Christian Symbolism  O to S

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Oil: The best thing you can do for a kid is make he or she feel special.  We are all God's kids and if the sun coming up each morning doesn't have an affect on you then Christendom carries over a very old tradition of anointing oil to the body as a means of tapping you on the head and saying you're special. Since people take things for granted and have to create a culture based on levels of distinction, Christendom has levels of anointing and values of oils.  Oils run from cleansing oils to food additives to medicines: '...a Samaritan. went up to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine..' (Luke 10:30-37)  Christ is the "Anointed One" has is a clearer translation of the Hebrew: Messiah and the Greek: Christos. The higher you go on this ladder culture you take on the job of anointing.  If you're really good you can even anoint things.  After Jacob's dream (See Ladder and Gen.28:10-17) he takes a stone he was using as a pillow and anointed it with oil and called the surroundings Bethel which means the House of God.  .................................................................RReturn to Index

Olive Tree: The olive tree, specifically an olive branch depicts the covenant God had with Noah (and assumably with all mankind) not to destroy the world.  It is a symbol of peace.  ......................................................... .......Return to Index

Alpha and Omega:  A title of Christ, meaning "The First and Last" and "The Beginning and End" (Rev 1:8, cf. 17; 21:6; 22:13; cf. Isa 41:4; 44:6; 48:12).The Alpha and the Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. In Revelations 1:8 (the traditionally accepted Apocalyptic book of the Bible) God says, "I am the first and the last.  Who is and Who was and Who is to come."  In the same book - states:13 - Jesus says, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."  Faith therefore requires it's followers to believe that God and Jesus are the prime cause, present motivation and conclusion to all existence and dimensions. Since this is not evident when portraying the Father or the Son, the A and the Omega represent that doctrine as well as the union of the Father and Son.
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Oven / Furnace: Basically Catholics, like most Christians, are black or white folks - up or down, right or left, matters dealing with inner struggle, inner guidance, soulful peace are all things of magic and eastern belly button meditation. Inner struggles are to be overcome through obeying the policies of Mother Church. YOU don't matter - only your soul matters. Your purpose is to secure your soul within the Mystical Body of Christ. Having said all this heavy-handed stuff, the oven or furnace get real tricky when incorporated in your Christian design work. It is the alchemist's symbolic furnace, the crucible or athanor wherein the humble child-spirit transmutates into a divine soul.  The arena of all spiritual alchemy is the human body.   We are the oven wherein our souls undergo the transformation to Godliness.  This is another one of those symbols (analogies) left over from Christendom's divorce with paganism and sorcery; for better or for worse.  Certainly for the faithful who attempt to follow the endless rules and policies of Christendom (especially Catholicism) this battle of fire going on within is very apparent. Especially in a free and open society. In order to possess any degree of status in these societies one needs the ambition to own stuff.  But a storehouse of sins develop from such desires.... gluttony, greed, covetousness, avariciousness.  Also see Bread. Do not confuse this symbol as one of the fires of hell.  ...................... ......Return to Index

Ox: The symbolic attribute of St. Luke.  Who, one would have to believe from the usual symbols of the beast, was long suffering, patient and self-giving. As with most images shown in this library, if you click on them they will bring you to the page where MyDrawingBoard posts the files for you. Members Only!    ...........................................................Return to Index

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Palm: The symbol of Jesus entering Jesuralem, as well as the symbol for martydom and the symbol for victory over death. As with most images shown in this library, if you click on them they will bring you to the page where MyDrawingBoard posts the files for you. Members Only!  ....................................................................Return to Index

Peacock: A symbol of immortality and the Resurrection. According to  The Elements of Christian Symbolism by John Baldock, Element Books, 1990, it is due to the bird's incorruptible flesh.  As with most images shown in this library, if you click on them they will bring you to the page where MyDrawingBoard posts the files for you. Members Only!   Return to Index

