Since Hitler chose this figure to symbolize the Nazi
party during World War II, the swastika has taken a re
ally bad rap over the years. But it wasn't always the sym
bol of horror we know today. Not only did it originally
symbolize the Sun, fire, continuous motion, and the in
finite process of creation, but it seemed exclusive to the
ancient Sumerians until around 1000 BC. Then it began
to crop up in China, Greece, Rome, Egypt, India, and
Scandinavia as well. The ancient Minoans used it to
symbolize the labyrinth. It's been associated with
Artemis, Athena, Astarte, Woden, Freya, and Valkyija in
Her aspect as the Sun warrioress. Also known as St.
Bridget's Cross, it's linked to the Celtic Goddess Bride,
in Her Christianized version. Sacred to the Hindu God
Ganesha-the remover of all obstacles-this figure is
still used today as a talisman to ward off all misfortune.
One other notation about the swastika: When it's drawn
with the arms pointing to the left, it symbolizes life or
the Sun moving in a clockwise motion; drawn with the
arms pointing to the right; however, it represents death,
or the Moon when moving in a counterclockwise man
ner. And it's been said that Hitler purposely chose to
arm his party with the death symbol even though those
closest to him argued that it was a mistake. If that's
true, it makes one wonder if he truly expected to tri
umph at all.