Since man discovered creating lines and curves to form pictures or to tell a story, symbols have always been a part and parcel of life. They're used to tell of warnings, to signify relationships or brotherhood and even as a practical means to cry for help. Some, such as the old Greek letters have evolved into more modern uses, such as the English alphabet. But while these symbols have made their way into our everyday lives and have become as ubiquitous as letters and numerals, some symbols that hark from the ancient times still carry with them the mysticism, the magic, the secrets and even the powers from the olden days. The reason for this, according to the influential Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, is because of the collective unconscious ingrained in each and every human, allowing sacred symbols to pass on from generation to generation and to transcend time, culture and place. The Transfer of Ancient Wisdom Interestingly enough, Jung believed that symbols are essential in understanding our very own nature and history. He proposed that symbols were used to explain something that was virtually unknown or inexplicable. Jung was specifically fascinated with how similar symbols, such as the cross or the patterns in Sacred Geometry could occur throughout different countries and in various periods in time. He then concluded that everyone's memories contained traces of events, experiences that are innate to all humankind. He then pegged these common "memories" or predispositions as "archetypes," or visual symbols or imprints of energy that exists in all our psyches. Although these archetypes or symbols are ingrained in the unconscious and often referred to as the "language of the mind," we become aware of them during prayer, meditation or even during dreaming or when our minds are at a relaxed state. This is the reason why certain symbols attract us or draw us to them, with little or no explanations. Ancient Traditions in the Modern World The world has certainly seen ancient symbols passed on from generation to generation—some have evolved in their uses, while others have retained their meanings and secrets through the years. Let's take a quick look at some of the modern uses of ancient symbols. * The Rod of Asceplius. Composed of a serpent entwined around a long staff, this symbol is named after the god Asceplius (or Asklepios), the Greek God associated with medicine and healing. Today, it is used as a symbol for the medical profession, as well as the World Health Organization. * The Swastika. This symbol, whose associations with Nazi Germany has given it a negative connotation, actually dates back farther than World War I. The use of this bent, equilateral cross can be traced to the Neolithic period, and is used in this day and age as a sacred symbol in Eastern and Dharmic religions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. The Finnish airforce still uses the swastika in their flag, and even Japanese still use this symbol to denote temples in maps. * The Cross of Nero. What is popularly known now as the peace sign flashed by hippies during the 70s actually had a darker history. The so-called "cross of Nero" is, in reality, an inverted cross which is enclosed in a circle, to symbolize the fall of Christianity. Nero was a ruthless emperor of Rome during rom 54 A.D. to 68 A.D, murdering people and persecuting Christians. Nero's Cross now, though, means the opposite of what this evil emperor believed in. * The Mandala. In ancient India, the mandala was considered a container of sacred essence and an excellent tool and guide to enlightenment. The mandala, although associated with Buddhism, also has its variations in Celtic and even Christian tradition. Today, this repetitive pattern is still used as a sacred symbol to represent cosmological, personal and spiritual wholeness. Traditional or ancient symbols, signs, inscriptions and even shapes still have their place in the modern world. Because of our collective unconsciousness, we still revere, respect and use these symbols to help us learn more about ourselves, the world and others.
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