Much of human communication is a historic interplay and interpretation of symbols. This book from written by occult icon and writer Raymond Buckland describes the shape and the meanings of over 800 symbols from all over the world, encompassing different cultural traditions: those of ancient and modern religions, magical traditions and shamanism, and from many indigenous cultures. Below is a list of the represented groups in the book: Alchemy Ancient Egypt Astrology Australian Aborigines Aztec and Mayan Buddhist Celtic Ceremonial Magic Chinese Christian Freemasonry Gnostic Greek and Roman Hindu Islamic Judaic Magical Alphabets Native American Norse Rosicrucian Runic Shinto Sikh Travelers Voudoun Witchcraft. For anyone looking to become better versed and would like to recognize the origins of many symbols we use today—including those of our very own alphabet—will find the book insightful.