Sacred Symbol

This book is an inspirational exploration of the signs and symbols of a wealth of global cultures from ancient times to present day.

Throughout history, symbols have formed and shaped our mental and emotional states, and influenced our behavior. Robert Adkinson's compendium of religious, philosophical, and cultural emblems from a variety of contexts reveals the universal power of these elemental images, bridging the gap between languages and civilizations all over the world. With illuminating commentary, Adkinson positions each image within its cultural context, from the early societies of the Egyptians, the Celts and the Maya, who used visual metaphors to explain natural phenomena and illustrate concepts of good and evil, to the iconography of Buddhism, Taoism, and Christianity as found in art and architecture, concluding with the complex spiritual puzzles of the mandala, sacred sex, and the Tarot.

Written in thirteen days in 1564 by the renowned Elizabethan magus, Dr. John Dee, The Hieroglyphic Monad explains his discovery of the monas, or unity, underlying the universe as expressed in a hieroglyph, or symbol. Dee called The Hieroglyphic Monad a "magical parable" based on the Doctrine of Correspondences which lies at the heart of all magical practice and is the key to the hermetic quest. Through careful meditation and study of the glyph, its secrets may be slowly revealed.

Occultist James Churchward was obsessed with the lost continent of Mu, home to the original human civilization, after learning of this mysterious and forgotten paradise from an Indian priest, who shared several ancient tablets written by the Naacals, the inhabitants of Mu. Or so Churchward claimed.Here, in this work first published in 1933, Churchward discusses his contention that all religions from across Earth share a common origin in Mu. In particular, he explores how symbols of Mu-gleaned, supposedly, from the ancient tablets-bear startling resemblances to everything from the Egyptian ankh and Chinese pictograms to Native American calendar glyphs.The reality of Mu aside, students of comparative mythology and fans of esoterica will find this a fascinating book.British inventor, engineer, and author COLONEL JAMES CHURCHWARD (1851-1936), the elder brother of mystic author Albert Churchward, also wrote The Lost Continent of Mu Motherland of Man (1926), The Children of Mu (1931), The Lost Continent of Mu (1931), Cosmic Forces of Mu (1934), and Second Book of Cosmic Forces of Mu (1935).

"Since the dawn of humanity, all cultures have created sacred symbols drawn from nature, geometry, and mythology. These symbols are part of a secret lannguage that not only gives us meaning but also connects us to the divine nature of the universe. Using symbols in our daily lives can empower and improve all aspects of our well-being. Here is an exquisitely illustrated guide to 50 magical and spiritual symbols from a variety of cultures and spiritual traditions. Sacred Symbol Magic includes a concise description of each symbol's meaning, practical advice on working with each one, plus guidance on harnessing their power for your spiritual needs."--Back cover

This fascinating guide to the history and mythology of woman-related symbols features: Unique organization by shape of symbol or type of sacred object 21 different sections including Round and Oval Motifs, Sacred Objects, Secular-Sacred Objects, Rituals, Deities' Signs, Supernaturals, Body Parts, Nature, Birds, Plants, Minerals, Stones and Shells, and more Introductory essays for each section 753 entries and 636 illustrations Alphabetical index for easy reference Three-Rayed Sun The sun suspended in heaven by three powers, perhaps the Triple Goddess who gave birth to it (see Three-Way Motifs). Corn Dolly An embodiment of the harvest to be set in the center of the harvest dance, or fed to the cattle to `make them thrive year round' (see Secular-Sacred Objects). Tongue In Asia, the extended tongue was a sign of life-force as the tongue between the lips imitated the sacred lingam-yoni: male within female genital. Sticking out the tongue is still a polite sign of greeting in northern India and Tibet (see Body Parts). Cosmic Egg In ancient times the primeval universe-or the Great Mother-took the form of an egg. It carried all numbers and letters within an ellipse, to show that everything is contained within one form at the beginning (see Round and Oval Motifs).

Hinduism Is Not Merely A Religion But A Way Of Life. Hinduism, In Its Traverse Of Four Thousand Years, Has Accumulated Many A Belief And Practice, Which Encompass The Whole Socio-Religio-Cultural Life Of A Devout. Since The Mythological Past, Hinduism Is Studded With Varied Signs And Symptoms, Which Are Mystic In Character And Symbolic In Nature, And Are Also Sacred Symbols Of Spiritualism As Well. These Symbols Are The Sacred Rivers; Mystic Mantras Like Om And Gayatri; The Auspicious Symbol Of Swastika; The Shivalinga, Salagram Shila Or Sacred Stone Objects; Tripundra Tilaks Or Urdhapundra Tilaks- The Process Of Besmearing The Body With Different Marks Of Sandal Pastes; The Sacred Conch Or Sankha And Venerated Trees Which Have Medicinal Value And Spiritual Ethos Like Tulsi, Vata, Rudraksha, Etc. All These Are Part Of Modern Hinduism But To Many Devouts And Observers These Symbols Stand Enigmatic! Thus This Book Attempts To Explore And Unearth The Hidden Philosophy Of These Signs And Gauge The Socio-Scientific Base And Tries To Find Out The Real Meaning Of Ritualistic Methodologies Of These Symbols, Which Are The Great Objects Of Veneration Of The Hindus Down The Ages.