A ladder, staircase or stairs, for some symbolises a pathway to the divine, with each rung or step denoting a spiritual milestone, a heightened consciousness during the journey upwards, or a descent into a fiery underworld. These structures are commonly linked to concepts of morality, where various levels signify the transition between earthly and celestial domains.
Ladder
The ladder is a widely recognised mythological symbol commonly seen as representing the attainment of inner completeness. It is linked to the two trees in Paradise: The Tree of Knowledge and the Tree of Life, connected by steps symbolising spiritual enlightenment.
In the Bible, there is a well-known ladder linked to Jacob’s dream in the Old Testament. Escaping his brother’s wrath, Jacob rests with a stone as his pillow. He envisions a ladder reaching the heavens, with angels moving up and down. At the ladder’s peak, God bestows blessings and assures Jacob of protection on his path. This story illustrates how ladders represent connection between spiritual and physical realms, as well as between unconscious and conscious aspects of oneself.
In certain societies, the quantity of ladder steps denotes the challenges needed to achieve self-awareness or enlightenment. In Buddhism, for instance, there are seven steps mirroring the seven heavens and stages of awareness. Ladder rungs can represent levels or steps, as seen in church altars where priests stand higher than congregants, or in royal settings with thrones denoting elevated status.
Stairs & Spiral Staircases
Stairs and ladders share a deep connection in meaning. Various floors indicate different cosmic levels and stages of enlightenment. A spiral staircase goes beyond, signifying a complex journey with uncertainties. Both stairs and ladders involve movement in two directions – upwards and downwards. Climbing a spiral staircase often means not seeing the end, mirroring life’s unpredictability where the path ahead remains unknown.
Conclusion
The classic game of snakes and ladders represents the journey of spiritual growth, illustrating the progress upwards and the unexpected setbacks symbolised by the presence of snakes.
Tweet