Observations placeholder
Cirlot on cardinal directions and animals
Identifier
004810
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
An interesting description of the different symbols in operation in the west and east. The associations of animals to directions in the west is not fixed and Schneider's view is only one of several, however, the importance of the animals and their difference is a feature worth noting BUT twhat they are symbolising is very different as will be seen if you look up the symbols
A description of the experience
A Dictionary of Symbols – J E Cirlot
[In China] the mystic animals corresponding to the cardinal points are:
East – blue dragon
South – red bird
West – white tiger
North – black tortoise
But in the Western world, according to Schneider, these animals become:
East or the morning - lion
South or midday – eagle
West of the evening – peacock
North or the night - ox
The source of the experience
Cirlot, J EConcepts, symbols and science items
Concepts
Symbols
Cardinal directionsChinese elements correspondences
Eagle
East
Lion
North
Ox
Peacock
South
West