Woman's Dictionary of Symbols and Sacred Objects
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Overview
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).
An illustrated guidebook to symbols associated with women and the female principle organized both by shape and by type of object.
Synopsis
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).
Booknews
On the language of symbols, many of which, the author maintains, were stolen from ancient women-centered systems and reinterpreted from a male standpoint. This guide is organized by shape of symbol or type of sacred object and includes 21 different sections, introductory essays for each section, 753 entries and 636 illustrations, and an alphabetical index for cross-reference purposes. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)