Description
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
Fully referenced enabling further research.
Typical entries:
Three-Rayed Sun
This three-rayed figure represented the sun suspended in the midst of heaven by three powers, perhaps originally the triple-Goddess who was supposed to have given birth to it.(1) According to Tantric tradition, the Goddess concealed herself behind the sun?s brightness; it was ?the mayik venture of Her who is clothed with the sun?(2) This image reappeared in the New Testament as ?the woman clothed with the sun.? (Revelation 12:1)
(1) Budge, G.E. 1, 473
(2)Mahanirvanatantra, x
Corn Dolly
The corn dolly was made not of corncobs but of grain stalks ? wheat, barley, oats or rye, collectively call ?corn? in Europe. The corn dolly was a traditional harvest figure made of the last sheaves of grain or, in some areas, the first sheaves of each year?s crop. She was dressed in appropriate clothing and treated in various ways as an embodiment of the harvest. Some folk left her in the field. Soe brought er to the harvest dance ad set her up in the center. ? ? Some preserved her until Yule, when she was fed to the cattle ?to make them thrive all the year round.? (1)
(1). Frazer, G.B., 463-477
