by Jennifer L. Thompson

Created on: September 07, 2009   Last Updated: January 07, 2010

Symbols are the most universal and timeless form of communication. Therefore, a symbol's basic intention is to sway someone through what it communicates. In our modern day world, myriads of symbols will influence us, even on a daily basis. We obediently follow these communications, often being so accustomed to the most common symbols that we do it without thinking.

The symbol of a circle with a diagonal slash across its diameter, covering another symbol of an activity it is intended to curtail, stops us from doing many things with it being the symbol for no. No parking, no swimming, no food or drinks, no pets, no cell phones, and what could add up to be hundreds more of these symbols direct the behavior of a general populace in any public place.

Symbols also give us direction. Arrows point the way and we follow them, a small letter i indicates somewhere a lost traveler or a tourist can find information, so we go there. We are swayed to find our way by these symbols.

The symbol for handicapped accommodations prods those of us who are not under its protection to park somewhere else, among other things.

Modern day symbols called "logos" sway us to buy a particular item, or to support a particular cause, or even to work at particular companies.

Historically speaking, symbols have always been used, and even the oldest symbols are still swaying us today. Ancient cave dwellers and others have left us scores of communications through symbols called hieroglyphics that have been found in caves throughout history, and on ancient artistic works. Understanding the communications of these symbols has influenced the life's work of many, prompting them into learning about the ancient ways, the connections to modern day life, and how we came to be here today.

Spiritually speaking, symbols have been created to be the most widely understood language of spirit world communications. A cross acts as a form of protection over a church, and is instantly recognized. A star of David wields its own power, and is obeyed to various extents... generally invoking a response of some type in any setting it is displayed in. We are also prompted to respect religious preferences through the power of symbols.

Spiritual healers and leaders of today are often still trained in the use of symbols as healing agents, as in ancient days, with the language of symbols continually evolving and advancing. In relating it to the Chinese alphabet, which are called "characters" instead of "letters", each one is considered to be a bright individual, in essence, a being... a loving spirit with unique characteristics identifying it as being authentic. Swaying us would be its job.

So, the answer is yes, we can be swayed by symbols, and we daily are.

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