Dreamed that I was on a bluff in Hawaii. There was a gate that was put up for a water valley that was supposed to be 7 feet deep, but is seemed deeper. Only residents of this building were allowed to be in this area after dark. I was watching the water splash up on the shore, and people I knew were swimming in the area. I ended up on the top floor of the apartment building, and there was a dog up there, and a few young people hanging around. The sky was a bit voggy, but I didn't care because it seemed like a really special place, with a view really far in each direction.
I ended up in the underworld, and there were many angels with glyphs associated with their name. There was a series of evocations, where each sigil pulled up an angel, and I remember a cat like face in blue fire very similar to scenes from promethea. They looked scary like demons, but there were extended cards with a whole series of glyphs on them.
When a few were called, all these piece of architecture formed from the underworld and rose up out of the ground and attached themselves to the top of the rise and created a full castle. It was the energy of the angels that made the structure. I was inside and there was a woman spirit there, and a bunch of people moving like cattle through a tube that was going up into the sky, they were like servants for the beings that controlled the castle.
Within the symbolism of landscapes, the valley, which, because it is
low-lying, is considered to lie at the level of the sea, represents a neutral zone apt
for the development of all creation and for all material progress in the world of
manifestation. Its characteristic fertility stands in contrast to the nature of the
desert (symbolically a place of purification), of the ocean (which represents the
Origin of life but which, in relation to man’s existence, is sterile), and of the
mountain (the region characterized by snows and the ascetic, contemplative life,
or by intellectual illumination). In short, the valley is symbolic of life itself and is
the mystic abode of shepherd and priest (51).
To find yourself walking through green and pleasant valleys, foretells great improvements in business, and lovers will be happy and congenial. If the valley is barren, the reverse is predicted. If marshy, illness or vexations may follow.
To dream that you are in a valley, symbolizes fertility, abundance, or your need to be sheltered and protected. If you are entering or walking through a valley, then it is analogous to your issues of death and dying. This death may be symbolic as in an end to something in your life. Alternatively, the dream represents life's struggles and hardships before you can achieve some spiritual enlightenment or epiphany.
Dreaming of a valley means positive change resulting in happiness and peace.
To see or dream about Hawaii, symbolizes relaxation and leisure. You are trying to escape from your daily problems.
Seeing or dreaming about Hawaii in your dream, symbolizes relaxation and leisure. You are trying to escape from your daily problems.
To see people you know in your dream, signifies qualities and feelings of them that you desire for yourself. If these people are from your past, then the dream refers to your shadow and other unacknowledged aspects of yourself. It may represent a waking situation that is bringing out similar feelings from your past relationships.
To see people you don't know in your dream, denotes hidden aspects of yourself that you need to confront or acknowledge.
Seeing people you know in your dream means qualities and feelings of those people that you desire for yourself. Seeing people you don't know in your dream indicates hidden aspects of yourself that you need to confront. Seeing people from your past in your dream, refers to your shadow and other unacknowledged aspects of yourself. It can represent a waking situation that is bringing out similar feelings as your past relationships.
To see a building in your dream, represents the self and the body. How high you are in the building indicates a rising level of understanding, awareness or success. If you are in the lower levels of the building, then it refers to more primal attitudes and/or sexuality.
To see a building in ruins or damaged, indicates that your approach toward a situation or relationship is all wrong. You need to change. Your own self-image may have suffered and taken some blow.
To dream that a building collapses, indicates that you are losing sight of your ambitions and goals. Your pursuit for material gains is failing.
To dream that you or someone fall off a building, suggests that you are descending into the realm of unconscious. You are learning about and acknowledging aspects of your unconscious. Alternatively, it symbolizes your fear of not being able to complete or succeeding in a task.
To dream that you are scaling or climbing a building, indicates that you are getting carried away by your ambitions.
Dreaming of a building, represents the self and the body. How high you are in the building indicates a rising level of understanding or awareness. If you are in the lower levels of the building, then it refers to more primal attitudes and/or sexuality. Dreaming of a building in ruins or damaged indicates that your approach toward a situation or relationship is all wrong. You need to change. Your own self-image may have suffered and taken some blow. Dreaming that you or someone fall off a building, suggests that you are descending into the realm of unconscious. You are learning about and acknowledging aspects of your unconscious. Alternatively, it symbolizes your fear of not being able to complete or succeeding in a task. See also Falling in our Common Dream Themes section.