Pearl: "The Kingdom of God is like a merchant in search of fine perals, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it." (Matt. 13:45-46)  "do not give dogs what is holy; and do not throw your pearls before swine, least they trample them under foot and turn and attack you." (Matt 7:6) ............................................................................................Return to Index

: As the legend goes; this bird will cut open its breast to feed its young. The symbol is of Christ shedding his blood on the cross to redeem mankind. The message does come across. All the same I suggest you draw up such a scene as an experiment.  Because when I was back there in seminary school (Coindre Hall, Huntington, NY, circa 1958-64) there was such an image of stain glass in the upstairs chapel. A work I enjoyed so much I can't even remember anything else about that chapel - and we were required to attend Mass there at least once weekly. The dreadful display of mother pelican tearing open her breast while 2 young birds fed struck me as so sacrificial and self-giving, but on a humanistic or even animal level. To this day I can not equate that kind of self depreciation to a divine level. But that's me... draw it up, see what feelings it invokes for you. As with most images shown in this library, if you click on them they will bring you to the page where MyDrawingBoard posts the files for you. Members Only! ...........................Return to Index

Pharisees: Maens: The Separate ones. Although this group from the governing body of the Jews during the time of Christ held sympathetic ideas with Christ, it was their attitude of elitism, hypocrisy and narrow-mindedness which Jesus took exception to. There's a lesson there: according to Acts 23:8, here's a group of peole - leaders -who see eye to eye with the Lord and still appear earmarked for the fires of hell. .......................................................................................................Return to Index

Phoenix:  Another pagan (Egyptian and Greek) legend welcomed into Christendom. If you have some time, research this legend, it's unique among legends. In short the phoenix - an out-worldy bird - sensing the appraoch of death builds its own pyre (funeral fire) which is lit by the rays of the morning sun (that's decidedly Grecian) and the bird is burnt to ashes, from which another phoenix arises. Legend does not clarify if its the exact same bird or not.  But that's a wonderfully incrediable legend all the same (although there's more to it. Look it up for yourself.) Thus this special bird has been adopted into Christendom to represent rebirth, the victory over death and, of course the Resurrection of Christ.  Might have been DOA along with the pagans, but rose from the ashes, didn't it?  As an artists always believe that "legends are truths related to the best of understanding."  (Joe Campbell 1904-1987)  Makes you wonder about Unicorns. As with most images shown in this library, if you click on them they will bring you to the page where MyDrawingBoard posts the files for you. Members Only! ...............Return to Index

Pilgrimage: Pilgrim's Progress comes to mind. In Cristendom we are all pilgrims struggling through life's labyrinth toward our destiny of spiritual discovery, wonder and salvation.  See also: Labyrinth. ..........................................................................................................Return to Index

PILLAR

Pillar: A generic symbol if ever there was one. In almost all traditions a pillar symbolizes what the tree had in primative thought - the cosmic buttresss, the heavenly support, the fortification on all levels. It is a symbol of strength and guidance.  During daylight the Lord appeared to the wandering Israelites in the desert as a pillar of cloud to lead them toward the Promised Land. At night a pillar of fire served them with light.(Ex. 13:21-22)  In 1 Kings 7:15-22, Solomon errects two pillars named Jachin and Boaz, at the entrance to his famed Temple. Two pillars represent the duality resloved by the pathway between them and leading into a new life. A column is a decorated pillar. As with most images shown in this library, if you click on them they will bring you to the page where MyDrawingBoard posts the files for you. Members Only!   ...............................................................          ...............Return to Index

Column

Plough: The symbolic male principle which breaks and prepares the female earth for the sowing of seeds which bring forth all future sustenance. As with most images shown in this library, if you click on them they will bring you to the page where MyDrawingBoard posts the files for you. Members Only                     .Return to Index

Pomegranate: A fruit from the Promised Land.  "...a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates."(Deut. 8:8) But the fruit also reports from Hellenistic mythology: Pluto convinces Proserpine to devour a pomegranate seed to have her return to him every spring.  Her return from Hades regenerates the earth and thus Christendom links that to the Resurrection - all those seeds, don't yer know?     Return to Index

