofhermagicpowers.BarbaraWalkerinherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOf
MythsAndSecrets,(1983)recountsthewordsofahymntoShiva,Heapsofsin,accumulatedbyasinnerduringmillions
ofbirths[anallusiontoreincarnation],aredestroyedbythemerecontactofawindchargedwithhervapor...Asfireconsumes
fuel,sothisstreamconsumesthesinsofthewicked.SagesmountthestairedterraceoftheGanges;onittheytranscendthehigh
heavenofBrahmahimself:freefromdanger,ridingcelestialchariots,theygotoShivasabode.Sinnerswhoexpirenearthewater
oftheGangesarereleasedfromalltheirsins:theybecomeShivasattendantsanddwellathisside.Theybecomeidenticalwith
himinshape;theyneverdienotevenonthedayofthetotaldissolutionoftheuniverse.
Wells:Wellstraditionallyhavesymbolizedafeminineregenerativepower.BarbaraWalker,inherbook,
The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983) explains, Springs, fountains, ponds, wells were always
female symbols in archaic religions, often considered waterpassages to the underground womb, in northern
EuropeassociatedwithMotherHel,whosenamealsogaverisetoholyandhealing.
WerewolforWolf:Alsoknownasspiritwolf,themodernconceptofthewerewolforiginatedwiththe
medievalwolfclanwhoworshippedtotemwolfanimals.GrecoRomansalsoworshippedwolfgodsintheform
of Zeus Lycaeus (wolfish Zeus) or Lycaeon, the Pelasgian wolfking and consort of the Ninefold Goddess,
Nonacris. Other lycanthropy (werewolfism) gods included Apollo Lyceaus, descended from the Egyptian dog
deityAnubis,andconsortofthedivineWolfBitchArtemis;theRomanDisPater,Soranus,andFeronius,consort
of Goddess Feronia (Mother of Wolves); and the SheWolf was a face of the Triple Goddess, according to
BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).
West:SeeDirections.
Whale:SeeAnimals.
Wheat: This is a symbol for food and, with grapes and a cup, symbolizes the last supper of Christ.
AccordingtoSymbolsOfChurchSeasonsAndDays(1997),byJohnBradner,wheat,whichisafamiliaringredient
ofbread,standsforJesuswhosaid,IamtheBreadoflife(John6:35).
Wheel: In general, a simplistic symbol of the Goddess, the wheel has many variations. Barbara
Walker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983)explains,Aprimary
OrientalsymboloftheGoddessasrulerofFatewasthekarmicwheel,oftenidentifiedwiththe
wheelofthegalaxy,theMilkyWay,orzodiac,circlingtheouterreachesoftheuniversearound
theGoddesssyonioromphalos(navel),herearthcenteredhub.Thetantrictraditionvisualized
thiswheelasamandalarepresentingtheTripleGoddess;theCeltssawthekarmicstarwheelas
representingMotherArianrhod(thatlaterinspiredtheFarrisWheel);andinEthiopiatheGoddess
satinthemiddleofawheelofflames.TheHindurecognizedtheChakraasawheelrepresenting
perfectcompletenessandunifyingtimeandspace.Vishnuwasrepresentedbythesixspoked
wheelwhiletheeightspokedwheelrepresentedtheeightcardinal
directions; The Buddhist Wheel of the Law or dharmachakra (also called Wheel of Truth and Golden Wheel)
symbolizestheabilityofBuddhistteachingandenlightenmenttorolloverandcrushfalsehood,accordingto
RowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002).Whenthe
wheel contains flames it is a symbol of the sun and it is linked with both Celtic and Roman sky gods such as
Jupiter.TheNativeAmericanWheelofLifeisacentralbelief,asShepherd(2002),explains,Humansspiritual,
physical,emotionalandpsychologicalexperiencesoflife,andtheirconnectionswiththeelementsandwiththe
otherworldsoftheearth,plants,animalsandminerals,arereflectedanddescribedwithinthemanyinterrelated
medicinewheels,whichintheirtotalityformthecomplexwheelorHoopofLife.
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Whisper:Asitwasbelievedthatthedeadandgodscouldonlyspeakinwhispersbecausetheydidnot
havetheirphysicalform,whisperingwasbelievedtobethewayspiritsandgodscommunicated(Walker,1983).
Whistling:Thoughttobethemagicpowerofwitches,whistlingisaformofsympatheticmagictocontrolwind.
Widdershins: Meaning counterclockwise, widdershins was the term for the direction of the moon and
represented the lefthand path of paganism. Walking three times widdershins around a fairy hill and then
sayingopendoorwasbelievedtoopenthewaytothefairyland.
Willow:SeeTrees,Willow.
Wings:Representingunhamperedmobility,wingsandfeathershavebeenassociatedwithdeitiesallover
the world. Man, Myth And Magic: The Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Mythology, Religion And The Unknown (1995),
edited by Richard Cavendish, explains, Perhaps because mans body, wingless and earthbound, has never
normally been able to levitate, let alone fly, the ability to take off and soar freely away from terra firma, as
demonstratedbybirds,hasarousedmansaweandlonging.SeeBirds.
Wolf:SeeAnimals,Wolf.
Womb
An obvious symbol of creation, the womb has been symbolized and worshipped in a variety of forms
fromancienttimestotoday.Caves,burialchambers,andtempleswereseenaswombsoftheMotherEarthinthe
FarEastwhereaburialgarbhameantwomb;theSanskritwordfortempleisgarbhagrha,womb;theGreece
oracle of Delphi from delphos meant womb; and even Megalithic and Neolithic peoples buried their dead in
wombshaped tombs and carved the shape into stone, according to Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans
EncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).Thedownwardpointingtriangleisalsoacommonsymbolofthewomb.
Cauldron: In the general sense of the word, a Cauldron represents a container for magical
potions, energies, intentions, or spells and can be a shell, a bowl, or any other container. In a
strictersense,aCauldronisablackkettlepotthatisatoolofWicca.Man,MythAndMagic:The
Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Mythology, Religion And The Unknown (1995), explains that as a
symbolofplenty,thecauldronwasconnectedwithfertilityCertainmythologicalcauldrons
were allegedly capable of reviving the dead. Others were believed to contain a liquid that could confer poetic
inspirationonthosewhodrankit.AtitsoriginsintheBronzeandIronAge,thecauldronstoodasasymbolfor
theTripleGoddessoffate,andeventodayretainsthisconnotationwithitsconnectiontotheWeirdSistersoffate.
InEgypt,thehieroglyphicsignforthethreefoldCreatressofthesun,universe,andgods,wasapictureofthree
cauldrons.NorseandAryanlegendsbothtellofmagicalcauldronsthatappearinsetsofthreeandcontainthe
ambrosiaoflife.British,Welsh,Celtic,Hittite,PaganmythsalltellofCauldronsoftheGoddessthathavespecial
powersofrenewalandhealing.InherbookTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),BarbaraWalker
pointsoutthesymbolcommonlyopposedtothecross,asthewitchesobjectofworship;inpagantradition,the
GreatMotherscosmicwomb.AsthepotofbloodinthehandofKali,thecauldronsignifiedcyclicrecurrence,
asopposedtothepatriarchalviewoflineartime(Walker,1983).
Inhisarticle,TheSacredCauldron(2000),MichaelRagan,explorestheCauldronssymbolismandexplains,
Itisthesymbolofprimarycreation,theGreatWomb,thesource,theMotherGoddessherself...Itcanfeed,give
drink,heal,restorelife,sootheragingspears,containswisdomandthroughoutretainsitsotherworldconnections.
Within that cauldron are healing, inspiration, wisdom, sustenance (both physical and spiritual), and the very
essence of life itself. The Chalice and the Blade as symbols are connected. The Blade creates the space for the
Cauldrontoexistbynotonlymakingitsafe,butalsocreatingtheintegritynecessaryforthegiftsofthecauldron
through truth. Michael Ragan explains that, included in the Cauldron as the necessary elements of Wisdom
(Sword)orIlluminationandtheFireintheMindofourSwordofInspiration.It[theCauldron]cannotbepossessed
asinownership.Itcanonlybeprotectedandheldinsafetybythemasculinefigure.
Cave:Acavesymbolizesthewomboftheearthandhasbeenusedassitesofworshipsincebeforechurches
wereconstructed.AccordingtoBarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),
The cave was universally identified with the womb of Mother Earth, the logical place for symbolic birth and
regeneration. Both the Sanskrit and Roman words for a place of worship (the cave) meant womb. Some of the
earliestevidenceofreligionthatisknowntodaycomesfromsophisticatedcavepaintingsinFrancethatappeardeep
withincaves.Manygoddessesofearly cultures claimed thecaveastheirdomainand/orentrancethroughwhich
theycreatedlife,includingtheHindugoddessKurukulla,pagangoddessesCybeleandMithra,LatingoddessSybil,
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CretangoddessRheapagan,aswellasothers.By376A.D.theVaticanwasseizingcavesdedicatedtotheworshipof
theGoddessMithrainanattempttopromoteChristianity.Inthe15thcentury,Pope,CalixtusIIattemptedtooutlaw
religious ceremonies in sacred caves. In her book The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), Barbara
Walker,explains,asentrancestotheunderworld,caveswerestillassociatedwiththeGreatMothersyonicgate.
Chalice: Many ancient earthworshipping religions recognized a divine feminine goddess,
symbolized by a cup, cauldron, chalice, or moonall representing fertility and immortality.
Likewise, a divine masculine god was symbolized by a rode or blade. The chalice is among
these symbols for the goddess (other symbols include the cauldron, cup, and the moon). Sir
Laurence Gardner, in his lecture The Hidden History of Jesus and the Holy Grail (1997) states, a
chaliceoracupwasthelongeststandingsymbolofthefemale.Itsrepresentationwasthatofthe
sacred vesselthe vas uterus, the womb. At its most basic form it is the shape of a V or an
upsidedowntriangleandphysicallythiscorrespondstothefemalereproductivegenitalsof
boththevulvaandthewomb(uterus)whichspeakstooneofthissymbolsbasicmeanings,thatoffertility,creativity,
andprosperity.ThesymbolofthechaliceappearsinmanymythictalesincludingArthur/MerlinlegendsofHolyGrail
quests (the magical cup given by the priestesses of Avalon on the Isle of Apples, that has been lost), Cauldron of
Rebirth, given to Bran, and the Healing Cauldron of Goibniu. The chalice is also used in Catholic communion
ceremoniesinwhichthebloodofChristisheldwithinacup.Withthesenewunderstandingsoftheseimportant
sacred symbols, new meanings can be gained from ancient mythic tales. According to Myth, Man And Magic: The
Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Mythology, Religion And The Unknown (1995), edited by Richard Cavendish, The cup is a
female sexsymbol butit also carries connotations of nourishment andabundance.When it becomes the cup of the
Eucharist,andstillmorewhenitbecomestheGrail,ithasclearlyfartranscendeditssimpleanatomicalreference.
WorldEgg:SeeEgg.
Wreath:Symbolicofvictory,OsiriswasgivenawreathbyAtumathisvictory;ApolloholdstheLaurel
wreathsacred;theoakwreathorcoronacivicawaswornonlybytheemperoratthetimeofAugustus;Oliveleaf
wreathswereassociatedwiththedeadandOsirisinEgypt;andthewreathsamanwasawardedduringhislife
werecarriedatRomanfuneralprocessions;eventodaywreathsofflowersareplacedoncoffins(Shepherd,2002).
Xikum:SeeTrees,Xikum.
Xisuthros:SeeZiusudra.
YabYum:ThisTantriccoitalposturerepresentstheunionofgodsandgoddessesandpositions
bothpartnersupright,facingoneanotherandfreetomove,accordingtoBarbaraWalker,inher
book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983). This reenactment of intercourse
betweenGodandGoddessisnotspecifictoTantra.RowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook
1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),givestheexample,intheBabylonian
cultofInannaIshtar,thehighpriestessandthekingwouldpromotethelandsfertilitybyre
enactingsexualintercoursebetweenthegodandthegoddess.
Yahweh: Originating from the Canaanite moon deity Yareah, Yahweh was one Hebrew vocalization of
theTetragrammaton,thesecretnameofGod,aswasYah,Yahu,Jahveh,Jahi,andJehovah,accordingtoBarbara
Walker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983).
YinandYang:ThisChinesedualisticconceptoflightanddark,maleandfemale,summerand
winter, death and life, is represented by this mandala. The YinYangsign isancient andquite
popularintodaysmetaphysicalfield.Ithasbeenadoptedasacommonsymbolofdualityand
thedualisticnatureoftheuniverse.
Yggdrasil:SeeTrees,Yggdrasil.
Yantra:Similar to the verbal mantra, the yantraisa tantricmeditation sign suchas the Sri Yantra or
GreatYantraoftwointerlockingtrianglessymbolicofunionbetweentheGoddessandGodandthecycleoftime,
Yoni: Tantric word for the Vulva, the Yoni was symbolized variously by a triangle, fish,
doublepointedoval,horseshoe,egg,andfruits,andpersonifiedbytheGoddessKaliorCunti,
or the Yoni Yantra, the Primordial Image (a triangle) and source of all life, and is often in
associationwiththelingam(phallus).SymbolicrepresentationoftheYoniispicturedontheleft.
Yoni/CowrieShell:Probablybecausethisshellresemblesthevulva,ithasbecomethesymbolofrebirth
for many peoples. According to Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets
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(1983) the cowrie shell everywhere represented the divine vulva and usually conveyed the idea of rebirth.
Originally deriving its name from Kauri, or KaliCunti, the Yoni of the Universe, the cowrie has been used in
associationwithdeathsincetheSolutreanperiod,20,000B.C.whenskeletonswerefounddecoratedwithcowrie
shells.Egyptiansalsodecoratedsarcophagiwiththeshells.InIndiathecowrieshellsareworntoshieldtheevil
eye, Moslem women wear them during pregnancy, Japanese women decorate their wardrobes with them for
luck, Gypsies wear them as a protective amulet, and in the Sudan it is used in magic, Romans believe it is a
symbolofanAlmaMater(soulmother),anditisvaluedbybothMelanesiansandPolynesians.
Yoni/Cunt: From its origins this word means knowledge, learning, insight, remembrance, wisdom,
accordingtoTheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),byBarbaraWalker.Thiswordcomesfromthe
Goddess Cunti of Kunda of the Orient, believed to be the Yoni of the Universe. Cunt as a slang word was not
createdalonebutratherevolvedinmanylanguages,includingGreek,Indian,Italian,ChineseandEgyptian,and
comes from the same family of words as country, kin, and kind. Walker (1983) says, Kin meant not only
matrilineal blood relations, but also a cleft or crevice, the Goddesss genital opening. Cunt as a synonym for
womenstemsbacktoancienttimes,butitwasnotusedinaderogatoryway.Althoughtodaythiswordhascome
tosymbolizeshame,dirtiness,andmeanness,thereisamovementtoreclaimthewordcunt.SeeYoni,above.
Zen: The Japanese concept of Zen has its roots in the Sanskri dhyana or contemplation and the later
Chinesechan.BarbaraWalker,inherbook,TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets(1983),assertsthatZen
isasystemofcontrolledmeditation,tomastervariousskills,especiallythemartialarts.
Zero:SeeNumbers,0.
