Texts>Ancient Pagan Symbols

From the "mystic flower of the Assyrians," which Goodyear identifies with the lotus, innumerable branches spring from an intricate scroll-work or interlacing design. The pillar or trunk of the tree is sometimes divided, suggesting the same idea of duality, or union of spirit and matter that is conveyed by the bird and serpent. (In all countries, as we have seen, the serpen~ was invariably associated with the Tree of Life, the bird typifying spirit or soul also constantly appears.) Whether the branches terminate in the lotus bud, pomegranate, or sacred cone, the fruit of the tree is never other than one of the well known symbols of life or fecundity.

To indicate the high significance of the tree as a religious emblem the winged circle of the deity is frequently placed above it.

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