In Egyptian hieroglyphs, the symbol for water is a wavy line with
small sharp crests, representing the water’s surface. The same sign, when tripled,
symbolizes a volume of water, that is, the primaeval ocean and prime matter.
According to hermetic tradition, the god Nu was the substance from which the
gods of the first ennead emerged (19). The Chinese consider water as the specific
abode of the dragon, because all life comes from the waters (13). In the Vedas,
water is referred to as mâtritamâh (the most maternal) because, in the beginning,
everything was like a sea without light. In India, this element is generally regarded
as the preserver of life, circulating throughout the whole of nature, in the form of
rain, sap, milk and blood. Limitless and immortal, the waters are the beginning and
the end of all things on earth (60). Although water is, in appearance, formless,
ancient cultures made a distinction between ‘upper waters’ and ‘lower waters’.
The former correspond to the potential or what is still possible, the latter to what
is actual or already created (26). In a general sense, the concept of ‘water’ stands,
of course, for all liquid matter. Moreover, the primaeval waters, the image of
prime matter, also contained all solid bodies before they acquired form and rigidity. For this reason, the alchemists gave the name of ‘water’ to quicksilver in its
first stage of transmutation and, by analogy, also to the ‘fluid body’ of Man (57).
This ‘fluid body’ is interpreted by modern psychology as a symbol of the unconscious, that is, of the non-formal, dynamic, motivating, female side of the personality. The projection of the mother-imago into the waters endows them with
various numinous properties characteristic of the mother (31). A secondary meaning of this symbolism is found in the identification of water with intuitive wisdom. In the cosmogony of the Mesopotamian peoples, the abyss of water was
regarded as a symbol of the unfathomable, impersonal Wisdom. An ancient Irish
god was called Domnu, which means ‘marine depth’. In prehistoric times the
word for abyss seems to have been used exclusively to denote that which was
unfathomable and mysterious (4). The waters, in short, symbolize the universal
congress of potentialities, the fons et origo, which precedes all form and all
creation. Immersion in water signifies a return to the preformal state, with a sense
of death and annihilation on the one hand, but of rebirth and regeneration on the
other, since immersion intensifies the life-force. The symbolism of baptism,
which is closely linked to that of water, has been expounded by St. John
Chrysostom (Homil. in Joh., XXV, 2): ‘It represents death and interment, life and
resurrection. . . . When we plunge our head beneath water, as in a sepulchre, the
old man becomes completely immersed and buried. When we leave the water, the
new man suddenly appears’ (18). The ambiguity of this quotation is only on the
surface: in this particular aspect of the general symbolism of water, death affects
only Man-in-nature while the rebirth is that of spiritual man. On the cosmic level,
the equivalent of immersion is the flood, which causes all forms to dissolve and
return to a fluid state, thus liberating the elements which will later be recombined
in new cosmic patterns. The qualities of transparency and depth, often associated with water, go far towards explaining the veneration of the ancients for this
element which, like earth, was a female principle. The Babylonians called it ‘the
home of wisdom’. Oannes, the mythical being who brings culture to mankind, is
portrayed as half man and half fish (17). Moreover, in dreams, birth is usually
expressed through water-imagery (v. Freud, Introduction to Psycho-Analysis).
The expressions ‘risen from the waves’ and ‘saved from the waters’ symbolize
fertility, and are metaphorical images of childbirth. On the other hand, water is, of
all the elements, the most clearly transitional, between fire and air (the ethereal
elements) and earth (the solid element). By analogy, water stands as a mediator
between life and death, with a two-way positive and negative flow of creation and
destruction. The Charon and Ophelia myths symbolize the last voyage. Death
was the first mariner. ‘Transparent depth’, apart from other meanings, stands in
particular for the communicating link between the surface and the abyss. It can
therefore be said that water conjoins these two images (2). Gaston Bachelard
points to many different characteristics of water, and derives from them many
secondary symbolic meanings which enrich the fundamental meaning we have described. These secondary meanings are not so much a set of strict symbols, as
a kind of language expressing the transmutations of this ever-flowing element.
