RAinBowTaRA

http://zmyztickleonion.blogspot.com/2007/03/rainbowtara.html


In Buddhist tradition, TaRA is much greater than a goddess -- she is a female Buddha, an enlightened one was has attained the highest wisdom, capability and compassion. The goddess TaRA is "one who can take human form and remain in oneness with the universe". TaRA embodies the feminine strengths of great caring and compassion, the ability to endure stressful and even terrifying moments, the acts of creation, and the source of sustenance and protection. (from http://www.goddessgift.com/goddess-myths/goddess_tara.htm) We here on earth need this Compassion (which means "Deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it." http://www.answers.com/topic/compassion) to Bee Here Now, or we will destroy everything in the wake of our dominion. Goddess Bless the World, No Exceptions! (sea the archive TaRA for more on this goddess-January 2006)
This image is a progression of ShakRArose, but with the use of my crystal heart lotus, as this is the flower associated with TaRA. (sea SuCasa-October 2006) i 'inadvertently' pasted a smaller version in2 the larger version, and thus the double lotus came into Beeing. TaRA is a RAinBow Goddess, as she is represented by many different colors, there4, i have used the chakRA colours to represent her multi-coloured aspects. (sea ShakRArose for explaNation of the chakRAs and the OM symbol of the butterfly of transformation, as well as the Hoag's galaxy story-March 2007) The goddess is from my photae of a Kwan Yin statue. Kwan Yin is the Chinese version of TaRA.
Red TaRA: also known as Kurukulla, may be called upon to exercise her powers of enchantment and bewitchment to bring under her power (dbang du bsdud) those evil spirits, demons, and humans who work against the welfare of humanity and its spiritual evolution. (from http://www.rigdzin.com/RedTara.htm)
ORAnge TaRA: the Liberator, as she is believed to be able to free prisoners and those confined in other ways. This "freeing" extends to her efficacy in helping with childbirth. (from http://www.khandro.net/deities_Tara1.htm)
Yellow TaRA: or VasudhaRA, offers to all beings the gift of wealth and abundance. She helps us relax and trust in the sure abundance of both the physical and spiritual worlds. (from http://www.amberlotus.com/a-st1559.html)
Green TaRA: the "Mother Earth", a fierce goddess who overcomes obstacles, and saves us from physical and spiritual danger. (from http://www.goddessgift.com/goddess-myths/goddess_tara_white.htm)
Azure TaRA: Rippling waves of healing balm spirit flow from your heart lotus. (from http://www.horusmaat.com/silverstar/SILVERSTAR2-PG18.htm)
Blue TaRA: associated with transmutation of anger. (from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_(Buddhism)
Violet TaRA: the Heart of the Mother of compassion, particularly blessing you with her Mercy and Liberation (through the violet-purple light and fire which is compassion (Hrih) in action (Hum). (from http://groups.msn.com/TRUEBUDDHISM/taraheartsealing.msnw)
White TaRA: also known for compassion, long life, healing and serenity; also known as The Wish-fulfilling Wheel, or Cintachakra. As White Tara, she rose from a lotus blooming in the lake that formed from the first tear of compassion of great bodhisattva Avalokiteswara (whose human incarnation is the Dalai Lama), and is considered his consort. (from http://www.crystalinks.com/tara.html)
Black TaRA: protects against all kinds of black magic, curses, spells, and epidemics, evil forces, material as well as immaterial. (from http://www.rangjung.com/gl/tara_practice.htm)
No matter what her colour, all the TaRAs can be seen as expressions of the play of the energies of manifested form dancing out of vast emptiness. (from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_(Buddhism) 'Your vishva-rupa is like a crystal which changes its color with the change of the things around it.' (from ~ Arya Tara Shragdhara stotra [Nitin Kumar's newsletter, Nov. 2000 http://www.khandro.net/deities_Tara1.htm)

ShakRArose

http://zmyztickleonion.blogspot.com/2007/03/shakrarose.html


We begin our spiRAl dance as a "Light seeking bud in the Dark of the Earth" (from Blodeuwedd on Inconstant Bard ~http://www.greenphoenixproductions.com/bard.html~ We twirl and swirl thru our FLOWering until our Kundalini SpiRAl Dance reaches the place beyond desire, the 8th chakRA, BLISS, the OM of the white rose, "the Center of All Things" (from Sleipnir on Inconstant Bard, sea above) (sea ProfundaPazRAflower-March 2007- for explaNation of the Om symbol at the center of the white rose. The Other is the symbol 4 earth which is at the center of the light seeking rosebud.)


The inspiRAtion for RAinBowTaRA and ShakRaRose comes from the work of these folks. GaiaStarWorld http://www.gaiastarworld.com/
i discovered them thru my search for a 2007 calendar. i highly recommend exploRAtion of this site, especially their slide shows.












This image is the one that directly sparked the idea for ShakRaRose. God-Goddess Shiva Ardhanaisvara with King snake, cobras and red rose, white poppy halo, standing on orchid and parrot feather bridge, gate of Milky Way stars with seven flower discs, ocean and sky in Mendocino, red rose and Milky Way borders.
As usual, i immediately 'stumbLED' across the background image as i searched for the location of my rose photo. (sea InfinityRose-October 2006} 4 her story, and she is a PeaceRose by the way. The spiRAl peace rosebud is also from that same day.

The background is from Astronomy Picture of the Day http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html
APOD: 2002 September 9 - Hoags Object: A Strange Ring Galaxy
Explanation: Is this one galaxy or two? This question came to light in 1950 when astronomer Art Hoag chanced upon this unusual extragalactic object. On the outside is a ring dominated by bright blue stars, while near the center lies a ball of much redder stars that are likely much older. Between the two is a gap that appears almost completely dark. How Hoag's Object formed remains unknown, although similar objects have now been identified and collectively labeled as a form of ring galaxy. Genesis hypotheses include a galaxy collision billions of years ago and perturbative gravitational interactions involving an unusually shaped core. The above photo taken by the Hubble Space Telescope in July 2001 reveals unprecedented details of Hoag's Object and may yield a better understanding. Hoag's Object spans about 100,000 light years and lies about 600 million light years away toward the constellation of Serpens. Coincidentally, visible in the gap (at about one o'clock) is yet another ring galaxy that likely lies far in the distance.
Then i 'stumbLED' across this golden spiRAl, (sea ProfundaPazRAflower-March 2007- 4 the Golden Mean explaNation), and this Kundalini image.










The centres seem to unfold as a flower opens to the Sun, and Kundalini glows throughout the body. And this unfoldment and glow make contact between the lower and higher bodies, bringing into the lower the influences of the higher. The heart of the Earth is one pole of Kundalini, the heart of the Sun is the other. To awaken Kundalini is to fan the Fire into a consuming Flame, burning, purifying, energizing, making conscious contact with the Universal Fire. To awaken Kundalini is to draw the Fire " from Earth beneath," " from Heaven above," so that the bodies, including the physical, become as a Rod between the two great centres. The individual, as it were, steps consciously into the space between the centres and becomes charged with the interplay of force, with Kundalini. (from http://altreligion.about.com/library/texts/bl_arundale6.htm)

