The symbolizing mind -- Symbols, emblems & signs -- Portals to divine power -- Jung & the archetypes -- Narratives of faith -- Secret symbols -- Cosmos -- Heavenly bodies -- Sun -- Moon -- Symbols in context: astrology -- Nature -- Land & sea -- Trees -- Symbols in context: Kaballah -- Fruits -- Flowers & plants -- Symbols in context: rosicrucianism -- Gardens -- The elements -- Metals & stones -- Symbols in context: alchemy -- Mammals -- Symbols in context: Judaism -- Water creatures -- Sky creatures -- Symbols in context: royalty & heraldry -- Snakes & reptiles -- Insects & arachnids -- Fabulous beasts -- Symbols in context: Daoism -- Humankind -- Life & destiny -- First men & women -- The body & mind -- Symbols in context: the chakras -- Sex & fertility -- Divinity -- Gods & goddesses -- Divine messengers -- Symbols in context: Buddhism -- Patterns, shapes & qualities -- Colors -- Numbers -- Symbols in context: the tarot -- Labyrinths -- Sacred geometry -- Symbols in context: Islam -- The cross -- Symbols from everyday life -- Tools & implements -- Weapons -- Symbols in context: Hinduism -- Clothes -- Food & drink -- Symbols of office -- Musical instruments -- Buildings -- Symbols in context: freemasonry -- Myths -- Creation -- The flood -- Sacrifice -- Symbols in context: Christianity -- Death & the afterlife -- Symbols in context: ancient Egypt -- The quest -- The labors of Herakles -- The end of time -- Further reading -- Index -- Acknowledgments & picture credits