ymbols and ymbolism

General sources  Encyclopedic sources:  Most writings on symbols and myths are specific to a class of symbol or even a specific myth or symbol. However, when needing to interpret a symbol, mythic or otherwise, a person needs to go to a reference-style work.  There are several good sources, ranging from a "dictionary" of symbols or myths to multi-volume sets.   Some of these sources of information are specifically for myths, mythology, literature, religions, or other fields. A few are specifically for symbols, although most of these sources cover the symbol only from the graphic artist's standpoint.

  Sir James Fraser's The Golden Bough (Macmillan, 1911-1915 ), in 12 volumes, was one of the first efforts to collect and organize the range of myths and folk beliefs across the world.  This standard of objective study relating similar beliefs has long been the source of choice when seeking similarities between cultures, and attempting to penetrate the meanings of those rites and symbols.

  Eliade, Mircea. Rites and Symbols of Initiation: The Mysteries of Birth and Rebirth. New York:  Harper & Row, c1958, 1965.
Initiation mysteries in primitive religions; The initiatory ordeals; From tribal rites to secret cults; Individual initiations and secret societies; Heroice and shamanic initiations; Patterns of initiation in higher religions. For the "nonspecialist reader interested in the spiritual history of humanity."

  Neville, Robert Cummings.  The Truth of Broken Symbols. Albany:  State University of New York Press, 1996.
An analysis of religious symbolism, especially in a Christian context, and how symbols can be "broken" yet provide usefulness. Contents: What religious symbols do; Symbols break on the infinte; Finite meaning infinite; Taking symbols in context; Symbols for transformation; Judging religious symbols by consequences; Truth in religious symbols.

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