Post by Mlle Bienvenu on Mar 29, 2005 2:20:32 GMT -5
CIRCLES
Enso is Japanese for 'circle', and such a circle, painted in a single brushstroke, is a Zen symbol of the true nature of existence and enlightenment.
e simplest and most universal of all symbols, the circle is often found within other symbols, but has profound meaning by itself.
As a geometric construction without beginning or end, it represents eternity, unity, and perfection.
The circle can represent limitless possibilities, but conversely, it can also stand for a complete lack of possibilities or emptiness.
In Jungian psychology the circle is symbolic of the psyche or self.
As opposed to the square, which represents earthly and material things, the circle is a more spiritual or celestial symbol. It is often used as a two-dimensional depiction of the sun or moon.
Ancient cultures clearly recognized the significance of the circle. Stonehenge is circular, and Native American camps and teepees are based on the circle. The Chinese yin-yang symbol is enclosed within a circle, as is the celtic cross and, often, the pentacle.
It seems quite appropriate that a circular ring is used to signify the bond of marriage, with its connotations of unity and eternity.
Circles that are linked together further reinforce the idea of unity; the holy trinity is sometimes represented by three interlocked circles, and the logo of the Olympics is comprised of five linked circles.
The circle is also used for protection; Wiccans and other practitioners of magic often perform rituals and magic within a circle to prevent unwanted entities from entering the ritual space and mucking things up.
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---Wheel Cross
The Wheel Cross is also known as Odin's Cross, Odin being the Norse god of wisdom and warfare. The Wheel Cross predates Christianity, and is a universal symbol found in the artifacts of many ancient cultures throughout the world, including pre-Columbian America, Europe, the Mediterranean, and Asia.
The Wheel Cross was originally a pagan solar symbol, with the four quarters representing the division of the year into four distinct seasons. It is also perhaps the most basic way of representing the union of opposites. The vertical stroke represents the connection between man and God, and forms a symbolic link between the earth and the heavens. The horizontal stroke represents the earthly realm, and the circle represents unity and eternity.
The Wheel Cross was later adopted into Christianity, and was used to consecrate Roman Catholic churches.
For Native Americans, the Wheel Cross is a key component of the sacred Medicine Wheel.
Enso is Japanese for 'circle', and such a circle, painted in a single brushstroke, is a Zen symbol of the true nature of existence and enlightenment.
e simplest and most universal of all symbols, the circle is often found within other symbols, but has profound meaning by itself.
As a geometric construction without beginning or end, it represents eternity, unity, and perfection.
The circle can represent limitless possibilities, but conversely, it can also stand for a complete lack of possibilities or emptiness.
In Jungian psychology the circle is symbolic of the psyche or self.
As opposed to the square, which represents earthly and material things, the circle is a more spiritual or celestial symbol. It is often used as a two-dimensional depiction of the sun or moon.
Ancient cultures clearly recognized the significance of the circle. Stonehenge is circular, and Native American camps and teepees are based on the circle. The Chinese yin-yang symbol is enclosed within a circle, as is the celtic cross and, often, the pentacle.
It seems quite appropriate that a circular ring is used to signify the bond of marriage, with its connotations of unity and eternity.
Circles that are linked together further reinforce the idea of unity; the holy trinity is sometimes represented by three interlocked circles, and the logo of the Olympics is comprised of five linked circles.
The circle is also used for protection; Wiccans and other practitioners of magic often perform rituals and magic within a circle to prevent unwanted entities from entering the ritual space and mucking things up.
===============================================
---Wheel Cross
The Wheel Cross is also known as Odin's Cross, Odin being the Norse god of wisdom and warfare. The Wheel Cross predates Christianity, and is a universal symbol found in the artifacts of many ancient cultures throughout the world, including pre-Columbian America, Europe, the Mediterranean, and Asia.
The Wheel Cross was originally a pagan solar symbol, with the four quarters representing the division of the year into four distinct seasons. It is also perhaps the most basic way of representing the union of opposites. The vertical stroke represents the connection between man and God, and forms a symbolic link between the earth and the heavens. The horizontal stroke represents the earthly realm, and the circle represents unity and eternity.
The Wheel Cross was later adopted into Christianity, and was used to consecrate Roman Catholic churches.
For Native Americans, the Wheel Cross is a key component of the sacred Medicine Wheel.
