Symbols - What does heaven look like
Carousel or merry-go-round
A wonderfully complex symbolic object. The carousel in the fairground, occasionally known as a merry-go-round, first of all captures the symbolism of the Means of transport [the means of ecstatic flight]. Horses feature prominently on the ride, but there are often other animals and birds – crows, geese, swans and so on.
The ride goes round and round in concentric circles. Moving rings and spheres - with a centrally lit pillar, - celestial pole - usually beautifully lit, which is symbolic of the power from which the wheel of life is driven – God and the Intelligences. Thus we have the symbolism of the Egg and Levels and Layers built into the ride.
Added to this is the pole which each animal has – also a celestial pole, which makes it go up and down – ascension and descent.
Patterns in Comparative Religion – Mircea Eliade
The Altai peoples believe that the gods attach horses to this cosmic pillar and the constellations move around it. The Scandinavians have a similar notion. Odhin tethers his horse to Yggdrasil.
Observations
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