KNIFE While the sword symbolizes spiritual heights, the
knife represents vengeance, death, and sacrifice; it also
alludes to the means to end a cycle.
KNOT The knot has two meanings: unity, stopping
progress, or binding up energies when it is tied, but also
releasing energy when untied. It is closely associated
with weaving and the woven web of life. This symbol,
with its weaving connotations, was connected with the
Greek Fate goddesses and the Norse Norns.
In ancient Egypt, Isis was said to loosen or bind the
knot of life, while Hathor wore a menat, the knotted
headband or necklace. All the Egyptian holy mysteries
were called "she-knots." The knot can be found in the
Egyptian circle of eternity, the loop of the ankh, and the
cartouche that circles the name of a pharaoh. Priestesses
of the Goddess in Crete wore a knot of hair at the back
of their heads and hung a knot of cloth at the entrance
to the shrines.
In Rome, it was forbidden for anyone to wear
anything knotted or tied within the precinct of Juno,
who was the goddess of childbirth; knots were thought
to cause a difficult birth. Muslims will not wear knots
when they take their pilgrimage to Mecca. According to
rabbinical law, Jews are not to tie knots on the Sabbath.
One of the Chinese emblems of good luck is the Buddhist
"endless knot" of longevity. Among the Celts, the knot
was a protective device to trap negative or evil energies.
Tie knots in strings or yarn to bind up negative
energy. Or use intricate drawings of knotwork to release
energy when it is needed.
LABYRINTH The labyrinth takes its name from the ancient
Minoan labrys, or double ax. However, the idea and use