The study of symbols is known as symbology.
Symbology is the study of symbols or their set. A symbol, on the other hand, is the sensory representation of an idea that has a conventional and arbitrary link with its object.
The notion of symbology is used to name the system of symbols that identify the different elements of some area . In this sense we can speak, for example, of electronic symbology (with icons or graphic representations that allow each intervening element to be recognized).
Types of symbology
Electricity , chemistry and mechanics , among other areas of knowledge, have their own symbols. Those who know the symbology of a specialty can express themselves through symbols and interpret diagrams or schemes that appeal to symbols instead of words.
It is possible to classify the symbols according to their object of study or area of concern. Freemason symbology analyzes the symbols of the Freemasons and reveals the messages contained in each of them. Religious symbology , on the other hand, studies the symbols that intervene in a belief or practice of a religion .
The symbols of a nation and in esotericism
The symbology of a country refers to all the symbols that reflect the national identity. The national anthem, the flag and the coat of arms are examples of symbols that are part of the symbology of a country .
Esoteric symbology , finally, includes the symbols of the tarot, the I Ching, the Kabbalah and other currents of thought and faith . We can also talk about pagan symbology and satanic symbology , Romanesque symbology , among many other types.
The notion of symbology can refer to a particular system of symbols.
Egyptian symbols
Few cultures arouse as much interest as the Egyptian one, especially if we consider that its power goes beyond the authentic concerns for the history of humanity: who can say that the mere image of an imposing pyramid does not generate deep emotion? of your being? Not many people, surely.
One of the elements that people are so passionate about is, without a doubt, writing. It is worth mentioning that the interpretation that is possible today of hieroglyphics is due, in large part, to the discovery of the Rosetta Stone , a piece of a stele with an inscription in three languages, one of which was ancient Greek. Thanks to having the same text in triplicate, the understanding of this mysterious language of symbols improved significantly.
Meanings of the representations
Some of the most common symbols can be seen in the image above, and their meanings are set out below:
Ansada Cross (Anj or Ankh) : it is the symbol of immortality and means life . It is generally seen in the hands of Isis and other gods, as well as pharaohs, and is interpreted as the eternal soul . During funeral ceremonies, it was common for them to hold it by the handle, and then its shape was reminiscent of a key, with which it was possible to open the doors to the world of the deceased to enter eternity. On the other hand, it also symbolizes the point from which the elixirs of immortality and the qualities of the gods flow;
Rejit bird : shows a bird with arms similar to those of a human being. It was placed at the entrances to the temple rooms, where the common people could enter;
Egyptian cartridge (shenu) : it is represented by an oval-shaped rope whose tips merge into a knot, and was used to delimit both ends of a word (its beginning and its end). It usually encompassed the name of the pharaoh, to prevent it from coming into contact with the rest of the terms;
Scarab : It is a representation of the resurrection, which was used as an amulet of life and power. During its passage on Earth it protected against evil, whether visible or invisible, and provided strength and power on a daily basis.