Promised Land: Synonymous with Paradise and the Heavenly Kingdom. In actuality it is Canaan where God directed Moses and the Israelites after there endless years of wandering around in the wilderness.  (A side note of interest here: at all times during history there are 'tribes' of refugees wandering about - there are a few right now in Africa - refused settlement for one reason or another. The Jewish history is not as unique as one might guess except for the Divine intervention at every step. But the wandering in the desert is a worthwhile tale because it replies to later generations who come on our TV sets and bother us on the Internet to say, 'See, Christ said he'll be back by evening... and where is He?'  God has a warped sense of time, evidently.  The Israelites thought the Promise Land of milk and honey would appear the next time God's pillar of fire faded in the dawn's early light - yet it never did.  An entire generation passed away before Moses' replacement, Joshua, lead his people to their destination. Return to Index

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Quatrefoil: A stylized representation of a 4 petaled flower or 4-lobbed leaf. Abstractly, it represents the 4 winds (directions.) In memorialization - oddly enough - it was first incorporated in design to recall a Rose Window.  The design referred to, shown on the left, was created by Hugo Calderera in 1935 for the sculptor Mike Colonna to experiment a new art form called sandblasting. The gothic looking design is still used extensively today. As such, the quatrefoil is to symbolize a learned view of faith. Use it to remember those who believed deeply and explored their religion and  inner conscious: the reflective soul. As with most images shown in this library, if you click on them they will bring you to the page where MyDrawingBoard posts the files for you. Members Only Return to Index

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Rainbow: A visual and psychological connection between heaven and earth, but, above all it is the symbol of reconciliation between Noah and God - and presumably all mankind.  "I set my ribbon in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth." (Gen. 9:13)  As with most images shown in this library, if you click on them they will bring you to the page where MyDrawingBoard posts the files for you. Members Only   .Return to Index

Right and Left: Two opposites and opposing principles.  Right is just and active, masculine, life and light-giving, represents the sun and heavenly principles.  And, get this, it corresponds to the rational and analytical function of our brain's "left" hemisphere. (A Yin and Yang concept if you ask me.) Left represents all the opposite notions: feminine, lunar, dark, earthly principle.  So Linda and Kay and our other female members don't flame me with hate email: each person is a combination of principles in the eyes of Christendom, there are no physical absolutes. .Return to Index

Ritual: Rituals are signs not symbols.  I include it here because all other sources include it in their lists. It is a ceremony. A re-enactment or playing out of symbols and mysteries. To demonstrate it as a sign merely draw up any ritual: the Mass, Stations of the Cross, a wedding   As with most images shown in this library, if you click on them they will bring you to the page where MyDrawingBoard posts the files for you. Members Only   ......................................................Return to Index

River: In Christendom the river depicts the waters of life and its endless flux.  Try not to envision it as a 'river of time' which would be misunderstanding the symbol and the concept. I do not have the space here to explain fully why such imagery is wrong, suffice to say that before Isaac Newton (circa 1700) and before the practical use of clocks through sailing and then pointedly before railroads - not to mention that guy with all the wavy gray hair, Einstein - time had no relevance to mankind in general. And it certainly did not "flow" like a river. Instead a picture of a river would have invoked thoughts of abundance, life-giver, transportation and the like.  Let me quote from Elements of Christian Symbolism by John Baldock: "In the Old Testament there is a symbolic diptych in which the waters of Egypt (the material world) cease to give life so that those chosen by God may receive the true waters of life (the Grace or Spirit of God).  Moses, following the command of God, strikes the Nile, the river of Egypt, with his rod, 'And the fish in the Nile died; and the Nile became foul, so that the Egyptians could not drink water from the Nile.'(Ex. 7:21) ..... In Ezekiel the sacred river flows out of the temple 'And wherever the river goes every lining creature which swarms will live, and there will be very many fish; for this water goes there, that the waters of the sea may become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes.'"  Quotes and parenthesis are Mr. Baldock's.  Notice the use of the word "goes" in stead of flows.  That's essential. Also notice that the river lends life to the sea.  Specific rivers also have meaning: the River Nile, the Ganghi River. Revelations speaks of the four rivers of Paradise. This symbol has been traditionally tagged to the four Gospels. .Return to Index

