An Hermeneutic Exploration of Rene Guenon's Symbolism of the Cross Applied to Sacred Architecture

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Abstract
This thesis examines how the architecture of the various sacred traditions, all manifest in their built expressions a universal symbolic content, while at the same time being absolutely unique in their own inherent particular spiritual dispensation. One major aspect of this symbolic content is the embedding of the three-dimensional cross in its various modes within their built arrangements. The correlation between the three dimensions of space and the metaphysical symbolism of the cross was the subject of a short but important work by the French traditional metaphysician Rene Guenon titled Symbolism of the Cross (Le Symbolisme de Ia Croix). In describing the purpose of the work Guenon wrote that it was 'to explain a symbol that is common to almost all traditions, a fact that would seem to indicate its direct attachment to the great primordial tradition'. While several authors on sacred architecture acknowledge the importance of Guenon's work, it has generally been applied only in limited considerations and to particular traditions. However, there remains many levels to this work that require further general elaboration and exploration. Guenon uses the symbolic potential of three-dimensional space as a coherent and indispensable means of developing traditional metaphysics. An hermeneutic exploration and study of Guenon's Symbolism of the Cross, allows insights into various aspects of all sacred architecture, even when the tradition is unfamiliar. Equally, exploring various themes related to spatial symbolism in sacred architecture can give insights into the interpretative reading of Symbolism of the Cross.
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Author(s)
Stevens, Raymond
Supervisor(s)
Kohane, Peter
Gamble, John
Stephens, Harry
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Publication Year
2018
Resource Type
Thesis
Degree Type
Masters Thesis
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