RE: Is there no-one brave enough?
Also, I do have to say that as a Reiki Master I give thanks at least twice a day for the many, many blessings in my life.
RE: Is there no-one brave enough?
Interesting you bought this up Glenys, I believe I'm right in saying that the use of the cross as a symbol didn't come until later in Christianity. Religious symbolism are usually figures or ideas drawn from the cultures which Christianity has superseded, so symbols which already existed in those cultures have been adopted and given a Christian meaning. The Egg which represents rebirth, is an example of a once pagan symbol now used in the Christian Easter. A Christmas tree is also a 'symbol' of life. But no, we don't worship them, we find at our stage of spiritual evolution that they help us to remain focused.
Love Gillyxxx
RE: Is there no-one brave enough?
Gilly, how succinct! Yes, I believe you are right in relation to the cross - didn't it only become a symbol when Jesus became associated with pain and suffering (i.e. Church doctrine, again) as opposed to healing and love?
These symbols help us to focus but are, in themselves, not sacred.
The Christmas tree was introduced to this country by Prince Albert, (Queen Vic's hubby).
We used to have the traditional Yule log, I believe, the burning of which was symbolic of the light returning to the world following Mid-winter (because, of course, what we now celebrate as Christmas was the pagan festival of mid-winter!) The log was symbolic but it wasn't worshipped or held as sacred.
Cor, I haven't had such a good time as I do on this forum for longer than I care to think about!![sm=jump2.gif];)
Love
Glen
RE: Is there no-one brave enough?
Me neither [sm=crazyjacky_seilchensmiley1.gif][sm=animal-smiley-085.gif] Glenys, you are making me think:D
And I don't udually get much time for posting so this is a real treat[sm=hug.gif]
More later if I can defogg the old grey cells:D
Love Gillyxxx
RE: Is there no-one brave enough?
Hi Glenys, as a student of Carl Jung you will recognise this:
"Every psychological expression is a symbol if we assume that it states or signifies something more and other than itself which eludes our present knowledge"
Jung pointed out to us the difference between a symbol and a sign. Insignia on uniforms are not symbols but signs that identify the status of the person wearing the uniform. The cross as a symbol of divine love is symbolic or something that is best represented in the cross . If there is something which is interpreted as a symbol or a sign it usually comes back to the needs or attitude of the person concerend. If effect Jung's interest in symbols was in their ability to transform personal instinctive thought energy. His aim was I think to make 'instinct' or 'energy' understandable for an individual's way of life.
Love Gxxx