Robe: The symbol for the unity of the 'body' of Christ, better known in Catholicism as the Mystical Body of Christ; which comprises Christ and all the faithful members of the Church.   As with most images shown in this library, if you click on them they will bring you to the page where MyDrawingBoard posts the files for you. Members Only       .                                   Return to Index

Rock: "Like a rock." All the claims that car company wants to make about their SUV will not allow it to outlast that annoying pebble stuck to the bottom of your shoe.  A rock is the single symbol of permanence, of steadfastness and stability. So when the Bible says that Jesus established His church on Peter (Greek: Petros and Petra = rock) He was establishing something more enduring than a commercial enterprise - regardless of how it has evolved during its tenure. ..                                                   .Return to Index

Rod: The solve et coagula of alchemy. The staff of Ra. Moses' rod. A Guy's lance (a 'Guy' is a knight.) Apparently we humans respect the man or woman with the big stick and always had looked up to those indivduals. In Christian symbolism it reveals the person with divinely given authority.  ..                                               Return to Index

Rood: An achitectual symbol which declares: 'this place is holy.'  See the image at left. Also see veil.   Return to Index

Room: This symbol is strictly from the Church, popularized in 15th century Flemish paintings and has some loose ties to monastic living and to one line in the Bible: 'In my Father's house are many rooms.' (John 14:2) The Flemish artists were depicting the (monastic) view of withdrawal from the world and seeking a higher state of mind. Me thinks it was just a good tool to demonstrate the Flemish light which breeches a room in a lovely way. A symbol of God's grace removing the darkness from within a soul. You have to be a tad careful when trying to handle such concepts and symbols. As someone who spent a lot of time in Novenas and Retreats I can report that the only higher state achieved is that you're not bothered by the nightly news  - which is not a bad thing. ....Return to Index

Rosary: The word is Latin for Rose Garden. A Middle Ages' tool for counting prayers. The typical layman's rosary is 55 beads threaded on a chain or string divided into 5 groups called Decades because they hold 10 beads each. Another 5 beads extends out to a cross or a medallion. However, the standard rosary, known as the mystic rose garden of the Virgin Mary is 150 beads divided into groups of 10 by 15 larger beads. Each one third or five decades is called a chaplet and recalls five of the fifteen Mysteries of the Rosary. Each Mystery is an episode from the life of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. They are: 1) The Joyful Mysteries: The Annunciation of Mary: the Visitation of the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin; the Nativity; the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple; the Finding of Jesus at the Temple (remember he was lost to his parents while talking to the Rabbis). 2) The Sorrowful Mysteries: the Agony in the Garden; the Scourging of Jesus; the Crown of thorns; the Way of the Cross; the Crucifixion. 3) The Glorious Mysteries: the Resurrection; the Ascension; the Decent of the Holy Spirit; the Assumption and Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Please note that Mysteries are not necessarily doctrines of the Church. For example, the Rosary is not the Apostles Creed writ large.  .Return to Index

Rose: If you're not familiar with the symbolism of a rose - you're not a designer, you're a visitor - HI! A universal symbol for deep love and affection. The red rose reportedly sprang to its existence from a drop of Christ's blood during the Crucifixion. Thus it is the symbol of martyrdom also.   The Rose of Sharon, which is a thornless rose represents Mary. In Christian art it is the symbol of the Virgin Mary who is the 'Rose of Sharon'. (Song 2:1)  Having no thorns therefore having no sins.  In our craft a 'cultured' rose as shown here stands for deep love and affection because it is so deeply carved into the monument. It is found on monuments of married folk (usually and properly.) The exact same rose if flat carved would mean the same as a rosette. Lesser roses represent brotherly, friendship affection. See ROSETTE below. As with most images shown in this library, if you click on them they will bring you to the page where MyDrawingBoard posts the files for you. Members Only .                                                                                       .Return to Index

