Describing the use of symbols in philosophy and religion, this book connects the Taoist symbol of the self--the diamond body--to the tetrahedron, as well as to the four valences of the carbon molecule, the basis of all life. Following these ideas further, the discussion details the close correspondence between the ancient wisdom of Lao Tsu and the symbolism of Jungian psychology--and also conjectures about the possibility of a more image-oriented...

Explains the origins of familiar Halloween symbols and relates stories associated with them.

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...

"A landmark work that demystifies the rich tradition of Indian art, Myth and Symbols in Indian Art and Civilization analyzes key motifs found in legend, myth, and folklore taken directly from the Sanskrit. It provides a comprehensive introduction to visual thinking and picture reading in Indian art and thought. Ultimately, the book shows that profound Hindu and Buddhist intuitions on the riddles of life and death are universally recognizable." --Page...

"Tell all the Truth but tell it slant." (Emily Dickinson) This course follows the contours of the salvation story through the lens of the arts. Putting visual art and poetry in conversation with the Bible, it seeks to engage the imagination. Rather than analyzing the narrative, the reader is invited to behold it and respond to it through "making"--either verbally or visually. At times, the church has treated the imagination like an embarrassing relative....

In art history, the term Romanesque art distinguishes the period between the beginning of the eleventh and the end of the twelfth century. This era showed a great diversity of regional schools each with their own unique style. In architecture as well as in sculpture, Romanesque art is marked by raw forms. Through its rich iconography and captivating text, this work reclaims the importance of this art which is today often overshadowed by the later...

In this book, Victor Turner is concerned with various kinds of social actions and how they relate to, and come to acquire meaning through, metaphors and paradigms in their actors' minds; how in certain circumstances new forms, new metaphors, new paradigms are generated. To describe and clarify these processes, he ranges widely in history and geography: from ancient society through the medieval period to modern revolutions, and over India, Africa,...

In this book, Brian Bishop simply pauses to look at fifty-seven beautiful images that feature the life and death of Jesus and the supper at which he appeared three days after his burial to two broken-hearted disciples. He finds the visual approach to the gospel stories rewarding and attempts to place the paintings in some historical context as an aid to understanding, but, essentially offers pauses for thought and reflection upon world-changing events....

The legendary medieval tapestry The Lady and the Unicorn is Sutherland Lyall's starting point for this journey into the world of mythology and mystery which has been woven around the myth of the unicorn and the lady. We learn that the unicorn is the symbol for power and the lady may be mother, mistress or virgin. With an abundant collection of documents form a number of international museums, Lyall's writing is an exciting exploration, a lively new...