Alchemic, Astrological, and related symbology.

[TM Watson]

Not quite sure if that should be 'symbology' or 'symbolism'...

Either way, I'm looking to start an in-depth study of symbols used in occult, alchemical, mystic, and other such branches but find myself with a shortage or resources. I have books that include the "common" symbols (planetary; zodiac; standard elements), basically all of those found in any beginner witchcraft or astrology book, but I'm looking to go further. So far I've got a few symbols from this book, a couple from that one, and can piece together a near-basic Logic type "phrase," but it's very touch-and-go and not at all comprehensive.

Could anyone recommend a book or series that goes more into depth with symbols, symbolism, symbology, et cetera, that actually HAS the symbols? I've read a number that claims to be about symbols and basically only talk about omens with a few imitations of Native American or Germanic-rune imagery thrown in - definitely not what I'm looking for.

To date, the only books I've found with even a mention of anything I can use are:
-Mastering Herbalism: A Practical Guide by Paul Huson;
-Signs, Symbols, and Omens by Raymond Buckland;
-Three Books of Occult Philosophy edited by Donald Tyson;
-The Magus by Francis Barret.

The Magus is a very new acquisition and while over-flowing with information on occult philosophy and mysticism, is limited on symbolism outside of the Hebrew or numerology.

Any recommendations are welcome, and I would LOVE to hear your thoughts and ideas.

[B. de Corbin]

Re: Alchemic, Astrological, and related symbology.

A Dictionary of Symbols by J. E. Cirlot is a must have. However, while it does go into some specific symbols, its main focus is on things used as symbols. For instance, if you want to know what a snake represents in a variety of different cultures and/or time periods and/or philosophical standpoints, you'd find it here.

Here is the Amazon page for the book:

http://www.amazon.com/A-Dictionary-S...pr_product_top

On the same page, lower down in the "Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought..." section you'll find a few other choices that may be useful.

[TM Watson]

Re: Alchemic, Astrological, and related symbology.

Thank you, de Corbin! I did take the time to got to Amazon to look at that, and I think I will be ordering that along with a couple others, too.

As an alchemist yourself, are there any studies you would recommend for me? Pretty much all I've found thus far involves: fanciful artwork; histories of; or basic herbal remedy type things no more complicated than making tea from scratch, and about as informative. The artwork I've found incorporates a lot of symbolism (such as the snakes you've mentioned, or cups, or the importance of stance or pose), but also symbols such as a wavy line or number with a symbol I'd thought to be from astrology, but couldn't find in any book. Hence, the search for a good book on symbols.

[anunitu]

Re: Alchemic, Astrological, and related symbology.

Google is thy friend..:angel:

http://www.thrall.org/readyref/Symbols.html

http://www.crossroad.to/Books/symbols1.html

http://www.pinterest.com/melanfkncho...heir-meanings/

Some interesting stuff on these sites.

- - - Updated - - -

One might also check here for some reading material

http://www.sacred-texts.com/download.htm

[TM Watson]

Re: Alchemic, Astrological, and related symbology.

Thank you much, anunitu! I am very impressed with your Google-Fu (and sort of had to smack myself for not having thought of it ages ago!). Those links had a few charts of exactly what I was looking for, and at least gives me a start.

Based off de Corbin's earlier suggestion I found these couple of books that I'll be ordering soon. They have pages upon pages of the actual symbols, in addition to summaries for each that I'm hoping will help me learn what the symbols are rather than just copying some that "looks cool." The second in particular looks promising.

The book of Signs (Dover Pictorial Archive) by Rudolf Koch
Dictionary of Symbols by Carl G. Liungman

[anunitu]

Re: Alchemic, Astrological, and related symbology.

I am liking the Google-fu reference and herewith steal it for my own..:devil: