Название: An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Traditional Symbols
Автор: J.C. Cooper
Издательство: THAMES AND HUDSON
Год: 1987
Страниц: 213
Формат: pdf
Размер: 15,31 MB
Язык: английский

The study of symbolism is not mere erudition; it concerns man’s knowledge of himself. Symbolism is an instrument of knowledge and the most ancient and fundamental method of expression, one which reveals aspects of reality which escape other modes of expression.
Although the full portent of the symbol cannot be captured and imprisoned within the confines of any encyclopaedia or written word, there exists, nevertheless, a large body of symbolism which has become traditional over the ages and which constitutes an international language transcending the normal limits of communication. Furthermore, whereas it is impossible to limit the symbol to mere meaning and definition, it is possible to provide, or indicate, a point of departure for a voyage of exploration, a two-way journey, or quest, of mind and spirit, of inner depth and outer height, the immanent and the transcendent, the horizontal and the vertical planes. Symbolic usage, mediate in itself, can lead to the immediate and to direct apprehension.