Ancient pagan and modern Christian symbolism . t of which is sculpturedthe sacred tree, with branches like flames; three symbols oflife in one. It rises from a throne, on the seat of which areplaced the two emblems of earth and water. In the otherfigure, the sacred tree takes the place of the linga, risingabove the-throne, as if the trisiil or trident, maleemblems of Siva. Winged figures, Garudas, attend it above,floating over the heads of the worshippers. An intrusion ofthe newer faith is also to be recognised, as the feet ofBuddha are sculptured before the throne. In the mysteries of M
Ancient pagan and modern Christian symbolism . t of which is sculpturedthe sacred tree, with branches like flames; three symbols oflife in one. It rises from a throne, on the seat of which areplaced the two emblems of earth and water. In the otherfigure, the sacred tree takes the place of the linga, risingabove the-throne, as if the trisiil or trident, maleemblems of Siva. Winged figures, Garudas, attend it above,floating over the heads of the worshippers. An intrusion ofthe newer faith is also to be recognised, as the feet ofBuddha are sculptured before the throne. In the mysteries of Mithra, the symbols in Fig. 178 werealso employed. They represented the elements to which thesoul ought to be successively united in passing through thenew birth. We will add but two moreemblems, culled from medias-val heraldry. Figs. 179 and 180,in both of which the Asherah,the **grove of Baal-worship,will be at once recognised; thearrow and the cross, symbolsof the male creator, taking theplace of the mystic palm-tree. In all these, from the. Fig. 180. PLATE XIX. 1 |r^T^ JW^ K ^ /4J^P^^¥^^^^ ;kS:5^-- --^^^^atv^^//^^^^^ 1. ^^ B^ft^V^
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