Bachelard enumerates clear water, spring water, running water, stagnant water,
dead water, fresh and salt water, reflecting water, purifying water, deep water,
stormy water. Whether we take water as a symbol of the collective or of the
personal unconscious, or else as an element of mediation and dissolution, it is
obvious that this symbolism is an expression of the vital potential of the psyche,
of the struggles of the psychic depths to find a way of formulating a clear message
comprehensible to the consciousness. On the other hand, secondary symbolisms
are derived from associated objects such as water-containers, and also from the
ways in which water is used: ablutions, baths, holy water, etc. There is also a
very important spatial symbolism connected with the ‘level’ of the waters, denoting a correlation between actual physical level and absolute moral level. It is
for this reason that the Buddha, in his Assapuram sermon, was able to regard the
mountain-lake—whose transparent waters reveal, at the bottom, sand, shells,
snails and fishes—as the path of redemption. This lake obviously corresponds to
a fundamental aspect of the ‘Upper Waters’. Clouds are another aspect of the
‘Upper Waters’. In Le Transformationi of Ludovico Dolce, we find a mystic
figure looking into the unruffled surface of a pond, in contrast with the accursed
hunter, always in restless pursuit of his prey, implying the symbolic contrast
between contemplative activity—the sattva state of Yoga—and blind outward
activity—the rajas state. Finally, the upper and lower waters communicate reciprocally through the process of rain (involution) and evaporation (evolution).
Here, fire intervenes to modify water: the sun (spirit) causes sea water to evaporate (i.e. it sublimates life). Water is condensed in clouds and returns to earth in
the form of life-giving rain, which is invested with twofold virtues: it is water, and
it comes from heaven (15). Lao-Tse paid considerable attention to this cyclic
process of meteorology, which is at one and the same time physical and spiritual,
observing that: ‘Water never rests, neither by day nor by night. When flowing
above, it causes rain and dew. When flowing below, it forms streams and rivers.
Water is outstanding in doing good. If a dam is raised against it, it stops. If way is
made for it, it flows along that path. Hence it is said that it does not struggle. And
yet it has no equal in destroying that which is strong and hard’ (13). When water
stands revealed in its destructive aspects, in the course of cataclysmic events, its
symbolism does not change, but is merely subordinated to the dominant symbolism of the storm. Similarly, in those contexts where the flowing nature of water is
emphasized, as in the contention of Heraclitus that ‘You cannot step twice into
the same river; for fresh waters are ever flowing in upon you.’ Here the reference is not to water-symbolism as such, but to the idea of the irreversible flow along a
given path. To quote Evola, in La tradizione ermetica: ‘Without divine water,
nothing exists, according to Zosimus. On the other hand, among the symbols of
the female principle are included those which figure as origins of the waters
(mother, life), such as: Mother Earth, Mother of the Waters, Stone, Cave, House
of the Mother, Night, House of Depth, House of Force, House of Wisdom,
Forest, etc. One should not be misled by the word “divine”. Water symbolizes
terrestrial and natural life, never metaphysical life.’
This indicates birth (of some person).
To dream of clear water, foretells that you will joyfully realize prosperity and pleasure.
If the water is muddy, you will be in danger and gloom will occupy Pleasure's seat.
If you see it rise up in your house, denotes that you will struggle to resist evil, but unless you see it subside, you will succumb to dangerous influences.
If you find yourself baling it out, but with feet growing wet, foreshadows trouble, sickness, and misery will work you a hard task, but you will forestall them by your watchfulness. The same may be applied to muddy water rising in vessels.
To fall into muddy water, is a sign that you will make many bitter mistakes, and will suffer poignant grief therefrom.
To drink muddy water, portends sickness, but drinking it clear and refreshing brings favorable consummation of fair hopes.
To sport with water, denotes a sudden awakening to love and passion.
To have it sprayed on your head, denotes that your passionate awakening to love will meet reciprocal consummation.
The following dream and its allegorical occurrence in actual life is related by a young woman student of dreams:
``Without knowing how, I was (in my dream) on a boat, I waded through clear blue water to a wharfboat, which I found to be snow white, but rough and splintry. The next evening I had a delightful male caller, but he remained beyond the time prescribed by mothers and I was severely censured for it.'' The blue water and fairy white boat were the disappointing prospects in the symbol.
