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Sarah814

: What is a suitable icon for nonspecific spirituality? Christianity can be represented with the crucifix icon, Judaism with a Start of David, Bhuddism with a Dharma wheel, etc, etc. What icon

@Sarah814

Posted in: #Icon #Symbolism

Christianity can be represented with the crucifix icon, Judaism with a Start of David, Bhuddism with a Dharma wheel, etc, etc.

What icon would be suitable to represent spirituality in general, not specifically any faith or religion?

I'm not looking for original art, just struggling to think of a good symbol.

Is there an official symbol or what could be suitable for this?

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@Yeniel278

You are not going to get a definitive. I created this avatar about 20 years ago based on research concerning the earliest examples of iconography and the simplest symbols available, a line, circle and a triangle - I agree with @GISjaclyn about the circle representing divinity. The equilateral triangle represents purpose, composition, a deliberate construction. Together with the line as a central core they form life which is what I believe GOD to be. Visually it could be taken as symbolising a person, humankind, one creed (no religion, colour or sexuality) It's a personal interpretation - not how stack requires answers but you may find it insightful, so I will ride the mark downs.

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@Murphy569

The Unitarian Universalists adopted a symbol of a flaming chalice. Modern UU is basically a covenantal religious practice of non- specific non-religion. Many are Atheist, Agnostic, Humanist, ethnically Jewish, Catholic, Muslim, Pagan, you name it, they only have to agree to 7 principals that basically amount to respect and kindness practices.

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@Si6392903

I really, really doubt there is an universal symbol because normally a symbol itself needs to include some specifics about the philosophy or content.

But let's try to make one.

I am trying to make it without a specific style. This style can be defined later.

To compare what I mean by style here is a google search about another "sphere" of humans, a "social sphere". Currently, this search is dominated by social networks logos, but you can find some that represent social by using several persons together. www.google.com.mx/search?q=social+icon&rlz=1C1GKLA_enMX664MX664&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj5kPnY2r_YAhWL8oMKHYEkA8UQ_AUICigB&biw=1920&bih=1012
Here is a couple of rough icons using that idea to define a "style".



A "spiritual sphere or plane" could complement, let's say a physical or biological plane, emotional plane, intellectual one. So here are some that potentially illustrate those planes.



And a spiritual plane normally includes some kind of transcendental plane. Some specific philosophies can call it "Illumination", and some others can represent this in some form or another of "light". So we can probably use this as a starting point.



Depending on the philosophy behind it, this illumination can be from a "soul" based on the heart (E) or more "mind based", in the head (F).

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@Steve758

I would argue that the circle is the most representative as a spiritual symbol. I believe it symbolizes the ongoing energy found in nature. It is unbroken and unbent, forming unity. It is universal, divine, and sacred to many cultures.

The circle is found in both the male and female symbols. In Chinese culture, it represents "Heaven", as well as being used for the Yin and Yang symbol (balance). Ancient Celtics used the circle to form a ring of protection.

The circle is THE symbol of divinity.

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