[expand]Certain glyphs represented abstract concepts—fate, time, the cycle of existence.
The Spiral:
A spiral carved into wood or stone represented the journey of the soul, the path from birth to death to rebirth. Spirals appeared on ritual objects used in funeral rites, on shamanic drums, and on sacred stones marking places where the veil between worlds was thin.
The Labyrinth:
A square maze pattern represented the soul’s journey through the underworld, the twisting path every soul must navigate after death. Labyrinth glyphs appeared on grave goods (providing a map for the deceased) and on protective amulets (confusing demons, who would become lost in the labyrinth rather than reaching their victim).
The Wheel:
A simple circle divided into segments (like a wheel with spokes) represented cosmic time, the eternal cycle of seasons, the turning of the year. Wheel glyphs appeared on calendrical markers, on harvest tools, and on objects used during seasonal festivals.
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