Ziggurat: This Babylonian pyramid, called the Mountain of Heaven was the contact point between
heavenandearthandservedastempleandpalace,holdingthesacredmarriagesbetweenkingsandtheGoddess,
according to Barbara Walker, in her book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983). See Paradise,
Mountain.
Ziusudra:Sumerianlegendofafloodhero,carryingtheseedsofthenewuniversethroughwateryChaos
betweendestructionofoneworldandthebirthofthenextandwastheprecursortotheBiblicalNoahandhisArk.
Zodiac
ZodiacSigns:ReferUMSAstrologyBasicscourseformoredetailedinformation.
Aries: March 21April 20. The Ram, which is the first sign of the Post Latin Modern
Zodiac.Ariesbeingtheoutrushingforceofbeginnings,itisrepresentedbyramhornsin
theforcefulnessoftheram,whichlowersitsheadandchargesblindly.
Taurus: April 21May 21. The Bull, according to Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their
book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), Its glyph is said to
symbolizeabullshead;italsorepresentsthefullandcrescentmoon,whichisexaltedin
Taurus.Appropriately,therefore,thesignisruledbyVenus.
Gemini: May 22June 21. The Twins, according to Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their
book 1000 Symbols: WhatShapes Mean In ArtAndMyth (2002), its glyph could depict the
number two in Roman numerals, or a gate; the sun enters the gateway of the summer
solsticeattheendofGemini.
Cancer:June22July23.TheCrab,beginstheSummerSolstice.AccordingtoRowenaand
RupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),Its
glyphmaybebaseduponacrabsclaws,orsymbolizethewaxingandwaningmoon.
Leo: July 24August 23. The Lions tail is sometimes said to be reflected in its glyph,
accordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanIn
ArtAndMyth(2002).
Virgo:August24September23.TheVirgin,accordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdin
their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), whose glyph may
representhervagina,ovariesanduterus.
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Libra: September 24October 23. The scales take their name from the chariot that carried
PersephoneintotheUnderworld.ItmarkstheAutumnEquinoxanditsglyphmayshow
the sun on the horizon, according to Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000
Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002).
Scorpio:October24November22.Representingdeath,theScorpionisthesignofautumn.
AccordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:WhatShapesMean
InArtAndMyth(2002),fortheMaya,itwasthesignoftheDeathGod,whiletheancient
EgyptianslinkeditwithAnubis,theguardianofthenecropolis.
Sagittarius: November 23December 21. According to Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in
their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), Sagittarius is the
archer, and so its glyph represents an arrow. It is usually depicted as a centaur firing an
arrow.
Capricorn: December 22January 20. The Goat with the Fish tale is associated with the
BabyloniangodEa.AccordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheirbook1000Symbols:
WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),TheAncientEgyptianslinkedittoSet,thegod
ofchaosandmisfortunewhowassometimesdepictedasagoat.
Aquarius: January 21February 19. According to Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their
book1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth(2002),ThewaterbearerAquariuss
glyphrepresentswaterandcommunication.
Pisces:February20March20.TheFish,accordingtoRowenaandRupertShepherdintheir
book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002); Its glyph represents its
contradictory aspects: Pisceans often feel pulled in two directions; they are artistic,
intuitive,imaginativeandimpressionable.
SymbolsConclusion
Thisgivesyouanideaofvarioussymbolsindifferentcultures.Youcanseehowasymbolcanspeaka
thousandwordsifitisafamiliarsymbol.Symbolshavebeenusedtoconveyideasandconceptsforthousandsof
years. These symbols have survived throughout time. New symbols are being created daily. Even the rock
musiciannamedPrincecameupwithasymboltorepresenthispersona,andmarketedhimselfasasymbolrather
thananameinordertogetaroundarecordcontractlegality.
Inthemeditationthatgoeswiththiscourse,youwillhaveachancetocomeupwithyourownpersonal
symbol. This symbol can represent you as a person, a goal you might have, or anything you choose. First,
however,letslookatcolorsandwhattheirmeaningsare,sincesymbolsandcolorsgohandinhand.
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TheMeaningOfColors
WrittenbyKatieVaughnKelso,CaseyCarothers,andChristineBreeseD.D.,Ph.D.
Introduction
Color is energy in the form of light. This includes direct and reflected light. Color is a vibration, or
frequency of light. This is made up of particles, which are also waves, according to physics. Color is directly
emittedbymatter,anditisalsoreflectedbymatter.Matterisnotasolidasitseems,andisactuallyveryspacious
andluminous.AlloflifeonEarthisdependentonlight,andalllightcontainscolors.Eventheairwebreatheis
madeofcolorsandlight.
Colorsurroundsus.Weusecolortorepresentspecificmeaningsandemotions.Thecolorswechooseto
wear or place in our homes affect our moods and the messages we send to the world. Colors has been used
throughoutthecenturiestorepresentholidays,status,andselfexpression.Theyareusedformedicinalpurposes
andtocreatemeaninginrituals.
TheScienceOfIt
SirIsaacNewtonwasthefirstrecordedscientisttoobservethecolorspectrum.Hedidsobyusingaprism
to split sunlight into different colors. This spectrum consists of the seven basic observable colors of red, orange,
yellow,green,blue,indigo,andviolet(www.crystalcure.com).Arainbowdisplaysthissamearrayofcolorsbecause
raindropsalsosplitlightintothespectrumofobservablecolors,justliketheprism.Itisnowknownthatthecolor
spectrumextendspastredandvioletintocolorsthatthehumaneyedoesnotregister.Thecolorspectrumispartof
alargerspectrumcalledtheElectromagneticSpectrum(EM)andconsistsofenergyflowingatavarietyofvelocities
andlengths,accordingtoNASAsarticle,ElectromagnetSpectrum.Thelongerthewave,theslowerthevelocityof
energy.Radiowavesareatthelongest,slowestendofthespectrum.Microwavescomenextandtheninfrared.Next
comesthevisiblelight,flowingfromabout700nanometerstoabout400nanometersandconsistsofNewtonsred,
orange,yellow,green,blue,indigo,andviolet.Attheotherendofthevisiblespectrumandbeyondisultraviolet,
then gamma rays and xrays flowing at the highest velocity which can cause harmful radiation
(www.imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov). The human eye actually perceives only three colors, red, yellow, and blue. All the
infinitecolorsthatareseenaresimplyacombinationofthesethreecolors.Whitelightactuallycontainsallcolors,
includingthosethatareaboveandbelowthehumanabilitytophysicallysee.
ColorIsVisualEnergy
Light, sound, and matter are all the same substance, but each is a different portion of the frequencies,
perceived with different physical senses because they are far apart on the spectrum. First, lets look at matter.
RealizethattheheaviestmanifestationsofmatterarenowheretobefoundontheEarth.Infact,theheaviesttypesof
matter,themostcondensedmatter,withverylittlespacebetweentheparticlesoftheatoms,canonlybefoundin
dense stars, the heaviest being found in black holes where matter is so heavy that light cannot even escape its
gravitationalforce.Thiscluesusintothefactthatonlyasmallrangeofthelargerangeofmattertypesisfoundon
the Earth. Our physical senses cannot even perceive some of the denser matters that can be found in the cosmos
becausewecouldnotevenbealiveinaphysicalbodyifwewereanywherenearthesedensetypesofmatter.
Humanhearingcanonlyperceivetherangesbetween20hertzand20,000hertz.Thisisasmallportionof
allthepossiblefrequenciesexistingintheuniverse.Thereareinstrumentsthatcanmeasuresoundsthatarefar
below and far above human hearing, and these frequencies are well documented, even commonly used in our
dailyreality.Harmonics,whichareabovehumanhearing,actuallyinfluenceourhearingeventhoughwearenot
awareofit.Whatdistinguishesonepersonsvoice,musicalinstrumentorpitchofanote,fromanotherpersons
are the harmonics. If it were not for harmonics, everyones voice and instrument would sound the same. As
soundgetshigherandhigherinthescaleoffrequencies,itactuallybecomeslight.Assoundgetslowerandlower
infrequencies,iteventuallyenterstherealmofmatter.Lightisthehighestoffrequenciesperceivablebyphysical
humansenses.Humanscanseelightfrequenciesbetweenredandviolet,therainbowcolors.Itisactuallyavery
smallportionofthetrueexpanseoflightfrequencies.
The concept that a color holds a frequency that has vibrational impact on matter has been explored in
metaphysicsinavarietyofways.AccordingtotheGlobalPsychicsOrganization,Eachcolorcorrespondstoa
vibrational frequency and the qualities associated with that frequency will tend to influence the activities
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conducted in that environment and the attitudes of those in it, and even around it. (www.globalpsychics.com)
Therefore, colors have physical impact on our emotions, psyches, and bodies. Every physical and nonphysical
entityintheuniverseismadeofenergyvibratingatvariousfrequencies.TedAndres,inhisbookHowToHeal
With Color (1992) explains, All of the organs, tissues, and systems within our body are comprised of similarly
vibrating atoms. If something irritating (such as an improper food substance) enters the body, it can result in
alteringthenormalvibrationalpatternofthebody,orinthiscasethedigestivesystemWecanusevibrational
remedytotemporarilyrestorebalancetothatproblemarea.
AswithanyhealingsuggestionbyUMS,thesearesuggestionsnotprescriptions.Theseremediesinclude
sound, aromatherapy, flower and gem essences, crystals, and colors. Colors are also important to rituals. For
instancedifferentcoloredcandles,aswellasgemstones,depictdifferentmeaningsandcanbeusedinceremony
toevokeemotions.Suggestedtoolsofhealingincludevisualizingthecolor,wearingthecolor,meditatingonthe
color with candles, crystals, or visualizing the color filling the aura and chakras. The Auras and the seven
Chakras(energysiteswithinandaroundthebody)areonespiritualwaycolorsimpactus.Eventhoughtheaura
isnotusuallyvisible,thehumaneyecanbetrainedtoperceiveandunderstandthespecificmeaningsofthelight
andcolorsoftheauraandchakras(www.thiaoouba.com).PleaserefertotheUMSChakrasAndAurascoursefor
moreinformationonthemeaningofcolorsinthechakrasandauras.
ThePhysicalImpactOfColors
Colorsaffecthumansinmanyways.Everyoneisfamiliarwithwhichcolorsaresoothing,stimulating,or
nauseating.Coolcolorsandhotcolorsareanotherwaypeoplearelikelytodescribecolors.Coolcolorswouldbe
shadesofbluesandgreens,orpastelshades,whereashotcolorswouldbeshadesofredsandoranges,orneon
colors. Knowing which colors produce certain kinds of effects can be useful information in healing or
regeneratingprocesses,andcanbeusedeffectivelyinmeditationsandvisualizationtechniques.Notonlycanwe
seecolors,butwecanalsofeelthem.Justmeditatingonaparticularcolorcancreateprofoundshiftsinemotional
andmentalstates,whichinturncreatesbiochemicalprocessesthatenhancehealthandwellbeing.
Peopleinallkindsofbusinesses,fromrestaurants,toclothingstorestointeriordecoratingconsultantsare
allawareofwhatdifferentcolorsdotoourphysical,mentalandemotionalstates.Forinstance,restaurantshave
learnedthatsignswithwarmorhotcolorslikereds,yellowsandoranges,causepeopletofeelhunger,oratleast
thinkaboutfood.Evenclothingstoreshavefoundthatusingcertaincolorswillmakepeoplefeelgoodandbuy
things. Depending on what the merchant is selling, this will be the determining factor on what colors the
merchantwilluseindecoratingthestore.Interiordecoratorswillasktheclientwhatactivitieswillbetakingplace
ineachroom,andwillsuggestcolorsthatwillenhancethoseactivities.Colorsarewellstudiedpertainingtohow
theyaffecthumanbeingsandtheirresponses.
ThePsychologicalPerspective
Thenotionthatcolorsaffectpeopleisalsodiscussedinpsychology.PsychologistMaxLuscher,inColorTest:
TheRemarkableTestThatRevealsYourPersonalityThroughColor(1969)explains,Theautonomicnervoussystemis
concerned primarily with those functions which take place below the threshold of awareness andfor this very
reasonmustoperateonanautomatic,selfregulatingbasisColors,apparentlyhaveaunconsciouseffectonthis
nervoussystem,forinstance,pureredhasadecidedlystimulatingeffectonthenervoussystembloodpressure
increases, respiration rate and heartbeat both speed up. Luscher developed a system called Color Psychology in
which he used an eight color test of darkblue, bluegreen, orangered, bright yellow, violet, brown, black, and
neutralgrey,todeterminepersonalstresslevel.Hedidthisbyplacingeightcolorcardsoutinfrontoftheperson
andrecordingthesequenceeachcolorwaspickedupin.Hediscoveredthatcolorscanhavemedicinalpurposes.
Forinstance,brightyellowcolorscanbeusedtoavoidillnessandbluelightcreatesacalmingeffect.
Nowletslookatwhatthedifferentcolorsareandtheirproperties.
SpiritualMeaningOfColors
Red:Redisthefirstcolorthatcanbeseenbythehumaneyeinthecolorspectrum.Redemitsarather
coarseenergythatisbasicandstimulating.Ithasthelongestwavelengthofthevisiblecolorsinthespectrum.It
represents passion, strength, conquest, vigor, action, vitality and power. It also stimulates primal levels of
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survival issues. It is an exciting color, and it drives and challenges people. Red is the most often used color in
flagsforitmakesastrongstatement.Itmightnotsurpriseusthattheverylifeforceinourarteriesisthecolorred.
Ifapersonisgoingintoachallengingsituation,oracircumstancewhereanargumentmightarise,redis
agoodcolortowearifonewantstheupperhand.Redcanbeanintimidatingcolor.Redmakesthingshappen.It
blows apart feelings of selfpity, drudgery, melancholy, indifference and depression. It creates enthusiasm and
aggressiveness.AncientRomansusedredflagstosignalbattle.Similarly,inIndia,redisthesymbolforasoldier.
According to Richard Cavendish, editor in chief of Man Myth And Magic, Vol 2 (1985), red represents energy,
lust,passinganger,andvitality.Redissaidtobethecoloroffireandbloodandhasbeenassociatedwithwar,
danger,strength,power,determination,aswellaspassion,desire,andlove.
Redcanchaseawaythecold,bringbettercirculationoftheblood,anditalsoarousessexuality.Itisno
mistake that it is the primary color used on Valentines Day. Itdenotes deep commitment and passionin love,
and triggers that love into physical expression. The giving of a red rose symbolizes love, beauty, and respect.
(www.gardensner.com) Even as red can signal anger, it also signals love, and can be a very happy color. Red is
symbolic of stimulation, marriage, strength, love, lust, power, fertility, and health
(www.northerncandles.theshoppe.com/candle_color_meanings.html). InChina redisusedin weddings asa good luck
charm,whileinSouthAfricaredisthecolorofmourning.(www.colorwheelpro.com/colormeaning.html).
Redcanbeusedtopromptpeopletomakequickdecisionsandgettheattentionofothers.Redisacolorof
leadershipandhighenergy.Inconjunctionwiththe aura,redsymbolizesmaterialisticthoughts.Inthe medicinal
field, red can be used for bringing on warmth and burning out cancer. Red boosts human metabolism, increases
respirationrate,andraisesblood pressure(Luscher,1969).Redrepresents thefireelementandis thecolorof the
RootChakra.Thegemstonesembodyingredqualitiesaregarnet,ruby,redjasper,rosequartz,redcoral,bloodstone,
aragonite,andfireagate.Thewebsitewww.crystalcure.comstates,Forhealing,thesestonesaresaidtobeexcellent
foranemiaandotherblooddeficiencies.Redoffersahealingvibrationforemaciation,depressionorlethargy.
