Symbols are pictures that communicate thoughts, concepts and information, and they exert a powerful influence on mankind... Before language developed, symbols were man’s way of communicating. Symbols imply something greater than their obvious surface meaning. They act upon our subconscious and collective unconscious in ways that unlock powerful energies and creativity. Virtually anything can become a symbol. Besides man, animals, stones, and circles, (all of which are universal and enduring), there are symbols derived from shapes, objects, ideas, words, and numbers, that are widely accepted by all cultures and societies and have been around since ancient days (eg. Sun, moon, stars, birds). Symbols are found in all esoteric philosophies and religions. Many of these symbols have common meanings, (eg. Candles, which represent ‘light’). The majority of symbols have emerged over time through continued use and practice, but occasionally they have arisen within a few years and still managed to exert a powerful influence on the collective unconscious. (eg. National Flags and Colours.) Whether we realize it or not, we react to and interact with symbols continuously in our daily lives, as almost everything around us makes use of symbols. ( eg. Art, advertising, road signs, shopping, etc.) The Tarot makes extensive use of symbols: These can vary enormously from deck to deck as the creators of the decks do not follow the same traditions of symbols. As a result identical cards from different decks can be interpreted differently due to their symbols. Common Tarot symbols and their simple meanings: Numbers:    In all occult philosophies numbers are not necessarily quantities, and often represent ideas as well. In the Tarot, number symbolism is important in determining the meaning of the card. Geometric Shapes: Circles: Wholeness, unity and completeness: the wheel of life; the cycle of birth-death-and rebirth. Squares: Earthly existence, the body, and the physical plane. Triangles: (Pointing up) aspiration towards a higher unity. Objects: Crab: Creature of dreams existing both in the water ( the unconscious) and on land (the conscious). Cross: Although various types abound, it generally represents uniting of heaven and earth. Crown: Spiritual illumination. Cups: Emotions and relationships Ankh: Life and living. Clouds: The unseen God. Divine omnipotence. Chariot: Triumph and glory. Divine power in motion Eye: Divine all seeing attributes Fire: Purification and spiritual energy. Flowers: Generally symbols of romance, fertility, growth and abundance. Different flowers have different meanings. (Rose = Love/Victory/pride.) Forest: Dark mysterious unknown territory. Fruit: Fertility and abundance of nature Hearts: Romance Houses/Castles: Protection, enclosure and security. Lemniscate: Eternity, infinity, and regeneration. Mountains: Dwelling places of the gods. Ascent of the spirit. Rainbow: Bridge between heaven and earth. Restoration of order. River: The passage of time Road: The spiritual journey Rocks: Solidity and firmness Scorpion: Evil and treachery Ship: Vehicle of the soul on the waters of the unconscious. Also Travel. Snow: Purity and spiritual qualities Trees: Link all spheres of creation. The branches reach the heavens, the trunk represents earth, and the roots represent the underworld. Water: The unconscious, intuition, emotion, psychic things. Weapons: Power and destruction Celestial objects: Sun: Spiritual illumination, joy and happiness. Moon: Intuition and emotions. Stars: Synonymous with hope, and idealism. Also symbols of light and spirituality. (A five-pointed star is called a ‘pentagram’. If surrounded by a circle it is known as a ‘pentacle’, which is commonly associated with creativity, material possessions, and wealth. Animals: Bird: Because they are able to soar into the sky they have long been associated with spiritual ideas, and the soul. There are many types, each with its own symbolic meaning. (e.g. Dove = peace, Eagle = power, swan = purity, owl = wisdom, stork = birth) Cat: an animal associated with esoteric ideas from ancient times. It has different meanings in different cultures and societies. Dog: Faithfulness, loyalty and obedience. A great symbol of friendship. Lion: Courage, strength, and power. Snake: Features in most cultures but its symbolic meaning and connections (like the cat) differ widely. Mythical Animals: Unicorn stands for purity, and the Dragon for evil. The Sphinx indicates royalty, mystery, and wisdom. The Devil represents dark forces, temptation, greed and attachment to materialism. Symbolism itself is a vast subject of great complexity which lends itself to personal interpretation. This article is but a short peek into a realm of symbols which impacts enormously on the conscious and unconscious thoughts of individuals, cultures, and societies.