![]() In Norse mythology, the ouroboros is thought to represent a giant serpent said to be encircling the earth named Jormungandr. If that name doesn’t sound familiar to you, you’ve likely seen the image-a snake depicted eating its tail.ĭepending on the culture, the interpretation of the ouroboros can differ. One of the more exciting symbols of balance, common to multiple cultures in the old world, is the ouroboros. If their sins were less than the weight of a feather, they were considered worthy and allowed to pass into the afterlife. The ancient Egyptians also believed that the soul would be weighed against a feather by Anubis at the moment of death. Their connection with the astrological sign of Libra also comes from a Roman poet. They represented multiple gods and goddesses in the Greek and Roman pantheons (Lustitia, Themis, and Tyr). The same can be said of measuring thoughts or principles, although that idea is more abstract.Īlthough it has become a symbol of balance in the West, the scales have historical roots in various other cultures. To be in physical balance, both sides of the scale need to weigh close to the same amount. The scales represent balance in their most basic form and it can be interpreted from both a physical and mental point of view. They have been used to represent many different things, all with the same basic premise. While many of the symbols of balance come from outside of the United States, the scales are one of our most recognizable homegrown symbols. Although the original meaning has been lost, it appears to function similar to intricate mandalas pointing out a spiritual path of enlightenment. The Celts also brought us the double spiral, which is two separate spirals connected in the middle. Many of their spiritual practices, rituals, and special occasions were done under large trees to connect them more deeply with their ancestors. This is because many Celts believe that they are a gateway between the physical world and the spirit world. The Tree of Life is considered to be sacred in the Celtic culture. It was created to represent the inherent harmony present in nature and its intrinsic strength, longevity, and wisdom. This symbol is a knot but in the shape of a tree. The Celts were a very earth-based culture, evident in many of the symbols they chose to use.Īs far as symbols of balance go, their most well-known is the Celtic Tree of Life. They were one of the first civilizations to deify many natural phenomena like the changing of the seasons or harvesting of crops. So many of our traditions are based on the ancient Celts-especially our holidays. The Tree of Life and Double Spiral (Celtic) If the scales tip one way or the other, that balance is disrupted. Harmony comes when both opposing elements exist in a perfect state of balance. While there is black and white, we all exist in a grey area where nothing is quite so obvious. The beauty and power of the yin yang symbol is that it represents how opposing forces can actually work together as two parts of a whole. However, it is so much more than there just being two sides to every coin. The symbol was born in ancient China to visually represent duality-light and dark, positive and negative. One of the most easily recognizable symbols of balance in the world is the yin yang symbol. Many exist in a cultural context without any associated religious dogma. However, not all symbols are spiritual symbols. Symbols are much more plain and easy to understand, even if you don’t speak the language.įrom Buddhism to Hinduism to Judaism and everywhere in between, symbols are universal. Words can be interpreted in many ways, especially if they are translated from one language to another. Even more crucially, symbols allow people to communicate efficiently even through language barriers and time. Before the written word, people relied on symbols to help them communicate. Symbols have always played a powerful and important role in cultures all over the world. Here are some of the symbols of balance that have appeared throughout history and ways that you can find a greater sense of balance in your own life. No one knows that better than those of us at Home of Chiji, where we specialize in your self-care. Understanding and recognizing those symbols serve as a daily reminder that you need to focus on your own sense of balance and happiness. Feeling balanced is one of the keys to living a happy life and it is so vital to the true spirit of humanity that symbols of balance have been found throughout history. Balance is essential, both physically and mentally.
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