Swastika
(fylfot cross)
Alternative
Religion/ features/
Alternative
Religions Glossary / Dictionary
of Symbols
Definition:
The swastika is one of the archetypal human religious symbols. It appears on
every continent
and is as old as humankind. A marker of the sun's travels, it can be seen on
pictish rock carvings, adorning ancient Greek pottery, and on Norse weapons
and implements. It was scratched on cave walls in France seven thousand years
ago. It marks the beginning of many Buddhist scriptures, and is often marked
on the soles of the feet of Buddha in statuary. In the Jain religion, it is
a symbol of the seventh Jina (saint), Suparsva. To native Americans, it is a
symbol of the sun, the directions, and the four seasons.
It is a type of
solar
cross, with arms bent at right angles, suggesting a whirling or turning
motion. Long before the symbol was co-opted as an emblem of Hitler's Nazi party,
it was a sacred symbol to Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist religions, as well as in
Norse, Basque, and Celtic Paganism.
The name Swastika
is derived from the Sanskrit language, from "su," meaning "good,"
and "vasti"," meaning "being" (well being) It is used
as a fertility and good luck charm.
The swastika is also known
as the tetraskelion, the fylfot cross (fylfot meaning 'four feet,' used in european
heraldry), the cross gammadion (because it resembles four greek letter 'gammas.'),
and the hakenkreutz (German, hooked cross).
The swastika used in Buddhist
art and scripture is known as a manji, and represents Dharma, universal
harmony, and the balance of opposites. When facing left, it is the Omote (front)
Manji, representing love and mercy. Facing right, it represents strength and
intelligence, and is called the Ura (rear facing) Omoje.
Balanced Manji are
often found at the beginning and end of buddhist scriptures.
Related
Symbols:
Resources:
- Asatru
The customs, history, and links on Norse Spirituality on About.com.
- Runes-
The Alphabet of Odin
Discover the ancient oracular alphabet of the Norse, the meanings of the Runic
characters, and learn how to do a basic divination with Runes.
Explore Alternative Religions
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