The triskele, or triple spiral, a symbol closely related to the triquetra, is a tripartite symbol composed of three interlocked spirals. The spiral is an ancient Celtic symbol related to the sun, afterlife and reincarnation. The example above comes from the Neolithic "tomb" at Newgrange, where it is supposed by some to be a symbol of pregnancy (the sun describes a spiral in its movements every three months; a triple spiral represents nine months), an idea reinforced by the womb like nature of the structure. The symbol also suggests reincarnation- it is drawn in one continuous line, suggesting a continuous movement of time. Triskeles are one of the most common elements of Celtic art; they are found in a variety of styles in both ancient and modern Celtic art, especially in relation to depictions of the Mother Goddess. They also evoke the Celtic concept of the domains of material existence- earth, water, and sky, and their interrelations.(from http://altreligion.about.com/library/glossary/symbols/bldefstriskele.htm) In the basic Celtic triskel designs, the circles represent the three domains of ancient Celtic belief: the underworld for the past, the earth world for the present, and the sky world for the divine. (from http://www.irishop.com/bluetara.html) Spirals - usually reflects personal spirit, and an individual's attainment of balance in the inner consciousness and outer self. May also represent the cosmos, heavens, and water (waves). A common spiral type pattern would be the Triskele, thought to represent the Holy Trinity or the Triple Gods/Goddesses of the ancient Celts like the Trinity Knot. (from http://www.celticattic.com/contact_us/the_celts/celtic_nations/celtic_knotwork_and_meaning.htm)
As i searched for ChakRA symbols, i 'stumbLED' across this, A Brief Study of the Rose Cross Symbol http://www.geocities.com/Athens/2092/paper3.htm, which equated each of the ChakRAs to a planet, whose symbols form the center of the ShakRaRoses on the left arch. Then i 'stumbLED' this site http://www.yogabound.com/index.htm that equated each ChakRA to an astrlogical sign, which form the center of the ShakRaRoses on the right arch. The planetary and astrological symbols are filled with the Helianthus whorl. (sea ProfundaPazRAflower-March 2007)
Chakra in Hindu means "wheel." In Buddhist, Jainist, and Hindu beliefs, Chakras are vital energy centers in the body. Located in the nerve ganglia along the spine, they are conceived as spinning vortices channeling cosmic energy. Blockages or interruptions of the flow of this energy is believed to cause illness, confusion, and emotional difficulty. Traditions differ about the total number of chakras, but most agree that seven are the most potent. (from http://altreligion.about.com/library/glossary/symbols/bldefschakra.htm)
ChakRA=MuladhaRA=Planet=Saturn=Metal=lead=Angel=Tsaphkiel=Location=sacral plexus
Muladhara, (Mooladhara),
1st Chakra
Root, or Base Chakra
Location - Kundalini Center, Base of spine (Tailbone, pelvic Floor), cohesion
Color - Red or red orange (secondary color is black)
Element - Earth
Symbol - Square
Energy - Life promoting
Frequency - 523-3 cps
Note- High C
Sense - Smell
Statement - "I want stuff"
Astrological Sign - Scorpio
Spinal Contact - 4th Sacral Vertebra
Interrelating Organ - Gonads
Functions - Gives vitality to the physical body. Life-force, survival, self-preservation, instincts
Glands/Organs - Adrenals, kidneys, spinal column, colon, legs, bones
Gems/Minerals - Ruby, garnet, bloodstone, red jasper, black tourmaline, obsidian, smoky quartz
Foods - Proteins (meant and dairy products no recommended), red fruits and vegetables
Qualities/Lessons - Matters relating to the material world, success. The physical body, mastery of the body, grounding, individuality, stability, security, stillness, health, courage, patience
Negative Qualities - Self-centered, insecurity, violence, greed, anger, overly concerned with one's physical survival, tension in the spine, constipation
The first chakra is called Mooladhara (Muladhara) the support chakra. It is the root, or base chakra. It is the seat of primal energy, kundalini shakti. In philosophical terms, the concept of mooladhara is understood as moola prakriti, the transcendental basis of physical nature. The symbol for the first chakra is a square (yantra), symbolizing the Earth, the foundation. Within the square is a downward pointing triangle, the symbol for female sexuality. Within the triangle is a linga, the symbol for male sexuality. A snake, the symbol for kundalini, coils three-and-a-half times around the linga. On the outside are four lotus petals. The first chakra concerns your connection with the earth, your birthplace, your culture, your foundation. This is the center of physical energy, and vitality. It's grounded in material reality, so this is the center of manifestation. The color red-orange is the color of vital, physical energy. The feelings most associated with the root chakra are: Fear, grief, desire, anger, and attachments. Meditation practices for this chakra are walking, touching, deep relaxation, and concentrating on the color red, spinning in the area of the root chakra. The objects and forms in this Universe must have some basis from which they evolve, and to which they return after dissolution. And, this basis, the original source of all evolution, is called moola prakriti. Mooladhara, as the basis of moola prakriti, is therefore responsible for everything that manifests in the world of name, and form. In prana vidya, mooladhara is very important because it is the generating station for prana. The awakening of prana starts from mooladhara, and ascends the spinal cord via pingala nadi. Pingala is merely the channel. The energy comes from mooladhara. Mooladhara is also the direct switch for awakening ajna chakra. Without the awakening of prana in mooladhara, there can be no corresponding awakening in ajna. Hence, in prana vidya, the relationship between mooladhara, and ajna is very important. Mooladhara is the generator, and ajna is the distributor. The location of the mooladhara in men is at the perineum, midway between the genital organ, and the anus. In women, it is located at the posterior side of the cervix, midway between the vagina, and the uterus. Here there is a point which in Sanskrit is known as Brahma granthi, the know of Brahma. As long as this knot remains intact, the energy located in this area is blocked. The moment the knot is undone, prana shakti awakens. Infinite energy, and spiritual experience emanate from mooladhara. Mooladhara is associated with the earth element, and annamaya kosha. In the pranic field it is related to apana vayu, the downward flowing force which is responsible for the excretion of urine, feces, wind, the ejaculation of semen, the force which pushes the baby out of the womb, and so on. In psychological terms, mooladhara is associated with the unconscious mind where the most primitive, and deep-rooted instincts, and fears lie. It is therefore, the gateway to heaven as well as to hell. To the lower, as well as the higher life. The beeja mantra, or master key to mooladhara is Lam. (from http://www.yogabound.com/yoga/cha_first_muladhara.htm)
ChakRA=Svadhisthansa=Planet=Mars=Metal=iron=Angel=Kamael=Location=prostatic
Svadisthana, Swadisthana)
2nd Chakra
Abode of the Vital Force



Location - Lower abdomen, 1-2 inches below the navel, contaction
Color - Orange (depending on the school of thought)
Element - Water
Symbol - Triangle
Energy and Frequency - Unknown
Note - D
Sense - Taste
Statement - "I desire" (Anything from money to God, sex, etc.)
Astrological Sign - Libra
Spinal Contact - 1st Lumbar Vertebra
Interrelating Organ - Spleen
Functions - Procreation, assimilation of food, physical force and vitality, sexuality
Glands/Organs - Ovaries, testicles, prostate, genitals, spleen, womb, bladder
Gems/Minerals - Carnelian, coral, gold calcite, amber, citrine, gold topaz, peach aventurine
Foods - Liquids, orange fruits and vegetables
Qualities/Lessons - Giving and receiving, emotions, desire, pleasure, sexual/passionate love, change, movement, assimilation of new ideas, health, family, tolerance, surrender, working harmoniously and creatively with others
Negative Qualities - Over-indulgence in food or sex, sexual difficulties, confusion, purposelessness, jealousy, envy, desire to possess, impotence, uterine and/or bladder problems
Swadhisthana, which means 'one's own dwelling place, or 'abode', is the second chakra. It is located very near to mooladhara, and is also involved in, and responsible for, the awakening of prana shakti. The crescent moon symbolizes receptivity, and the womb. It is the symbol of femininity. On the outside are six lotus petals. Swadhisthana is considered to be the substrata for individual existence as it is the storehouse of all the latent samskaras, and impressions. Therefore, it initially forms a kind of karmic block which makes it difficult for the awakened prana to pass through this area. As the vital energy of the root chakra moves up to the spleen chakra, and is expressed at a higher level, it undergoes changes that are reflected in the colors evident in the emotional aura. The spleen also functions as a reserve battery for the body. This chakra is about friendliness, creativity, sexuality, emotions, and intuition. The second chakra also governs people's sense of self-worth, their confidence in their own creativity, and their ability to relate to others in an open, and friendly way. The color orange is considered a sociable color since it combines the physical red, and the intellectual yellow. In psychological terms, swadhisthana is associated with the subconscious mind, and therefore, with drowsiness, and sleep. When prana activates swadhisthana it can increase the desire for pleasure, especially in the form of food, and sex. These desires can be an obstacle to the awakening of prana if we become obsessed by them. We need to develop our willpower in order to pass through this center. Swadhisthana is associated with the pranamaya kosha, and corresponds to the reproductive, and urinary systems in the gross body. It is located at the base of the spine at the level of the coccyx, and pubic bone. It is also related to apana vayu, and the water element. The beeja mantra for this centre is Vam. (from http://www.yogabound.com/yoga/cha_second_svadishthana.htm)
ChakRA=ManipuRA=Planet=Jupiter=Metal=tin=Angel=Tzadkiel=Location=solar plexus
Manipura, (Manipuraka),
3rd Chakra








