Symbology

Hello all,

Spring is a very busy time of year for Mother Nature as well as for people. It is hard to believe it has been over a month since I last posted a discussion! Time does seem to go by so quickly. :-)

For one of our open meeting topics we discussed symbology. Particularly, natural and artificial symbology. We used the discussion from the 2005 Forum article about symbology. We had a lively discussion and shared some great thoughts.

So, I thought I would post it as a short discussion here for others to share their thoughts. We are surrounded by symbology everyday and in most every way. Even the letters and words I am typing here are merely symbols of the ideas that I have and a way to express them in a way that others who share a common agreed upon meaning will be able to understand.

There are two main types of symbols: artificial and natural. Artificial symbols are such as "the golden arches" for McDonalds, clocks for the passage of time, the lightbulb for ideas. The natural symbols are the Sun, roses, the dove, etc. These natural symbols can also be used as artificial symbols, like the ram for the Dodge logo, star for Texaco and others that I am sure many could list endlessly.

What do symbols mean and why do we use them? That is the question I would like to pose to you. Please add your thoughts and share your ideas. We would love to hear what you have to say.

Peace Profound,

Ronda Mitchell

Columbine Pronaos, Boulder, CO

Hello Dearest Victoria,
I agree, maps are a wonderful example of symbols. THat is something that I had not thought of, but the symbols used, particularly the older maps and the elaborate symbolism used are certainly very interesting. When I worked at Hobby Lobby in the framing department I used to frame older maps and they were so fun to look at and think of the people who created them so long ago. The way they viewed the world, their imaginations soared with stories of huge sea monsters and what was at the edge of the world but also the skies were mapped extensively by the Phoenicians, Mesopotamians, Egypt, and many other ancient cultures. They had vast knowledge of land, sea and sky.

I agree, they are definitely a great tool for projecting ourselves into our Earth's past, the universe and beyond. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It is always good to hear from you.
with Light Life and Love always
Ronda

Victoria Franck Wetsch said:

Greetings Columbine Pronaos,
As an artist, I love to study symbols and get a feeling of their visual power. In particular, since I was very young, I have always loved maps. From geological maps to star maps, I am always amazed at how their illustrious language can be analyzed and then actually utilized. I can lose myself in their visual impact for hours, imagining places that are shown entirely as symbolic codes. Maps draw me in and my imagination soars. The possibilities are endless: the contour of the landscape, its colors and shapes, its sunset, the animals, people, buildings, noises, feelings, etc. I am especially enthusiastic about historical maps. I wonder about the mapmakers and their illustration of codes. Most are done very elaborately. I wonder about their purpose for making the maps and their cultural influence. Most essential, I think that as symbols, maps become very effective tools that can aid us in projecting ourselves into our earth’s past, into the universe and into the beyond.
Best wishes to everyone, Peace Profound,
Victoria Franck Wetsch

Replies

Peter McCumber January 11, 2011 at 7:45am

Ahoy Victoria!

Just saw your brief article about symbols..where are you located on this planet of drawings/maps?

Grace, Nick

Victoria Franck Wetsch said:

Greetings Columbine Pronaos,
As an artist, I love to study symbols and get a feeling of their visual power. In particular, since I was very young, I have always loved maps. From geological maps to star maps, I am always amazed at how their illustrious language can be analyzed and then actually utilized. I can lose myself in their visual impact for hours, imagining places that are shown entirely as symbolic codes. Maps draw me in and my imagination soars. The possibilities are endless: the contour of the landscape, its colors and shapes, its sunset, the animals, people, buildings, noises, feelings, etc. I am especially enthusiastic about historical maps. I wonder about the mapmakers and their illustration of codes. Most are done very elaborately. I wonder about their purpose for making the maps and their cultural influence. Most essential, I think that as symbols, maps become very effective tools that can aid us in projecting ourselves into our earth’s past, into the universe and into the beyond.
Best wishes to everyone, Peace Profound,
Victoria Franck Wetsch
Carol Schloegel May 26, 2010 at 5:17pm

Dearest Ronda and Victoria and Whoever...
My heart and mind were more tuned in to this last week but I didn't get to the computer. We'll see how much of this I can remember--
SYMBOLISM... how does that relate to symbology?
Symbolism is a word that brings up my ???? probably my ego and pride.
When I read your entries earlier in the month, I remembered being in college classes and the discussions of symbolism--particularly in Melville's MOBY DICK...somehow it made me feel intellectually smooshed.
I didn't get the same feeling in Rosicrucian studies and ritual...it was more of a "ponder these things in my heart."
As I learned about Jung and archetypes it was more of a "wait and see....hmmm..."
About a week ago David and I watched the decades old movie BILLY BUDD, based on one of Melville's novels.
As I think about my intellectual journey with "symbolism" and the place of symbols in my life, it is so interesting to reflect on this concept of artificial and natural symbols that you discussed, Ronda, and your sharing about maps, Victoria, and the visual power of symbols in your art and the soaring of your imagination.
I think of Dean Woodhull and his discussion of all the symbols in the Hermetic Rose Cross.
I think of the power of the symbols of Light Life Love...
All the reflection is very LIGHT AND LIFE GIVING AND BUILDING! I think it is heart and soul food!!!
THANK YOU!!!!
Love Always,
Carol
Ronda Mitchell May 19, 2010 at 6:50am

Hello Dearest Victoria,
I agree, maps are a wonderful example of symbols. THat is something that I had not thought of, but the symbols used, particularly the older maps and the elaborate symbolism used are certainly very interesting. When I worked at Hobby Lobby in the framing department I used to frame older maps and they were so fun to look at and think of the people who created them so long ago. The way they viewed the world, their imaginations soared with stories of huge sea monsters and what was at the edge of the world but also the skies were mapped extensively by the Phoenicians, Mesopotamians, Egypt, and many other ancient cultures. They had vast knowledge of land, sea and sky.

I agree, they are definitely a great tool for projecting ourselves into our Earth's past, the universe and beyond. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It is always good to hear from you.
with Light Life and Love always
Ronda

Victoria Franck Wetsch said:
Greetings Columbine Pronaos,
As an artist, I love to study symbols and get a feeling of their visual power. In particular, since I was very young, I have always loved maps. From geological maps to star maps, I am always amazed at how their illustrious language can be analyzed and then actually utilized. I can lose myself in their visual impact for hours, imagining places that are shown entirely as symbolic codes. Maps draw me in and my imagination soars. The possibilities are endless: the contour of the landscape, its colors and shapes, its sunset, the animals, people, buildings, noises, feelings, etc. I am especially enthusiastic about historical maps. I wonder about the mapmakers and their illustration of codes. Most are done very elaborately. I wonder about their purpose for making the maps and their cultural influence. Most essential, I think that as symbols, maps become very effective tools that can aid us in projecting ourselves into our earth’s past, into the universe and into the beyond.
Best wishes to everyone, Peace Profound,
Victoria Franck Wetsch

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Symbology

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