Archetypes and Symbols Condensed
NUMBERS
Ten
SIGNIFICANCE/TOPICS
This number is the symbol of the Homo sapiens, the only being capable of complex rational
thinking and developed communication on Earth. It points to the absolute unity - God. Unity, primacy, the first, the best, the only, it has no
divisors, no factors, no components, it is universal, whole and complete. One is independent of all other numbers, is the source of all other
numbers. In this sense it represents God as the beginning and the end, the prime impulse, the source of creation. essence
If 1 is the essence, 2 is the existence; duality, the opposition, the separation, the antagonist
The Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Ghost); Mind, Body, Spirit, Birth, Life, Death; circle . Three is the fundamental number. Number 3 points to the
intellectual and spiritual order, the divine qualities in cosmos and people. It is the synthesis of number 1 and 2, the unity of Heaven and Earth.
It also represents the three aspects of human life: material, rational and spiritual
Mankind (four limbs), four elements, four seasons
This is the number of power and Divine grace; Number 5 is the sum of the first even number 2 and the first odd number 3 and this symbolizes
the union of heavenly and worldly aspects; man's biological and spiritual development as well as his existence. Numbersdivisible by 5 signify
individuality and existence. This number is the symbol of the Universe, of orderand perfection, and finally, the symbol of divine power
devil, evil
Divinity (3) + Mankind (4) = relationship between man and God, seven deadly sins, seven days of week, seven days to create the world, seven
stages of civilization, seven colors of the rainbow, seven gifts of Holy Spirit
the number of cosmic balance. There are eight carriers of the heavenly
thrones; justice and balance. In Christianity, number eight symbolizes resurrection of Jesus Christ. After six days of creation and one day of rest
comes the eighth day. There are seven parts in the Old Testament and the eighth part is in the New Testament, symbolizing the new beginning.
The eighth day represents the periodic revival and change.
The symbol of the world is the triangle with the three points: Heaven, Earth and Hell. Number
nine symbolizes the whole that includes three worlds; Number nine like the last number in the range signifies the beginning and the end, a
transition to a new level. It symbolizes the end of the road, the finish of the cycle.
Earthly perfection; 10 toes and fingers
Thirty
represents perfect man; Jesus was 30 and sold for 30 pieces of silver
Forty
a period of testing or trial
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
SHAPES
SIGNIFICANCE/TOPICS
Oval
woman, passivity
Triangle
communication, between heaven and earth, fire, the number 3, trinity, aspiration, movement upward, return to origins, sight, light; the
triangle with the three points: Heaven, Earth and Hell
Square
pluralism, earth, firmness, stability, construction, material solidity, the number four
Circle
the Tree of life, axis of the world, struggle, martyrdom, orientation in space
Rectangle
the most rational, most secure
Spiral
the evolution of the universe, orbit, growth, deepening, cosmic motion, relationship between unity and multiplicity, macrocosm, breath, spirit,
water
Cross
Heaven, intellect, thought, sun, the number two, unity, perfection, eternity, oneness, celestial realm, hearing, sound
SIGNIFICANCE/TOPICS
BODY
Head
Body
Hands
Feet
Eyes
Arms
rational mind, reason; sky; mind; Christ is the Head of the Church, his body
Animal, earth, passion, desire; represents the Church.
power
Earth, represent the last members of Christ's Body, or Church.
