Category: Our symbols

Welcome to the world of symbols, Zen symbols, spiritual symbols or esoteric symbols. Each one contains its own energy and symbolism. Simply let yourself be carried away by the energy it gives off and that speaks to you.

Rodin said: "Man has never invented anything new, he has only discovered things."

And yes, symbols are often reflections of the nature that surrounds us. If you take a look around you, you will see that the natural world is an inexhaustible source of inspiration, from the simplest to the most complex shapes

And then there are basic geometric figures. Let's take the example of the circle, the square and the triangle. These basic geometric shapes, present in all cultures, are much more than simple drawings. They are universal patterns (archetypes) that resonate in each of us. The circle, symbol of unity, infinity and perfection, reminds us of our connection to the universe. The square, on the other hand, evokes stability, earth, and material. And the triangle, with its points pointing toward the sky, represents aspiration, divinity, and movement. These simple shapes are the building blocks of our collective imagination, and their meaning is revealed to each of us in a unique way.

What is a sign and a symbol?

A sign is a simple and direct element, an indicator that directs us to specific information. It can be a word, an image, a gesture, or an object that refers to a concrete and immediate reality. A road sign, for example, shows us the direction to follow, while a logo identifies a brand. The sign is essentially a practical communication tool, a shortcut to convey an idea clearly and effectively.

The symbol, on the other hand, goes beyond the simple sign. It evokes deeper and more complex realities, often spiritual. A symbol can refer to an abstract idea, a universal concept, or even an inner experience. Fire, for example, is not only a source of heat and light, it is also a symbol of life, passion, transformation and divinity.

In short, the difference between sign and symbol lies in their depth of meaning. The sign tells us what to do, it is very basic in itself, while the symbol invites us to reflect on what we are. It refers us to a much deeper reality and it touches on our emotional and spiritual dimension.

It is no coincidence that symbols have been found since the dawn of time, from prehistory to the present day. They are present in all cultures around the globe. Symbols are tools to express beliefs, concepts. They are keys that allow us to decipher the mysteries of existence and connect to something greater than ourselves.

Let's take a concrete example to better understand the nuance between sign and symbol.

Let's take the example of the cross:

• As a sign, the cross indicates a hospital, a place of worship or simply a decorative object. Its meaning is then relatively limited and conventional.
• As a symbol, the cross can represent suffering, redemption, the union of heaven and earth, or even the four elements. It then becomes a bridge between the visible world and the invisible world.

What does the symbol mean?

Origin and etymology of the symbol

The etymology of the word "symbol" takes us back to Ancient Greece. It comes from the ancient Greek "σύμβολον" (sýmbolon) which originally meant "object cut in two whose parts reunited following a quest allow the holders to recognize each other".

Here is a more detailed breakdown of its etymology: σύν (sún): means "with", "together" and βάλλω (bállô): means "to throw", "to throw".

Symbols: a key to understanding humanity

Since the first cave paintings, symbols have accompanied us. They are everywhere. More than a simple ornament, they are doors to our inner world, a universal language that speaks to our heart as much as to our mind, to our soul. This is why they attract you so much!

If words and images are used to communicate specific facts, symbols evoke emotions, deep ideas that go beyond simple description. They are like clues, fragments of a giant puzzle that tells the story of humanity and that connect us to something bigger that often escapes us.

In myths, religions, art or even advertisements, symbols are omnipresent. They touch us deep inside, often unconsciously. Sometimes they awaken memories, intuitions or existential questions. Has this ever happened to you?

Carl Jung, the famous psychologist, said that symbols are "perpetual challenges to our thoughts". They invite us to explore the recesses of our unconscious, to decode the messages that our soul sends us.

Why are we so attracted to symbols? Perhaps because they remind us that we are more than just rational beings. We are also emotional, spiritual beings, connected to something greater than ourselves. What do you think?

Archetypes or universal patterns

Since the dawn of time, humanity has woven stories around heroes, gods and monsters. Who does not have the famous Ulysses in mind? These stories, much more than simple entertainment, are reflections of our deep psyche.

Jung called these figures archetypes. What are they? Well, archetypes are universal models that shape our way of thinking, feeling and acting. The hero archetype, for example, represents our desire to accomplish great things, overcome obstacles, and find our own path.

These archetypes are like energies that lie dormant within us. They can manifest in our dreams, our aspirations, or even in the characters we love in movies and books. By recognizing them and integrating them into our lives, we can better understand and grow.

Many spiritual and esoteric traditions have explored and used symbols. Why? Because symbols are tools that help you reach out to your divine nature. When you meditate on archetypal images, you can open a door to your unconscious and the mysteries of your soul, and discover your true being beyond appearances.

While archetypes are universal structures of the unconscious, their symbolic expressions vary greatly from one culture to another. Why? Because symbols are shaped by the history, geography, beliefs, and unique experiences of each people.

Imagine a cloud: everyone sees a different shape in it. The same goes for symbols. A big belly, for example, can represent wealth in China, wisdom in India, or gluttony in the West. Colors also have multiple meanings: yellow is imperial in China, but symbolizes deception in Northern Europe.