The City of Jewels
Location - Above the navel, below the chest, lumbar center, power, expansion
Color - Yellow
Element - Fire
Symbol - Circle
Energy - Life-preserving
Frequency - 349.2 cps
Note - E
Sense - Sight
Statement - "I want happiness"
Astrological Sign - Leo
Spinal Contact - 8th Thoracic Vertebra
Interrelating Organ - N/A
Functions - Vitalizes the sympathetic nervous system, digestive processes, metabolism, emotions
Glands/organs - Pancreas, adrenals, stomach, liver, gallbladder, nervous system, muscles
Gems/Minerals - Citrine, gold topaz, amber, tiger eye, gold calcite, gold
Foods - Starches, yello fruits and vegetables
Qualities/Lessons - Will, personal power,authority, energy, mastery of desire, self-control, radiance, warmth, awakening, transformation, humor, laughter, immortality
Negative Qualities - Taking in more than one can assimilate and utilize, too much emphasis on power and/or recognition, anger, fear, hate, digestive problems
Manipura chakra literally means 'The City of Jewels'. It's development is very important for success "in prana vidya", as it is the center or storehouse of prana, and is associated with the color yellow, and the element of fire. The symbol is a triangle that is pointing down, with swastika marks on the three sides. This is the fire wheel. This chakra is associated with the sun, and the ego. It's also the center of digestion, which the Chinese call the triple warmer because heat is generated in the process of digestion. On the outside are ten lotus petals. As the sun radiates light, and energy, so manipura uses, and distributes pranic energy through-out the body, regulating, and fueling life's processes. Thus, it is often compared with the dazzling orb of the sun, without which there would be no life. This chakra vitalizes the sympathetic nervous system, digestive processes, metabolism, and emotions. The base color of the solar plexus chakra is yellow, which is the 'color of happiness'. The solar plexus is our "flight or fight" center, and where we get our gut feelings. This third chakra is the center of personal power. When the third chakra is open, you have found your own unique gift. The work that gives you pleasure, and that makes you feel fulfilled. In the martial arts, the third chakra is considered the center of the chi, the life force energy. So this chakra relates to physical abilities, and athletic prowess. This chakra is ruled by the conscious mind, and is active only while awake. It relates to digestion so a balance of energy here causes good digestion. The solar plexus is known as the "Center of the Breath." Of the three gunas, or qualities of nature, manipura is predominantly influenced by rajas, or activity, dynamism, strength, and will. Whereas, mooladhara, and swadhisthana are predominantly influenced by tamas, or lethargy, dullness, and ignorance. The element of manipura is fire, and its pranic force is samana which digests, and absorbs nutrients from food. Manipura, and swadhisthana are both the seat of pranamaya kosha. The location of manipura is at the level of the navel. The beeja mantra is Ram. (from http://www.yogabound.com/yoga/cha_third_manipura.htm)
ChakRA=Anahata=Planet=Sun=Metal=gold=Angel=Michael=Location=cardiac plexus
Anahata, (Anahatha)
4th Chakra
Unbeaten,





or Heart Chakra
Location - Center of the chest (heart), love
Color - Green (secondary color is pink)
Element - Air
Symbol - Cross
Energy - Consciousness
Frequency - 659.3 cps
Note - F#
Sense - Touch
Statement - "I want to give and receive love"
Astrological sign - Libra
Spinal Contact - 1st Thoracic Vertebra
Interrelating Organ - Thymus
Functions - Anchors the life-force from the Higher Self. Energizes the blood and physical body with the life-force, blood circulation
Glands/Organs - Heart, thymus glad, circulatory system, arms, hands, lungs
Gems/Minerals - Emerald, green and pink tourmaline, malachite, green jade, green aventurine, chrysoprase, kunzite, rose quartz, ruby
Foods - Green fruits and vegetables
Qualities - Divine/unconditional love, forgiveness, compassion, understanding, balance, group consciousness, oneness with life, acceptance, peace, openness, harmony, contentment
Negative Qualities - Repression of love, emotional instability, out of balance, heart problems, circulation problems
Anahata chakra means 'unstruck', or 'unbeaten'. This chakra is the seat of anahata nada, the most subtle cosmic sound, which is experienced only in the highest state of meditation. This sound is said to be unstruck because it is not caused by any external friction, nor can it be heard by the ears, by the mind, or even by the psyche. It is transcendental sound which can only be perceived by pure consciousness. Being the heart center, anahata is responsible for the wakening of oneness with life which is characterized with "Universal Love". The heart chakra is the transmutation of fire into light. The symbol is two triangles, one pointing up, and the other down. They represent balance. The heart is the center, with three chakras above, and three below. The six pointed star, also known as the Star of David, symbolizes the awakening of spirituality while being firmly planted on the ground. The heart chakra is the center of compassion. When this chakra opens, you transcend the limits of your ego, and identify with other people, plants, animals, all of life. This is the humanitarian center. When your heart chakra is open, you're likely to become involved in social causes. The heart chakra is your most vulnerable place. A person with a developed anahata is generally very sensitive to the feelings of others, and the sense of touch is highly developed. These people have the power to heal others either by touch, or by radiating energy. Many people who perform miraculous healing do so through the agency of anahata. The heart center is the seat of divine love. It is here that "I" emotion is re-channeled into devotion. Vishnu granthi, the second psychic knot, representing the bondage of emotional attachment, is located here. When this knot is opened, one becomes free of all selfishness, and emotional instability, and enters a state of divine, unconditional love. This chakra is the psychological center for the evolution of idealism, the urge for expansion of self-concept, and world view. Included in this developmental area is the need to develp the capacity to love on the transpersonal point, the transference point for converting energies from the lower centers to higher ones. The heart center is almost never imbalanced unless the individual is undergoing a major transition in their life. Psychological states associated with the heart center are transition, disorientation, crisis, euphoria, extreme swings between ecstasy, and despair, feelings of loss, separation, numbness, extreme emotional sensitivity, and panic. Anahata is associated with manomaya kosha, controlling the emotions. It is at this level that we become free of fate, and begin to control our own destiny. Hence, at anahata we find the symbol of the kal Patam or the wish-fulfilling tree. When this tree starts to fruit, whatever we think or wish comes true. Anahata is located at the heart level. Its element is air, and its vayu is prana, the ascending force which controls the heart, and lungs. The beeja mantra is Yam. (from http://www.yogabound.com/yoga/cha_fourth_anahata.htm)
ChakRA=Vishuddha=Planet=Venus=Metal=copper=Angel=Anael=Location=Pharyngeal
Vishuddha, (Visshudhi)
5th Chakra
Throat Chakra
Location-Throat





