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The Woman's Dictionary of Symbols and Sacred Objects
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).
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).
576 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
166 people are currently reading
2186 people want to read
About the author
Barbara G. Walker
36 books123 followersBarbara Walker studied journalism at the University of Pennsylvania and then took a reporting job at the Washington Star in DC. During her work as a reporter, she became increasingly interested in feminism and women's issues.
Her writing career has been split between knitting instruction books, produced in the late 1960s through the mid-80s; and women's studies and mythology books, produced from the 1980s through the early 21st C.
Her writing career has been split between knitting instruction books, produced in the late 1960s through the mid-80s; and women's studies and mythology books, produced from the 1980s through the early 21st C.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 23, 2008
the daughter's father got this for me in my deep woo phase.
it has saved me from inking some fucked up shit on my person.
it has saved me from inking some fucked up shit on my person.
July 26, 2017
A wonderful work on the study of symbols and sacred objects as they relate to the female. It's an excellent companion to the marvelous "The Book Of Symbols: Reflections On Archetypal Images" offering insight on the feminine roots of many of our symbols.
Just as an example, one such symbol is the fish, widely accepted to be the symbol of Christianity, but which is actually FAR older. Ichthys was the offspring of the ancient Sea goddess Atargatis, and was known in various mythic systems as Tirgata, Aphrodite, Pelagia, or Delphine. The word also meant "womb" and "dolphin" in some tongues, and representations of this appeared in the depiction of mermaids. The fish is also a central element in other stories, including the Goddess of Ephesus, as well as the tale of the fish of the Nile that swallowed part of Osiris' body (the penis), and was also considered a symbol of the sexuality of Isis for she had sexual intercourse with Osiris after his death which resulted in the conception and birth of his posthumous son, Harpocrates, Horus-the-child. So, in pagan beliefs, the fish is a symbol of birth and fertility.
Before Christianity adopted the fish symbol, it was known by pagans as "the Great Mother", and "womb". Its link to fertility, birth, and the natural force of women was acknowledged also by the Celts, as well as pagan cultures throughout northern Europe.
The Romans called the goddess of sexual fertility by the name of Venus. And thus it is from the name of the goddess Venus that our modern words "venereal" and "venereal disease" have come. Friday was regarded as her sacred day, because it was believed that the planet Venus ruled the first hour of Friday and thus it was called dies Veneris. And to make the significance complete, the fish was also regarded as being sacred to her. The similarities between the two, would indicate that Venus and Freya were originally one and the same goddess and that original being the mother-goddess of Babylon.
The same association of the mother goddess with the fish-fertility symbol is evidenced among the symbols of the goddess in other forms also. The fish was regarded as sacred to Ashtoreth, the name under which the Israelites worshiped the pagan goddess. And in ancient Egypt, Isis is represented with a fish on her head.
Great stuff. Wonderful for those of us who do dream work, and who look for the deep plumb line of the Sacred that runs through all time, all people, and all place. More evidence the world is full of wonder, magic, and miracle.
Just as an example, one such symbol is the fish, widely accepted to be the symbol of Christianity, but which is actually FAR older. Ichthys was the offspring of the ancient Sea goddess Atargatis, and was known in various mythic systems as Tirgata, Aphrodite, Pelagia, or Delphine. The word also meant "womb" and "dolphin" in some tongues, and representations of this appeared in the depiction of mermaids. The fish is also a central element in other stories, including the Goddess of Ephesus, as well as the tale of the fish of the Nile that swallowed part of Osiris' body (the penis), and was also considered a symbol of the sexuality of Isis for she had sexual intercourse with Osiris after his death which resulted in the conception and birth of his posthumous son, Harpocrates, Horus-the-child. So, in pagan beliefs, the fish is a symbol of birth and fertility.
Before Christianity adopted the fish symbol, it was known by pagans as "the Great Mother", and "womb". Its link to fertility, birth, and the natural force of women was acknowledged also by the Celts, as well as pagan cultures throughout northern Europe.