wisdom, understanding, comprehension Sight; vision; analysis; favor
support, strength
COLORS
SIGNIFICANCE/TOPICS
Black
(darkness) – chaos, mystery, the unknown, before existence, death, the unconscious, evil
Red
White
blood, sacrifice; violent passion, disorder, sunrise, birth, fire, emotion, wounds, death, sentiment, mother, Mars, the note C, anger, excitement,
heat, physical stimulation
hope, growth, envy, Earth, fertility, sensation, vegetation, death, water, nature, sympathy, adaptability, growth, Jupiter and Venus, the note G,
envy
purity, peace, innocence, goodness, Spirit, morality, creative force, the direction East, spiritual thought
Orange
fire, pride, ambition, egoism, Venus, the note D
Blue
Violet
clear sky, the day, the sea, height, depth, heaven, religious feeling, devotion, innocence, truth, spirituality, Jupiter, the note F, physical soothing and
cooling
water, nostalgia, memory, advanced spirituality, Neptune, the note B
Gold
Majesty, sun, wealth, corn (life dependency), truth
Silver
Moon, wealth
Green
Purple
NATURE
Royalty; honors; high status
Fire
Lake
Crescent Moon
Mountain
Valley
River/Stream
Stars
Ice/Snow
Wind
Clouds
Steam
Cave
Lightning
Forest
Ocean/Sea
SIGNIFICANCE/TOPICS
activity, creativity, breath, light, freedom (liberty), movement
active, masculine, god
passive, feminine, receptive, solid, green; the devil’s dominion
The tree is a symbol of antiquity and strength. Many types of trees are blazoned on shields and crests, but they are generally not depicted accurately. The type
of tree can relate to the characteristics of an early bearer of the family name, or perhaps to the land held by that family. The garden of Eden. The cross. Life
and Death.
Hero, son of Heaven, knowledge, the Divine eye, fire, life force, creative-guiding force, brightness, splendor, active awakening, healing, resurrection, ultimate
wholeness
the ability to transform, love, life, health, control, sun, God, passion, spiritual energy, regeneration
mystery, depth, unconscious
change, transition
height, mass, loftiness, center of the world, ambition, goals
depression, low-points, evil, unknown
life force, life cycle
Guidance; represent those who radiate light, spiritual instruction
coldness, barrenness; silence
Holy Spirit, life, messenger
mystery, sacred
transformation to the Holy Spirit ; industry, advancement
Feminine; darkness; unknown
intuition, inspiration
evil, lost, fear
restless masses of society, usually unruly and lawless
Islands
Wilderness
Rainbow
Rain
Hail
Earthquake
republican governments, organizations of people; isolation
unfertile wilds, not cultivated as farmland nor industrialized as a city
a promise
Life giver; blessings
hard truths
revolution
Air
Sky
Earth
Trees
Sun
SIGNIFICANCE/TOPICS
SEASONS
Spring
Summer
Autumn/Fall
Winter
youth, newness, birth, sun, starting fresh, green
harmony, perfection, content, yellow,
harvest, middle age, ripeness, knowledge, brown
death, barren, discontent, running out of time, black
s
DIRECTIONS
/MOVEMENT
S
East
West
North
South
Descent
Ascent
Center
Left & Right
SIGNIFICANCE/TOPICS
where the sun rises. The eastern spirit of sun or fire brings warmth and light. It is the place of beginnings. Its light brings wisdom. It is the power of
knowledge
the spirit of water. It is the direction from which darkness comes. It is the power of change, the place of dreams, introspection and the unknown. The west
signifies purity and strength. Death, setting sun, linear thinking (western)
the spirit of wind. The cold wind blows from the north. It is the power of wisdom. Here we take time to reflect on what we began in the east, in the morning,
in our youth
the sun at its highest point. It is the direction from where warm winds blow. South is the spirit of earth, the power of life. It represents peace and renewal.
unconscious, potentialities of being, animal nature
height, transcendence, inward journey, increasing intensity
thought, unity, timelessness, spacelessness, paradise, creator, infinity
The right is associated with action and the male, solar aspects of existence. The left is traditionally associated with weakness, passivity and the lunar, female
principle. It’s important to note that these associations are from a Western viewpoint.. In the East, the symbolic values of left and right are much
different. In Japan, the left is the side of the male, solar energy and also stands for nobility and wisdom. In contrast, it’s the right side that holds the female,
lunar qualities. China’s yin-yang concept shows a philosophy of balance and interrelatedness between male-female/left-right/light-dark. The Cabala
presents a neutral interpretation. The right hand of god is the hand of blessing and symbolizes mercy. The left hand stands for justice and is known as the
the hand of the king.
SIGNIFICANCE/TOPICS
OBJECTS
Feathers
Shadow
Masks
Boats/Rafts
Bridge
Right hand
Left hand
Feet
Skeleton
Heart
Hourglass
Trumpet
lightness, speed
our dark side, evil, devil
concealment
safe passage
change, transformation, indecision
rectitude, correctness
deviousness
stability, freedom
mortality
Love, emotions
The passage of time
a warning