Rosette:If you're not familiar with the symbolism of a rosette - you're not a designer. Rosettes - 5 pedals and round like a daisy represent brotherly, friendship affection. But are most often employed as decoration for decoration sake as explained here by the Free Masons' website: Rosette,. [F., dim. of rose, a rose. Cf. {Roset}.] 1. A imitation of a rose by means of ribbon or other material, -- used as a ornament or a badge. [1913 Webster] 2. (Arch.) A ornament in the form of a rose or roundel, -much used&ldots; (The Collaborative International Dictionary of English) rosette -Etymology: French, literally, small rose, from Old French, from rose, from Latin rosa. Date: 1790 an ornament usually made of material gathered or pleated so as to resemble a rose and worn as a badge of office, as evidence of having won&ldots; (New Collegiate Dictionary) Rosettes are also sometimes called bowknots, due to their shape. From the latter definition let me expound on "Worn as a badge of office, as evidence of having won&ldots;" A rosette worn, more often than not, is a symbol of recognition and it announces uniquely, with subtle dignity, the affiliations or associations of your life. They are an enduring symbol of pride and achievement.   As with most images shown in this library, if you click on them they will bring you to the page where MyDrawingBoard posts the files for you. Members Only .                                                                         Return to Index

Rose Window: A circular window, with mullions and traceries generally radiating from the centre, and filled with stained glasses. The term is suggested by the fancied resemblance of the window with its traceries to the rose and its petals. The rose window is one of the most beautiful and characteristic features of medieval architecture, especially of the French Gothic, in which it achieved its most perfect development. Its origin is to be found in the Roman oculus. Because it appeared as a colossal specter - like an opening exposing heaven itself or what we would consider super special effects today - and would capture the viewer's imagination with its endless traceries the Rose Window symbolizes a learned view of faith. Use it to remember those who believed deeply and explored their religion and  inner conscious: the reflective soul. .                                        Return to Index

Ruins: Ever notice that paintings of the Nativity are always placed in a wrecked stable?  So you say, 'well, they weren't the stables at Churchill Downs.'  On the other hand, if you consider that all anyone had before Cars, TVs, toys and computers was their stable and livery, one would expect few stables to be in disrepair. When you draw a Nativity it is expected that you represent the changing of the guard from the old to the new; from the Old Covenant (Judaism)to the New (Christ). From the very first woks of Christian art this was done by showing an old, broken down barn.  No need to re-invent the wheel.  ..                                                                                                                      Return to Index

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Sacrament: Here is an excellent case of a sign taking on the garment of a symbol; sacraments are outer signs for inner obligations and mysteries. As I list the sacraments visualize the symbol you would draw for each. As you do it will become clear why a sacrament is a sign not a symbol. In the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches the seven sacraments are: Baptism; Confirmation: Holy Eucharist: Confession: Holy Orders: Matrimony and Last Rights (also known as Extreme Unction.)  In the Protestant Churches there are two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper. As with most images shown in this library, if you click on them they will bring you to the page where MyDrawingBoard posts the files for you. Members Only   ..Return to Index

Sadducees: Here's a symbol you probably have seen a hundred times and didn't know it.  Usually garbed in black with funny head dress the Sadducees were one of the two Jewish sects in the Bible which stood opposing the teaching of Jesus... the other being the Pharisees, but in a different light. See Pharisees.  The Sadducees followed the written Law to the letter and rejected the resurrection of the soul - largely because they did not recognize a spiritual soul. "You know neither the scriptures nor the power of God," Jesus said to them. (Matt. 22:29) When you employ this symbol you depict an obstacle to the acceptance of Christ.  They represent ignorance. ..Return to Index