(bottom of the neck), knowledge-teaching, listening-hearing
Color-Sky Blue
Element-Ether
Symbol-Crescent
Energy-Expressive
Frequency-392 cps
Note-G#
Sense-Hearing
Statement-"I want to speak freely and openly"
Astrological Sign-Gemini
Spinal Contact-3rd Cervical Vertebra
Interrelating Organ-Thyroid
Functions-Speech, sound, vibration, communication
Glands/Organs-Thyroid, parathyroid, hypothalamus, throat, mouth
Gems/Minerals-Turquoise, chrysocolia, celestite, blue topaz, sodalite, lapis lazuli, aquamarine, asurite, dyanite
Foods-Blue/Purple fruits and vegetables
Qualities/Lessons-Power of the spoken work, true communication, creative expression in speech, writing and the arts, integration, peace, truth, knowledge, wisdom, loyalty, honesty, reliability, gentleness, kindness
Negative Qualities-Communication and/or speech problems, knowledge used unwisely, ignorance, lack of discernment, depression and thyroid problems
The fifth chakra is the center of communication, so there's a powerful desire to talk about what you are experiencing. The throat chakra is the organic, and esoteric center corresponding with the thyroid gland. It is the psychological center for the evolution of creative focus, self discipline, initiative, and responsibility. Included in this developmental area is the urge to make significant contributions, and the need to develop independent and original expressions of value beyond the range of personal recognition, and gratifications. The symbol, the circle of unity with 'All That Is' comes within the triangle, indicating an increasing openness to Spirit. Vishuddhi is known as the purification centre. Into this chakra nectar falls down from hindu visarga. If open, this chakra can generate vitality, creative expression, and true wisdom. Nectar drips down into the throat causing a feeling of blissful intoxication. The element of vishuddhi is ether, or akasha. By meditating on vishuddhi the mind becomes pure, and empty, free of thought, like akasha. The ability to neutralize poison, both internally or externally, is one of the powers associated with vishuddhi. At this level all the poisonous and negative experiences of life can be absorbed and transformed into a state of bliss. This chakra, which is associated with the vijnanamaya kosha, initiates mental development, and is the center responsible for our capacity to receive thought vibrations from other people. It can act like a transistor radio, allowing one to tell into the thoughts of those who are both close by, and far away. Vishuddhi is also the center for receiving sound vibrations. When vishuddhi is purified the sense of hearing becomes very sharp, not only through the ears, but through the mind. Vishuddhi is located at the level of the throat pit, or the thyroid gland. Its vayu is udana, which controls the vocal cords, and other sensory organs. Vishuddhi is known as the fountain of youth. The challenge of the throat center is to redirect the energies of the sacral center onto the higher vibratory level; personal work, and expression becomes transpersonal building and creatorship. The resonant throat chakra begins to form a resilient bond between the physical vehicle, and the body of the conscious mind. The throat center is the chakra of "the word", the vibratory creative force that binds, and forms matter. The challenge of the throat center is to master the relationship between thought, and form, between mind, and matter, and assume responsibility for both content, and manifestation of the mind. In the yogic texts it is stated that with the awakening of this center, all diseased states can be reversed, and even an old man can become young. This is because the nectar from bindu is such a powerful, and concentrated form of prana, it is actually the source of life. The beeja mantra for vishuddhi is Ham. (from http://www.yogabound.com/yoga/cha_fifth_vishuddha.htm)
ChakRA=Ajna=Planet=Moon=Metal=silver=Angel=Gabriel=Location=Pituitary body Ajna Chakra, Command Center,
6th Chakra





Brow Chakra, or Third Eye Center
Location - Center of the forehead, between the eyebrows, cognition
Color - Indigo (dark blue)
Element - Light, electrical or telepathic energy
Symbol - Six pointed star
Energy - Synthesizing
Frequency - 440 cps
Note - High A*
Sense - Thought
Statement - "I want to see clearly"
Astrological Sign - Aquarius
Spinal Contact - 1st Cervical Vertebra
Interrelating Organ - Pituitary
Functions - Vitalizes the lower brain (cerebellum) and central nervous system, vision
Glands/Organs - Pituitary gland (some sources say pineal gland, left eye, nose, ears
Gems/Minerals - Lapis lazuli, azurite, sodalite, quartz crystal, sapphire, indicolite tourmaline
Foods - Blue/purple fruits and vegetables
Qualities/Lessons - Soul realization, intuition, insight, imagination, clairvoyance, concentration, peace of mind, wisdom, devotion, perception beyond duality
Negative Qualities - Lack of concentration, fear, cynicism, tension, headaches, eye problems, bad dreams, overly detached from the world
Suddenly the multiplicity of petals falls away, and you are left with two huge petals. Through letting go of your attachment to the multiple distractions of the world, you enter into a Divine relationship with Spirit. This is the center of I, and Thou. The two petals represent the various forms of duality: the ego self, and the spirit self, the reasoning and the intuitive minds, the pineal, and the pituitary, the ida, and the pingala, the masculine, and the feminine. All dualities converge at this point. The triangle is the yoni, or female energy, and within it is the linga, or male energy. The linga of the first chakra was black, whereas this linga is white. The linga of the first chakra was surrounded by a snake, coiled three-and-a-half times around it, symbolizing the sleeping kundalini energy at the base of the spine. Ajna literally means 'command' or 'monitoring center'. It is also known as the guru chakra. It is the point of confluence where the three main nadis or forces, ida, pingala, and sushumna, merge into one stream of consciousness, and flow up to sahasrara. During deep meditation, when all the senses have been withdrawn, and one enters into the state of shoonya, the void, the guni then guides the aspirant from ajna to sahasrara by issuing commands through this center. *mm or OM (as in home)...The sound "o" represents the sun or third eye, and "m" represents the moon or medulla. OM unifies both sides. It also combines the "o" of the second chakra with the "m" of the sixth chakra. This tone dissolves dualities and creates unity, bringing the ego self into union with the Spirit Self. Ajna is also known as the third eye, the eye of Shiva or the eye of intuition, which gazes inward rather than outward. It is often called divya chakshu, the divine eye, or jnana chakshu, the eye of wisdom, because it is through this center that the spiritual aspirant receives revelation, and insight into the underlying nature of existence. It is the level at which direct mind-to-mind communication takes place, and the doorway through which one enters the psychic, or astral dimension. It is the source of ecstasy, extrasensory perception, clairvoyance, clairaudience, heightened intuition, and the paranormal powers. Through the power of the sixth chakra, you can receive guidance, channel, and tune into your higher Self. This is the center that enables you to experience telepathy, astral travel, and past lives. The energies of the third eye are accessible to all people regardless of their moral, and ethical values. The third eye is the Christ consciousness center. Being the center of the mind, ajna chakra represents a higher level of awareness. When ajna is developed we begin to acquire psychic powers. Therefore, it is said to resemble a knot which is called Rudra granthi, the knot of Shiva. This knot is symbolic of the attachment to one's psychic personality and to the siddhi's which accompany the awakening of ajna chakra. It effectively blocks our spiritual evolution until attachment to psychic phenomena is overcome, and the knot is freed. In ancient Egyptian paintings, and statutes, one sometimes sees a pharoah, or initiate with a snake figure coming out at this point in the forehead. This is symbolic of that person having raised the latent serpent energy to this level which is known as CHRIST Consciousness. Ajna is located at the top of the spinal cord in the mid- brain. Although it has no physiological existence, classically it is said to influence the pineal gland, which is active in young children, but which begins to decay at the time of puberty. In our system it relates to the pituitary gland, and is the master control center of the mind/body, affecting to some degree, all of the other endocrines. The trigger point for ajna, located at the eyebrow centre, is known as bhrumadhya. This is an important focal point for the practices of meditation, concentration, and visualization. For success in prana vidya, the development of ajna chakra is very important. Unless it is developed to some extent, prana can never be experienced in the form of light. The vision of light is usually first seen at ajna, or bhrunladhya, or in chidakasha, the space of consciousness which is directly associated with ajna. In the practice of prana vidya, ajna acts as the control center for the distribution of prana. If the vision of light at ajna is well developed, we will have no difficulty in visualizing the raising of prana and its movement throughout the body. Otherwise we have to use our imagination and thinking until we can develop the actual experience. The prana associated with ajna is vyana vayu, the all pervasive force. The tattwa or element is manas, the mind. This is the point where the mind changes from 'gross to subtle'. From outward to inward. Ajna is associated with vijnanamaya kosha and its beeja' mantra is Om. (from http://www.yogabound.com/yoga/cha_sixth_ajna.htm)
ChakRA=SahasraRA=Planet=Mercury=Metal=mercury=Angel=Raphael=Location=Pineal gland
Sahasrara Chakra,
7th Chakra
Crown, or Wisdom Chakra








