The Mystic Spiral: Journey of the Soul

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title The Mystic Spiral: Journey of the Soul
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Jill Purce
SeriesArt and Imagination
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:128
Dimensions(mm): Height 278,Width 203
Category/GenreThe arts -miscellaneous
Mind, Body, Spirit - thought and practice
ISBN/Barcode 9780500810057
ClassificationsDewey:149.3
Audience
General
Undergraduate
Illustrations 142 Illustrations, black and white; 32 Illustrations, color

Publishing Details

Publisher Thames & Hudson Ltd
Imprint Thames & Hudson Ltd
Publication Date 24 June 1974
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

The spiral is the natural form of growth, and has become, in every culture and in every age, man's symbol of the progress of the soul towards eternal life. As the inward-winding labyrinth, it constitutes the hero's journey to the still centre where the secret of life is found. As the spherical vortex, spiralling through its own centre, it combines the inward and outward directions of movement. In this original and engrossing book, Jill Purce traces the significance of one man's central symbols from the double spirals of Stone Age art and the interlocking spirals of the Chinese Yin Yang symbol to the whorls of Celtic crosses, Maori tattoos and the Islamic arabesque. Many of the superb images here were intended as objects of contemplation; for the spiral is a cosmic symbol.

Author Biography

Jill Purce trained in Fine Art and has lectured on art, music and mysticism. She pioneered the international sound healing movement through her rediscovery of ancient vocal techniques, the power of group chant, and the spiritual potential of the voice as a magical instrument for healing and meditation.