Salt: Every person I ever met knew by heart the words of Christ when He said, "You are the salt of the earth...."   And most everyone misunderstands those words.  Readily we all acknowledge that every can of food you buy - and deli ham, and sodas, and breads, and etc., are preserved by salt or a sodium based chemical.  So folks jump to the conclusion that Jesus said his followers were the stuff the community needs to stay in shape.  Instead review where Jesus got the foundation for His statement and then we will finish His very words. '...it is a covenant of salt for ever before the Lord for you and for your offspring with you.' (Numbers 18:19) Salt not only preserves; it reforms and bonds. So when Jesus added: "...but if the salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltness be restored?" (Matt. 5:13) He was speaking of nothing less than the very spiritual understanding, the faith of mankind and our obedience which is the covenant we hold between ourselves and God.  Kind of throws out that modern (but good) saying: 'You are what you eat.'  And states outright: 'There is only one food and eat none other.'  And doesn't that echo from Eden?  A second chance perhaps. It's a thought. ...Return to Index

Sea: The waters of life.  Follow God's Law and your journey will lead you safely to the harbor of Paradise.  Ignore His Word and life will be interesting and you'll go down with the ship.   As with most images shown in this library, if you click on them they will bring you to the page where MyDrawingBoard posts the files for you. Members Only ..Return to Index

Seed: The seed in Christian art represents the Kingdom of Heaven in the same disguise that any seed is the promise of achieving adult maturity.  Depict a seed as the very manifestation of the Will of God.  Do you recall Jesuss' very first parable? It was the Parable of the Sower of seeds... 'As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the word and understands it.' (Matt. 13:23) If that isn't enough to stress the importance of this promise, Jesuss' second Parable was about a mustard seed! The message is contagious in these parables (and you serve yourself well by checking out 1 Cor. 15:36-44 also.) Jesus states clearly that we are all the embryo of a wondrous kingdom as certain to be realized as for certainly we exist.  It will come to pass and bloom as sure as you and I live and breath. And those who are not pulling their just weight will never live inside God's Kingdom.  Talk about putting your best foot forward! And having no fear either.  I have been reading the Bible now for over 50 years and I am ever astounded by the figure cut by the authors of this man Jesus.  And, alternatively, the more I read modern physics and the weirder science evolves, the closer I grow to the truths stated in the Bible.  I am sure I am not the only one who would be willing to argue that science has not disproved the Bible but proven it - and in the strangest fashion! However, not in this forum.... I still have more symbols to post and more of your artwork to covert and post.  But if you're interested go to Amazon.com and look up these authors: Paul Davies, J.R. Brown, Alstair I.M. Rae, Erwin Schrodiner, B.S. DeWitt .Return to Index

Serpent: The snake gets the bad rap here but a serpent is any malicious critter including demons, dragons and devils. Satan is a serpent. "That ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world." (Rev. 12:9)  Although serpents can deceive and lead higher beings like us into hellfire, because of God's Will we can never be harmed directly by a serpent. "How much more will your Father in heaven give you if you ask Him!" (Matt 7:11)  So they are not to be feared but are a whole lot of fun to draw. Kimon Brown drew the one over there. On the page through that link you'll find critters by Moses, Kimon and myself. As with most images shown in this library, if you click on them they will bring you to the page where MyDrawingBoard posts the files for you. Members Only ..Return to Index

Shells: A popular decorative symbol for the protective and completeness of God's all embracing Grace.  You'll fine scallop shells to be more popular simply due to their graphic appeal.  Many Baptismals are cut as shells for their obvious symbolism and because it comes to mind when you need a container for water - right? As with most images shown in this library, if you click on them they will bring you to the page where MyDrawingBoard posts the files for you. Members Only ....Return to Index