It is as if symbols are like languages: they have a universal grammar (archetypes), but their vocabulary and accent vary from one culture to another.

What is fascinating is that despite these differences, symbols continue to touch us deeply. They connect us to our ancestors, to our history and to all of humanity.

Symbols: powerful tools of the mind and soul

Symbols have always been companions, inspiring our creations and guiding our reflections. Symbols are powerful tools. They give meaning to our existence. They help us explore our inner world and connect with others. They are often used for meditation, either in the form of a harmonizing disk (practical to take everywhere with you), or better, in the form of a printed canvas, when you are comfortably installed at home.

Symbols play an essential role in meditation, which is an ancestral practice that aims to calm the mind and access higher states of consciousness. The mandala, for example, is a meditation tool that promotes concentration and harmonization.

When you focus on a symbol, you can resonate with the energies it represents and thus promote your personal growth.

How to do it concretely? You can start by observing the center of the symbol, and by connecting to the center, you connect to your own center. Then you broaden your vision. You observe the lines, the colors, the details. You observe without putting anything of yourself into it. You try to observe in impersonality and you try to let the symbol speak to you in the subtle.

Simply listen to your feelings.

The timeless power of symbols

Symbols, over time, have branched out like the branches of a tree, each taking a unique path according to cultures and eras. However, some symbols, as ancient as they may be, retain a universal resonance. We particularly think of the Flower of Life or the Tree of Life that we find in many traditions and civilizations? Why?

Primitive societies, confronted with the natural elements, elevated the sun, the moon, the stars to the rank of divinities. These symbols, linked to the cycles of life and death, have deeply marked the collective imagination. Even today, these symbols continue to fascinate and move us.

Why are symbols so powerful?

First of all, they meet fundamental needs: The search for meaning, the quest for a higher reality, the desire to understand the world... These universal questions find an echo in symbols.

Then, they carry strong emotions: they evoke deep emotions, such as fear, hope, love, which connect us to our common humanity.

And finally, they are anchored in our collective unconscious: The oldest symbols have been transmitted from generation to generation, becoming part of our collective memory.

Whether we are aware of it or not, symbols offer us a language to explore the invisible dimensions of our existence.

The universal language of symbols: an infinite wealth

Symbols are omnipresent in all cultures, but their interpretation is often subjective and depends on the historical and cultural context. If Jung claimed that symbols constituted a universal language, the reality is more complex.

Symbols take many and varied forms: images, words, gestures, sounds, objects... They draw their inspiration from nature, from history, from the collective imagination.

A single symbol can have multiple meanings. The cross, for example, is a universal symbol that has very different meanings depending on the culture. For Christians, it represents the sacrifice of Christ, while for the Aztecs, it was associated with divinities of the earth and water. This diversity is explained by the fact that symbols are socially constructed and evolve over time.

Symbols also play a fundamental role in the construction of individual and collective identity. By adopting the symbols of a culture or a group, we affirm our belonging and our values.

Exploring the world of symbols is to undertake a journey to the heart of the human soul. It is to understand how different cultures have given meaning to the world and to their existence. It is also a way to know oneself better.

What is important is not necessarily knowing the meaning of this or that symbol, even if its history can obviously be fascinating. What matters most is the interaction that is created with the symbol. It is how it will speak to you. Because depending on who you are, your experiences and your beliefs, the symbol will speak differently to each person.

Sacred geometry: a universal language

Sacred geometry, which studies the geometric shapes present in nature and in human creations, reveals to us a universal language deeply rooted in us. These shapes, far from being simple patterns, carry powerful symbolic meanings and have been used since Antiquity to represent cosmic forces and the principles of the universe.

Our sensitivity to geometric shapes is innate. Babies and children are naturally attracted to symmetrical and harmonious shapes, which evoke a feeling of security and well-being. This sensitivity develops throughout our lives and influences our perception of the world.

Sacred geometry is present in all cultures, in various forms:

• Ancient Egypt: Pyramids, hieroglyphs and temples demonstrate a deep knowledge of sacred geometry. Not to mention the Flower of Life found in the temple of Abydos!
• Ancient Greece: The Parthenon and other Greek temples are built according to harmonious proportions based on the golden ratio.
• Gothic cathedrals: Their stained glass windows, rose windows and vaults are decorated with complex geometric patterns that evoke divine light.
• Mandalas: These sacred diagrams, present in many cultures, are used for meditation and visualization.

Ancient and contemporary symbols

Sacred geometry continues to inspire. The proof! At Mandalashop we wanted to make it accessible to as many people as possible! It is used in the creation of jewelry, decorative objects or various accessories to use in everyday life.

Moreover, we offer the largest selection of symbols on the market with more than 400 symbols in our catalog. From ancient symbols such as the Tetagrammaton, the Pentagram or the Seal of the 7 Archangels to more contemporary symbols such as Mandalas or Metatron's Cube, everyone can find what they are looking for!

And for those who don't know anything about symbols? Don't worry, symbols and beauty in general speak to everyone. But know that sacred geometry can also be used as a personal development tool. Know how to use it according to your feelings.