Since man discovered creating lines and curves to form pictures or to tell a story, symbols have always been a part and parcel of life. They're used to tell of warnings, to signify relationships or brotherhood and even as a practical means to cry for help. Some, such as the old Greek letters have evolved into more modern uses, such as the English alphabet.

But while these symbols have made their way into our everyday lives and have become as ubiquitous as letters and numerals, some symbols that hark from the ancient times still carry with them the mysticism, the magic, the secrets and even the powers from the olden days. The reason for this, according to the influential Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, is because of the collective unconscious ingrained in each and every human, allowing sacred symbols to pass on from generation to generation and to transcend time, culture and place.

The Transfer of Ancient Wisdom

Interestingly enough, Jung believed that symbols are essential in understanding our very own nature and history. He proposed that symbols were used to explain something that was virtually unknown or inexplicable. Jung was specifically fascinated with how similar symbols, such as the cross or the patterns in Sacred Geometry could occur throughout different countries and in various periods in time. He then concluded that everyone's memories contained traces of events, experiences that are innate to all humankind. He then pegged these common "memories" or predispositions as "archetypes," or visual symbols or imprints of energy that exists in all our psyches.

Although these archetypes or symbols are ingrained in the unconscious and often referred to as the "language of the mind," we become aware of them during prayer, meditation or even during dreaming or when our minds are at a relaxed state. This is the reason why certain symbols attract us or draw us to them, with little or no explanations.