Symbols can seemingly be as simple as a cross, square or circle, or they can transparently be more conceptual signposts to or representations of complex abstracts such as the soul, resurrection, love or desire. Lavish illustration shows how signs and symbols have been interpreted and represented through thousands of years of art, mythology and religion: from Lconardo da Vinci to Michaelangelo; from the Knights Templar to the Rosicrucians With a broad perspective the text brings together psychological, mythological, religious, literary, artistic and astrological insights to explain how these signs or concepts can summarize or explain many aspects of our common and diverse human experience.