Location - Top of the Head, pure consciousness
Color - Purple (Violet, could also be gold)
Element - Thought/will (Cosmic Energy)
Symbol - Lotus
Energy - Integration
Frequency - 493 cps
Note - High B
Sense - "I want to be lazy (The seventh day is a day of rest)
Astrolog cal Sign - Pisces
Spinal Contact - None
Interrelating Organ - Pineal.
Functions - Vitalizes the upper brain (cerebrum)
Glands/Organs - Pineal gland, cerebral cortex, central nervous system, right eye
Gems/Minerals - Amethyst, alexandrite, diamond, sugilite, purple fluorite, quartz crystal, selenite
Foods - This chakra is associated with the idea of fasting: Also violet (purple) fruits and vegetables
Qualities/Lessons - Unification of the Higher Self with the human personality, oneness with the Infinite, spiritual will, inspiration, unity, divine wisdom and understanding, idealism, selfless service, perception beyond space and time, continuity of consciousness
Negative Qualities - Lack of inspiration, confusion, depression, alienation, hesitation to serve, senility
Sahasrara, the seat of supreme consciousness, is located at the brahmarandra, or crown-of the head. It is said to be the highest psychic center, but actually it is not a psychic center at all, because it is beyond the realm of the psyche. The symbol is the fully open lotus, the flower in fullest bloom, symbolizing being totally open to the Light. You've lost all individual identity, and now you merge with 'All That Is'. You become a fully realized being. This is self-realization, the peak experience of which is called samadhi. Sahasrara is the culmination of the progressive ascension through the different chakras. It is the master switch controlling the awakening of all the chakras from mooladhara to ajna. The power of the chakras does not reside in the chakras themselves, but in sahasrara. The chakras are only switches, with all the potential lying in sahasrara. Not actually a chakra, sahasrara is the totality, the absolute, which results from the merging of cosmic consciousness with cosmic prana. When kundalini shakti reaches sahasrara, it is known as the union between Shiva and Shakti. With this union, self-realization or samadhi dawns. At this point, individual consciousness dies, and universal consciousness is born. The crown chakra is the organic, and esoteric center corresponding with the pineal gland. It is the psychological center for evolution of the will to intuitive capacity, essence experience, self-actualization, and the need for a sense of transcendent unification, or personal experience of the divine. The challenge of the crown chakra is to redirect the energy of the solar plexus center-personal mind, and communication-onto the higher vibrational level of the crown chakra-transpersonal mind (intuitive), and channelship. The resonant crown center begins to form a resilient bond between the physical body, and the body of the collective consciousness. The challenge of the crown chakra is responsible channelship, and a conscious alignment with the higher self. By means of the awakened crown center one is in this world, but not of it and may function as an avenue of grace, healing, and spiritual power into the physical plane. If this center is closed, the person probably doesn't have an experiential connection to their spirituality. They probably don't have that "cosmic feeling", and don't understand what people are talking about when they speak of their spiritual experiences. If this center is open, a person experiences their spirituality in a very personal form, unique to that individual. This spirituality is not connected to or defined by dogma, or easily related with words. It is rather a state of being, a state of transcendence of the mundane reality into the infinite. It goes beyond the physical world, and creates in the individual, a sense of wholeness, peace and faith, giving them a sense of purpose to their existence. Sahasrara is visualized as a thousand petaled lotus, unfolding into eternity. It is infinite in dimension, like a huge radiant dome. In the physical body, its point is at the very crown of the head from where it is visualized as extending outward in all directions. Sahasrara is associated with the body of bliss, or anandamaya kosha and can be awakened through daily meditation. (from http://www.yogabound.com/yoga/cha_seventh_sahasrara.htm)

