The Spiral Symbol: Yesterday and Today
Graduation Date
Summer 2002
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Degree Granting Institution
Notre Dame de Namur University
Program Name
Art Therapy
Dean
Lizbeth Martin, PhD
First Reader
Richard Carolan, EdD, ATR-BC
Second Reader
Doris Arrington, EdD, ATR-BC
Abstract
This research paper investigates the historical meaning and significance of the spiral as it relates to the Celtic culture and how that meaning has carried forth on to today. The spiral's prevalence and significance was gained through resources that focused on specific areas of culture. Those resources provided a foundation for how the spiral is seen and used in today's society. The research investigation includes an historical approach focusing on the Celtic civilization as well as an investigation on the spiral's prevalence in the areas of spirituality, mythology, religion, art, and architecture. The work of Rhoda Kellogg and Carl Jung provide a basic understanding of the spiral's present day use in relation to its past. This paper will also look into the spiral's prevalence in meditation and psychotherapy. Similarities and differences between the spiral's present influences and opportunities for the future are compiled and discussed.