There are certain elemental structures that occur
repeatedly, not only as component parts of more elaborate symbols, but
also with rich meanings of their own. In fact, it’s probably true to say
that the simpler the symbol, the more scope there is for
interpretation; ergo, the more meaningful it is and, paradoxically, the
more complex it becomes. These primary shapes transcend barriers of
time, geography, and cultural context, part of a universal language that
goes before, and beyond, words. Don’t be fooled into thinking that
these basic shapes are as self-explanatory as to need no analysis. A
true understanding of what they represent can only add to the
comprehension of the more elaborate shapes and symbols like