Explores the culture, history, and psychology that lies behind a wide range of symbols.

In this highly readable and vividly illustrated book, best-selling author David Fontana traces the origins of hundreds of symbols and symbol systems that have impacted human culture, art, history, literature, and even dreams. From chakras and the I Ching to the tarot and the zodiac, from mythical beasts to magical numbers, these are the symbols that shape consciousness. Visual artists, students, and soul searchers of every stripe will want to deepen their knowledge of these intriguing icons. Now in a compact and handy size, its more practical than ever for both reference and inspiration.

In every moment the universe is whispering to you. Even ordinary events in your life carry communications from the realm of the Spirit. . . . Whether we are conscious of it or not, the universe is communicating to us through signs. In this mind-opening book, renowned healer and author Denise Linn shows that coincidence, synchronicity, and those premonitions we've all experienced are never accidents but a kindly world's way of trying to nudge us in the right direction. Drawing on firsthand true stories and native wisdom from around the world, Linn helps us regain our innate capacity to listen to the universe, to use the signs that speak to us every day of our lives. Step by step, she shows us how to call for a sign, how to create the best conditions for receiving it, and how to interpret the signs we receive, with the most comprehensive dictionary of signs ever compiled. Designed to help you develop your own ability to interpret signs as they call to you, the dictionary entries give you a starting point for understanding what your signs are communicating. For instance . . * An abyss might symbolize a chasm in your life. Is there something that seems impassable to you? * A storm can indicate internal conflict. It can also indicate that the air is clearing in regard to a situation in your life. * A crossroads signifies that a time of decision is ahead. Take time and tune in to your intuition before choosing your future path. * Smoke can be a warning of danger. Is there a situation in your life that's about to go up in flames? Smoke can also indicate a lack of clarity. With this powerful, easy-to-use guide, Denise Linn helps us to reconnect with the magic of our inner selves to make the right decisions and choices in our lives.

Magnificently illustrated throughout, and with a six-color gold-foil cover, this remarkable book provides an all-encompassing survey of the literature, painting, sculpture, architecture, and decorative arts of the Renaissance.

Who is depicted in that stained glass window? What is the significance of those geometric figures? Why are there fierce-looking beasts carved amidst all that beauty? Is there a deeper purpose behind the play of light and space in the nave? Why is there a pelican on the lectern and ornate foliage on the pillars? The largely illiterate medieval audience could read the symbols of churches and cathedrals and recognise the meanings and stories deliberately encoded into them. For worshippers these were places of religious education and an awe-inspiring feast that satisfied both the senses and the soul. Today, in an age less attuned to iconography, such places of worship are often seen merely as magnificent works of architecture. This book restores the lost spiritual meaning of these fine and fascinating buildings. The Secret Language of Churches & Cathedrals provides a three-part illustrated key by which modern visitors can understand the layout, fabric and decorative symbolism of Christian sacred structures - thereby bringing back to life their original atmosphere of awe and sanctity. Part One is an analysis of structural features, outside and in, from spires and domes to clerestories and brasses. Part Two is a theme-by-theme guide, which identifies significant figures, scenes, stories, animals, flowers, and the use of numbers, letters and patterns in paintings, carvings and sculpture. Part Three is a historical decoder, revealing the evolution of styles - from basilicas through Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic and beyond. For all those who seek to know more about Christian art and architecture, this richly illustrated book will instruct and delight in equal measure.

Now available in mass market trim, The Secret Language of Dreams is an imaginative, full-color guide to do-it-yourself dream interpretation. Acclaimed author David Fontana draws upon the works of Jung, Freud, and other theorists to teach readers to decipher the messages hidden within our nocturnal rambles. Fontana identifies common dream symbols and archetypes and then examines how they are altered by an individual's character and experiences, making The Secret Language of Dreams a unique resource for personal exploration. The book also includes a richly illustrated dream dictionary, presenting the most common dream symbols, organized by theme for easy reference. With tips on keeping a dream diary and techniques for learning to control dreams as they happen, as well as to remember them after waking up, this is an insightful and proactive handbook to enriching one's nightlife.

Offers a look at the cultural and psychological explanations of symbols. This book presents and explains hundreds of symbols, theme by theme. It helps you learn about the various forms of dragon in myth, the attributes of different gods, angels and mythic heroes, and the array of meanings ascribed to human body parts.