Symbolism of the Celtic Cross

Derek Bryce

ISBN 10: 087728850X / ISBN 13: 9780877288503

Published by Red Wheel/Weiser, 1995

About this Item

A guide to the basic symbolism of the Celtic Cross, featuring rare illustrations. Did you know that the basic symbolism of the cross is that of the world axis, or the link between Heaven and Earth? Or that the main feature of the ornamented Celtic Cross, the wheel cross, is not derived from the crucifixion, but from a more ancient symbol the Chi-Rho monogram, which is the name of Christ in the Greek alphabet? In Symbolism of the Celtic Cross, Derek Bryce traces the pagan-Christian link of the essential symbolism of the axis mundi from standing stones and market crosses (at crossroads and not always "crosses" in form) to the inscribed slabs and freestanding crosses of the Celtic-Christian era. He includes rare illustrations of ornamental Celtic Crosses from such places as Brittany, Wales, Scotland, the Isle of Man, Cumbria, Ireland, and Cornwall. Bryce explores esoteric aspects of the symbolism, alchemy, and the wisdom of Hermes.

Seller Inventory # CIN087728850XG

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Symbolism of the Celtic Cross
• Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser
• Publication Date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 087728850X
• ISBN 13: 9780877288503
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: Good

About this title

Synopsis

A guide to the basic symbolism of the Celtic Cross, featuring rare illustrations.

Did you know that the basic symbolism of the cross is that of the world axis, or the link between Heaven and Earth? Or that the main feature of the ornamented Celtic Cross, the wheel cross, is not derived from the crucifixion, but from a more ancient symbol the Chi-Rho monogram, which is the name of Christ in the Greek alphabet?

In Symbolism of the Celtic Cross, Derek Bryce traces the pagan-Christian link of the essential symbolism of the axis mundi from standing stones and market crosses (at crossroads and not always "crosses" in form) to the inscribed slabs and freestanding crosses of the Celtic-Christian era. He includes rare illustrations of ornamental Celtic Crosses from such places as Brittany, Wales, Scotland, the Isle of Man, Cumbria, Ireland, and Cornwall. Bryce explores esoteric aspects of the symbolism, alchemy, and the wisdom of Hermes.

About the Author

Derek Bryce studied mysticism and comparative religion for many years. He translated Léon Wieger's Les pères du système taoïste as Wisdom of the Taoist Masters. Other books followed, including The Celtic Book of the Dead and Celtic Legend of the Beyond.