spirals

Inspirational snails!

snail shell

Inspiration can come from the most unlikely sources. Take snails, for instance. They are a real nuisance in the garden, and if I’m being honest, they’re a bit slimy and yucky. Their shells, though, are another story altogether. Beautiful curling spiral structures, with delicate hints of colour. Who could help but be inspired?

There is a wealth of symbolism associated with spirals, and representations of the shape date back to the Neolithic period. They are particularly prevalent in Celtic art, but are common to many cultures across the world. Spiral labyrinths were used in worship by the medieval christian church, the best-known example probably being the great labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral.

Suggested meanings include the journey from outer consciousness to the inner soul and enlightenment, and the cycle of life, death and rebirth.

This spiral, carved in stone, can be found in the precinct of the abbey at La…

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