TedAndres,inhisbookHowToHealWithColor(1992),states,RedisastimulatingcolorItwarmsand
itactivates.Itawakensourphysicallifeforce.Itcanbeusedforcolds,poorcirculationandmucusailments,as
wellasraisebodytemperatureandincreasebloodflow.Italsostrengthensapersonsphysicalenergyandwill,as
wellasstimulatedeeperpassionsinsex,love,courage,hatredorrevenge.Andresexplains,Toomuchredcan
overstimulateandaggravateconditions.Highbloodpressureisanindicationoftoomuchredenergywithinthe
system. Red assistsin the healing of acne, AIDS(with indigo and violet,followed by pinkand gold), anemia,
lowbloodpressure,colds,andpneumonia,andsoftredshelpwithmenstrualproblems.
RosyRed:Roseisahigheroctaveofred.Redhastodowithphysicallove,butrosehastodowiththe
lovethattranscendshumanversionsoflove.Itisrepresentativeoftheabilitytoholddivinelove,unconditional
love,andcompassionforfellowhumansandanimals.Thisisamorematurekindoflove.Notonlyisitnotas
deep a vibration as the color red, but rose represents feelings of a finer spiritual value. Rose represents
understanding,sympathyandmercy.Theabilitytohaveempathy(standinsomeoneelsesshoesandexperience
their pain) is also represented by rose, or pink. It also represents forgiveness and softness toward others,
tolerance,aswellasfun,laughter,andcreativepower.Itisalsoassociatedwithsharinganddevotion.
ClearRed:Clearredisrepresentativeofmovinganger.
LightRed:Lightredisasymbolofjoy,sexuality,sensitivity,passion,andlove.
DarkRed:Darkredrepresentswillpower,rage,andcourage.
ReddishBrown:ReddishBrownisassociatedwiththeharvest.
RedOrange:TedAndres,inhisbookHowToHealWithColor(1992),states,redorangecanassistinthe
healingoflowbloodpressureandhayfever.
Pink: Pink is the color that represents universal love. It stands for friendship, romance, purity, and
compassion. It is also representative of beginning a new relationship, raising energy and healing. Pink draws
love.Thegivingofapinkrosesymbolizesathankyouandshowsadmiration.Thegemstonethatcanbeused
to exemplify these qualities is rose quartz. Pink in an aura means the person has achieved a perfect balance
between spiritual awareness and the material existence. (www.thiaoouba.com) According to Richard Cavendish,
editor in chief of Man Myth And Magic, Vol 2 (1985), pink represents love, compassion, and understanding.
Accordingtowww.crystalcure.com,Althoughgreenistheprimarycolorusedwiththeheartchakra,itcanalsobe
effective to use pink stones (such as rose quartz or rhodonite) if more softness, affection and love seem to be
neededinworkingwiththeheartchakra.TedAndres,inhisbookHowToHealWithColor(1992),states,Pink
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canbeusedtoawakencompassion,love,andpurity.Iteasesconditionsofangerandfeelingsofneglect.Ithelps
stimulatethethymusglandandtheimmunesystemofthebody.Inmeditationpinkcanassistwithgreatertruth
andiscomforting.Pinkcanbeusedtoassistinthehealingofbreastsandcancer(aftertheuseofblueviolet).
Orange: Orange is the color of fall and harvest. Orange could be associated with social energies,
including creating a feeling of well being, uniting people and causing cooperation with others. Orange is
associated with joy, wisdom, happiness, creativity, success, attraction, and stimulation. It addresses fear and
insecuritiesandotherdisharmonyintheemotionalbody.Itisanenergyforchangeintheemotionsandpartsof
self that are not feeling good about self. It is not a surprise that orange is used as the color for the clothing of
spiritual seekers at ashrams. Seen in the aura, orange is a power color and a majority of orange in the aura
indicatesaspiritualteacher(www.thiaoouba.com/see_aura_color.htm).OrangeisthecoloroftheSacralHaraChakra.
It is a color that brings feelings of well being and cooperation. It keeps people from squabbling amongst
themselves. According to Richard Cavendish, editor in chief of Man Myth And Magic, Vol 2 (1985), orange
representshumor,ambition,harmony.Givinganorangeroseshowsyourenthusiasmanddesirefortheperson.
Orangeisamoremellowcolorinthespectrumofwarmcolors,comparedtored.Orangeisamixtureofthe
vitalityofredandtheintellectualityofyellow,balancingthephysicalprimalurgeswiththeintelligencetoassess
what is truly fair and right. It enhances selfconfidence, but not in the same way as red. Red incites and excites,
whereas orange gives quiet poise and selfesteem that need not be expressed outwardly. Red is rather outgoing,
whereasorangeiswelcoming,andcallspeopletogetherforfellowship.Apersondressedinorangeishardtoresist
or not notice. Orange in places where people congregate or collaborate can enhance the outcome of the groups
interactions with each other. Orange helps in overcoming bad habits, especially habits of attitude. It helps one
overcome prejudice, judgment, and unfair bias. Orange banishes loneliness, guilt and remorse, some of the most
cripplingemotionsofmankind.Theseemotionsleadtoinsecurity,andorangecanaddressthis.Italsopreventsfear
ofchange,andratherinviteschangeintomorepositiveenergies.Itisthecolorofhopeandasecondwind.
Itisaveryhealingenergy.Itstimulatesnotonlyemotionalwellbeing,butalsophysicalwellbeing,butnot
quiteinthesamewayreddoes.Orangehasamoresubtleapproach,buteffectivenonetheless.TedAndres,inhis
book How To Heal With Color (1992), states, orange stimulates feelings of sociability. It is tied to our emotional
healthandtothemuscularsystemofthebody.Toomuchorangeeffectsthenervesandshouldbebalancedwith
shades of greenblues. Orange can assist in healing conditions of the spleen, pancreas, stomach, intestines, and
adrenals.Individualsexperiencingemotionalparalysisordepressioncanbehelpedwiththiscolor.Itcanbeusedto
helprevitalizethephysicalbodyandassistwithfoodassimilation,asitisgoodfortheeliminativesystem.Orange
issaidtoincreaseoxygenflowtothebrain,stimulatingappetite,increasesexualpotencyandimmunity.According
to www.crystalcure.com, For healing, these stones are essential for health and vitality. It regulates food intake.
Orangeiswarmandpositive.Thegemstonestorepresentorangearecarnelianandfireopal.
DarkOrange:Darkorangecanmeandistrust.
OrangeRed:OrangeRedrepresentssexuality,passion,andarousal.PsychologistMaxLuscher,inColor
Test:TheRemarkableTestThatRevealsYourPersonalityThroughColor(1969)believesorangeredrepresentsForce
of Will and is eccentric, active, offensiveaggressive, autonomous, locomotor, competitive, and operative. Its
affectiveaspectsaredesire,excitability,domination,andsexuality.OrangeRedrepresentsanenergyexpending
physiologicalcondition.Itspeedsupthepulse,raisesbloodpressureandincreasestherespirationrateorange
redistheurgetoachieveresults,towin,success;itishungrilytodesireallthosethingswhichofferintensityof
livingandfullnessofexperience.
Pastel Orange: Pastel Orange assists in healing muscle aches; soft orange assists in allergies, yellow
orangeassistswithbladder,bowels,andkidneys.
Gold: Gold is a higher octave of orange, and channels the energy of orange into spiritual awakening, or
spiritualwisdom.Itinvitesspiritualrebirthandpossessesahighlevelofspiritualhappinessandwisdom.Itrepresents
beautyofthesoul.Itprovidesencouragement,tolerance,comfort,warmth,openness,optimism,andillumination.Itis
thewiseone,theteacher,andassistswithcommunication.Itsuggestsandadvises.Itmakesnovaluejudgmentsand
hasgreattolerance.Itisalsocheerfulandgiveswarmheartedfeelings.Itisthelightofjoyandhappiness.Itissymbolic
of wealth and good health. The gemstone that can be used to represent gold is citrine. In the aura, gold is a
strengthening and charging field (www.globalpsychics.com). Ted Andres, in his book How To Heal With Color (1992),
states, goldenyellow shades are healthful to both the body and the mind Gold is a powerful stimulant to the
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immune system of the body. It helps awaken the individuals own healing energies to assist the body in restoring
homeostasisandcanawakenenthusiasm.Inmeditation,goldisoftenseenrightbeforeapeakexperience.
Yellow: Yellow is the color of maximum brightness and luminosity, illuminating all that it touches.
Yellow, the color of sunshine, produces a warming effect. The color yellow represents joy, energy, intellectual
awareness, creativity, and a synthesis of new ideas and optimism. It alleviates some emotional problems,
especially when the emotions become entangled around an obsessive thought. It helps to correct negative
tendenciesandhabitsinthethoughtprocesses,andbringsharmonytoobsessivethoughts.Itisagoodcolorto
usewhentryingtoworkwithandchangenegativepartsofthepersonality,asyellowisoptimistic,bringingmore
positiveoutlooksinthementalattitude.
Psychologist Max Luscher, in Color Test: The Remarkable Test That Reveals Your Personality Through Color
(1969) believes bright yellow represents Spontaneity and is eccentric, active, projective, heteronomous,
expansive, aspiring, and investigatory. Its affective aspects are variability, expectancy, originality, and
exhilaration.Yellowsprincipalcharacteristicsareitsbrightness,itsreflectivity,itsradiantqualityanditsnon
substantial cheerfulness. Yellow expresses uninhibited expansiveness, a loosening or relaxation. Hindus wear
thecoloryellowtocelebratetheFestivalofSpring.Givingayellowroseshowsfriendship,joy,andthepromiseof
anewstart.Yellowisthecoloroftheairelement.
Itisalsoabanisheroffearsandinsecurities,chasingawayselfdoubtandfearofchange.Itstimulatesthe
mentalfacultiesandlogicalthoughtprocesses,soanythingthatisillogicalorunreasonable,asinunseenfears,is
done away with. It is a wonderful color for manifestation in the physical world, giving illumination to the
mysteriesofthemind.Yellowalsostimulatestheabsorptionabilitiesofthemind,causingthemindtoworklikea
sponge,absorbinginformationandinputmoreeasily.
InEgyptyellowisthecolorofmourning,whileinSpain,executionersworeyellowinthepast.Innature
however,yellowcanmeanwarning.AccordingtoRichardCavendish,editorinchiefofManMythAndMagic,Vol
2 (1985), yellow represents intellect and trickery. This color can be used to evoke uplifting feelings and clear a
foggyheadbutwhenoverusedyellowhasanegativeeffectonemotions(www.globalpsychics.com).
Intheaura,peoplewhoglowyellowarefullofinnerjoy.YellowisthecoloroftheSolarPlexusChakra.
Thesepeoplearenottieddowntoanythingandtendtobeverygenerous.Ayellowauraorhaloaroundthehead
issymbolicofaspiritualteacher(www.thiaoouba.com/see_aura_color.htm)ItisnotunusualtoseepicturesofJesus
andotherholypeopledepictedwithayellowhalo.
To holistic healers, yellow is the color of peace. (www.factmonster.com) Ted Andres, in his book How To
HealWithColor(1992),statesyellowisstimulatingtothementalfacultiesoftheindividual.Itcanbeusefulfor
depression.Ithelpsreawakenanenthusiasmforlife.Itcanbeusedtoawakengreaterconfidenceandoptimism.
Itcanbeusedfordigestionproblemsincludingthestomach,intestines,bladder,andentiregastrointestinaltract.
Yellowcanassistsinthehealingofabdominalcramps,alcoholism,lossofappetite,burping,indigestion,kidneys,
andliver.Thegemstonesthatrepresentyellowarecitrine,amber,andtopaz.Accordingtowww.crystalcure.com,
Forhealing,thesestonesaresaidtoaidinthetreatmentofdiabetesandconstipation.Theycanalsobeusedto
neutralizeahaggardorafatcondition.
Sulfur:Sulfurrepresentspainandanger,orhardship.
Lemon:TedAndres,inhisbookHowToHealWithColor(1992),states,Lemonisvitalizingandstimulating
tothebrain.Itcontainsashadeofgreenwithinitsspectrum,andthisworksasacleanser.Lemonassistsinbringing
toxinstothesurfacesotheycanbecleansedout,andisgoodfortissuesandbones.Lemonyellowassistsinhealing
abdominalcramps,lossofappetite,bones,burping,eczema,indigestion,rashes,andotherskinproblems.
YellowOrange:Yelloworangecanassistinthehealingofthebladder,bowels,andkidneys.
Green:Greenisthefirstinthelineofcoolcolorsthatcalmandgiveresttothehumanorganism.Itisthe
onethatisactuallyatthecenterofthespectrum.Itbringsbalanceandalignmentoflifesmaterialandspiritual
aspects. It is a harmonizing factor between the warm colors and the cool colors. It is no wonder that most of
nature is green, as it is such a balancing color between physical beingness and spiritual beingness. Green
promoteshumankindsphysicalmaturationwithspiritualmaturation.Whenthesetwoaspectsarealigned,itisa
forcetobereckonedwithintheuniverse.Greenisthecolormostcommonlyassociatedwiththemotherearthand
fertility(aswellastheearthelement).Thecolorgreenrepresentsabundance,stability,hope,selfrespect,healing,
and harmony. According to Richard Cavendish, editor in chief of Man Myth And Magic, Vol 2 (1985), green
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represents calming, sympathy, and possessiveness. Ancient Greeks used the color green to represent victory,
whilethepeopleofScotlandusedgreentosymbolizehonor.(www.factmonster.com)
Green is the color of balance and represents the master healer and life force. With green, life is
rejuvenatedandstimulated.Itisapowerfulmagneticcolorthatattractspositivepowerandisastronghealing
ray.Itisacolorofhealthandvitality.Italleviatesstrainthroughbalancing,ratherthanthroughstimulationasthe
warmcolorsdo.Itrelaxesthenervoussystemandisagoodcolorfortensioncontrol.Greeneasesemotionaland
mentalstatesofdistress.Deepemotionalwoundscanespeciallybehealedwithgreen.TedAndres,inhisbook
How To Heal With Color (1992), states that green balances our energies, and it can be used to increase our
sensitivityandcompassion.Ithasacalmingeffect,especiallyforinflamedconditionsofthebody.Itissoothingto
thenervoussystemGreencanbeusedtoawakengreaterfriendliness,hope,faithandpeace.Itisrestfulandre
vitalizingtoovertaxedmentalconditions,balancingtotheautonomicnervoussystems,andhealingforcardiac
conditions, high blood pressure, ulcers, exhaustion, and headaches. However, it should NEVER be used in
cancerous tumors or anything of a malignant nature, as green also stimulates growth. Green assists in the
healingofheadaches,anxieties,highbloodpressure,nerves,andulcers.
Somegemstonesthatcanbeusedtoexemplifythequalitiesofgreenaregreenjade,emerald,malachite,
tourmaline,peridot,chrysoprase,andaventurine(www.crystalcure.com).Accordingtowww.crystalcure.com,For
healing,greenisusedtobalancethevibrationsofthenervoussystem.Itissaidtoaidanyheartproblemorblood
pressuredisorder.Itisalsousedtorestoretirednervesandwillhelpthoseinneedofmoreenergy.Ifaperson
hasastronggreenpointintheirauratheyarenaturalhealers(www.thiaooba.com).TheHeartChakraisgreenand
greenisoftenthecolorassociatedwithheartenergies,sinceitisthebridgebetweenphysicalandspiritualjustas
theheartis(www.globalpsychics.com).
