In my work of dream analysis, I do a lot of research to find the original or real meaning behind many of the archetype and common symbols that are in use today. Interestingly enough, many of the meanings behind the symbols we associate with today, were not originated by the perceived source that we have been led to believe. Most of us don’t question the given interpretation of a symbol offered by the ‘authorities’ but we ought to inquire about its initial definition because they have changed, sometimes radically, over time. Ancient symbols have been used, reused and misused throughout history.
Here are some examples of ancient symbols and their meanings:
The
Swastika has become associated with the corrupted power of Hitler and Nazi Germany. However, the swastika is an ancient symbol. It has been found scratched on Siberian clay figures from the Neolithic period, found as decoration on American Zuni-Indian pottery, on the foot of Buddha as a magic sign and on 7th century statues and pots from the Aegean.
“The swastika actually represents the cross: the Great Mother’s body and her outstretched arms, the directions. The swastika means ‘earth in flight;’ the cross with feet or wings, set in motion. Later, the swastika came to represent the moon-wheel then, changed to signify the sun-wheel: like the double crescent (the Labrys), it indicated both directions of the cosmic spin: into creation and dissolution.” (Sjoo & Mor)
The early connotation of the
Cross represented the earth, the Goddess of creation. The cross divides the four directions of the universe. Later, the vertical line came to symbolize ascension of spirit into Light and the descent of the Spirit into the human microcosm. The horizontal line indicates the temporal existence of mankind on earth. For the past two thousand years, Christianity has copied the symbol to represent their religion.
The
Cosmic Snake derives from the original Goddess cosmology. It represents wisdom, immortality and continuity within change, the heart center, the cosmic energy. Combined with the world tree, found everywhere in Neolithic agricultural people, it symbolizes the garden of abundance. It reflected agricultural concerns of the ancient people. The serpent, by shedding its skin, incorporated being reborn in the spring, growing and changing. At least 2 thousand years before the Hebrew patriarchs wrote the “Garden of Eden” story, the serpent was powerful, magical, life-giving and implied peaceful abundance.
Today, in most cultures not associated with the negative twist presented by Christianity, the serpent is recognized as positive, powerful and epitomizes life, rebirth and illumination.
So, on that note, the quote of the day is:
“When you give away your integrity to the control of others, you are led in circles, without ever going anywhere.” tc