ProfundaPazRAflower

http://zmyztickleonion.blogspot.com/2007/03/profundapazraflower.html


From One Spirit Doth RAdiant Petals Emanate Profunda Paz

=ProfoundPeaceSUNflower=The religions of this world MUST come to realize that they are all the same at the center, and that this "center of all things" has allowed each individual petal to come into existence to meet our need for individuation into that center. Thou shalt not kill, nor condemn others for not following your individuated choice BEEcause each individuated path ultiMATEly leads to the same center of Love Unconditional.
The background is APOD: 2003 May 24 - M74: The Perfect Spiral from Astronomy Picture of the Day http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html
Explanation: If not perfect, then this spiral galaxy is at least one of the most photogenic. An island universe of about 100 billion stars, 30 million light-years away toward the constellation Pisces, NGC 628 or M74 presents a gorgeous face-on view to earthbound astronomers. Classified as an Sc galaxy, the grand design of M74's graceful spiral arms traced by bright blue star clusters and dark cosmic dust lanes, is similar in many respects to our own home galaxy, the Milky Way. Recorded with a 28 million pixel detector array, this impressive image celebrated first light for the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS), a state-of-the-art instrument operational at the 8-meter Gemini North telescope. The Gemini North Observatory gazes into the skies above Mauna Kea, Hawaii, USA, while its twin observatory, Gemini South, operates from Cerro Pachón in central Chile.
The RAflower petals are from this poster,
"The Center of All Things" is from this known as the Helianthus whorl. Sea http://britton.disted.camosun.bc.ca/fibslide/jbfibslide.htm for info on the relation to 'The Law of Nature OtherWise known as the Fibonacci numbers. Most of the religious symbols and their explaNations are from A Visual Glossary of Religious Symbols http://altreligion.about.com/library/glossary/blsymbols.htm, and are filled with the Center of the Helianthus whorl.
Taoist sumbol of the interplay of forces in the universe. In Chinese philosophy, yin and yang represent the two primal cosmic forces in the universe. Yin (moon) is the receptive, passive, cold female force. Yang (sun) is masculine- force, movement, heat. The Yin Yang symbol represents the idealised balance of the forces; equalibrium in the universe. The Zia sun symbol from Zia pueblo in New Mexico. This image is an ancient Zia Pueblo sun symbol. "Zia" means sun, and is also the name of the symbol. Today it is the sole symbol on the flag of the State of New Mexico, but the symbol is very old- it is found on pottery, art, and other artifacts of the Zia Pueblo tribes of New Mexico. The number four is sacred to the Zia Indians, and this emblem embodies this number as the powers of nature- the sun, the four directions, seasons, and the ages of man.
The silhouette of a paleolithic Egyptian mother Goddess, probably a prototype of the Goddess Isis, and is often used to symbolize the "Lady," the feminine deity.
The curious image is most often referred to as the all seeing eye or "eye of providence." The eye, usually depicted in the sky looking out upon the earth, is an ancient symbol of the sun, and historically has been used as a symbol of omniscience. The idea of the solar eye comes to us from the egyptians, who equated the eye with the deity Osiris; the human eye in its ability to perceive light was viewed as a miniature sun. The use of the eye emblem to represent God was quite common in the Renaissance; often, the eye would be enclosed within a triangle representing the triune godhead. Such an emblem can be found in numerous examples of Christian art. This emblem was eventually adopted by Freemasons as a symbol for the Great Architect.
A version of this symbol, elaborate onto the capstone of a pyramid (perhaps in a nod the symbol's origins in Egypt) forms part of the Seal of the United States, accompanied by the slogan, Annuit Coeptis , "It (Providence) has favored our undertakings." The Cross is one of the oldest religious symbols of all time, from the prehistoric solar cross (an equal armed cross), to the Cross adapted from Pagan cults for Christian use after the council of Nicaea. Cross symbols are among the oldest on earth, and are found in every culture. Crosses are almost invariably symbols of the sun, the sky, and the passage of time, and are linked with most solar deities.
The ankh is an ancient Egyptian symbol of life. Also known as an Ansata cross, it is a visual representation of a sandal strap.
The horizontal and vertical bars of the lower tau cross represent the feminine and masculine energy, respectively. This combination of male and female symbols (the cross and circle) in the ankh suggest fertility and creative power. The top loop also symbolises the sun on the horizon, and suggests reincarnation and rebirth. The ankh appears frequently in Egyptian writings about rebirth, and this symbolism was adopted by Coptic Christians, especially gnostic sects, to symbolize the resurrection of Christ and the heavenly marriage. The ankh was an earlier form of the cross than the later "latin" cross. The Ankh is also considered to have meaning in Ritual magick and in Wiccan/Neopagan traditions, as a symbol of immortality and completion.
The Celtic cross (Ionic cross) has it's roots in a pre-Christian variation of the Solar cross. Examples of the Celtic cross date back as far as 5000 years BCE. Its origins are not known, but it was known to be an early symbol of the sun god Taranis.
After the conversion of the Celtic people to Christianity, the Celtic Cross became an emblem of the Celtic Christian Church. Irish legend holds that the cross was introduced to Ireland by St. Columba, so it is sometimes referred to as Columba's cross, or the Ionic cross, after his monastery on the isle of Iona.
The emblem of the Jain religion, symbolizing its main tenet, the doctrine of Ahimsa, nonviolence. The wheel in the center of the palm is the wheel of Samsara; the word in the center of the wheel reads "stop." Together, they represent the halting of the cycle of reincarnation through the practice of Jain asceticism, the avoidance of harm to any living creature.
Horned serpent deities figure in the mythology of most Native American and Mesoamerican peoples. Most of these horned and/or feathered serpents are associated with rain and thunder, or waterways. Some, like the Cherokee horned serpent Utkena, or the Australian aborigine monster, bunyip, are malevolent beings or monsters who devour their enemies. Others, like the the Choktaw deity Sint holo, are givers of inspiration, promethian spirits who introduce agriculture, language, and other gifts of knowledge to mankind. The Tewa deity Avanyu is the feathered sky serpent of the Pueblos (Zuni, Kolowisi, and Hopi, Paluluka), a rain and lightning deity who is believed to have given birth to the waterways, and whose voice is thunder. Algonquin pictographs commonly depict a horned, feathered serpent known as Mishipizheu. Similar icons are scattered across North America. The best known feathered serpent of the New world is, of course, the Aztec Quetzalcoatl, (Mayan Kukulkan, Incan Urcaguey) who was exiled by the gods for his gifts of knowledge to the Aztec people. The horned serpent is not restricted to the Americas- some version of this creature can be found on every continent. There are literally hundreds of "cosmic serpents" peppered throughout world mythology, whose origin and meaning are never satisfactorily explained. There is the Celtic, ram-horned serpent associated with the forerunner to the biblical serpent was Ningiszida- in Sumerian texts, this horned serpent guarded the tree of life and the gateway to the underworld. Wadjet, the winged serpent of Egypt, protected the Pharoahs and controlled the waters of the Nile.
This emblem, commonly recognized as the symbol of the Islamic faith, has actually acquired its association to the faith by association, rather than intent. The star and crescent symbol itself is very ancient, dating back to early Sumerian civilization, where it was associated with the sun God and moon Goddess (one early appearance dates to 2100 BCE), and later, with Goddesses Tanit and even Diana. The symbol remained in near constant use, and was eventually adopted into the battle-standard of the Ottoman Dynasty, who are mainly responsible for its association with Islam. As the Dynasty was also the policitical head of the faith, it was inevitable that their symbol would be associated with Islam as well. It should be noted that there is no mention of such a symbol in the Koran, the Holy book of Islam, nor is there any relationship between the crescent and star and the Prophet (whose flag was black and white, inscribed "Nasr um min Allah," "with the help of Allah.")
Today, the star and crescent is widely accepted as a symbol of the Islamic faith, and is used in decorative arts, jewelry, and national flags- much like the cross in Christian countries. It is associated with the use of the moon to time festivals. It is, however, not accepted by all Muslims- many Muslims consider it un-Islamic and even blasphemous.
The Star of David is the primary modern emblem of the Jewish religion. How it came to be such is a matter of some debate. Legend has it that the emblem was used by the Biblical King David (hence the name 'Magen David,' or shield of David). In reality, it was not associated specifically with the faith until the middle ages, when it began to appear on flags, tombstones, and synagogue decorations. It is probably not coincidental that the symbol was important to the flourishing kabbalistic tradition of the same time period. Kabbalistically, the hexagram symbolizes the six directions of space, the divine union of male and female energy, and the four elements. The Star of David is also important in the Rastafarian and Messianic Christian religions.
The Cross of Lorraine consists of one vertical and two evenly spaced horizontal bars. It is a heraldic cross, used by the Dukes of Lorraine (previously known as the Dukes of Anjou). This cross is related to the Crusader's cross, the standard of Joan of Arc, and the six globes of the Medici family. The Lorraine cross was carried to the Crusades by the original Knights Templar, granted to them for their use by the Patriarch of Jerusalem. Hermetic alchemists of the Renaissance used the emblem as a symbol of earth and spirit by combining the square earth cross with the cross of Christ. When drawn symmetrically, it symbolised the hermetic maxim, "As above, so below." The Lorraine Cross is used in Freemasonry as a degree symbol. In the Catholic Church, the equal-armed Lorraine Cross denotes the office of Cardinal. In 1940, the cross of Lorraine was adopted by Admiral d'Argenlieu (commander of the Free French Forces) as a symbol of the French Resistance, chosen as a symbol to stand against the Nazi Swastika. A very old form of this cross, a depiction of a shepherd's staff, was used in ancient Sumeria as an ideogram for rulership.