To see water in your dream, symbolizes your unconscious and your emotional state of mind. Water is the living essence of the psyche and the flow of life energy. It is also symbolic of spirituality, knowledge, healing and refreshment. To dream that water is boiling, suggests that you are expressing some emotional turmoil. Feelings from your unconscious are surfacing and ready to be acknowledged. You need to let out some steam.
To see calm, clear water in your dream, means that you are in tune with your spirituality. It denotes serenity, peace of mind, and rejuvenation.
To see muddy or dirty water in your dream, indicates that you are wallowing in your negative emotions. You may need to take some time to cleanse your mind and find internal peace. Alternatively, the dream suggests that your thinking/judgment is unclear and clouded. If you are immersed in muddy water, then it indicates that you are in over your head in a situation and are overwhelmed by your emotions.
To dream that water is rising up in your house, suggests that you are becoming overwhelmed by your emotions.
To hear running water in your dream, denotes meditation and reflection. You are reflecting on your thoughts and emotions.
To dream that you are walking on water, indicates that you have total control over your emotions. It also suggests that you need to "stay on top" of your emotions and not let them explode out of hand. Alternatively, the dream is symbolic of faith in yourself.
Seeing water in your dream, symbolizes your unconscious and your emotional state of mind. Water is the living essence of the psyche and the flow of life energy. It is also symbolic of spirituality, knowledge, healing and refreshment. Seeing calm, clear water in your dream means that you are in tune with your spirituality. It indicates serenity, peace of mind, and rejuvenation. Seeing muddy or dirty water in your dream indicates that you are wallowing in your negative emotions. You may need to devote some time to clarify your mind and find internal peace. Alternatively, it suggests that your thinking/judgment is unclear and clouded. If you are immersed in muddy water, then it indicates that you are in over your head in a situation and are overwhelmed by your emotions. Dreaming that water is rising up in your house means your struggles and overwhelming emotions. Hearing running water in your dream indicates meditation, reflection and pondering of your thoughts and emotions. Dreaming that you are walking on water, suggests that you have supreme and ultimate control over your emotions. It may also suggest that you need to "stay on top" of your emotions and not let them explode out of hand. Alternatively, it is symbolic of faith in yourself.
To see or spin a top in your dream, represents idleness. You are not going anywhere in life and are wasting your time away on frivolous pleasures.
To dream that you are on top, signifies your goals, aspirations and ideals. You are seeking higher understanding and knowledge.
Seeing or spin a top in your dream, represents idleness. You are wasting your time away on frivolous pleasures. Dreaming that you are on top means your aspirations and ideals. You are seeking higher understanding and knowledge.
To look up at the clear blue sky in your dream, denotes hope, possibilities, creativity, peace and freedom of expression. As the saying goes "the sky's the limit." If the sky is cloudy and overcast, then it foretells of sadness and trouble.
To see a green colored sky in your dream, symbolizes high hopes. The strange color of the sky helps to instantly draw your attention to it. The color green and the sky itself both represent hope, nature or creativity. So these are the qualities that you need to focus on. It is also indicative of a positive outlook and prosperous future.
To see a red colored sky in your dream, represents looming danger. Alternatively, it suggests that something is coming to an end. If the sky is white, then it symbolizes desires. If you dream of a colorful sky in your dream, then it denotes romance.
To dream that the sky is falling, represents your fear of the unknown. You feel that your hopes and dreams have been shattered. Perhaps you have been too idealistic and the dream is an attempt to bring you back to reality.
To dream that something is falling out of the sky, signifies your pessimistic attitude. You are losing perspective on a situation. If the object is getting closer and casting a shadow on you, then it indicates that you are being ignorant about some situation. You need to get out from under the shadow and gain a different perspective on things.
To dream of the sky, signifies distinguished honors and interesting travel with cultured companions, if the sky is clear. Otherwise, it portends blasted expectations, and trouble with women.
To dream of floating in the sky among weird faces and animals, and wondering all the while if you are really awake, or only dreaming, foretells that all trouble, the most excruciating pain, that reach even the dullest sense will be distilled into one drop called jealousy, and will be inserted into your faithful love, and loyalty will suffer dethronement.
To see the sky turn red, indicates that public disquiet and rioting may be expected.
To look up at the clear blue sky in your dream indicates peace and freedom of expression. If the sky is cloudy and overcast, then it foretells of sadness and trouble.
