SYMBOLS OF THE ANIMA SERIES

SYMBOLS OF THE ANIMA SERIES

SYMBOLS OF THE ANIMA SERIES

INTRODUCTION

The visual imagery of the Anima Series makes use of many traditional symbols. These symbols are complex and represent a variety of meanings depending on the context in which they appear. The tradition of alchemy, for example, has employed symbolism as a means of expressing a complex of spiritual ideas and values. These ideas are inspired by the human condition and the quest for self-knowledge.

Following is a brief description of the more common symbols appearing in my photographs and drawings:

The ancient Egyptian ankh is often translated as the symbol of life; that which animates life, that which breaths life into something, the key of knowledge and wisdom; immortality and the life to come. The ankh is formed from the two symbols of Osiris and Isis and represents the union of generative powers – male and female, sun and moon, heaven and earth. The ankh was known in medieval Europe as crux ansata, meaning a cross with a handle. In ancient Egypt various gods and goddesses were shown carrying an ankh to symbolise their animating spirit.

Like many symbols the colour black can represent different, sometimes contradictory things depending on the context in which it appears. Black can represent darkness; evil; death; grief; and sadness. It can also represent the fertile, life-giving soil of the earth and in the traditional name of ancient Egypt Kemet it symbolised rebirth and resurrection. Black in combination with white can represent the dual nature of existence – light and dark, good and bad, right and wrong.

A cemetery or tomb shares much in common with the symbol of death and represents the physical body which imprisons the soul. The return of the body to a grave or tomb is a return to the womb of the earth, earth to earth, dust to dust. The tomb can symbolise the Mother Goddess who controls both life and death and is a shelter for the soul. Someone stepping from the grave symbolises the resurrection of their spirit, a rebirth into spiritual enlightenment.

The wearing of a cloak can symbolise various things. Most often a cloak represents disguise; obscurity; withdrawal and secretive behaviour. A black cloak symbolises protection and for a magician it is the cloak of invisibility. In another context the cloak represents social status and position and can be seen as an emblem of dignity.

A cord or rope can represent something that binds or limits and can also symbolise an extension of something, a leading to something, freedom. Man is tied to his destiny or bound by the limits of earthly existence. Likewise a chain can symbolise something that both unifies and or keeps us in bondage. The links of a chain can represent communication and the holy bonds of marriage.

The cross is the world centre; cosmic axis; point of communication between heaven and earth – between spirit and body. The cross represents human potential which expands in all directions – the vertical plane symbolizes the celestial, spiritual, positive, active, male aspect; while the horizontal plane represents the earth-bound, rational, passive, female aspect.The cross symbolizes the union of the four cardinal point, the four seasons, the four elements. It is the union of opposites into a working whole; the integration of man’s soul into a whole person.

Death represents the dark and unforeseen aspects of life, it can also symbolise the process of transformation and rebirth. The death of the physical body precedes the ascent of the spirit into heaven; it is a transformation from one thing into another. Life and death are two halves of the one thing, without one the other has no meaning. The start of something new is often preceded by the end (death) of something old.

The eye represents the all-seeing aspect of the divine self. An eye lets in light (and information) symbolising enlightenment, wisdom, knowledge, the mind, the window of the soul. The eye is an emblem for intuitive understanding, the ability to see into things. In the Islamic tradition the eye is the eye of the heart, or spiritual centre. In various forms the symbol of the eye has served as a good luck charm and in times passed was painted on the bow of ships.

Female represents all that is nurturing, nourishing, receptive, protective and passive. She is that which creates all life, the Mother Goddess, the creatrix of man, the source of wisdom and spiritual insight. In Jungian psychology (see Carl Jung in glossary) she symbolises the anima, the feminine aspect of the male psyche. Female is symbolised by the moon, water, the stars, a walled garden, cave, furrow, shield, sheath or anything oval-shaped.

In the tradition of Alchemy fire symbolises the process of purification and transformation. Fiery heat burns off the impurities of the human spirit and aids the rebirth of the soul, as in the phoenix or benu bird of ancient Egypt. Fire also represents the life-giving power of the sun, energy, power, destruction. In ancient times the eternal flame which lit temples and shrines signifyed the spirit or life-force of the deity. In this sense, fire can also represent illumination and enlightenment.

In general terms, flowers symbolise the feminine principle, something that forms a receptacle, something which unfolds, life renewing itself. A bud represents the human potential which unfolds and grows into something larger than itself. Flowers can also symbolise something that is delicate and fragile, fleeting beauty, the life cycle, the colour and abundance of life.

A halo or nimbus represents the divine energy which radiates from the body (head). It is the dynamic life-force of wisdom and spiritual knowledge which shines light upon the world. The halo is a traditional sign of divine presence and is used to portray someone of spiritual significance, sun gods, saints and holy people. In ancient times many different gods were portrayed wearing a nimbus.

A hidden or covered face symbolises fear; concealment; transformation; lack of confidence; deceit; an inability to see what is obvious; an inability to see the truth; not wanting to deal with life. A covered face can represent those things we find too challenging or difficult.

