The Symbolism of the Egg
Author: M.A. Carrillo de Albornoz & M.A. FernándezSeptember 22, 2014
The egg is a universal and self-explanatory symbol because it holds the seed from which the whole of manifestation will spring. The idea that the universe was born from an egg is shared by nearly all ancient civilisations and cultures. The primordial man also originates from an egg, like Prajâpati. In general, the cosmic Egg, born from primordial Waters, splits into two halves to give birth to [...]
The Cock and the Pearl
Author: AesopSeptember 21, 2014
A cock was once strutting up and down the farmyard among the hens when suddenly he espied something shinning amid the straw. "Ho! ho!" quoth he, "that's for me," and soon rooted it out from beneath the straw. What did it turn out to be but a Pearl that by some chance had been lost in the yard? "You may be a treasure," quoth Master Cock, "to men that prize you, but for me I would rather have [...]
The Power of Symbols
Author: Alex WarrenAugust 27, 2014
Symbols hold a powerful attraction for people. Even today, in an age in which materialistic perspectives rule human thought, many ancient symbols such as the ankh, the yin/yang, American Indian designs, pyramids, and many other symbols are quite popular in jewelry and in the home. Why do symbols of the ancient civilizations continue to be an integral part our society, even to the point that [...]
The Symbolism of the Elephant
Author: M.A. Carrillo de Albornoz & M.A. FernándezAugust 26, 2014
The elephant, in its most global and universal meaning, symbolizes strength and power, not only physical but also mental and spiritual. In Hindu tradition, elephants call up the image of Ganesha, symbol of knowledge, son of Shiva and Parvati. His human body is the microcosm, manifestation, and his elephant’s head is the macrocosm, non-manifestation. He is the beginning and the end. During [...]
The Symbolism of the Lotus
Author: M.A. Carrillo de Albornoz & M.A. FernándezAugust 26, 2014
In the Orient, this flower has various symbolic aspects but its main characteristics stem from the fact that it blossoms on stagnant waters. This is why the lotus is seen as a symbol of purity; although blossoming on murky waters it remains immaculate. Rising out of the darkness to blossom in full sunlight, this flower is the symbol of spiritual fulfilment. It represents manifestation that [...]
The Symbolism of Wings
Author: M.A. Carrillo de Albornoz & M.A. FernándezAugust 22, 2014
Wings are the symbol of lightness, spirituality, the possibility of flying and rising up to heaven. Wings are the expression of the aspiration of the soul towards a higher than human condition, in other words the aspiration to transcend the human condition. Wings are related to the cognitive faculty, imagination, thought, freedom and victory. According to Hindus, wings are the expression of [...]
The Symbolism of the Thread
Author: M.A. Carrillo de Albornoz & M.A. FernándezAugust 22, 2014
The symbolism of thread is essentially that of the relation existing between all states of being and between the latter and their First Cause. This symbolism is clearly expressed in the Upanishads where thread links this world to the other world and to all beings. This thread is both Âtma and Prâna. Because it is linked to the main centre, thread must, in all things, be followed back to its [...]
The Symbolism of Chess
Author: M.A. Carrillo de Albornoz & M.A. FernándezAugust 22, 2014
Though the origin of the game of chess is still unknown and mysterious, it is quite certain that it originated in the East, though it is the West that became infatuated with it. We also know that, in its beginnings, the game of chess was part of the strategy of war and was therefore applied to the Kshatriya (warrior caste). The black and white pieces symbolized darkness and light, the war [...]
The Three Princes of Serendip
Author: AnonymousAugust 22, 2014
"In ancient times there existed in the country of Serendippo, in the Far East, a great and powerful king by the name of Giaffer. He had three sons who were very dear to him. And being a good father and very concerned about their education, he decided that he had to leave them endowed not only with great power, but also with all kinds of virtues of which princes are particularly in need.” So [...]
The Symbolism of the Ring
Author: M.A. Carrillo de Albornoz & M.A. FernándezJuly 22, 2014
The ring is above all the symbol of a bond, an alliance or a vow. The hole in the middle of the ring channels the celestial influence, the breath of God that seals the pact. The hole is the receptacle for the energy that makes the wheel of destiny turn. The ring is the symbol of the power of great men and gives legal authority when adorned with the seal that grants it. In Greece, Zeus [...]
The Symbolism of the Ankh
Author: M.A. Carrillo de Albornoz & M.A. FernándezJuly 22, 2014
The Ankh is a cross. The symbol of the cross is extremely complex and has manifold meanings. We find it in all religions and cultures as the representation of Man, at the point of convergence of Earth and Heaven. The Ankh is the ansate cross of ancient Egyptians. It is the key of life and death. Starting from the upper part, the Egyptian cross is surmounted by a loop, an endless circle [...]
The Symbolism of the Emerald
Author: M.A. Carrillo de Albornoz & M.A. FernándezJune 22, 2014
The emerald is the stone of green light, which endows it simultaneously with an esoteric significance and with regenerative powers. In Central America, the stone was associated with rain and blood and all the symbols of the lunar cycle. It was regarded as a token of fertility. The Aztecs associated the emerald with the bird quetzal, symbol of the renewal of spring, and the stone was thereby [...]