To see angels in your dream, symbolize goodness, purity, protection, comfort and consolation. Pay careful attention to the message that the angels are trying to convey. These messages serve as a guide toward greater fulfillment and happiness. Alternatively, it signifies an unusual disturbance in your soul. Angels may appear in your dream as a result of your wicked and mean-hearted activities.
To dream that you are an angel, suggests that you are feeling good about something your said or did.
In particular, to see three angels in your dream, symbolize some sort of divinity. It is considered a particularly spiritual and holy dream.
To see an angel holding a scroll in your dream, indicates a highly spiritual dream. Your future and goals are more clearer to you. The message on the scroll is particularly significant.
To dream of angels is prophetic of disturbing influences in the soul. It brings a changed condition of the person's lot. If the dream is unusually pleasing, you will hear of the health of friends, and receive a legacy from unknown relatives.
If the dream comes as a token of warning, the dreamer may expect threats of scandal about love or money matters. To wicked people, it is a demand to repent; to good people it should be a consolation.
Angels represent goodness, protection, and the heavenly realm. As a dream symbol they may attempt to focus the dreamer's attention on their own divine qualities and the supportive and loving aspects of life. Some say that dreaming about angels is a symbol of good luck, while others believe that you will see an angel in your dream around the time when there is a birth or death in your family, or in your close circle of friends. Angels are mystical and spiritual symbols; traditionally they have been the messengers of God. The interpretation of your dream angel depends on your own views. Generally, the message coming up from your unconscious may be of important magnitude, so record your dream and think about all of its details and implications.
This is a complex symbol, derived at once from that of the house and
that of the enclosure or walled city. Walled cities figure in mediaeval art as a
symbol of the transcendent soul and of the heavenly Jerusalem. Generally speaking, the castle is located on the top of a mountain or hill, which suggests an
additional and important meaning derived from the symbolism of level. Its shape,
form and colour, its dark and light shades, all play an important part in defining
the symbolic meaning of the castle as a whole, which, in the broadest sense, is an
embattled, spiritual power, ever on the watch. The ‘black castle’ has been interpreted as the alchemists’ lair, as well as a rain cloud poised above a mountain-top
(50). Its significance as the Mansion of the Beyond, or as the entrance to the
Other World, would seem obvious enough. In a great many legends, the Castle of
Darkness, inhabited by a ‘Black Knight’, is symbolic of the abode of Pluto; this
is confirmed by Theseus’ mythic journey into hell. Charon has his abode in a
similar castle which is inaccessible to living men (the ‘castle of no return’ of
folktales). In the legendary heaven of Nordic tradition, the same meaning is to be
found. Melwas, the abducter of Guinevere, dwells in a castle surrounded by a
deep moat, the only means of access being two bridges difficult to negotiate.
According to Krappe, it is very possible that the underlying symbolism of all
mediaeval tales and legends about a castle owned by a ‘wicked knight’ who holds
captive all who approach his domain may well be that of the sinister castle of the
Lord of the Underworld (35). On the other hand, the ‘Castle of Light’ is the
‘redemption’-aspect of this same image. Piobb explains that the sudden appearance of a castle in the path of a wanderer is like the sudden awareness of a spiritual
pattern. ‘Before this fascinating vision, all fatigue disappears. One has the clear
impression that treasure lies within. The splendid temple is the achieving of the
inconceivable, the materialization of the unexpected’ (48). The castle, in sum,
together with the treasure (that is, the eternal essence of spiritual wealth), the
damsel (that is, the anima in the Jungian sense) and the purified knight, make up
a synthesis expressive of the will to salvation.
To see a castle in your dream, signifies reward, honor, recognition, and praise for your achievements. You are destined to a position of power, wealth, and prestige. Alternatively, the dream indicates your desire to escape from life's daily problems.
To dream that you live in a castle, represents your extreme need for security and protection to the point where you may be isolating yourself from others. Perhaps the dream parallels a waking situation where it has put you on the defensive.
To dream of being in a castle, you will be possessed of sufficient wealth to make life as you wish. You have prospects of being a great traveler, enjoying contact with people of many nations.
To see an old and vine-covered castle, you are likely to become romantic in your tastes, and care should be taken that you do not contract an undesirable marriage or engagement. Business is depressed after this dream.
To dream that you are leaving a castle, you will be robbed of your possessions, or lose your lover or some dear one by death.