Order and consistency can be established with green. It assists with establishing healthy habits and
routinesindailylife.Itsupportsselfregulationandassistswithclarifyingthepurposeoflife.Itcreatesapeaceful
andsereneenvironment,andstagnationischasedaway,bringingorderandabundanceofproductivity,ifnotin
themoment,settingthespaceforproductivitytocome.Greenisassociatedwiththeelementofair.
Many people associate green with money and abundance. It does attract abundance, prosperity and
wealthnotfromaperspectiveofaction,butfromsettingthespaceforwealthtocome,bysettingacalmspacefor
good things to manifest in. Green provides balance, and therefore it leads to lack of poverty and economic
instability.Thelushnessofthegreenearthisamanifestationofthisgreenenergyofabundanceandwealth.
DarkGreen:Darkgreenrepresentsgreedandjealousybutalsoattractsloveandsocialdelights.
Yellowgreen:Yellowgreenrepresentssicknessandcowardice.
Olivegreen:Olivegreenisassociatedwithpeace.
Blue:Itisthecoolestandcalmestcolorofthespectrum.Bluesymbolizesloyalty,faith,truth,tranquility,
heaven, and wisdom. Blue correlates to intellect and consciousness. Blue is the color of creative energy and is
associated with compassion. According to Richard Cavendish, editor in chief of Man Myth And Magic, Vol 2
(1985),bluerepresentsintuition,seriousness,andhealing.Inancientaswellasincurrenttimesblueisthecolor
usedtorepresentpublicservantssuchaspoliceofficers.InIran,blueisthecolorofmourning,whileinChinaitis
worn by female children. Egyptian pharaohs wore blue to protect themselves from evil. In conjunction with
healing,bluecanbeusedtocalmthesensesandslowhumanmetabolism.Blueisthecolorassociatedwiththe
elementsofwater.Itissaidthatpeoplewithabluestrongpointintheirauraarerelaxed,balancedandreadyto
liveinacaveandsurvive.Theyarebornsurvivors.(www.thiaoouba.com/see_aura_color.htm)
BlueisthecoloroftheThroatChakra.Somegemstonesthatcanbeusedtorepresentblueinceremonyare
sapphire, sodalite and blue topaz (www.crystalcure.com). According to www.crystalcure.com, For healing, these
stonesaresaidtoaidthetreatmentofanyblockageordiseaseofthethroat.Itisalsohelpfulwheninflammation
occurs, since blue is a cooling color. It is also said to aid with internal bleeding and nervous conditions. Ted
Andres,inhisbookHowToHealWithColor(1992),states,Blueiscoolingtooursystemanditisrelaxingquieting
toourenergies,andithasanantisepticeffectaswell.Itisstrengtheningandbalancingtotherespiratorysystemof
thebody.Itisexcellentforhighbloodpressureandallconditionsofthethroat.Usefulinhealingchildren,itis
effectiveineasingchildhooddiseases,alongwithasthma,chickenpox,jaundiceandrheumatismItisbeneficialto
venousconditionsofthebody,andcanawakenintuition,easeloneliness,sparkinspirationandartisticexpression.
Very effective when paired with warmer colors. Blue assists in the healing of abscesses, headaches, toothaches,
asthma,highbloodpressure,bronchitis,burns,fevers,inflammation,andliverproblems.
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Light Blue: The energy becomes finer as we move toward the cooler parts of the color spectrum. Blue
entersanevenmoresereneareathangreen.Itislessphysicallystimulatingandismoreastringentinvibration.It
soothesworriesandlessensgriefandloss.Itpromptsthehumanmindtoconsiderthetruthaboutinfinityand
howthehumanfitsintothatinfinity.Itraisesahumanabovethecoarservibrationsofthewarmercolors.Ithelps
usletgoofpettinessandpetpeeves.
It causes us to move toward the realm of higher consciousness and spiritual maturity, evolving into a
higherbeing.Lightbluesymbolizesspiritualdevelopment,faithinspirit,sincerity,andpeace.Itisenergizingto
devotionalandspiritualpowers,bringingintobeingspiritualqualitiesofguidanceandethicalinspiration.Blue
candeepenfaithintheprocessoflifeandconsciousness,givingthehumanbeingmorepeacebyknowledgealone
thatahigherforce,ordeeperforce,guidesthewholeprocess.
Ted Andres, in his book How To Heal With Color (1992), states, light blue can assist in the healing of
anxieties, powder or ice blue can assist in the healing of blisters, nausea, and swelling. It soothes all types of
anxiety,givingtranquility.Ithelpsinsomniaandcalmsthemind.
BlueGreen: Psychologist Max Luscher, in Color Test: The Remarkable Test That Reveals Your Personality
Through Color (1969) states that bluegreen represents elasticity of will and is concentric, passive, defensive,
autonomous,retentive,possessive,andimmutable.Itsaffectiveaspectsarepersistence,selfassertion,obstinacy,
and selfesteem. Green expresses itself psychologically as the will in operation, as perseverance and tenacity.
Bluegreen is therefore an expression of firmness, of constancy and, above all, of resistance to change. Ted
Andres,inhisbookHowToHealWithColor(1992),states,Thebrightergreens,leaningtowardthebluespectrum,
are powerful in healing most conditions. Bluegreen can assist in the healing of bleeding, bronchitis, burns,
menstrualproblems,andnerves.
DarkBlue:DarkBlueisrepresentativeofexpertise,depth,knowledge,moderation,andpower.Usedark
bluetopromotejoy,loyalty,andchange.PsychologistMaxLuscher,inColorTest:TheRemarkableTestThatReveals
Your Personality Through Color (1969) believes darkblue represents depth of feeling and is concentric, passive,
incorporative,heteronomous,sensitive,perceptive,andunifying.Itsaffectiveaspectsaretranquility,contentment,
tenderness,love,andaffection.Darkbluerepresentscompletecalm,bloodpressure,pulseandrespirationrateare
allreduced,whileselfprotectivemechanismsworktorechargetheorganism.TedAndres,inhisbookHowToHeal
WithColor(1992),states,RoyalBlueisveryantisepticandithelpsthebodyassimilateoxygen.Itcanclearthefoggy
mind and is an aid to negative physical conditions that affect the brain. Royal Blue assists in the healing of
Alzheimersdiseaseandeyes.DeepBlueassistsinthehealingofepilepsy,hemorrhoids,andinfluenza.
BluePurple: Bluepurple followed by yellow can assist in the healing of Alzheimers disease. It is also
usefulforspiritualpurposes,includingdeepmeditationandexplorationoftheunconscious.
Turquoise: Turquoise projects a refreshing, cool, and imaginative force. It is the symbol of youth. It is
saidthatturquoisehasacalmingeffect.Thegemstonethatcanbeusedtorepresentthiscolorisaquamarine.In
the aura, this color indicates dynamic quality of being, highly energized personality capable of projection,
influencing other people. (www.thiaoouba.com/see_aura_color.htm) People with turquoise in their aura are good
organizers. Ted Andres, in his book How To Heal With Color (1992), states, Turquoise assists in the healing of
earaches,bronchitis,epilepsy,influenza,andrashes.
Aqua:Aquaissimilartoturquoisebutitisrepresentativeofmotivationandactiveness.TedAndres,inhis
bookHowToHealWithColor(1992),states,Aquaiscoolingtothesystem.Itcombinesthebeneficialeffectsofblueand
green,vitalizingthesystemandpurifyingaswell.Itiseffectiveinskinconditionsandforacutepainandearaches.
Indigo:Thisisamixtureofpurpleandblue,theinbetweenshade.Itmovesusfurtherintothespiritual
realmsoflife,symbolizingmankindsThirdeyeChakra,orspiritualvision.Itisusedtocleartheheadandopen
the third eye. This color represents power, integrity, and intellect. It is the ray of serious selfintrospection,
contemplation,analysisfromaspiritualstandpoint,andincreasedintuitivepowers.Itcouldbethoughtofasthe
colorofthespiritualaspectsofmankindsintellect.
Indigo is also a sedative and useful when meditating to gain depth, intuition, and awaken devotion,
however too much indigo can cause depression and feelings of isolation. This color assists in transforming the
shadowselfifoneiswillingtodelveintothemurkierwatersofhisorherconsciousness.Itleadstocomprehension
andselfknowledgethatmighttakeaturnthroughthedarkhallsofthepsycheatfirst,buttherewardsaregreatfor
thisbraveactofselfinquiry.Itassistsinansweringthequestionsweaskourselves,likewhoarewe?andwhy
arewehere?Withthiscolor,theabstractfusesintotheconcrete,bringingloftyideastoEarth.
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It is only natural that with selfintrospection comes an increase in spiritual and intuitive powers.
Mankinds sixth sense is still in development and this is the first step in that maturation. Indigo can assist in
developingthisnextstepinevolution.Ithelpsusrecognizethebiggerpictureandletgoofthesmallerpictureas
the basis for reality. Perception spontaneously awakens and intuitive powers cause us to explore even deeper
statesofconsciousnessthantheoriginalselfinquirythatstarteditall.Itisacolorusedbyspiritualteachersand
studentswhowishtoincreasetheirintuitiveabilities.Indigohelpswithselfdisciplineinspiritualendeavors,but
alsoassistswithmoremenialselfdisciplinelikemanagingtime,moneyandactions.
The gemstones sapphire, azurite, and indigo can be used in ritual to promote the qualities of indigo.
Accordingtowww.crystalcure.com,Forhealing,thesestonesaresaidtoaidthetreatmentofmentaldisorders.
TedAndres,inhisbookHowToHealWithColor(1992),states,Indigoandthedeepershadesofbluearedynamic
healingcolorsonbothspiritualandphysicallevelsItisstrengtheningtothelymphsystem,theglands,andto
theimmunesystemofthebody.Itisanexcellentbloodpurifierandcanassistindetoxifyingthebody.Itisacolor
thatisbalancingtothehemispheresofthebrainandthenervesynapsesbetweenthem.Itiseffectiveintreating
all conditions of the face (including eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and sinuses)... It can be used for problems in the
lungs and for removing certain obsessions. Indigo also assists in the healing of AIDS (with red and violet,
followedbypinkandgold),alcoholism,allergies,excessiveappetite,eyeproblems,andParkinsons.
Violet/Purple:Thisisthehighestcolorvibrationthatwecanseewithourphysicaleyesinthespectrum
andalsohastheshortestwavelength.Itisamixtureofredandblue,sothiscolorisalsoasortofbridgebetween
thewarmandcoolcolorsinthespectrum.Purpleissymbolicofambition,luxury,power,wisdom,independence,
mystery,magic,andspirituality.Itrepresentsconfidenceanddignity,anditisnowonderthatroyaltyofearlier
erasreserveditasacolorthatcouldonlybewornbykingsandqueens,princesandprincesses.Theonlymaterial
available for making dyes were plants, minerals, and a few animal or insects. The dying process required the
luxuryoftimeandmoneyandthismeantthatcolorfulpaintingsandpiecesofclothingwereonlypossessedby
the wealthyand becamea status symbol. Purple carries the energy of great fame. (www.afgen.com/gamble7.html)
Cleopatra and Roman Emperors used the costly purple made from hundreds of crushed snail shells. In some
instances,itwaspunishablebydeathtowearpurpleifonewasnotroyalty.
AccordingtoRichardCavendish,editorinchiefofManMythAndMagic,Vol2(1985),violetrepresents
warmth and humility. Violet is intimate, erotic, intuitive, and sensitive understanding, if somewhat unreal and
wishfulfillment.PsychologistMaxLuscher,inColorTest:TheRemarkableTestThatRevealsYourPersonalityThrough
Color (1969) states, Violet attempts to unify the impulsive conquest of red and the gentle surrender of blue,
becomingrepresentativeofidentification.Thisidentificationisasortofmysticunion,ahighdegreeofsensitive
intimacyleadingtocompletefusionbetweensubjectandobject,sothateverythingwhichisthoughtanddesired
mustbecomeReality.VioletisthecoloroftheCrownChakraandbondsphysicalrealitywithspiritualreality,
givingapersonconfidenceinhisorherabilitytoachievepurpose,goals,andprosperityontheearthplane.
Purple is a color of great personal integrity, and is very honest, acting with great wisdom and right
action.Selfconfidencethatcomesfromapersonwhoisspirituallymaturecreatesselfdignityaswell.Purplecan
assistwithovercomingmanmadeobstacles,selfimposedorotherwise.Iteradicatesevilinfluencesorideas,and
risesaboveanysuchcreationsinduality.Itisabovetheideasofduality,darkandlight,goodandbad,pleasant
and unpleasant. It is the wise knowingness of eternal self that is not afraid of any part of duality, and resists
nothing,eventhemoreunpleasantaspectsoflife.Purpleseeseventhedarkersideofthingsaspartofthewhole
picture.Problemscannottouchthisenergy,anditdoesnotevenacknowledgethatdarknesshasanymorepower
thanlighterenergies,andseesthattheybothbalanceeachotherout,equalingzerointheend.Purplerecognizes
evilassimplyapartofthedramatoworkwith,learnfromandexperience.
Violet can be used to stimulate inspiration and humility, and dream activityas wellas help connect to
pastlives in meditation. According to www.factmonster.com Leonardo da Vinci believed that the power of
meditationincreasestentimeswhendoneinapurplelightsuchasthepurplelightofstainedglass.Purpleisa
colorfrequentlyusedinmeditationandcanbeusedtoaidpeoplestrivingforspiritualfulfillment.Whenpurple
isobservedintheauraitissaidtobeacloudofspiritualityandwillneverbeastrongpointintheaura.
Purple is a very fine energy that sets the tone for spiritual attainment and purity. It is not focused on
worldly sensations or pleasure and seeks to show mankinds purpose and inner self. It is the beginning of
perfections path. Perfect happiness is gained through alignment with the eternal self, the source of all
consciousness. It gives great joy to theperson wholivesin thislevel of vibration. It is considered by many the
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mostspiritualofcolors,anditistheenergyofselftransformation.Purplerepresentsthemostadvancedstagesof
spiritualevolvement.Itlooksdeepbeyondthesurfaceandfindsanswersthatreflectthebigpicture.Purpleisa
veryinspiringatmosphereforspiritualadvancementandcontactwiththespiritualworld.Somepeoplethinkof
purpleasassociatedwithsorrow,butitismoreaboutreverenceandmindfulness.Itrepresentsasupremestateof
consciousnessandhappinessthatisaboveandbeyondthehappinessthatanordinaryhumancanattainthrough
Earth level success and wealth. It is deeper than anything physical, mental or emotional. It is the depths of
spirituality that purple is concerned with. According to Richard Cavendish, editor in chief of Man Myth And
Magic,Vol2(1985),purplerepresentsgreatspirituality.