Adinkra (sometimes, andinkra) symbols are small, symbolic pictures used to decorate colorful patterned cloth by fabric designers in Ghana. Designs are made by cutting patterns into pieces of calabash gourd, then stamping them on fabric with black ink made from iron oxide. The fabric is created in varied colors and patterns, and used in funerals, weddings, and other special occasions. Adinkra cloth is not used for everyday purposes because it cannot be washed. The name Adinkra comes from the legendary King conquered by the Ashante people,who, according to legend, wore luxurious patterned fabrics. Adinkra means "goodbye," and the special cloth was reserved for funeral garments. Adinkra fabric is now used for a variety of special occasions, and there are dozens of adinkra symbols used to impart a variety of meanings to the finished cloth. Many symbolize virtues, folk tales and proverbs, animals, and even historical events, and most are very old, having been passed down through generations of craftsmen. This one is Kojo Baiden (rays) and means Cosmos, Omnipresence.
One of three symbols most important to the Baha'i faith is the nine pointed star, symbolizing completion.
The word Om (aum) derives from the Sanskrit. The Om is the primordial sound by which the earth was created- a similar concept to the Greek Logos. It symbolizes unfolding or expansion- when pronounced, it begins in the lungs, and ends on the lips. The symbol representing Om is called the omkar, and has four parts, representing the four states of human awareness: The ordinary waking, or material state; The state of deep sleep; The dream state; Absolute conscience, or the awakened state.
The Awen, or 'rays,' a glyph with three vertical lines or rays converging at the top: The Awen is a not genuine symbol of Druidry, but associated with several modern groups. Awen in the Celtic language means means "inspiration," or "essence," and refers to spiritual illumination. The three parts of the Awen symbol represent the harmony of opposites- the left and right rays symbolizing female and male energy; the center bar their harmonious balance.
Kokopelli is an ancient character- a hunchbacked, dancing fluteplayer whose oldest manifestation is found on on prehistoric American rock carvings. The origins of the figure are a mystery, and he figures in many Native American stories, where his age and role vary. He is generally believed to have been a fertility symbol, often depicted as a phallic character, carrying a pouch of seeds, or wearing antlers. Kokopelli symbols often appear in the context of rain, pregnancy, prosperity, and marriage. Kokopelli is a Hopi word meaning (roughly) wooden-backed; most of the familiar depictions of Kokopelli are copied from Hopi art, which in turn is derived from ancient Anasazi glyphs.
The Celtic Ogham alphabet dates from the fourth century. The alphabet is named for Ogmos, the Celtic god of knowledge and communication. Ogmos was associated with the Gaulish Ogmios and the Greek Hermes. The ogham alphabet has twenty letters, each named for a different tree sacred to the Celtic Druids. Each letter is made up of one to five straight or angled lines incised on a straight base line. Because the number of letters, and the number of lines that make up each letter, some scholars have theorized that the ogham may have originated as a system of hand signs. Examples of Ogham writing have been found all over the British Isles, and even as far away as Spain and Portugal. All surviving examples exist as stone carvings, usually on tombstones and road markers. Although it is commonly used by modern Druids and other NeoPagans as a divination system, there is no real relationship between modern and historical divination systems. When used as a divination method, the letters are usually notched into straight twigs and used much like runes. Pronunciation: Oh-yam • (noun)
The menorah is one of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith. The seven branched candelabra probably originated as a version of the Babylonian world tree. The number seven is a repeating sacred motif in Judaism's parent religion; the seven arms likely represented the seven days of creation and the seven visible planets. Curiously, the name given to the central light is "Shamash," the name of the Babylonian Sun God, who is related to a similar ancient symbol. The Menorah was the most important ritual object in the Temple of Jerusalem until it was stolen by the Romans in the sack of the Temple in 70 AD. According to tradition, during the rededication of the temple in the second century BCE after a Greek invasion and desecration, the lamps of the menorah burned for eight days on one day's worth of oil. This is the origin of the nine branched menorah, or Hanukiyah, with one branch for each of the eight days, plus one central light used to light the others during the Hannukah festival.
The Knights Templar were a religious-chivalric order that became extremely influential in France until their eventual suppression under the leadership of the French monarchy, with the cooperation of the Christian ecclesiastical establishment, at the beginning of the fourteenth century. Various excuses were invented for the violent destruction of the Templars, and while the genuine reasons for the suppression may never be fully known, it is likely that it was due in part to the French monarchy's desire to gain access to the Templar's vast financial and land resources throughout Europe and the near east. However, the Templars are known to have had close associations with the Cathari, the quasi-Gnostic religious group of Central Europe and southern France that had been suppressed in the bloody "Albigensian Crusade" of the thirteenth century (the Cathari Martyrs are venerated as the chief patrons of the AGCA). Thus, our use of the Templar cross pays homage to those people throughout history who have sought liberation from the imprisonment of ecclesiastical domination of all sorts. This symbol and explaNation derived from http://www.gnostic-church.org/vicarflag.htm
The Fleur de Lis, also known as the "Lily of France," has one of the most controversial histories of any symbol. Standard heraldic histories claim it originated in the tenth century as a symbol of sovereignity, and was later adopted as the emblem of French King Louis the VII. It is believed to take the shape of a lily or Iris, and to symbolize Mary and the Holy Trinity. In truth, the symbol is found much further back in history- as far back as Assyrian ornamental design. It is also seen on Greek, Roman, and Celtic coinage. In France, it's use may date back to Merovingian King Clovis, who reportedly wore an Iris flower in his helmet as he rode to victory in battle. The symbol in Christian Europe is strongly linked to Mary, as the lily was a symbol of her purity. Some trace the symbol as an emblem of a secret family line, a symbol of the blood of Christ carried by Merovingian Kings.
A Rastafarian version of the Star of David.
This symbol, called the vesica pisces (piscis) or "Jesus fish," has an unusual history. Used almost exclusively today to denote membership in the Christian religion, the symbol once held a very different meaning (even to the early Christians who adopted it). The words usually found inscribed within, ΙΧΘΥΣ (Ichthus), is Greek, meaning fish. The emblem became significant to Christians after St. Augustine, who extracted the word from the acrostic prophecy* of the Erythraean Sibyl, and applied the kabbalistic technique of notarikon to the word to reveal "Jesus Christ, God's son, savior." The custom of early Christians to communicate by drawing a portion in the dust was carried over from the practice of the ancient Pythagoreans, who discovered the shape's unique properties and made it an important part of their teachings. In Pagan times, this glyph was associated with the Goddess Venus, and represented female genitalia. Early depictions of Christ depict him as an infant within the vesica (usually called a mandorla, meaning 'almond shaped.'), which represented the womb of Mary (and often, the coming together of heaven and earth in the body of jesus- part man, part god). As such, it is also a doorway or portal between worlds, and symbolizes the intersection between the heaven and the material plane. The shape of arches in gothic architecture is based on the vesica. The shape of the vesica pisces is derived from the intersection of two circles, the Pythagorean "measure of the fish" that was a mystical symbol of the intersection of the world of the divine with the world of matter and the beginning of creation. To the Pythagoreans, the whole of creation was based on number, and by studying the properties of number, they believed one could achieve spiritual liberation. The vesica pisces was the symbol of the first manifestation, the dyad (reflection) that gives birth to the entire manifest universe. Within the vesica can be found the triangle, the tetrad, the square, the pentacle, and many more polygons, making the vesica a true symbolic womb. Curiously, the New Testament story of the loaves and fishes secretly reveals the geometric formula for the fish shaped device, as does the story of the miraculous catch: "Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. (John 21:11) " This is little remarked upon by Bible scholars and usually ignored by Christian bible interpreters.
Designed to resemble the eye of a falcon, this symbol is called the Eye of Ra or Eye of Horus represents the right eye of the Egyptian Falcon God Horus. As the udjat (or utchat), it represented the sun, and was associated with the Sun God Ra (Re). The mirror image, or left eye, represented the moon, and the God Tehuti (Thoth). (A very similar concept of the sun and moon as eyes appears in many religious traditions)According to legend, the left eye was torn from Horus by his murderous brother Seth, and magically restored by Thoth, the God of magick. After the restoration, some stories state, Horus made a gift of the eye to Osiris, which allowed this solar deity to rule the underworld. The story of this injury is probably an allusion to the phases of the moon as the eye which is "torn out" every month. Together, the eyes represent the whole of the universe, a concept similar to that of the Taoist Yin-yang symbol. Spiritually, the right eye reflects solar, masculine energy, as well as reason and mathematics. The left eye reflects fluid, feminine, lunar energy, and rules intuition and magick. Together, they represent the combined, transcendent power of Horus. The Eye of Horus was believed to have healing and protective power, and it was used as a protective amulet, and as a medical measuring device, using the mathematical proportions of the eye to determine the proportions of ingredients in medical preparations) to prepare medications. The Masonic all seeing eye, the Eye of Providence symbol found on American money, and our modern Rx pharmaceutical symbol are all descended from the Eye of Horus.