Seeing a castle in your dream means reward, honor, recognition, and praise for your achievements. It foretells that your future will be a happy one, surrounded by the love of your children, generosity of neighbors, and comfort of friends. You are destined to a position of power, wealth, and prestige. Dreaming that you live in a castle means your need for security and protection to the point where you may be isolating yourself from others.
A castle in a dream may be symbolic of the "cavern of the heart." It represents the home of the human spirit (yours) and the natural self. Dreams with castles in them may come from deeper levels of the unconscious, or the collective unconscious. They may represent spiritual transcendence and the mysterious and intangible force that seems to quietly, but firmly, direct our lives. A castle in a dream may also represent feelings of security, protection, isolation or remoteness. You may have a castle dream when you have realised a desire or accomplished a goal. Darkened castles may be symbolic of unconscious or unfocused desires, at times, black castles represent our failures and white, or lighted castles, symbolise achievement and awareness. If you dream that a castle is under siege, you may desire more freedom. If a castle is being destroyed, you may be worried about future dangers.
The symbolism of architecture is, of course, complex and
wide-ranging. It is founded upon ‘correspondences’ between various patterns of
spatial organization, consequent upon the relationships, on the abstract plane,
between architectural structures and the organized pattern of space. While the
basic pattern of architectural relationships provides the primary symbolism,
secondary symbolic meanings are derived from the appropriate selection of individual forms, colours and materials, and by the relative importance given to the
various elements forming the architectural whole (function, height, etc.). The
most profound and fundamental architectural symbol is the ‘mountain-temple’ (the Babylonian ziggurat, Egyptian pyramid, American teocalli or stepped pyramid, Buddhist stupa). It is based on a complex geometrical symbolism including
both the pyramid and the ladder or staircase, as well as the mountain itself. Some
of this symbolism can also be found in Western religious building, particularly
Gothic cathedrals. Such temples often include essential elements from the mandala
symbolism (that is, the squaring of the circle, through a geometrical diagram
combining the square and the circle, usually linked through the octagon as an
intermediate step) and from the symbolism of numbers (the significant figure
standing for the number of essential factors: for example, 7 is very common in
stepped pyramids; and, in the Temple of Heaven in Peking, 3—the number of
floors—is the basic number, multiplied by itself because of the 3 platforms and
the 3 roofs) (6). The figure 8, as we have seen, is of great importance as the link
between 4 (or the square) and the circle. The Tower of the Winds, in Athens, was
octagonal in plan. The eight pillars of the Temple of Heaven in Peking are another
instance (6). As the cave inside the mountain is an essential element in mountain
symbolism, it follows that the ‘mountain-temple’ would not be complete without some form of cave. In this sense, Indian rock-cut temples are a literal expression of the mountain-cave symbol: the temple actually is the cave cut into the side
of the mountain. The cave stands for the spiritual Centre, the heart or the hearth
(cf. the cave in Ithaca, or the Cave of the Nymphs in Porphyry). This symbolism
implies a displacement of the symbolic centre, that is, the mountain peak of the
world ‘outside’ is transferred to the ‘inside’ (of the mountain, and so of the world
and of Man). The primary belief in the fundamental significance of an external
form (such as the menhir, omphalos or pillar) is replaced by an interest in the
space at the centre of things’, identified as the ancient symbol of the ‘world egg’.
One of the specific symbols of this is the dome, symbolizing also the vault of
heaven (which is why domes in ancient Persia were always painted blue or black).