Purple is astrong medicine forall negative feelingsand thoughts, forit takesone beyond the levels of
duality.Inthemedicinalfieldthegemstoneamethystcanbeusedtorepresentthequalitiesofpurple.Purplecan
beusedtotakeawaypainwhiledoingdeeptissueworkonboriccells(www.globalpsychics.com).TedAndres,in
his book How To Heal With Color (1992), states, Purple is purifying to the system, but because of its high
vibration, it should be used sparingly. Too much purple can create or aggravate depression. It can be used to
stimulate venous activity in the body. It can also be used for headaches. The redpurple range is beneficial for
balancingpolaritiesofthebody.Thebluepurplerangecanoftenbeusedeffectivelytoshrinkthings(asinthe
caseoftumors)andtocooltheskin,easinginflammation.
The gemstones that represent purple are amethyst, fluorite, and ametrine. According to www.crystal
cure.com,Forhealing,thesestonesaresaidtoaidinsomniaoranymentalrelateddisorder.
TedAndres,inhisbookHowToHealWithColor(1992),states,Violetisacolorthataffectstheskeletal
systemofthebody.Itisveryantiseptic,cleansing,andpurifyingonphysicalandspirituallevels.Ithelpsbalance
thephysicalandthespiritualenergies.Violetisgoodtouseforcancerousconditionsofthebody.Arthritiscanbe
easedbyvioletlightthatleansmoretowardtheblueshades.Violetisalsostrengtheningtothebodysabilityto
assimilateanduseminerals.VioletassistsinthehealingofAIDS(alongwithredandindigo,followedbypink
andgold),bones,diabetes,growths,infection,influenza,andleukemia.
BlueViolet: Blueviolet assists in the healing of abscesses, toothaches, arthritis, cancer (followed by
pink),growths,andskinproblems.
RedViolet:Redvioletassistswithacne,arthritis,andbreastproblems.
LightPurple:Lightpurplecanbeusedtodrawinromanticfeelings.
DarkPurple:DarkPurplecanbeusedtoevokesadnessandcausesfrustration.
Magenta:Magentarepresentsimagination.
Brown: Brown is the color of stability, reliability, and the earth.This color can be used to eliminate
indecisiveness and improve the color concentration. Brown holds a steady energy coarse and is the color of
endurance.Brownisoftenthoughtofasanegativecolorinthatsomeofitsqualitiesareunsettling,materialistic,and
negatingspirituality.Thiscolorcanneutralizenegativeenergyandencouragestability.PsychologistMaxLuscher,
in Color Test: The Remarkable Test That Reveals Your Personality Through Color (1969) states that brown represents
sensationasitappliestothebodilysenses.Itissensuous,relatingdirectlytothephysicalbody,anditspositionin
the row gives an indication of the bodys sensory condition. Brown corresponds to a hearth or home, familial
security. The element earth is represented by the color brown. The gemstone associated with brown qualities is
tigerseye.TedAndres,inhisbookHowToHealWithColor(1992),states,Brownisalsoacolorthatcanbeusedin
healing.Itisespeciallyeffectiveforemotionalandmentalconditions.Browncanhelpawakencommonsenseand
discrimination.Itcanhelpbringanindividualbackdowntoearthandiseffectiveineliminatingspacyfeelings.
Gray: Gray is the color most commonly associated with sadness. Gray is representative of negative
thoughts,depression,andthepresenceofthedarksideofpersonalities.PsychologistMaxLuscher,inColorTest:The
RemarkableTestThatRevealsYourPersonalityThroughColor(1969)statesthatgrayisentirelyfreefromanystimulus
or psychological tendency. It is neutral, neither subject nor object, neither inner nor outer, neither tension nor
relaxation.Grayisnoninvolvement,compensatory,noninvolvement,therejectionofcolors.Thegemstoneusein
ritualtorepresentgreyishematite.Graycanbegroundingforpeoplewhoaretooexcitableorscattered.
Silver:Thecolorsilverstandsforaconnectiontothestars,themoon,andspace.AccordingtoRichard
Cavendish, editor in chief of Man Myth And Magic, Vol 2 (1985), silver flashes represent great creativity. In the
aura,silverisusedtochargethesixthlevel.(www.globalpsychics.com).TedAndres,inhisbookHowToHealWith
Color(1992),states,Silverandsomegrayscanbeusedtoamplifytheeffectsofothercolors,muchinthemanner
ofwhite.Silveriseffectiveinmeditationsusedtodiscoverthemetaphysicalsourceofanillnessordisease.Unless
95
we discover the source, the likelihood of its reoccurrence is high. It can also be used to help an individual
discoverandapplytheirowncreativeimaginationandactivateinnateintuition.
White: White contains the entire light spectrum, blending all the colors into one. This might seem
oppositeofwhatonewouldthink,butitstrue.Whiterepresentspurelove,goodness,kindness,helpfulness,and
positivepower.Whiteiscommonlyknownasacolorofpurityandcleanliness.Whiteissymbolicofvirginityand
newlife.Thecolorwhiteisstandsforpatience,purity,protection,andpeace.Whiteisthestrongestofallcolor
vibrations.Whiteisknownasthepurestformoflight.Whiteisthecontainmentofallcolors,withalltheiraspects
andproperties.Itisperfection,enlightenment,andfulfillmentofallpersonalquestsforselfrealization.Thisisas
perfectasahumancanget.Itrepresentsastateofreachingtheheightsofgoodness,wisdom,maturity,fairness,
andothersuchpositiveattributesthatareassociatedwithperfectionofthehumanbeing.Itisacolorofaccepting
allspiritualtruthsandbeingabletoapplythemtodailylifeandphysicalrealityinapracticalmanner.Whiteis
thecolorofthemaster,wholenessoftheself,onewithallthatis,andsuperhumanpowers.Whitealsocleanses
and repels disharmony or harm. It creates immunity to unpleasantries and self doubts. It is a very stabilizing
influenceandisaplaceofnofear.Inadequaciesvanishinthecolorwhite,fearsarenonexistent,andignoranceis
nolongerafactor.Itisaplaceofallknowingness.
AccordingtoRichardCavendish,editorinchiefofManMythAndMagic,Vol2(1985),whiterepresentsa
deathwish.Whiteissymbolicofmourningincountriesacrosstheworld.Angelsareusuallyseenwearingwhite
robes.Awhitecandlecanbeputinplaceofanycolorinceremony.Givingawhiteroseissymbolicofinnocence,
humility,andsympathy.Thewhitecolorintheauraindicateshealthissuesanddepictsalackininnerharmony.
White is a color that signifies health, wholeness and completion so it is fitting that many health and
spiritualorganizationswearwhite.Ithealsallillnessesandwoundsineverylevelofhumanexistence,including
physical,mental,emotionalandspiritualharm.Whitecanbeusedmedicinallytotakeawaypainandbringpeace
toavictim.TedAndres,inhisbookHowToHealWithColor(1992),states,whiteisstrengtheningItcanawaken
greatcreativity.Whenindoubtastowhatcolortouse,youcanseldomgowrongwithwhitelight.Whitecan
also be used at the beginning and end of a healing session with colors to amplify the effect of any color. The
gemstoneusedtorepresentthequalitiesofwhiteisclearquartzcrystal.
Black:Blackisknownastheabsenceofcolororlightandwasassociatedwithevilnessattimesbutcanalso
beunderstoodtoencompasstheentirecolorspectrum(likewhite).Blackstandsforpower,death,evil,formality,
andmystery.AccordingtoRichardCavendish,editorinchiefofManMythAndMagic,Vol2(1985),blackrepresents
deep discontent. Black usually receives negative connotation. However, it can also be used to banish negative
feelings.Blackistheuniversalcolorofmourning.NativeAmericansbelievedthatblackwasagoodcolorbecauseit
wassimilartothecolorofsoil,whichbroughtlife.InChina,malechildrenwearblack.TheEgyptiansbelievedthat
blackcatshaddivinepowers.Inritual,blacktourmalinecanbeusedtodisplaythequalitiesofblack.
Inthemedicinalfield,blackwassaidtorepresentthwartedambition.PsychologistMaxLuscher,inColor
Test: The Remarkable Test That Reveals Your Personality Through Color (1969) states, Black represents the absolute
boundary beyond which life ceases, and so expresses the idea of nothingness, of extinction. It represents
renunciation,surrenderorrelinquishment.TedAndres,inhisbookHowToHealWithColor(1992),statesthatblack
is the color that is shrouded in confusion. Many individuals shy away from using black in color therapy and
healing,butIhavefounditbeneficialattimes.Blackisaprotectivecolor,anditcanbeusedtogroundandcalm
extremelysensitiveindividuals.Itactivatesthefeminineormagneticenergiesofthebody,strengthening them.It
should be used sparingly, as too much black can cause depression or aggravate such emotional and mental
conditions.
Blackcanbeeffectivelyusedalongwithwhitetobalanceapersonspolaritiesandbringstability.Black
can also activate the subconscious and bring perspective to a situation. Black should always be used in
conjunctionwithwhiteoranothercolor.
DullColors:AccordingtoRichardCavendish,editorinchiefofManMythAndMagic,Vol2(1985),dull
colorsrepresentdisharmonyandproblems.
ClearLight:Transparencymightnotbeconsideredacolorinthetraditionalsense,butinspiritualcircles
clearlight,ortransparency,isoftenusedinmeditation.Itisalsoconsideredwhitespirituallight,whichisalsoa
combinationofallcolorswiththeiraspectsandproperties.Itiscombinedwiththehighestformofloveahuman
canhold.Thiscolorcouldbethoughtofasthepurestofallcolors,thecolorofGod.Inmeditation,itisconsidered
thesourceofallcolors,thenothingnessfromwhichallcolorswereborn.Itistheblendingofthematerialplane
96
andtheintangibleplanes.Humanvisioncannotseethislight,butinmeditationitisveryvisibleatafeeling
sense level. It is the sanctuary of the eternal self, which is at the center of the nothingness from which all
experiencesandmentalconstructsspring.Clearlight,ortransparency,isthesourceofalllife,theplaceofeternal
consciousnesswhicheachofusisatthecore,theGodself.Clearquartzordiamondsarethegemstonesthatbest
reflecttheenergyofclearlight.
LifeColors
LifeColors refer to a persons primary personality traits that show up within the aura. Pamala Oslie
explains,Therearemanydifferentcoloredbandsinapersonsaura.Thebandthatisclosesttothebodyreveals
the persons priorities, methods of processing life and primary purpose for being on the planet I call it the
LifeColor.Theotherbandsoftheaurafrequentlychangecolorsandpositions,reflectingwhatishappeningwith
thepersonatagiventime.However,thebandclosesttothebody,theLifeColor,doesnotusuallychange.
Osliebreaksupthelifecolorsintothreecategoriesthatreflecthowpeopleprocessinformation:Physical
colorsthatindicateprocessinginformationthroughthebodyarered,orange,magenta,andyellow;Mentalcolors
that indicateprocessing life intellectually are tansand green;andEmotional colors thatindicate processing life
primarilythroughemotions,feelings,andintuitionareblue,violet,indigo,lavenderandcrystal.LifeColorsarea
tool,theyaremeanttohelpapersonunderstandandaccepthimselforherself,andlearntostayinbalanceand
utilize their power. However, as Oslie states, A person is not restricted to living only within her LifeColor.
ChoosingtocomeintothislifewithaparticularLifeColordoesnotmeanthatonecannotexperiencethequalities,
purposes, priorities and methods of the other LifeColors. While we have our original LifeColor, we also
continuouslyaddothercolorsintotheouterbandsoftheauraEachpersonneedstofulfillhisorherLifeColor
before[s]hecansuccessfullyandharmoniouslyexpandtotheothercolors.[S]hemustfirstloveandacceptwho
[s]he is before [s]he can satisfactorily experience the qualities of the other colors. In other words, every
color/personality has positive aspects as well as challenges, and denying any trait will leave a person feeling
disconnected, confused,and disharmonious. Learning the tools of another color can be useful to a person once
theyhavefullyacceptedandintegratedtheirownpersonality.
BelowarethedescriptionsoftheLifeColorstestandthelifecolors.
AuraLifeColorsQuiz
(fromLifeColors(1991)byPamalaOslie)
AnswerYes,SometimesorNotothefollowingquestions
Choosetheoneortwocategorieswiththehighestnumberofyesresponses.Ifthetwohighestcategoriesarevery
closeinnumbers,youprobablyhaveaCombinationColor,meaningbothcolorsareyourLifeColor.Iftherearethreeorfour
highcolors,youmayhaveaddedoneortwocolorstoyouraurathathavebecomepartofyourpersonality.
yes some no
LifeColorRed
times
Ienjoytangiblephysicalrealitymorethanspiritual,emotional,ormentalconcepts.
Ienjoytheanimalistic,physicalpleasureofthebodysex,eating,drinking,etc.
Ioftenhaveaquicktemper,butgetoveritquicklyanddonotholdgrudges.
Ienjoyexpressingmyselfthroughmysexualityandmyphysicalbodymorethanthroughmy
emotionsormyintellect.
Ipreferworkthatisphysicalandhasimmediate,tangibleresults.
Itendtobeangrylonger.
Ihaveahardtimeexpressingmyfeelingstoothers.
Iamusuallypowerful,selfconfident,independentandpractical.
Ienjoytakingphysicalactiononprojectsratherthantheorizingaboutideasandplans.
ItendtobelieveonlyintheexistenceofthosethingswhichIcanphysicallytouch.
Iampersistentandhardworkingandusuallykeeptherestoftheteamgoing.
Itendtobehonestandblunt.
Totalofeachcolumn
97
yes some
times
Itendtobeaphysicaldaredevilandrisktaker.
Irelishdangerous,thrilling,physicalchallenges.
Havingaregularjobandafamilyfeelsboringtome.
Iprefertospendtimealone.
Ipreferdoingindividualsportsandchallengesratherthanteamsports.
Ienjoythechallengeofgoingbeyondphysicallimitations.
Idonotneedtosharemyemotionalfeelingswithanyone.
Spiritualbeliefsandconceptsdonotinterestme.
Ipreferoccupationswhichallowmetoexperienceraw,physicalcourage.
Iamnotinterestedinwhatotherpeoplethinkaboutme.
Itendtousemoneyfordaringadventuressuchasmountainclimbingorcarracing,rather
thanforinvestment.
Peopleoftenseemeasselfabsorbedandaloof.
Totalofeachcolumn
yes some
LifeColorMagenta
times
Ilikethebizarreandtheunusual.
Idonotusuallyconformtosocietysrulesorlaws.
Although I love parties and social events, I have trouble keeping friends because my
behaviorsometimesshockspeople.
Ienjoyoutrageousartisticexpression.
Idonotlikebeingresponsibleforfriendsorfamily.
Iamaquickthinker,butpeoplerarelyunderstandmyideas.
Ilovetolearnaboutnewthings,buttendtohaveashortattentionspan.Ioftenleavethingsunfinished.
Ifeelaloneandmisunderstoodalotofthetime.
Actingfoolishandoutrageousisfunanddoesnotembarrassme.
Mylifestyletendstobeflamboyantandeccentric.
Iwouldenjoybeingmarriedseveraltimesjustforfun.
Ibelievecontroversyisnecessaryandthatitkeepslifeinteresting.
Totalofeachcolumn
yes some
LifeColorYellow
times
Itisveryimportanttometobeabletoplay,havefun,exerciseandbewithpeople.
Iliketolaughandcheerpeopleup.
I have or have had a tendency to regularly overdo at least one of the following: drugs,
alcohol,cigarettes,caffeine,sex,exercise,chocolates,sweetsorovereating.
Whenthereisconflict,myfirstimpulseistorunawayoravoidthesituation.
