SPIRITUAL PATH

FIVEFOLD PATH
This open hand at the entrance of the Alhambra Mosque in the Spanish city of Granada is a welcome to every visitor. The hand, together with the key, symbolizes the fivefold path of Islam which unlocks the door to enlightenment and paradise.

BEAUTY/LOVE

SERAPHIM ANGEL
In Christian tradition the six-winged Seraphim angels are the highest and most magnificent of the nine Archangelic Orders. They surround the Throne of God in constant adoration.

DETERMINATION

BUDDHA'S FOOT
Even the longest journey begins with a single step. Perhaps this is the message of this footprint that is believed to have been left behind by the Buddha, who renounced worldly life to embark on a journey of self realization. The Buddha's journey is proof that, "seek and you shall find."

PROTECTION

AGLA
The four initial letters of the Hebrew words Athah Gabor Leolam, Adonai, meaning "Thou Art Powerful and Eternal, Lord," is a potent incantation from the Jewish Kabbala that is believed to grant great protection. Its power is reflected also in Islam, where "Allah" is the invocation for prayer and protection.

YEARNING

TREE OF LIFE
The Tree of Life is an important symbol that stands at the center of nearly every culture and religion. With its roots planted in earth and branches reaching skyward, the tree is a natural symbol of man's own life and his intuitive yearning for heaven, or his higher self. A tree regenerates every season, bearing seeds or fruit that contain its own essence.

VITALITY

THE RIVERS OF PARADISE
The New Testament speaks of four rivers flowing from heaven, symbolizing the four elements of air, water, fire and earth. As water nourishes life, the rivers flowing from paradise are a reminder to mankind that our universe is sustained only by the energy that pours forth from heaven.

LONG LIFE

MYSTIC KNOT
This magical Buddhist knot is a wish for long life. It is one of the eight auspicious objects in Buddhism, and widely used for protection in Feng Shui, the Chinese science of harmony. On a deeper level it is a symbol of spiritual life, teaching that knowledge practiced with caution unlocks the inner self.

WISDOM

SERPENT
According to ancient Hindu scriptures of wisdom, the life force of Kundalini exists in every human being, lying dormant like a coiled snake. The snake also symbolizes perseverance and knowledge, the twin attributes for awareness and the revelation of higher truths.

HARMONY

PA-KWA
This ancient Chinese symbol is a reminder that happiness is found in harmony, in being at one with nature and with one's inner self. Pa-Kwa is one of the principal symbols of Feng Shui, the Chinese art of restoring harmony. Since antiquity the symbol has been used in China to promote long life and protect against harmful energies.

PROTECTION

TRIANGLE
The triangle is regarded as one of the most potent symbols of protection in Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese science of harmony. Women in ancient China wore such trinkets for protection and to foster fertility. The trident symbolizes life, and the swords are a reminder that we must cut through this illusion of life to get to the greater truth.

INNER LIGHT

CANDELABRUM
The seven arms of the candelabrum, or menorah, represent the divine force that watches over the universe. The candelabrum, a Jewish symbol, is a reminder that this divine force - or light - gives vision and direction to humankind.

AWARENESS

OCTOPUS
The fluid motion of the octopus symbolizes man's own ability to move effortlessly through the changeless ocean of life once he has understanding and awareness of his true nature. This figure is a copy of an embossed Mycenaean gold disk from 1300 B.C.

PROVIDENCE

WHEEL OF LIFE
The Buddha explained the endless cycle of death and rebirth as a turning wheel in which every thought, word or deed has moral consequences. The Wheel of Life depicts this cosmic law. The symbol shows that life is a wheel, in which today's misfortunes are tomorrow's dust.

LOVE/PURITY

LILY
The lily is an old Christian emblem of love and enlightenment. The flower's stalk and two hanging petals represent the harmonious trinity of mind, body and soul.

HAPPINESS

SHOU
This auspicious Taoist character is a wish for happiness, health and longevity. It expresses gratitude for long life for oneself, friends or family. Longevity completes the Chinese blessings of wealth, health and virtue.

HEALING

CADUCEUS
This mythical Greek staff symbolizes medicine and healing. Its deeper meaning lies hidden in the East, dating back to the ancient yogis of India who discovered the life force of Kundalini. The staff represents the spine, around which the Kundalini force is coiled like two serpents.

HOPE

ANCHOR
The anchor is one of the oldest Christian symbols of hope, security and stability. In ancient times, wherever Christians were persecuted the anchor also was used to depict the crucifixion: the mystic fish, Christ, is framed against the anchor, or inverted cross.

PEACE

JERUSALEM
Sacred and holy to Christians, Jews and Muslims, the city of Jerusalem has been the house of God for all three religions, a symbol of the unity of mankind. Jerusalem is a symbol for hope and a future when people of different faiths can live in harmony. This image is taken from a 13th century Irish manuscript.