The Woman’s Dictionary of Symbols and Sacred Objects - Tapa blanda

This fascinating guide to the history and mythology of female-related symbols features

· Unique organisation by shape of symbol or type of sacred object
· 21 different sections, including Round and Oval Motifs, Sacred Objects, Secular-Sacred Objects, Rituals, Deities' Signs, Supernaturals, Body Parts, Nature, Birds, Plants, Minerals, Stones and Shells, and more
· Introductory essays for each section
· 753 entries and 636 illustrations
· An alphabetical index for easy reference

'Three-Rayed Sun' – The sun suspended in heaven by three powers, perhaps the Triple Goddess who gave birth to it (see Three-Way Motifs).

'Corn Dolly' – An embodiment of the harvest to be set in the center of the harvest dance, or fed to the cattle to 'make them thrive year round' (see Secular-Sacred Objects).

'Tongue' – In Asia, the extended tongue was a sign of life-force as the tongue between the lips imitated the sacred 'lingam-yoni': male within female genital. Sticking out the tongue is still a polite sign of greeting in northern India and Tibet (see Body Parts).

'Cosmic Egg' – In ancient times the primeval universe – or the Great Mother – took the form of an egg. It carried all numbers and letters within an ellipse, to show that everything is contained within one form at the beginning ( see Round and Oval Motifs).

BARBARA G. WALKER is a professional researcher and the author of numerous books, including 'The Women's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets'.