Ineedphysicalexerciseordanceonaregularbasis.
Iliketobecreative,artisticorworkwithmyhands.
Ienjoyphysicalwork.
Itendtolookyoungerthanmyage.
Myfeelingscanbehurtveryeasily.
Iwishpeoplecouldjustplayallthetime.
Ibelievethatsexshouldbefun.
Iliketobespontaneous.
Totalofeachcolumn
LifeColorOrange
no
no
no
98
yes some
times
Iprefersecure,stablejobswhichprovideregularpaychecks.
Itendtokeepmyfeelingsandemotionstomyself.
Iprefertoseetheproof,logicanddatabehindideas.
I enjoy working with mechanical or electronic gadgets and machinescomputers,
calculators,appliances,andelectronicgames.
Ienjoyworkingwithdetails.
Iamaveryanalytical,logical,andsequentialthinker.
Iampracticalwithmoneyandprefersecureinvestments.
Iusuallyfollowtherulesandabidebythelaws.Ipreferstructure.
Itendtotakealongtimetomakeadecision.(Takeaslongasyouwanttoanswerthisquestion!)
Itypicallyfollowaregularroutine.
Myattitudeisseeingisbelieving.
Itendtobeapackrat,hangingontothingsjustincaseIneedthem.
Totalofeachcolumn
yes some
LifeColorEnvironmentalTan
times
Ienjoyanalyzingandmeasuringtheenvironment.
Iamabletojudgeweight,distanceandvolumethroughinnerphysicalsense.(Icantellhow
muchsomethingweighsbyholdingitinmyhand.)
Iamalogicalandpracticalthinker.
Iamslowtodevelopfriendsandusuallyspendmytimealone.
Moneyisimportanttomeforsecurityandstability.
Iamaresponsible,dedicatedemployeewhofollowsdirectionswell.
Iperceiverealityaslogicalandthreedimensional.
Iamaveryprivatepersonandkeepmyfeelingstomyself.
Iamquietandreservedbutindependentandstrong.
Ipreferastablejobandreliablepaychecks.
Itendtobeseriousandselfcontrolled.
Whenraisingchildren,Iwouldbearelationaldisciplinarian.
Totalofeachcolumn
yes some
LifeColorSensitiveTan
times
Homeandfamilyaretwoofmymostimportantpriorities.
IfeelsupportingcommunityactivitiesandattendingfunctionssuchasPTAmeetingsisimportant.
Iamasensitive,calm,patientandrationalthinker.
Havingasenseofsecurityandstabilityinmyhomeisimportanttome.
Icareaboutpeople,butenjoyentertainingonlyafewclosefriends.
Itendtobequiet,resolvedandoftenshy.
Iprefertounderstandthelogicinasituation,howeverIamalsoemotionallysupportiveof
peoplesneeds.
Ibelievethatservicetohumanityistruespirituality.
IprefertoworkinasupportrolewhereItakecareofthedetails.
Iusuallyputmyfamilysneedsbeforemyown.
Iprefertoworkinastructuredenvironment.
Iusuallyworkoutmyemotionalupsetsinacalm,logicalandquietmanner.
Totalofeachcolumn
LifeColorLogicalTan
no
no
no
99
yes some
times
I frequently feel scattered, often forget appointments, or overbook my schedule with
conflictingappointments.
Icanseeallthedetailsthatneedtobetakencareof,butIhavedifficultydecidingwhichones
needtobedonefirst.
MypossessionsarenotveryimportanttomesoIhavetroubletakingcareofthem.
Iamconstantlymisplacingthings.
Itendtotheorizeaboutemotionsratherthanactuallyexperiencethem.
Ipreferjobsthatallowmetoworkrandomlywithallthedetailsofaproject.
IenjoyattendingsocialfunctionswhereIcantalkwithalotofdifferentpeople.
IgetsobusyandthingsgetsohecticthatIoftenforgettopaymybills.
Iamopen,optimisticandveryfriendly.
Ilovehumanity,butIamoftenuncomfortablemaintaininganintimaterelationship.
Iusuallyseenumeroussolutionstoaproblem.
Iknowmanyacquaintances,buthaveveryfewclosefriends.
Totalofeachcolumn
yes some
LifeColorGreen
times
Icanbeaworkaholicandhaveahardtimerelaxing.
ItendtobeaperfectionistandIamusuallydemandingonmyself.
Ilovetolearnandtobeintellectuallystimulated.
Icanbestrongwilledandtenacious.
Itisveryimportanttometosetgoals,toknowthatpeoplerespectmeandtomakealotofmoney.
Ienjoybeinginchargeanddelegatingresponsibilitiestoothers.
Ilikethingstobeorganizedandwellplanned.Ifrequentlywritelists.
Ienjoythechallengeofdevelopingplansandideas,ratherthandoingdetailedwork.
Ihavehighstandardsinrelationshipsandtendtobeboredeasilybymostotherpeople.
Icanbecomeimpatientandfrustratedwithpeopleiftheyarenotmotivatedandambitious.
Peoplecanbeintimidatedbyme.
Ifrequentlydrinkcaffeinatedbeverages.
Totalofeachcolumn
yes some
LifeColorBlue
times
People frequently turn to me with their emotional problems and I usually lovingly and
patientlyhelpthem.
Ihavebeenknowntocryeasily.
Oneofmystrongestprioritiesistobeinalovingrelationship.
IfeelguiltyifIsaynotosomeone.
Godandspiritualityareveryimportanttome.
Moneyisnotamajorprioritytome.
Itendtohelpandtakecareofeveryone.
Ifrequentlyhavecoldhandsandfeet.
Whenthereisconflict,Iwanteveryonetoloveeachother.
Loveandpeoplearethemostimportantelementsinmylife.
Itendtofeeltheemotionsofotherpeople.
Ihavedifficultylettinggoofrelationships.
Totalofeachcolumn
LifeColorAbstractTan
no
no
no
100
LifeColorViolet
IfeelthatIhaveamessagetogetacrosstopeople.
Ihaveastrongdesiretohelpimprovetheplanet.
IhavealwaysfeltthatIwasgoingtobefamousordosomethingimportant.
Ihavehadadesiretoperformtoaudiences.
IfIhadalotofmoney,Iwouldtravelorbecomeinvolvedinhumanitariancauses.
Iamveryinterestedincosmicanduniversalconcepts.
Ifrequentlyendupinleadershippositionsoratleastatthecenterofattention.
Ieasilyvisualizefutureevents.
Iampassionateaboutsexandhaveastrongsexdrive.
Icanbecomeinvolvedintoomanyprojectsatthesametime.
Freedomandindependencearemajorprioritiestome.
Iwouldmuchratherbeselfemployed.
Totalofeachcolumn
yes some
times
yes some
times
Ienjoyfantasyandmakebelievemorethantherealworld.
Iamquiet,sensitiveandspiritual.
Ihaveadifficulttimemanagingmoney.
Itendtospendalotoftimealone,daydreaming.
I prefer pretty, gentle and fine artistic things and I am uncomfortable with dirt, bugs, or
harshenvironments.
Iamoftenforgetfulandfrequentlyspacey.
Peopleaccusemeofbeingirresponsibleandunrealistic.
Ihavedifficultydealingwitheverydayresponsibilities.
Iamanimaginativeandcreativethinker;however,Iusuallyhavetroublefollowingthrough
withmyideas.
IseemtobeoutofmybodymorethanIaminit.
Itendtowantotherstosolvemyproblemsforme.
Iprefertoworkinrelaxed,lowstressenvironments.
Totalofeachcolumn
yes some
LifeColorCrystal
times
Ioftenchoosetoworkinquiet,calmandpeacefulenvironments.
Iamextremelysensitiveandcanbeoverwhelmedbybeingaroundtoomanypeople.
Ineedtospendalotoftimealoneinquietmeditationtoreplenishmyself.
Spendingquiettimereadingorbeinginmygardenistherapeuticforme.
Physicalrealityoftenfeelscold,harshandthreateningtome.
Idontalwaysknowhowtobehaveinsocialsituations.
MyspiritualityandmysereneinnerconnectionwithGodarethemostimportantaspectsofmylife.
Frequently,IamunsureofwhatIamsupposedtodoontheplanet.
Itendtobewithdrawn,quietandinsecure.
Ifeelsaferandmoresecurewithotherstakingresponsibilityandmakingdecisionsforme.
Iamcarefulwithmoney.
IoftenfeelIhavequiet,innerhealingpowers.
Totalofeachcolumn
LifeColorLavender
no
no
no
101
yes some no
times
I have difficulty relating to the world in its current condition and often dont feel that I
belonghere.
Ihavedifficultyrelatingtomyphysicalbody.
Ihaveahighlysensitivephysical,emotionalandpsychologicalsystem.
I have no issues regarding sexualityheterosexuality, homosexuality or bisexualityin
myselforinothers.
Iknowthatthereisspiritualenergyinallthings.
Ihaveastrongcuriosityaboutphysicalrealityasitrelatestospirituality.
Iamextremelysensitiveandcompassionate,yetstrongandindependent.
Itendtoquestionandchallengeold,dogmaticbeliefsandmethods.
Icannotbeforcedtooperateagainstmybeliefsevenifitwouldmakeothershappy.
Ifeelmorecreativeandspirituallyadvancedthanothers.
Myappearanceoftenseemsandrogynous.
Wakingupsuddenlycausesmephysicalpain.
Totalofeachcolumn
YouhaveaRedOverlayifyouhavethefollowingqualities
yes some no
RedOverlay
times
Ifrequentlyexperienceintense,oftenuncontrollableangerorrage.
Mylifeseemstobeaconstantstruggle.
I consistently experience conflict and frustration regarding relationships, health, money,
and/orcareer.
I experienced at least one of the following as a child: a) emotionally, physically, or mentally
abandoned or rejected (i.e., unwanted child, adopted, alcoholic parent, etc.); b) emotionally,
physically,ormentallyabused;c)lifethreateningsituationbeforebirth,atbirth,oratayoungage.
Red LifeColors are physical and sexual. Oslie states, They love expressing themselves through their
sensualityandtheirphysicalbodies.Theylivetheirlivesinthehereandnowwithzest,strength,courageandself
confidence.Redsarenotabstract,theyareliteralandneedtangibleproofthatsomethingexists.Theydonotfocus
on spirituality. Reds love physical labor and immediate results. When in their power, Reds are energetic,
courageous,fullofstamina,endurance,optimistic,loyal,honest,trustworthy,andlustyforlife.Outofpower,Reds
easilyanger.Sometimesviolentlyexplosive,theyareclosedminded,andbecomeuncompromising.Effectiveoutlets
formaintainingredpowerareexercise,sports,therapy,andlearningwhentocompromiseorlookforotheroptions.
Osliestates,ThelifepurposeofRedsistoliveinthephysicalworldwithgusto,courageandenergy.Theychoose
toexperiencelife,withallithastooffer,throughthebodilysensationsoftouch,taste,smell,sightandsound.
Orange LifeColors are also physical colors and are thrillseekers and daredevils. Oslie states, Oranges
puttheirlivesonthelinejusttofeelalive;thestakesmustactuallybelifeanddeathforOrangestofeelasenseof
accomplishmentandsatisfactionForOranges,thrillsandexcitementaretheaspectwhichareessentialinlife.
Evil Knievel is an example of an Orange. Oranges are not intellectual or spiritual, preferring the challenges of
physical reality, strategizing and planning adventures, calculating the next move of their opponent. In their
power Oranges are resourceful, energized, and self confident,living life to itsrawestlevel,facing their dreams
and even potential death. Oranges do not hesitate to put their lives in danger to save anothers. Out of their
power Oranges can become egotistical, selfcentered, and lack affection, caring, and compassion. Balance is the
keytoOrangesstayingwithintheirpower,learningtobalancetheirbody,mind,andspirit.Osliestates,Thelife
purpose of Oranges is to experience physical existence to its fullest extent, to reach the apparent limitations of
realityanddaretopushpastthem.
Magenta, another physical LifeColor, are nonconformists. Oslie states that Magentas dont choose to
abidebysocietysmores,expectationsorstandards.Theseindividualisticthinkersconsiderfollowingthecrowd
to be boring and restrictive. They prefer to live beyond restrictions and limitations. Andy Warhol was a
LifeColorIndigo
102
Magenta. Magentas are intelligent, innovative, imaginative, and creative, enjoying the bizarre, outrageous, and
controversial, they are outspoken and humorous. In their power, Magentas have the courage to set their own
style, going beyond the traditional and familiar. They are creative, selfaccepting, selfappreciating, and
encourageotherstobethemselves.Outofpower,Magentasaredespondent,isolatedandlonely,notlivingtrue
totheircurious,innovativestyle,creatinglowselfesteem,boredomanddespair.Magentasneedtolearntolove
andacceptthemselves,withpermissiontobedifferent,actingontheircreativeimpulses.Osliestates,Thelife
purpose of Magentas is to explore the new and to experiment outside of normal, everyday boundaries. They
strive to keep life from becoming staid, complacent, and common. Magentas love to keep us questioning and
pushingbeyondouracceptedlimits,tokeepusfrombeingsatisfiedwiththestatusquo.
Yellow,thelastphysicalLifeColor,areplayfulandhumorous.Osliestates,Yellowsbelievelifeismeant
to be enjoyed. They do not take life seriously, nor do they like to work. Their work must be play for them.
Yellows are spontaneous, energetic, creative, friendly, intuitive, giving, joyful beings and also procrastinate.
Yellowsaresensitive,fragile,insecure,irresponsible,lackcommitment,andareeasilyhurt.Theyareshyaround
newpeople,butturnintothelifeoftheparty.Yellowsaresensitivetoothersproblems,wantingtoplease,but
if the situation is emotionally involved and not easily fixed, they tend to run away from it. They are natural
handsonhealersastheycanintuitbodilypainandchannelenergythroughtheirbodies.
In their power, Yellows have abundant energy, making them fidgety and squirmy. It is important for
yellows to be physically active, so they remain filled with joy and happiness. Yellows out of their power may
become addicted to obsessions such as sex, drugs, food, chocolate, and parties, becoming depressed, lethargic,
and apathetic. They can lack commitment, avoiding serious relationships. Oslie states, Yellows need to
understand that commitment can help them reach deeper levels of intimacy and selfawareness, and therefore
actually add more fun, excitement, and freedom to their lives. Otherwise Yellows can drift aimlessly, confused
andpenniless,foreversearchingforsomethingtobringthemjoy.Creativeorphysicalactivitiesaretherapeutic
forYellows.Osliebelievestheirlifepurposeistohelplightenupandhealtheenergyontheplanet.Theyremind
peopletonottakethemselvesortheirproblemstooseriously.
LogicalTan,thefirstofthementalLifeColors,arecautiousthinkers,focusingondetailslikeallthetans,
andarealsological,analytical,andkeepthoughtsandfeelingstothemselves.Osliestates,LogicalTansliketo
establish a firm foundation, and then slowly build brick by brick, step by step. Otherwise, they are afraid the
entireprojectwillcollapseonthemEverythingforLogicalTansisdoneinanorderlyandsequentialmanner.