The pentacle, a pentagram within a circle, is the most recognizable symbol of Wicca. The pentacle represents the integration of body and spirit, and the spiritual mastery of the four elements.
Another version of the star and cresent of Islam.
This is a stylized representation of the Horned God, who in Wicca represents the masculine polarity of the universe. The horned god is the archetypal horned Shaman, related to the ancient Gods of vegetation and the hunt: the Greek Pan, the Celtic Cernunnos, and the Egyptian Ammon. This symbol is sometimes referred to as the "horn moon".
Humanity has always had a close relationship with bees, whose honey has have been a food staple since before the dawn of civilization. As a symbol, the bees' lifestyle mimics that of the human social order- a cooperative, productive social hierarchy. In fact, beekeeping is one of the earliest markers of civilized society- bees provided many of the necessities of advancement, providing not only food, but wax for metalworking, cosmetics, and medicines, as well as the ever-important pollinization of fruit trees and other food crops. The cultivation of honey was a sacred charge often imbued with ritual symbolism and associated with the mother goddess, whose nurturing protection of mankind was symbolized by the the abundance of honey provided to bee society under the reign of the queen bee. As it was widely believed that bees were born spontaneously, they were widely viewed as symbols of chastity and purity. The Bee's never-flagging labors made them an emblem of hard work, industriousness, teamwork, perseverence, charity, selflessness, and constancy. These virtues are recalled in many heraldic emblems and personal seals, as well as in the emblems of Freemasonry, the Church of Latter-Day Saints, and in countless trademarks. Observances of the annual hibernation of the hives also resulted in the belief that they died and were reborn annually, and this, along with their coloring, made them a natural solar symbol- and later, an emblem of Christ in to Christian believers. Greek follwers of the goddess Demeter believed her priestesses would be reincarnated as bees; the priestesses of the Ephesian Diana wre called melissae-bees.
The triquetra (often, triqueta) is a tripartate symbol composed of three interlocked vesica pisces, marking the intersection of three circles. It is most commonly a symbol of the Holy Trinity (Father, son, Holy spirit) used by the Celtic Christian Church, sometimes stylized as three interlaced fish. The triqueta symbol predates Christianity and was likely a Celtic symbol of the Goddess, and in the North, a symbol of the god Odin. Although it is often asserted that the triquetra is a symbol of a tripartite goddess, no such goddess has been identified with the symbol. Similar symbols do occur in some Norse and Celtic goddess imagery, but most likely represents the divisions of the animal kingdom and the three domains of earth mentioned above. Triplicities were common symbols in Celtic myth and legend, one of the possible reasons Christian beliefs were so easily adopted by the Celtic people. The triqueta makes an ideal Christian symbol. It is a perfect representation of the concept of "three in one" in Christian trinity beliefs, and incorporates another popular Christian symbol, the fish, in its original form of the vesica pisces. It is sometimes enclosed within a circle to emphasize the unity aspect. In Wiccan and Neopagan belief, the triqueta symbolizes the triple aspected goddess (maid, mother, and crone). Some Christians have protested this "appropriation" of the symbol...however, ironically enough, the original Christian fish symbol was derived from an early symbol of venus, one representing female generative organs- making the triquetra perfectly appropriate symbol for a Goddess revival. The triquetra is also considered to represnt the triplicities of mind, body, and soul, as well as the three domains of earth according to Celtic legend- earth, sea, and sky. The triquetra also appears on the television series Charmed, probably as a less threatening alternative to the pentacle (the preferred emblem of witches real and imaginary). In the show, it represents the "power of three, acting as one " which in turn represents the three sisters. Evangelical tract writers and conspiracy theorists like to label the triquetra a 'satanic' symbol, claiming it is a 'stylized' 666, an allusion to the 'number of the beast' in the Book of Revelation. This, however, is simply wishful thinking. The triquetra of interlaced fishes is one of the very earliest of Christian symbols, predating the crucifix by hundreds of years. The purported 'satanic' meaning of the symbol is a modern evangelical interpolation.
This symbol is ubiquitous on Buddhist and Shinto temples all over Japan. Its name is tomoe, meaning turning or circular, referring to the motion of the earth. The tomoe is related to the yin yang symbol, and has a similar meaning, representing the play of forces in the cosmos. Visually, the tomoe is made up of interlocked flames resembling tadpoles. The most common tomoe emblem has three flames (triple, or 'mitsu' tomoe), but one, two, or four are not uncommon. A mitsu (triple) Tomoe reflects the threefold division of Shinto cosmology, and is said to represent the earth, the heavens, and humankind. It is often associated with the Shinto war deity Hachiman. A tomoe-mon is a tomoe used as a kamon, or family crest, a device similar to a coat of arms. Pronunciation: toh-moh-ay
The mathematical symbol for infinity is called the lemniscate. The infinity sign was devised in 1655 by mathemetician John Wallis, and named lemniscus (latin, ribbon) by mathemetician Bernoulli about forty years later. The lemniscate is patterned after the device known as a mobius (named after a nineteenth century mathemetician Mobius) strip. A mobius strip is a strip of paper which is twisted and attached at the ends, forming an 'endless' two dimensional surface. The religious aspect of the infinity symbol predates its mathematical origins. Similar symbols have been found in Tibetan rock carvings; and the ouroboros, or infinitysnake, is often depicted in this shape. In the tarot, it represents the balance of forces and is often associated with the magician card.
The Greek mathemetician Pythagoras is credited with the discovery of the Golden Rectangle. The Golden Rectangle is built on the "golden ratio" or "golden proportion," which is determined by the irrational number known as Phi. (Symbolized by its namesake, the Greek letter phi. To put it simply, a golden rectangle is a rectangle divided in such a way as to create a square and a smaller rectangle that retains the same proportions as the original rectangle. To do this, one must create a rectangle based on the golden ratio. To find the Golden Ratio, one must divide a line so that the ratio of the line to the larger segment is equal to the ratio of the larger segment to the smaller: A is to B as B is to C To get a golden rectangle, you simply turn the larger segment of the line into a square: If you add a square to the long side of the "golden rectangle," you'll get a larger golden rectangle. If you continue to add squares in this way, you'll see the basis for nature's logarithmic spiral patterns. The golden proportion appears in numerous places in nature and in art and architecture. It forms the basis for Leonardo Da Vinci's "Divine Proportion," the ideal illustrated in his drawing Vitruvian Man. The face of the Parthenon in Athens is a perfect golden rectangle. The shell of the nautilus is a famous example of a spiral based on the golden mean, as is the spiral of the human DNA molecule. Sea http://www.mcs.surrey.ac.uk/Personal/R.Knott/Fibonacci/fibnat.html#spiral for the relation to the Fibonacci Rectangles and Shell Spirals.
The peace sign is not a religious symbol, but is included here as it is so often misinterpreted as a such. It is a common conceit in some evangelical Christian circles to refer to the symbol as anti-christian, and they refer to it as a 'broken cross' or 'Nero's cross,' referring back to the story of the upside-down crucifixion, supposedly at the hands of Emperor Nero. Thus, it is supposed to be a Satanic emblem- somehow, Satanists at the beginning of Christianity are supposed to have adopted the emblem of a Saint to somehow signify the defeat of Chriastianity. it makes no sense, but little in these convoluted conspiracy theories ever does. (It is also fashionable to compare the symbol to the letter algiz in the Norse runic alphabet, and thus extract a further connection to the Nazi and Neonazi groups who use such symbolism. To make it work, they have to take the runic letter algiz, call it 'life' when in fact it means 'elk,' and then flip it over and call it 'death'. Make sense?) The truth, as usual, is much more interesting, if less dramatic. The creator of the peace sign is Gerald Holtom, a leader in the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. Holtom, a Christian, originally used a Christian cross in his design, an idea that was rejected by religious leaders. He relates that he settled on the final design, a combination of the semaphore letters ND (for Nuclear Disarmament) as an emblem of the despair that he felt, a representation of a gesture of pleading: "I drew myself: the representative of an individual in despair, with hands palm outstretched outwards and downwards in the manner of Goya’s peasant before the firing squad. I formalised the drawing into a line and put a circle round it." The design was a poular success, and almost transcended its original intent, first adopted by the American Civil rights movement, then the anti-war movement, eventually becoming the ubiquitous emblem of peace. Last Knight-05312007-i found this Sister image. World Goddesses Mandala Wall Hanging-Images of 12 Goddesses from many spiritual traditions and countries. Goddesses Represented Include: Inanna, Nile, Lilith, Una, Peruvian, Aku'aba, Goddess of Kostienki, Changing Woman, Rhiannon, Pele, Tara, and Quan Yin. (sea http://www.goddessgift.net/images/Flag%20WorldGoddessMandalaBan.jpg)