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Picts – Type of experience - Z rod or Zigzag line [general]
Identifier
026455
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
The zigzag line is a symbol for lightning. Symbolically the connection between heaven and earth is via thunder as the voice and lightning symbolising the connection itself. The thunderbolt is then the combination of the two – hence the expression ‘bolt from the blue’ – for example ‘the idea came like a bolt from the blue’.
Anyone capable of having frequent spiritual experiences thus carries a ‘thunderbolt’ in his hand. All zig zag or wavy lines in pictures, rock art, on stones or cave painting then symbolises spiritual experience.
The Z rod combines the simple concept of the zigzag and spiritual experience with that of the arrow - yet another symbol for the same thing with an added layer of sophistication. It implies direction.
The arrow as a symbol of spiritual experience is an extremely apt choice. The arrow goes unbelievable fast especially if shot from a crossbow. The arrow can thus symbolise, by extension the Higher spirit’s ability to travel in the spiritual world at ‘high speed’. In fact to all intents and purposes, travel from one ‘place’ to another, or communication with other composers happens instantaneously.
Positive and negative
Both the z-rods and the v-rods exist in essentially two forms. In the case of the z-rods, there are clockwise and anticlockwise forms, with the spear tips pointing upwards or to the right, with the ‘clockwise’ form predominating.
In the case of the v-rods, there are left hand and right hand forms, with the arrow heads pointing upward and to the right predominating. It could therefore be the case that the rods are conveying information essentially in two ‘states’. Positive and negative.
There are of course many possibilities as to what these two ‘states’ might be. The CONTEXT is key. But, one possibility, in that they indicate Darkness and Light – the two contrasting and opposing forces.