Logicaltanslikerepeatingpatterns,reliability,predictability,easilyhavingtheirsenseofsecuritythrownoff,they
find stability and security comfortable. Other LifeColors find Logical Tans slow and boring. They like the
concrete,scientific,orhavetopersonallyeyewitnessphenomenasuchasE.S.P.andpsychicabilitiesbeforethey
will believe in it. In their power, Logical Tans are reliable, responsible, and dependable, accomplishing tasks
thoroughly,andefficiently.LogicalTansoutofpowerbecomenarrowminded,stubborn,critical,andresistantto
change. To stay balanced Logical Tans need only to recognize their skepticism and evaluate whether it is
realistic,orperhapsbasedonafearofmovingforward,accordingtoOslie.LogicalTansneedtolearntotake
somerisksandexpresstheirfeelings.
TheEnvironmentalTan,alsoamentalLifeColor,isaccompaniedbyaforestgreencoloredbandwithin
theaura.EnvironmentalTansalsodesiresecurity,stability,andlogic,butdesirestructureanddisciplineaswell.
They are intuitively spatial thinkers and relate kinesthetically and mentally to their environment. Oslie states,
Theyexperiencetheirrealitybyphysicallytouchingtheirenvironmentandthenmentallyanalyzingit.While
being veryintelligent, Environmental Tans can often appearaloof and unresponsive because they have trouble
expressingthemselves,keepingtheiremotionsandpersonallifeprivate.Outofpower,EnvironmentalTansare
inflexible and new experiences can cause them anxiety, so they like their environment to be predictable and
reliable. To stay in balance, they need to become willing to go beyond their mental and physical senses,
experiencingnewpossibilitiesandexpressingtheirfeelings.WalksinnaturecanhelptheseTansstayinbalance.
Osliestates,EnvironmentalTanswanttheplanettobeaplacewheremoderntechnologyfitsinharmoniously
with the physical environment. The Environmental Tans purpose for being here appears to be to analyze,
understandandlearnfromthreedimensional,physicalreality.ManyEnvironmentalTanshaveaninnatedesire
tohelpimproveorrebalancethephysicalenvironmentontheplanet.
Sensitive Tans are another analytical, mental LifeColor, but with a blue strip in their aura, are loving,
intuitive,andcompassionatecombiningtomakethemquiet,sensitive,andsupportive.SensitiveTansarerational,
103
intellectual, private, unselfish, calm, understanding, patient, serviceoriented, humanitarian, sentimental, and
nostalgic.Desiringstabilityandsecurity,theyareorientedintheirhomeandfamily.Whileemotional,likeBlues,
they remain more rational and calm during conflict, less prone to huge mood swings and drama. Oslie states,
Sensitive Tans send quiet nurturing energy out to people. They have a calm sense about them when they are
helping people. They can be very efficient therapists because they are sincere and patient listeners. They deduce
answersbasedondataaswellasintuition.Intheirpower,thelogicandintuitionofSensitiveTansbalanceeach
other,supportingtheirintuitionwithcommonsenseandlogic.Outofpowerthesetwoforcescancreateconflict,
andtheLogicalTanmanynolongertrusttheintuition,butcanbecomeunsure.SensitiveTansneedtolearntotrust
theirintuition,tostayintheirpower,andalsototakecareoftheirownneeds,notjusttheneedsofothers.Oslie
states,Allowingthemselvestoreceivewhattheyneedfortheirwellbeingwillhelpthemmaintaintheirpositive
energy,aswellaskeepingthemfrombeingabusedortakenadvantageofbyotherpeople.
Abstract Tans have a red band in their aura but are not associated with the Red LifeColor. Another
logical mental LifeColor, Abstract Tans are bright, curious, sensitive, nonlinear, and unfocused. Oslie states,
Abstract Tans are open, friendly and outgoing. They have incredibly optimistic personalities. Though they
frequentlyhavehighenergy,itisusuallyscattered.Whiletheyaredetailoriented,AbstractTansarerandomin
their thought processes, sometimes working simultaneously on all steps, which can lead to trouble organizing
theirlives.Theycanbeflakeyandunreliablebecausetheyhavetroubleprioritizingtheirlife.AbstractTanslove
learning new things, excited about research projects and data collection, but they also love social gatherings,
giving them a chance to talk with a wide variety of people, gathering information. Oslie states, Abstract Tans
alsohaveanunconditionalloveforhumanity.Theylovepeopleonaveryuniversalandgenerallevel.Theyhave
a broad acceptance of and a great curiosity about other peoples differences other cultures, languages, and
lifestyles. In their power Abstract Tans are energetic, optimistic, bright, accepting, openminded, flexible, and
friendly, working on many different projects. Out of their power, Abstract tans are scattered, forgetful,
distractible,easilyconfused,ineffective,overcommitted,andlackfollowthrough.ItishelpfulforAbstractTans
to learn to give themselves some structure such as schedules and guidelines, although not a confined ridged
system (unlike other Tans this constricts them), to help orient them. Abstract Tans feel unconditional love and
totalacceptanceforhumanitythattheycanutilizetoteachpeopletoacceptthemselvesandeachother.
Green,thelastofthementalLifeColors,isbright,quick,competitive;enjoyschallengesandtakingrisks,
powerful, and intelligent. They do not like overly detailed projects, as this hampers their speed and becomes
tediousandboring.Theyprefertodeveloptheplananddelegatethedetailstosomeoneelse.Osliestates,When
Greensareintheirpower,theycanaccomplishanything.Theylovetosetgoalsandaredeterminedtoachieve
them.Greensaremoversandshakerswhenitcomestotakingaction.However,Greensarestrongwilled,and
feeltheirwayistherightway,rarelyadmittingdefeat,theyhatetobewrong.OutoftheirpowerGreensbecome
arrogant, frustrated, bitter, and resentful, needing to be in control of their environment, emotions, income, and
relationships but blaming others for their problems and lashing out verbally. However, Greens are also self
criticalandoftenjudgethemselvesasfailures,eventhoughtheyaccomplishmorethanmost.Tostayinpower
Greensneedtotakeresponsibilityfortheirownlives,takingbackthepowertheygaveaway.Osliestates,The
Greenslifepurposeistoexperienceasmuchaspossibleinthislifetime,toaccomplishasmuchastheycan,to
growandlearnintellectually,andtoempowerothersbyexample.
BlueisanemotionalLifeColor,beingloving,nurturing,intuitive,spiritual,sensitive,andsupportive.Oslie
states,Blueslivefromtheirheartsandemotions.Theirpurposeforbeingontheplanetistogivelove,toteachlove
andtolearnthattheyareloved.Bluesaremothering,naturalcounselors,nurses,andteachers.Theyhavealotof
friendsandspendtimehelpingtheirfriendsinneed,butcantakeonothersdramasandburdenthemselves.They
cryeasily,becausetheyaresad,hurt,angry,happy,orinempathywithsomeoneelse.Alongwithbeingintuitive,
BluesareveryspiritualandpsychicintheirexperiencesofcommuningwithGodoraHigherPower,etc.Theyare
excellent hosts, and make sure everyone is included in a social gathering, being deeply compassionate and
empathetic.Oslieexplains,TheBluesgreatestgiftsaretheirabilitytogiveunconditionalloveandtheirintuitionor
inner knowing. People love being around Blues who are centered and in power because Blues radiate love,
acceptanceandforgiveness.Nomatterwhatmistakesapersonmakes,Blueswillloveandforgivethem.Intheir
power,Bluesareextremelytrustworthy.Unfortunately,theycanbecomedoormats,beingeasilytakenadvantage
of. Out of their power, Blues are overly dramatic, manipulative, victimized, martyred, continuously seeking love
104
(theirmaindesire)andconsumedwithselfpity,becomingdepressed.Bluesneedtolearntheyarelovablejustthe
waytheyare,toletotherslovethem,andtolovethemselves.
Violet LifeColors also experience life emotionally. Oslie states, Violets are the dynamic, charismatic
personalitieswhoareleadingusintotheNewAge.AllVioletsaredevelopingtheirskillsandtakingontheirroles
asleadersontheplanet.ThesepeopleworkforhumanitariancausesingroupssuchasGreenpeace,FarmAid,
etc.andfeeltheyareheretochangetheplanetforthebetter.Oslieexplains,BecausethisisaVioletAge,any
Violets who are not accomplishing what they came here to do are experiencing an inner push, even an inner
earthquakeTheVioletAgebeganinthemidsixties,definitelyatimeofsocialchangeandupheaval,andwill
continueuntilapproximatelytheyears20002014,atwhichtimetheplanetwillbeginitstransitionintotheIndigo
Age,intoaneraofpeaceandharmony.
Violets are characterized by emotional depth, compassion, passion, travellust, and visionary qualities.
People are drawn to their charismatic and magnetic personalities, and they are natural, inspiring performers.
Violetsarefocusedonthefutureandtheoutcomeoftheworld,focusingontheplanetandwhatmustoccurto
insure its survival. Oslie explains,Violets who arein their power and in touch with their vision can see what
must happen to ensure the survival of the planet. They are accepting and compassionate, allowing others to
followtheirownpath,butaVioletoutofcentermaynotyetbeintouchwithhisorherlifemessageandfeels
unsettled,becomingnarcissistic,arrogant,selfimportant,andpompous.Violetsneedtokeepthelargeruniversal
scheme in perspective, and stay in their power, remembering that they are only one part of the whole. Taking
time to focus and meditate will help Violets stay centered. Oslie states, The Universe will support Violets on
their path by almost magicallyand effortlessly openingall the doors beforethem. Violets know that this is the
waytheUniversenaturallyoperates.WhilemanyoftheotherLifeColorsclingtothebeliefthatlifeishardwork
andstruggle,Violetscanteachustotrusttheuniversalflow.
Lavender another emotional LifeColor, Lavenders are whimsical, living out of their bodies in fantasy,
enchantment,dreams,myths,withspiritualbeings,angels,andfairies.Oslieexplains,Lavendersliveinafantasy
world.Theyprefertospendtheirtimeoutoftheirbodies,wherelifeisprettyandenchanting.Theyaresensitive,
gentle,freespirits,imaginative,intuitive,inattentive,andlackfollowthrough.Theyarefragile,andfrail,livingin
theirfeelingsandemotions,theyhaveahardtimekeepingajobandearningmoney,butcanbeentertainingand
educational.Theyusetheirintuitionsandextrasensoryperceptiontoseesounds,smellcolors,etc.Osliestatesthat
Lavenderscantakeusbeyondourlimitedandperceivedrealityintoaworldfilledwithpossibilities.Lavenders
believethatotherworldsexist.Theyenjoyplayinginotherdimensionsandotherrealities.
While Lavenders are visionary, they often lack the drive to see their ideas come to life. In their power,
Lavendersshowusthroughartthepossibilitiesofotherrealmsthroughtheircreativetalents.However,whenout
oftheirpower,Lavendersareoutoftouchwiththisworld,lackingtheabilityandcouragetosupportthemselves.
Lavendersneedtolearntobebraveenoughtobeintheirbodiesandfacethisworld,learningtoberesponsible
adults.Theycanusetheinformationtheygetfromotherrealitiestohelptheminthisthreedimensionalworld.
Oslie explains, Lavenders are here to explore other realities and then describe them to us. They are here to
stimulateourimagination,toinspireoursenseofwonderandtokeeptheideaofmagicaliveinusall.
CrystalLifeColorsarealsoemotionalbased,beingaclearconduitorchannelforhealingenergy,asOslie
states.Crystalsarephysicallyfragileanddelicate,likingsimplicityandcleanliness,theyneedtimetomeditate,reflect,
nurtureandbalancethemselves.Althoughquietanddelicate,theyarequickthinkersandlearners,howevertheylive
byintuitionandspirituality.Crystalscanbecomedisillusionedeasilyandnaturecanprovideahealingspaceforthem.
As Crystals aura color is clear, they take on the color (and through processes, actions, emotions, and
more) of whoever they are with so in their power Crystals get along well with others. Oslie states, In power,
Crystalsarethegentleandserenehealersontheplanet.Whentheyallowthemselvestodothiswork,theyhavea
senseofinnerpeaceandharmony.EveniftheCrystalisnotworkinginthehealingarts,hispeacefulenergycan
healthosearoundhim.However,outoftheirpower,Crystalsforgettheirpurpose,loosingtheirselfconfidence
theybecomeconfused,disoriented,anddepressed,constantlylookingforapprovalandreassurancefromothers,
butastheyareeasilyhurttheyoftenwithdraw.
ItishelpfulforCrystalstolearntogowithinandregularlycommunicatewithGod/Goddess,orwhatever
theyconsidertheirSource.Theyneedtolearntoletgooftheenergiestheyhavepickedupfromotherpeople,
andkeeptheirauraclean.Thiswillallowthemtodothehealingworkthatistheirlifepurpose.
105
Indigo,thelastoftheemotionalLifeColors,aretheNewAgeIndigochildren.Osliestates,IndigoChildren
areveryspiritualwithaninnerawarenessoftherealtruthaboutlife.Mankindseemstobeonlynowuncovering
evidenceregardingthetruenatureofrealityandinformationknownbytheancientmystics.Indigosalreadypossess
that knowledge. Indigos are supposed to predominate in the New Age of peace and harmony, beginning after
2000,whenthefirstIndigochildrenwillbecomingofage.Indigochildrenareinherentlyspiritual,usingtheirinner
knowing to gain knowledge about humanitys divinity, the illusion of physical reality, and the power of
consciousness.Theyhaveintegratedtheirmaleandfemaleaspectsofthemselvesandoftenappearandrogynous.
Oslieexplains,Inpower,Indigosareaware,bright,creativeandindependentindividuals.Theylivelife
from higher principles. These advanced souls feel that all life should be honored and treated with integrity,
compassion and love. They enjoy exploring the threedimensional, physical world, and constantly seek
verificationfortheirinnerknowing.Theyarehonestandtruthful,anddonotbuyintopersonaldramas,knowing
thereisabiggerpicture.Theywillnotcompromisetheirintegrityandethics,onlyfollowinganotherwhenthey
feeltheyareinalignmentwiththeirbeliefs,butneverduetosocialpressure,guilt,orthreat.However,theycan
alsohavetroubledealingwiththephysicalbody,oftenhavingfoodsensitivitiesandheightenedsenses.
PeopleoftencannotrelatetoIndigos,seeingthemaseccentric,andfragile.Indigochildrencanbecome
frightened, disoriented, isolated, and misunderstood when out of their power. They become confused by the
dissonancebetweentheirinnerknowingandthestateoftheworld,andcanlosetouchwiththeirintuition.To
stayinpower,Indigosneedtotrusttheirinnertruthandremembertheycametotheplanetwiththeknowledge
tolivelifeinjoy,fulfillment,andharmony.Oslieexplains,Theyneedtostaycommittedtoandstandfirmwith
theirbeliefsthatloveandtruthwillultimatelyshowlifeforwhatitreallyisabeautifulandcreativeexpression
ofAllThatIs.Bybeingalivingexampleoftheseprinciples,Indigoswilleventuallyshowpeoplehowtocreatea
peacefulandharmoniousworld.IndigoswillhelptherestofusliveinaNewAge,wherehigherconsciousness
andprinciplescreateaworldofharmony,love,andpeace.