Shepherd: Mankind is God's flock, you are a sheep.  Here's a symbol that has to be the favorite of anyone who moves into a position of power.  Few people will imagine themselves above humanity, but leaders love thinking themselves as tenders of the flesh - shepherds.  And it must be some kind of self defense mechanism to see us as sheep. Why they all just don't leave us all live our lives, I don't know. According to the Bible there is only one shepherd and only in His eyes are we sheep: "I Myself will be the shepherd of my sheep." (Ez. 34:15) To stress that point John 10:14-16 states, 'There shall be one flock, one shepherd.'  And there is a more interesting message to all you TV evangelistic jerks right in Genesis 46:34, 'every shepherd is an abomination ....'  Jesus calls himself the 'good shepherd.' (john 10:14)  and John refers only to the Messianic shepherd.  Yet the image of the shepherd is a very noble one and tomes are filled with amazing stories concerning this most uninteresting occupation. You just have to try to keep authority figures out of the mix.  The image of Christ carrying a lamb on His shoulders is a standard. As with most images shown in this library, if you click on them they will bring you to the page where MyDrawingBoard posts the files for you. Members Only   ...Return to Index

Shepherd's Cross: The file stagx at MyDrawingBoard.com  it has also been called the sailor's cross, but the sailor's cross is not a symbol and changes from port to port (or so it seems).  The shepherd's cross symbolizes Jesus' promise to be the good shepherd.  It's origins are pre-Middle Ages, though I couldn't track down a date or place of origin. ..Return to Index

Ship: Because I was born and raised on Long Island, I always find it funny when a member here looks at a ship (or hauler, or clipper, or frigate) and calls it a "boat."  I suppose, essentially, anything that floats and carries a passenger is a boat.  And both boats and ships are all over the Bible and Christendom.  After all, before cars and airplanes that was the cutting edge.  In your art when you draw a boat, draw a sea worthy vessel that carries one person. Put a sail on it and have the individual tacking his or her way across the water and you are saying BOAT as it is intended in Christendom.  The water is the material world, the indvidual is any man, the boat represents the Bible's teachings, the winds is God's Grace. And that sail he or she is tacking - ingenuity!  Now, writ large and you must sink that boat and sketch in a ship.  A ship is a community.  Captian, mates, keepers, deck hands, bosins and passengers.  The ship represents the Church.  ..Return to Index

Ship of Fools: The ship represents the Church.  A ship of fools is the satire of humankind and our foolishness when we think Stephen Hawking, Paul Davies and Einstien have the answer and point the way.  It is a late medieval theme.  ..Return to Index

Shoes: The spirit of the Burning Bush told Moses, 'Put off your shoes from your feet, for the place on which you stand is holy ground.' (ex 3:5) In many places today you are asked (told) to remove your shoes before entering a room or abode.  Shoes depict a man's nature, his worldliness - where he's been what he's stepped into. Also his level of comfort as he walks through the world.  It's uses in all art is often clever and/or revealing and often melancholy: a pair of worn out hanging ballet slippers. ...Return to Index

Skull: Do I have to?  Over 65% of members here are memorialist. But for the other 35% the skull is the symbol of man's mortality.  The symbol is meant to be grim.  Before we had clocks to remind us of doom's day (personal or collectively) the skull reminded everyone that your next mirror image was a skull. Better do right, right now. To quote the saniest man I ever met and had the pleasure of working under for 6 years, Marty Solomon, "Take your time, but hurry up."   ..Return to Index

Soul: If you have lots of time to study the Bible, pick up the unabridged Jerusalem version.  I find myself reading this version more often than the others and read it almost daily. I will not recite prayers from any other edition. It is the most up to date version of the Catholic Bible and is filled with such wonderful notes, you'll have to buy yourself a new pair of reading glasses within a month.  It also pulls no punches - too bad the Church didn't hold on to that virtue Pope Pius brought to it. Cutting to the chase, originally, the soul and the body were one. To be specific: the soul is your "mind."  The so called spirit of man was the spirit of all mankind.  The soul died with the body - originally.  As the doctrine of the resurrection (which was an Egyptian belief) and eternal life (which is oriential) crept into monthesism the old Jewish word took on an everlasting meaning.  It really came into its own during medievil times when a soul was depicted as a young child or angel which emerged from the mouth of a dying person then vanished into thin air.  Slowly that image evolved into the soul being the very identity of the human being. That portion of the man that discards the body at death and enters a final destiny in a spiritual realm. Our present distinction of the soul is very American and has been handed down to us from the Mysticism/Spiritualism movement of the 18th century filled with ethereal vapors surrounding the body and escapeing from the forehead during moments of mediation (Astral Flight) or death.  This soul is more than a ghost and carries with it a record of deeds and misdeeds and continues the life of the human it hatched from (or whatever it does with that forehead thingie.)  For those of you who hold such truths to be self evident  rest easy in the thought that Jesus said, "What you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven."  There is no conflict in Christendom with a soul that was once flesh and now takes flight. ..Return to Index

