This fascinating guide to the history and mythology of woman-related symbols features: Unique
organization by shape of symbol or type of sacred object 21 different sections including Round
and Oval Motifs Sacred Objects Secular-Sacred Objects Rituals Deities' Signs Supernaturals
Body Parts Nature Birds Plants Minerals Stones and Shells and more Introductory essays
for each section 753 entries and 636 illustrations Alphabetical index for easy reference
Three-Rayed Sun The sun suspended in heaven by three powers perhaps the Triple Goddess who
gave birth to it (see Three-Way Motifs). Corn Dolly An embodiment of the harvest to be set in
the center of the harvest dance or fed to the cattle to `make them thrive year round' (see
Secular-Sacred Objects). Tongue In Asia the extended tongue was a sign of life-force as the
tongue between the lips imitated the sacred lingam-yoni: male within female genital. Sticking
out the tongue is still a polite sign of greeting in northern India and Tibet (see Body Parts).
Cosmic Egg In ancient times the primeval universe-or the Great Mother-took the form of an egg.
It carried all numbers and letters within an ellipse to show that everything is contained
within one form at the beginning (see Round and Oval Motifs).