RedOverlaysareaddedtotheauraduringthelifetimeforprotectionandarenotassociatedwiththeRed
LifeColor.Theredhasbeenaddedtosomeonesauraduetoalifethreateningsituationatbirthorayoungageor
theywerephysically,emotionally,ormentallyabandoned,rejected,orabused.Oslieexplains,Theseindividuals
werenotbornwiththisredintheirauras,butaddeditsometimeafterbirth.Thecolorredvibratesataslower
rate,thereforeitisdenserandstronger,makingitasuitableprotectivebarrier.Oftenthisbarriertakestheform
ofintenseangerandragethatprotectsthemfromothersbutwilleventuallyshutthemofffromlifeandbecomea
prison to them. They often are easily triggered, as they see life as a battleground and are on the lookout for
possible (real or imagined) harms. The red overlay can be removed from the aura by visualizing the red
disappearing,byrelivingthepastandthenrewritingorreinterpretingthecircumstancessothatthesurvivor
becomesempoweredorprotected(perhapsbyafutureselfprotectingthechild),andthroughtherapytoachieve
understanding,forgiveness,andreleaseoftheexperience.
Anothercolortestcanbetakenatwww.colorquiz.com.
ColorsConclusion
Thesetestscantellyouwhoyouarenot!Testslikethesecannottellyouwhoyouare,buttheycantell
you what personality you might be wearing in this lifetime. No one can escape the fact that we each have a
personality.Everyonegetsoneuponentranceintothephysicalplane.Noonegetsinwithoutone!
Colorscanbeusedasatool.Ifyouarefeelingblueonadrearyday,brightcolorsmightcheeryouupa
little.Ifyouaregoingtobeinadebate,perhapsredwouldbeagoodcolortowear,foritishardtoarguewith
someonewearingred.Redisapowercolor.Ifyouwouldliketofeelcalmandserene,perhapslightbluewould
beuseful,orlavender.Ifyouwouldliketoenhanceyourspiritualpursuits,perhapsindigoorpurplewillassist.If
youwouldliketoexperiencehealing,greenisaverygoodinfluence.Ifyouwouldliketobeinvisible,perhaps
black,gray,orearthtoneswouldbebest.Thesearejustafewexamplesonhowyoucanusecolorsasatoolfor
yourendeavors.Theycanbeusedtochangeyourmood,theatmosphereofaroom,orinfluenceyouandothers
invariousways.Mostpeoplehavenoideahowpowerfultheinfluenceofcolorsare,andconscioususeofcolors
givesonequitetheadvantageinnavigatingoneslife.
Enjoyyouradventuresinusingcolorsconsciouslytoenhanceyourexperiencesinlife.Youarenowprivy
tosomeinformationthatmostpeoplehavenevergiventhoughtto!
Anothercolortestcanbetakenatwww.colorquiz.com.
106
Symbols&ColorsExercises
Exercise1:CreateYourOwnMandala
Mandala: The mandala (Sanskrit for circle) is used as a meditation tool in both Hinduism and
Buddhism.Usuallycircular,amandalacanalsoappearinotherformssuchasthelotus.BarbaraWalker,inher
book, The Womans Encyclopedia Of Myths And Secrets (1983), states that as an Oriental sacred diagram or
meditationsymbolContemplationofthemandalawassupposedtoleadtomysticalinsight.Man,MythAnd
Magic:TheIllustratedEncyclopediaOfMythology,ReligionAndTheUnknown(1995),editedbyRichardCavendish,
furtherexplains,Themandalaorcircleisoneofthemostwidespreadofallsymbols,foundinreligiousartinall
partsoftheworld.IntheEastitsoconsecratedspacemayberegardedaschargedwiththepresenceofdeities
who have been housed within it. Often using repeating designs and colors, mandalas may also be split into
sectionswitheachsectionrepresentingadifferentaspect,likeamedicinewheel.
Mandalascanbeusedasaspiritualtoolbyanyone.Theycanbedanced,drawn,sculpted,orvisualized.
andneednotbeconfinedtostrictrulesofpatternsbutrathershouldbeacreativeselfexpression.Mandalascan
actasamirrorintotheunconsciousandsubconscious,byallowingforavarietyofselfexpressionstobedrawnin
symbolicformintothemandala.
MichaelBrown,Ed.S.(MarriageandFamilyTherapist,ClinicalHypnotherapy)states,Photographsand
mirrorsgiveusreflectionsofwhatordinarilyremainsoutsideourawarenessorfieldofview.Theyhelpusstay
connected to loved ones, and to ourselves. Mandala art operates in a similar manner but, instead of giving us
reflectionsoftheexternalworld,mandalascanhelpusseewhatisgoingonwithinus,inourheartandsoul.They
can help us remain connected to our selves in fundamental ways and can help us understand the meaning of
importantlifeexperienceswhenwelearnhowtocreateandinterpretthem.
Theveryfactthatmandalasaredrawnroundcanleadustoanexperienceofwholenesswhenwetake
thetimetomakethemandthenwonderwhattheymean.Inthestrictuseofthemandala,thereisacentralpoint
orfocuswithinthesymbolfromwhichradiatesasymmetricaldesign.Thissuggeststhereisacenterwithineach
oneofustowhicheverythingisrelated,bywhicheverythingisordered,andwhichisitselfasourceofenergy
and power. Virtually every spiritual and religious system known to man asserts the reality of such an inner
center.TheRomansworshippeditasthegeniuswithin.TheGreekscalledittheinnerdaemon.Christianreligions
speakaboutthesoulandtheChristwithin.InpsychologywespeakoftheHigherSelf.
Exercise2:MakeYourOwnSymbol
Think of the sign of Athene or Princes sign. These personal symbols invoke at a glance the essence of
thesepeople.Makeupasimplelinedrawnsymbolthatrepresentsyou.Writeanessaydiscussingthesymbolism
andhowitdescribesyou.
Another version of this exercise: Create a symbolic picture of yourself using a variety of symbols that
speaktovariousaspectsofyou.Anyartmediumonpapercanbeusedincludingcollage,paint,poetry,pen,etc.,
becreative.Includeawrittenexplanationofthesymbolsandhowtheyspeaktoyou.
Exercise3:PaintYourColors
Ifyouweretopaintaselfportraitwithoutanythingbutusingswirlsofcolors,whatwouldthosecolors
be?Yourfavoritecolorsareahintastowhatyourpersonalcolorswouldbe.Thesearethecolorsthatshouldbein
yourpersonalsymbol.
Exercise4:WearDifferentColors
Inthisexercise,foreachdayoftheweek,weardifferentcolorsoftherainbowandseehowtheymake
youfeel.Seeiftheyeffecthowyourdaygoes.Forinstance,wearRedonSunday,OrangeonMonday,Yellowon
Tuesday, Green on Wednesday, and so on. You could also wear particular colors in various situations and see
how they affect you. Colors have more power over our consciousness than they are given credit for! See what
theseeffectsarefirsthand.
AudioMeditations
Meditation1:FindingYourPersonalSymbol(15:00)
Meditation2:ExploringColors(30:00)
107
Bibliography
Andrews,Ted1992
HowToHealWithColor,.LlewellynPublications;St.Paul,Minnesota
Arsma,Aaron2004
Pan,TheoiProject:AGuideToGreekGods.MonstersandSpirits;www.theoi.com/Kronos/Pan.html.
Bradner,John1997
SymbolsOfChurch,SeasonsAndDays.MorehousePublishing;Harrisburg,PA
Brown,Michael(Edit.)2005
MandalaSymbolism,CounselingAndHumanResourcesConsulting,www.michaelbrown.org
Cabot,Laurie1997
TheWitchInEveryWoman:ReawakeningTheMagicalNatureOfTheFeminineToHeal,Protect,Create,AndEmpower.
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Cavendish,Richard(Edit.)1995
Man,Myth&Magic:TheIllustratedEncyclopediaOfMythology,ReligionAndTheUnknown.MarshallCavendishCorporation;NY,NY
Chaimberlin,Rick
IsTheStarOfDavidKosher?PetahTikvahMagazineVol.16,No.4www.yashanet.com/library/kosher.htm.
Clark,Linda1975
TheAncientArtOfColorTherapy.PocketBooks;NewYork,NY
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SymbolicAndMythologicalAnimals.HarperCollinsPublishers;London,England
Daniels,David,&Palmer,Helen2004
WhatIsTheEnneagram?www.theauthenticenneagram.com
Eliade,Mircea(Edit.)1987
TheEncyclopediaOfReligion,Volume14,MacMillanPublishingCompany,NewYork
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Lecture:TheHiddenHistoryOfJesusAndTheHolyGrail.NexusMagazine,Volume5,Number2,
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Huda2003
TheEverythingUnderstandingIslamBook.AdamsMediaCorporation;Boston,MA
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ManAndHisSymbols.Doubleday&Co.;NewYork,NY
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TheGathas,Vol.13:SacredReadings.OscarPublications;NewDelhi,India
Luscher,Max;TranslatedByIanScott1969
ColorTest:TheRemarkableTestThatRevealsYourPersonalityThroughColor,PocketBooks,NY,NY
Oslie,Pamala(1991)
LifeColors.NewWorldLibrary;SanRafael,California
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JewishLiteracy,KeyConcepts,StarOfDavid.JewishLiteracyHomepage,www.aish.com/literacy/concepts/Star_of_David.asp
Ragan,Michael2000
TheSacredCauldron.TempleofDannan,OldReligionofIreland,http://www.danann.org/library/symb/sword.html.
Ragan,Michael2000
TheSacredSword.TempleofDannan,OldReligionofIreland,http://www.danann.org/library/symb/sword.html
Samaha,JohnM.,S.M.2002
TheRose:AMarianSymbol.Loreto:TheShrineoftheHolyHouse,www.udayton.edu/mary/meditations/samaha9.html.
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1000Symbols:WhatShapesMeanInArtAndMyth.ThamesAndHudsonLTD,London,England
Starbird,Margaret1999
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Walker,Barbara1983
TheWomansEncyclopediaOfMythsAndSecrets.HarperCollinsPublishers,NewYork,NY
Wikipedia,TheFreeEncyclopedia2005
WorldTree.www.en.wikipedia.org
InternetResources
www.crystalcure.com
www.thiaoouba.com/see_aura_color.htm
www.imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov
www.myth.com
www.globalpsychics.com
www.afgen.com/gamble7.html
www.thiaoouba.com
www.colorwheelpro.com/colormeaning.html
www.northerncandles.theshoppe.com/candle_color_meanings.html
www.factmonster.com
www.colorwheelpro.com/colormeaning.html
www.thewhitegoddess.co.uk
www.gardensner.com
www.crystalinks.com/alchemy.html
108
SpiritualSymbols&ColorsExamQuestions
Name___________________________________________________Phone#___________________________________
Address____________________________________________________________________________________________
(Pleasesupplyname,phone#,andaddressasidentifyingfactorsforgivingcreditproperly)
1.Theboarissacredto:
A.Aphrodite,Demeter,andAtalanta
B.the(NorseGodoftheHunt,Boar
2.TheAshantiGodAnansiis:
A.anUnderworldGuardian
B.aSpider
C.thepeopleofBoraBora
D.AllA,BandC
C.aHornedGod
D.AllA,BandC
3.Asabasicandwidelyusedshapeinsymbolism,themeaningifthecirclerepresents:
A.Aportaltotheunderworld
C.TheGreekamphitheater
B.Wholeness,oneness,andcompletionD.Acandle
4.Howdidconventsstart?
A. As extensions of the pagan College of
C. As a western version of the Egyptian
Priestesses
HouseofMaids
B. As a way for Jesus female followers to
D.AllA,BandC
participateinChristianity
5.TheSwastikawascreatedandinventedbytheNaziparty.
T
F
6.Theearthasamothergoddessiscalledwhichofthefollowing:
A.Gaea
C.Tara
B.KhonMa
D.AllA,BandC
7.TheLotussymbolizesgoddessessuchasPadma,Cunti,Lakshmi,andShakti. T
F
8.Ares/Mars,Mithra,Jesus,andQuetzalcoatlareall:
A.Sungods
C.Saviorgods
B.Prophets
D.AllA,BandC
9.Whatisthesymbolismofthehexagram?
A. The fire and water of the alchemists
C. Gods protection and guidance of the
PhilosophersStone
Jewishpeople
B.TheGreatYantra,unionofmaleandfemale
D.AllA,BandC
10.TheSlaughteroftheInnocentsisanarchetypalpartofthelifeofasacredkingormessiah.
T
F
11.TheKalanemiwaswhichofthefollowing:
A.asacredtreeofVishnu
C.anearlyzodiac
B.sacredsexualrightsoftheGoddessKalan
D.AllA,BandC
12.Mandalasarealwayscircular.
T
F
13.InthemenstrualCalendarsystem,humangestationlastsaperfect10months.
T
F
109
14.Nirvanaiswhichofthefollowing:
A.anotherworldlyparadise
C.aCabalisticprayer
B.thefinalescapefromkarma,beyondallsenses
D.AllA,BandC
15.Twinssymbolize:
A.duality
C.yinandyang
B.goodandevil
D.AllA,BandC
16.Describethesignificanceofwater(includingallexamples).
A.Purityandtransformation
C.PassagewaytotheUnderworld
B.Fertilityandlife
D.AllA,BandC
17.TheyoniisthesymbolicimageoftheGoddess/sourceofalllife.
T
F
(ThefollowingquestionscomefromtheColorsSection)
18.Arainbowproducesthesamespectrumoflightasaprismbecausethesearetheonlycolorsthehumaneye
actuallyperceives. T
F
19.Color,GamaRays,andUltravioletlightsareallinwhichspectrum?
A.Electromagnetic
C.Warm
B.SoundFrequency
D.NeitherA,BorC
20.Initsdensestform,lightisperceivedaswhichofthefollowing:
A.Sound
B.Warmcolors
C.Matter
D.NeitherA,BorC
21.Colorshaveimpactonouremotionsandpsychesbutnotourphysicalbodies.
T
F
22.Colorshaveanunconsciouseffectonthe:
A.radioinaroom
C.nervoussystem
B.abilitytomakegoodfinancialdecisions
D.NeitherA,BorC
23.Redis:
A.anegativecolorofanger
C.acolorofpeace
B. passions, strength, conquest, vigor, action,
D.NeitherA,BorC
vitality,andpower
24.Redcanbeusedtoburnoutcancer.
T
F
25.OrangeisthecoloroftheHeartChakra.
T
F
26.Orangestimulates:
A.thedigestivesystem
C.plantgrowth
B.hairgrowth
D.NeitherA,BorC
27.Beingthebrightest,yellowisthefirstcolorofthespectrum.
T
F
28.Greenpromoteshumankindsphysicalmaturationwithspiritualmaturation.
T
F
29.Thegemstonethatbestrepresentsgreenis
A.Tourmaline
C.Chrysoprase
B.Jade
D.AllA,BandC
110
30.Withinahumanphysicalbody,blue:
A.Promoteshydration
C.Createsheat
B.Iscoolingandrelaxing
D.AllA,BandC
31.Indigo:
A.Theuniversalcolorofcivilservants
C.Surroundsangelichelpers
B.Helpstransformtheshadowself
D.AllA,BandC
32.Violetisthecoolestcolorinthespectrum. T
F
33.Beingreflective,whiteistheabsenceofcolor.
T
F
34.Culturally,Blackisassociatedwith:
A.Death
C.Mourning
B.Life
D.AllA,BandC
ShortAnswerQuestion
35.Whydoyouthinkthefourelementsearth,air,water,andfire,wereuniversallyrecognizedaboveothers?
111
AudioMeditationsReports
Meditation1,FindingYourPersonalSymbol:
(Meditation2reportonnextpage)
Meditation2,ExploringColors:
112

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