Symbols, designs, and the meaning of geometric motifs

On my recent time away, i visited la musee de civilization" in Quebec. (Civilization Museum).

There was an exhibit that i would like to ask everyone to think about, in terms of spiritual healing. In an exhibit of pottery made by Women in North Africa, there was a focus on the design and meaning of geometric motifs (or symbols) - painted onto the pottery. Reiki, deals in some regard with very specific ancient symbols.

When someone has a disease that cannot be cured by Traditional Medicine, there is a long human tradition for Caring when we cannot cure. There is also a long human tradition for reflecting on the nature of the human soul. For all that we have accomplished in Traditional Medicine, we have not moved forward (and in some cases have lost) accumulated wisdom from the human oral tradition.

The exhibit commented "geometric motifs that adorn the pieces have endured since the neo-lithic age, and are rooted in magico-religious intentions; self and species preservation; fertility; cult of the dead; and protection against evil." The women making the pottery often do not remember (or will not discuss) the meanings of the motifs.

Wikipedia comments on Carl Jung "Jung emphasized the importance of balance and harmony. He cautioned that modern people rely too heavily on science and logic and would benefit from integrating spirituality and appreciation of unconscious realms."


Evidenced based medicine is critically important to us, but, in its use we should not give up on our imaginations. This is especially true in Hospice, where evidence based medicine has been certified as unable to cure a patient, and our mission is to provide care when we cannot cure using a "traditional medicine" format.

As we find symbols, or "geometric motifs," that are ancient, it is helpful to have an oral tradition that provides us with a structure for viewing the symbols, and for connecting and integrating to our common spiritualities. Reiki is such a format or structure, that connects to Spirituality without attaching to a specific religious or devotional format. It is simply focused on healing and providing compassion.

Beyond that, in looking at ancient symbols, we always have our imaginations. The challenges of facing the unknown, being alone, facing fear, and suffering pain have not been abated as yet by the scientific method.

When we use our imaginations, we can place ourselves in a state, "as if we were there," in another time and another place. By imagining what that "might be like," we can bring some wisdom back to our own state of current consciousness.
By Dr. Harold Bob