The Romans called the goddess of sexual fertility by the name of Venus. And thus it is from the name of the goddess Venus that our modern words "venereal" and "venereal disease" have come. Friday was regarded as her sacred day, because it was believed that the planet Venus ruled the first hour of Friday and thus it was called dies Veneris. And to make the significance complete, the fish was also regarded as being sacred to her. The similarities between the two, would indicate that Venus and Freya were originally one and the same goddess and that original being the mother-goddess of Babylon.
The same association of the mother goddess with the fish-fertility symbol is evidenced among the symbols of the goddess in other forms also. The fish was regarded as sacred to Ashtoreth, the name under which the Israelites worshiped the pagan goddess. And in ancient Egypt, Isis is represented with a fish on her head.
Great stuff. Wonderful for those of us who do dream work, and who look for the deep plumb line of the Sacred that runs through all time, all people, and all place. More evidence the world is full of wonder, magic, and miracle.
April 27, 2010
This massive compilation of symbols that used to belong to women and the goddess is going to be on my shelf. Walker doesn't take up room with justification for interpretation - history is in the potsherd. Consider that the ubiquitous modern use of "god" and male sacred imagery claims preeminence in antiquity, although the masculine role in procreation wasn't known for thousands of years. So, what felt weird at 8 years old in church still feels wrong. How could there be so many creation myths that don't include women? Like most of recorded history, the powers that took the power write the books and redraw the pictures. Walker changes that here. I would have liked to have discovered this book a few decades ago, but I'm glad it's here for me now.
April 29, 2010
I bought Walker's Women's Rituals hoping to find a way to incorporate a form of spirituality without abandoning the rational. I found appealing her contention that spiritual can celebrate the real and natural. In the end, I didn't find doing such things as sewing a priestess robe or creating an altar was for me--but before that I found myself buying this book too--and I still keep it on my bookshelf. I suppose because I do find the material intriguing and entertaining. It's exhaustive and thorough and well-illustrated, and each entry cites a source listed in the Bibliography. Contents are divided into 21 sections including such objects as motifs, signs, supernaturals, zodiac, animals, minerals, etc. Here's a short entry selected at random:
Hermetic Cross [with picture of what looks like an anchor--a cross bisecting a semi-circle]
This version of the Christian cross was adapted from the sign of Hermes. Some said it was a "hermaphroditic" sign of male and female principles together: the male god (cross) arising from the female (crescent moon). Since the moon was a common symbol for all forms of the Virgin Mother including even her Christianized, mortalized one, the Hermetic cross was often interpreted as an emblem of Christ born of the virgin. 1
1. Koch, 12
--------------------------------
This is the definition of the same term at http://symboldictionary.net
This alchemical symbol, most often referred to as the Cross of Hermes, appears mainly in watermarks used by printers during the English Renaissance, were usually attributed patronage of their craft to the god Hermes. The emblem’s lower portion represents the hermetic maxim, “as above, so below,” and is related to the Masonic square and compass. The upper numeral “4″ is the sacred number of Hermes and represents the four directions and the the crossroads sacred to the god. This is the “sign of the cross” used by kabbalists; this self-blessing was later adopted by the Church of Rome.
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Somewhat different--and notably that definition lacks a female dimension. Regardless, the book is fun to browse.
Hermetic Cross [with picture of what looks like an anchor--a cross bisecting a semi-circle]
This version of the Christian cross was adapted from the sign of Hermes. Some said it was a "hermaphroditic" sign of male and female principles together: the male god (cross) arising from the female (crescent moon). Since the moon was a common symbol for all forms of the Virgin Mother including even her Christianized, mortalized one, the Hermetic cross was often interpreted as an emblem of Christ born of the virgin. 1
1. Koch, 12
--------------------------------
This is the definition of the same term at http://symboldictionary.net
This alchemical symbol, most often referred to as the Cross of Hermes, appears mainly in watermarks used by printers during the English Renaissance, were usually attributed patronage of their craft to the god Hermes. The emblem’s lower portion represents the hermetic maxim, “as above, so below,” and is related to the Masonic square and compass. The upper numeral “4″ is the sacred number of Hermes and represents the four directions and the the crossroads sacred to the god. This is the “sign of the cross” used by kabbalists; this self-blessing was later adopted by the Church of Rome.
----------------------------
Somewhat different--and notably that definition lacks a female dimension. Regardless, the book is fun to browse.
