General Information Regarding Spirituality

Guide to Religious Symbols

The Following information was gathered from:http://altreligion.about.com/library/glossary/blsymbols.htm

Hexagram

Definition: A hexagram is a six pointed star composed of two overlapped triangles, found in use by a number of faiths and cultures. Outside of the cross and the swastika, the hexagram is one of the oldest and most universal spiritual symbols.

It is associated with the Biblical Solomon, known as the Star of David in the Jewish religion. In Ritual Magic, it is called the Seal of Solomon, and represents Divine Union, being composed of a female, watery triangle, and a male, fiery triangle. The traditional elemental triangles of earth, air, water, and fire are derived from the seal.

When the points of a hexagram are connected, a heptagon is formed.

Hindu Shatkona

In the Hindu religion, the hexagram is called the Shatkona, and is equivalent to the symbolism in ritual magic. The Shatkona is the combination of the Shivakona (trikona, triangle), the symbol of the God Shiva, representing the element of fire, and the Shaktikona, representing the element of water.

Star and crescent of Islam

Definition: 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 political 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.

Pentagram

In later times, it was used by medieval Christians to symbolize the five wounds of Christ, and figured in the heavily symbolic Arthurian romances. It also represents the proportions of the human body. It was not until the twentieth century that the symbol became associated with Satanism, probably due to misinterpretation of symbols used by ceremonial magicians.

Definition: The pentagram is a five pointed star commonly associated with Wicca, Ritual magic, Satanism, and Masonry. The Pentagram has a long and complex history as a religious symbol. Found scrawled in caves of ancient Babylonia, the five pointed star was copied from the star shaped pattern formed by the travels of the planet Venus in the sky. The emblem remained popular through many cultures and time periods- it was called the pentalpha by the Greeks, who believed it had magical properties.

In alchemical texts, the four elements in Latin- flatus, ignus, aqua, terra,superseded by light, or divine energy, illustrated the process of creation-Fiat Lux, or "let there be light."

InWiccan/Pagan lore, the pentagram symbolizes the five elements- earth, air, water, fire, and spirit. The Wiccan emblematic pentagram faces point upward to symbolize the triumph of spirit over matter; the Satanic pentagram is transposed, point downwards, to symbolize earthly gratification. Some Wiccangrades also utilize a reversed pentacle, although for different purposes.

Cross

Definition: 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.

YinYang

Definition: The yin yang Taoist symbol 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 idealized balance of the forces; equilibrium in the universe. In ancient Taoist texts, white and black represent enlightenment and ignorance, respectively.

Claddagh

Definition: The Irish Claddagh Symbol is named for the Irish coastal town of Claddagh (pronounced"clawd-ah"), where the ring design is attributed to an ancient local legend. The now famous tale, about a townsman kidnapped into slavery, who returns to present a ring to his true love, is one of the most popular romantic tales of Ireland.

Despite the romantic story, Claddagh rings are a traditional token of loyalty and friendship as well as romantic love. The Claddagh design usually appears on rings, but is now used on all sorts of items, from jewelry to napkins to family crests. The hands in the design represent friendship, the heart, love, and the crown, loyalty. Various traditions ascribe different meanings to the ring, depending on how it is worn- as a wedding ring, it is worn on the left hand, with the heart pointed inward. As an engagement ring, it is worn on the right-hand, with the heart pointing inward; for friendship, it is worn on the right-hand, heart turned outward.

Chakras

Definition: Chakra in Hindu means"wheel".  In Buddhist, Jainist, and Hindu beliefs, Chakras are vital energy centers in the body.

Traditions differ about the number, but most agree that seven are the most important-

Muladhara, or root chakra, located at the base of the spine- it controls the 'animal' body- involuntary functions like breathing, instinct, survival.

Swadhistana, or base Chakra, controlling the reproductive drive.

Manipura, or Solar plexus, the center of the base emotions.

Anahata, or heart Chakra, love and self acceptance.

Visuddha, or throat Chakra, controlling creativity and self expression.

Ajna, or third eye, knowledge, intuition, and perception.

Sahasrara, Crown or Lotus Chakra, the link between the human and the divine.

The movement of energy through the chakra system greatly resembles the cadeceus, or wand of Hermes.

Religious Calendar of Holidays from a wide variety of faiths

http://www.interfaithcalendar.org

Find a Church Anywhere in the United States

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