Stairs: Stairs, steps, ladders, extended ropes, mountain rises all represent the climb or ascension to heaven.  Never draw or design a holy place without a stairway leading into it. As with most images shown in this library, if you click on them they will bring you to the page where MyDrawingBoard posts the files for you. Members Only!   ...Return to Index

Star: You'll be hard pressed to display a star in a religious envirnoment without your viewer thinking of the Nativity or if Mary is you topic, the Queen of Heaven wears a crown of stars.  Although that is the popular symbolism the star's essential meaning is that of the Divine Light.  It is the light that shines in the darkness.  Christ is the morning star (Rev 22:16). The star shown here is a popular Mason symbol called the Blazing Star. As with most images shown in this library, if you click on them they will bring you to the page where MyDrawingBoard posts the files for you. Members Only!   ..Return to Index

Star of David: The evolution of the six-pointed Jewish star, the "Magen David," literally the "Shield of David." also known as the hexagram, or more rarely, Solomon's Seal, is long and complex. Although it is now the most common and universally recognized sign of Judaism and Jewish identity, both within and outside of the Jewish community, it has only achieved this status in the last two hundred years. Before that it was chiefly associated with magic or with the insignia of individual families or communities. You should be aware that this "star" is constructed by 2 alchemical signs. That of water - the triangle pointed down, and the sign of fire - a triangle with a point facing up (opposite of water.) These two signs represent the creation of earth aka: matter.  What's all this got to do with us Christian designers? From time to time you will be called upon to incorporate the Star of David into your work - such as when a Hebrew spouse of a Christian dies. As with most images in black and white - and some in colors also - shown in this library, if you click on them they will bring you to the page where MyDrawingBoard posts the files for you. Members Only! ..Return to Index

Stone: See Rock. Return to Index

Sun: Ask yourself this: where does everything come from? For certain everything within the solar system derives from the star we call the sun. To date, there is no evidence save for light, radio waves and maybe the Voyager spacecraft that anything can enter or leave the system. Makes me wonder if those ancient sun worshipers knew something we didn't.  Because this last statement is not anything new under the sun, the Church bends over backwards to hush pagans, alchemists and New Agers from reminding us about it. The closest the Catholic church will get to a mention of the sun is : The Epiphany is a mystery of light, symbolically suggested by the star that guided the Magi on their journey. The true source of light, however, the “sun that rises from on high”, is Christ. And, mind you, that is no official statement. I strongly suggest that you avoid the sun in your work at the religious level. Employ it to symbolize the happy, sunny days of our youth or our future aspirations. The sole reason I bring it into this library is to make that warning. As with most images shown in this library, if you click on them they will bring you to the page where MyDrawingBoard posts the files for you. Members Only .Return to Index

Sword: If protrayed as an instrument of war and aggression it contrasts with the plough. Most of the uses are employed like  the daggers in the heart of Mary; a symbol of pain. Essentially, however, it is a symbol of authority, discipline and power. "The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Eph. 6:17) See Plough. Moses drew up that silly viking on the left. Yes, we have silly images in the archive too. As with most images shown in this library, if you click on them they will bring you to the page where MyDrawingBoard posts the files for you. Members Only    ..Return to Index