June 30, 2019
For use in looking up symbols to get their names, this is a useful reference. Also not bad for magickal workings, to flip to a random page and find a concept or symbol to research or meditate on. But in terms of the accuracy of the entries....I cannot recommend. I have my share of deep research under my belt, and this book presents some straight up incorrect information that I found. That makes me question the information it provides in areas where my knowledge isn't as advanced. Basically, it brings the content of the whole book into doubt, which is frustrating given how much time I spent actually reading it cover to cover.
Also, this is heavily weighted toward mythologies and symbolism of Hellenistic and post-Hellenistic Western cultures. Serious lack of material on Oriental, MesoAmerican and other symbol systems. How annoyingly typical.
Also, this is heavily weighted toward mythologies and symbolism of Hellenistic and post-Hellenistic Western cultures. Serious lack of material on Oriental, MesoAmerican and other symbol systems. How annoyingly typical.
August 28, 2013
Another excellent resource from Barbara walker of information for anyone looking into female history, culture, sub-culture and anything goddess-related. A useful mind expanding tool. More affordable, inspiring and healthier than any drug. Go and blow your mind! Again and again! I've always liked dictionaries and encyclopaedias because there is always something new to discover in their pages. This book fed me for several years.
May 22, 2009
This is more a reference book than a book that you read cover to cover but it's full of symbols, and sacred objects. she covers what they are their meaning, what they were used for and their relation in mythology. Lots of interesting and useful information.
November 9, 2017
Cool book!!!
March 14, 2019
A good and complete dictionary of women's symbols. Interesting to any person who, like me, loves symbolism or to any artist/writer/creator. I loved how the entries where organized.
November 25, 2019
One of my favorite reference books in my personal collection.
December 29, 2023
Heavily biased language and context used, too much so to present as an academic text
November 29, 2024
Incredible reference book! So glad I picked this up!
July 30, 2016
i found a really old edition, full of drawings and fell in love with its exceptional content! There is so much inspiration and knowledge to get out from this book, once i finished it, and it is not that easy to go threw a dictionary, i felt like it could be a great book to travel with along life for the many layers of understanding of the symbols you meet in one's life.
loved it
loved it
May 29, 2007
i read her "myths and secrets" book first, and found this book to be a little repetitive of much of the topics she'd addressed in the other book (not sure which she had written first, actually)...
still a good book.
still a good book.
November 28, 2007
i love flipping though this book at random and finding a new way to see objects. a few days after reading about 'holey stones' my son brought me one from the beach. i have found a new appreciation for objects all around me that i had stopped really seeing.
December 14, 2010
This is another Barbara G. Walker book that I read many, many years ago. This is an EXCELLENT reference book! My edition is so old until the pages are turning brown. THIS is an added writing by Barbara G. Walker that makes-up my PERSONAL 'FEMININE' BIBLE! THANK YOU...
February 8, 2011
We were recently looking for sigils and this was a handy reference text. Lots of interesting stories and histories - but also lots of silly line drawings to justify the writing of descriptive text. Would make a nice book to check out of the library as needed.
May 26, 2007
Title in German:
Die geheimen Symbole der Frauen
Die geheimen Symbole der Frauen
July 30, 2007
I fucking love this book...The symbols are very helpful...plus the information..
February 20, 2008
A classic of Women's studies- I still like to look at this one after 20 years-
July 2, 2009
informative. good reference book
May 3, 2010
It is a dictionary and it reads like one.
Not sure why I read it instead of looking up the info I wanted, but it is full of wonderful info.
Not sure why I read it instead of looking up the info I wanted, but it is full of wonderful info.
Want to read
May 2, 2011trade paper very good condition
July 28, 2011
It's a very good reference book.
March 12, 2013
Loved everything about this book. I can't say I've 'finished' reading it because I suppose I'll be referring to it again and again.
February 23, 2013
i think every one should read this.
June 9, 2016
massive amt of info in one place - great for reference and browsing.
I can get lost in it for hours.
I can get lost in it for hours.
July 4, 2020
This is...well...okay if you're maybe looking for some inspiration for other projects, but Walker's research is shoddy & her viewpoint is very, very much privileged-white-woman. Pass this one up.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews