SYMBOLISM OF THE CROSS SYMBOLISM OF THE CROSS Rene Guenon Guenon gave proof of a universality of understanding that for centuries had no parallel in the Western world. Rene Guenon is one of the colossal figures of the twentieth century, probably the most significant concerning symbolism. In this book, one of his major works, Guenon deals with the metaphysical and cosmological meaning of the symbolism of the cross, a symbol common to all the traditions, a symbol which in its various forms is met with almost everywhere, and from the most remote times. It is therefore far from belonging to the Christian tradition, as is usually believed which, moreover, has somewhat lost sight of its symbolic character and has come to regard it as no longer anything but the sign of a historical event. Guenon explains, with reference to the law of correspondence which is the very foundation of all symbolism, that each thing expresses its metaphysical principle, from which it derives its reality, in accordance with its own order of existence; hence linking the multiplicity of manifestation to a reflection of the principal unity itself. A striking aspect of the book is that it gives a new significance to so many things that sensitive readers will be enriched by the immense perspective which is here offered them, both in time and space; and they will see the book above all as an introduction to the spiritual life, an introduction which fascinates and compels. For some souls it will open doors which no other key could unlock.