In this connexion, it is important to note that, in the geometrical symbolism of the
cosmos, all circular forms relate to the sky or heaven, all squares to the earth, and
all triangles (with the apex at the top) to fire and to the urge towards ascension
inherent in human nature. Hence, the triangle also symbolizes the communication
between earth (the material world) and heaven (the spiritual world). The square
corresponds to the cross formed by the four Cardinal Points (6). And, of course,
the pyramid is square in plan and triangular in section. This general symbolism,
however, can be profoundly modified in certain directions by the addition of
powerful secondary meanings or associations. Thus, whereas Christianity comes
to stress the importance of the human individual rather than the cosmos, templesymbolism emphasizes the transcendence of the human figure rather than the contrast between heaven and earth—though the primary meaning can by no
means be ignored. Already in Greek, Etruscan and Roman temple-building, this
symbolic contrast, as well as the symbolism of gradual ascent (as in Babylonian
ziggurats) had become subservient to the concept of a temple mirroring on earth
the division of the heavens into an ordered pattern, and resting on supports
(pillars, columns) which—since they originate from primitive lake-dwelling structures—relate the earth’s surface to the ‘primordial waters’ of the ocean. The
typical Romanesque church combines the symbolisms of the dome, and of the
circle and the square, with two new elements of the greatest importance: the
subdivision of the main body of the building into nave and two aisles (symbolic
of the Trinity) and the cross-shaped plan, derived from the image of a man lying
prostrate with his arms outstretched whereby the centre becomes not man’s
navel (a merely symmetrical division) but his heart (at the intersection of nave
and transept), while the main apse represents the head. As indicated above, each
architectural element contributes to the general symbolism. Thus, in Gothic architecture, the symbol of the Trinity occurs repeatedly in triple doors, trefoiled,
scalloped and pointed arches. The ogive in itself is nothing but a triangle with
curved sides, with all the specific implications of triangle-symbolism outlined
above (14, 46). The flammigerous arch, as the name indicates, is a symbol of fire,
and it would be possible to see in the formal evolution of 15th-century Gothic a
return to the apocalyptic meanings which were so important in Romanesque
iconography (46). Jambs, pillars and side columns can be interpreted as ‘guardians’ of the doorway. Porches are the external counterpart of the altar-piece
which, in its turn, is—as it were—the ‘programme’ set up in the heart of the
temple. Cloisters also possess cosmic and spiritual implications. On the cosmic
plane, and regarded as a spatial expression of a period of time, they stand for the
cycle of the year, and by analogy, for the life-span of Man. The correlation is as
follows: North-East side of the cloister—October December; North-West—January/March; South-West—April/June; South-East—July/September. The four
divisions of the year (or of the human life-span of which it is an analogical image)
are further correlated to the four phases of a ritual cycle of healing (or salvation):
the first phase—death, danger and suffering; second phase—purifying fire; third—
cure; fourth—convalescence (51). According to Pinedo, the South side, whence
the warm winds blow, pertains to the Holy Spirit, inspiring the soul with the fire
of charity and divine love; the North side, exposed to the cold winds, pertains to
the devil and his insinuations that freeze the soul (46). As regards one of the most
characteristic features of Gothic cathedrals—the twin frontal towers—Schneider
points out that they are related to the two peaks of the Mountain of Mars (with its related symbols of the Gemini, Janus and the number 2), while the dome over
the intersection of the nave and transepts stands for the Mountain of Jupiter (or
unity). Paradise is above the platform and Hell (represented by the gargoyles)
beneath. The four supports, pillars or piers which subdivide the façade and
determine the location of the three doorways are the four rivers of Paradise. The
three doors stand for faith, hope and charity. The central rosette is, the Lake of
Life, where heaven and earth meet (sometimes it also stands for heaven, towards
which the apex of the triangular ogive points) (50). Attempts have also been made
to define the probable allegorical significance of other parts of the architectural
fabric of the cathedral. Thus, according to Lampérez, the church walls stand for
humanity redeemed; the counterforts and flying buttresses for uplifting, moral
strength; the roof for charity and shelter; the pillars, for the dogmas of the faith;
the ribbing of the vaults, for the paths of salvation; the spires, for God’s finger
pointing to the ultimate goal of mankind. It will be seen that the special symbolic
meanings here are obviously related to the appearance and functions of the various architectural elements. Two further facts should also be mentioned: the ‘degraded’ interpretation suggested by psychoanalysts whereby every building is
seen as a human body (doors and windows— openings; pillars—forces) or spirit
(cellars—subconscious; attics— mind, imagination)—an interpretation arrived at
on an experimental basis; and the possibility of elaborating increasingly complex
systems by combining a number of symbolic principles. Kubler, in his Baroque
Architecture, analyses the case of Fr. Giovanni Ricci who, following the example
of his mannerist forerunners Giacomo Soldati and Vincenzo Scamozzi, endeavoured to develop a new ‘harmonic’—or ideal—architectural order, by integrating
the existing systems (Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, etc.) into a scheme whereby each
different mode was related to a specific temperament or to a certain degree of
holiness (Plate III).