A knot symbolises something that unites or connects things together, continuity, a tying together of opposite forces. It can also represent something that binds or holds in place. The harder a knot is pulled the tighter it becomes, the greater its strength. In the Celtic tradition of Northern Europe the intertwining knot symbolises something that is never-ending, the never-ending cycle of life, one thing combining with another.

A mask can symbolise concealment, hidden identity, protection and transformation. The wearing of a mask robs a person of their individual character and allows them to take on other forms and identities. Rather than representing the individual, a masked person becomes faceless, an archetypal human being.

In simple terms a mirror represents something that reflects. It is a symbol of truth and self-realisation, the gaining of wisdom through self-reflection, the mirror of the soul. Mirrors are traditionally regarded as having magical prosperities and can serve as a gateway between one world and the next.

The moon has long been a symbol of the Mother Goddess and therefore of woman. The influence of the moon and its phases upon tides and menstrual cycles is strongly connected to the cyclic rhythm of life. In its crescent form the moon represents the horns of the cow (Mother Goddess) and was a feature of such goddesses as Hathor and Isis. In ancient times to worship the moon meant you were a follower of the Goddess Isis.

The Mother Goddess is the archetypal feminine; origin of life; creator of life; renewal of life; woman; dynamic force; nurturing source of love and support; that which resides over the forces of life and death; anything hollow and receptive such as a cup, basket, cauldron or chalice; anything that originates from water (particularly the sea) such as shells, fish, pearls or dolphins. In traditional literature the Mother Goddess is referred to as the opener of ways, the Queen of heaven, the great Mother, mistress of the elements. In the tradition of Alchemy she leads man out of darkness and bondage and through the use of wisdom transforms him from a base element to the highest level of purity.

Nudity represents what is obvious or natural (Tellus Mater); innocence; truth; virtue; resurrection and rebirth; paradisal state of being; unadorned; raw; freedom from illusion; emotional honesty; renunciation of worldly goods; absence of shame. Nakedness can also represent vulnerability or a sense of being helpless and exposed.

The colour red symbolises the active, masculine principle; the sun at the zenith; fire; love; passion; joy. Red can also represent anger; blood-lust and vengeance. Red can symbolise the desert and calamity and is often used as a warning colour on signs or labels.

A road or pathway represents the journey of life, a means of traveling from one place to another, one experience to another, one life to another. As we travel the road of life we learn about ourselves and others, we acquire wisdom and knowledge. A pathway that splits into two or crossroad symbolises a point of departure, a change in direction, or a choice that must be made.

The sea represents the primordial ocean of life, the origin of life, the beginning of all things. It is a symbol of life as endless motion, the unfathomable, the mystery of the deep, the sum of possibilities, the Great Mother Goddess (Stella maris). The sea is the watery abyss, the ocean of life which must be crossed to reach the other side (spiritual rebirth). In the esoteric tradition life is symbolised by the sea, something vast and unknowable.

Stone symbolises something that is strong and stable, something enduring in nature that stands the test of time. Stone represents eternity, immortality, the solid earth, reality, the imperishable spirit or life-force. A broken or shattered stone symbolises death and destruction, decay, the passing of time, the passing of one thing into another.

The sun is traditionally a symbol of the sun god, the father, the son, the radiant energy which shines down upon the world and is the source of all life; the supreme cosmic power, the centre of being and the source of intuitive power. In most cultures the solar disk represents the centre point of the cosmos, the wheel around which everything revolves.

The symbol of a sword is a complex one. A sword can represent authority and royal power, leadership, courage, strength. It can also stand for the power to discriminate between right and wrong (justice), the intellectual power to penetrate, the ability to cut through ignorance and deception. A double-edged sword symbolises the power to cut both ways, the power to create and destroy, to enlighten or dominate.

Trees symbolise the dynamic life-force, the union between heaven and earth. A tree stretches out its roots into the ground while at the same time reaching upwards towards heaven. The tree of life serves as a model for the various stages of spiritual enlightenment, as in the Jewish Kabala. Trees also symbolise the feminine principle, i.e. something that shelters and protects, something that supports and nourishes.

Like the sea, water symbolises the primordial source from which all things originate and to which all things return. Water is a symbol of the Mother Goddess, birth (breaking of waters), the womb, the feminine principle. Water purifies and washes clean as in the tradition of baptism; it symbolises emotion in the form of tears. Water passes through everything and wears away stone and is therefore a moving force.

Like many symbols the colour white can represent different, sometimes contradictory things depending on the context in which it appears. White can represent purity, innocence, chastity, holiness, perfection, light and spiritual illumination. It can also symbolise the pallor of death, (in marriage) the death of the old life and rebirth of the new. A white flag represents surrender and white in combination with the colour red symbolises death. A white dove represents peace.

The wind is symbolic of spirit, the vital breath that sustains life. Although difficult to portray its effect upon foliage, hair or loose clothing can be obvious to the eye. Wind can also represent something that is illusive or intangible, something invisible that can only be seen indirectly through its effect on the environment. In ancient times a strong wind or storm was often seen as the presence of a divinity, hence its association with the spiritual.

Wings represent the power of the spirit to transcend earthy existence, the power to rise above, freedom. In ancient Egypt the ba (human soul) was depicted as a human-headed bird which survived the physical body and moved at will between the spiritual world and earthly existence. Wings therefore represent the ability to move between worlds.