ZOROASTRIANISM
SYMBOLS
Faravahar
Lower Feathers
The lower portion of the Faravahar also has 3 feathers. However, these are the opposite of the wing feathers. They symbolize Bad Thoughts, Bad Words, and Bad Deeds.
Face
The face of the Faravahar is that of a human's, which symbolizes the connection to mankind.
The Wings
The Faravahar has 2 wings, each with 3 main feathers. Each feather represents Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds.
Front Loop
This loop represents Ahura Mazda and faces forward, symbolizing that we should look forward for the good in life.
Back Loop
This loop represents Angra Mainyu and faces backwards, representing that we should turn our backs on the bad things in life.
Middle Circle
This circle represents the belief that our spirit is endless, and has no beginning and no end.
Ring
The ring held by the Faravahar symbolizes loyalty and faithfulness.
Hand pointing up
One of the Faravahar's hands is pointing upwards, which symbolizes that in order to prosper we must first go through struggles
Fire
Fire is a sacred symbol in Zoroastrianism. It is a reprensetation of Ahura Mazda, or God. It is the provider of heat, light, energy, and protection. It's also the sacred symbol of truth. When Zoroastrianists pray, they pray to a fire or a source of light. In the olden times, Zoroastrianists erected fire temples, where there were fire chambers and the sacred fire would be kept burning.
HOLY TEXTS
The Avesta
The Avesta is a compliation of different sacred texts that were written long ago in various languages. It is similar to the Bible, though it is more of a prayer book and has only a few stories. The Avesta texts are the Yasna, the Vendidad, the Visperad, the Yashts, the Khorda Avesta (the Nyayesh, the Gah, the Siroza, and other fragments). The Yasna texts are about worship, the Vendidad deals with laws concerning purity , and the Visperad are about invoking deities. The Yashts are hymns, and the Khorda Avesta is a prayer book for commoners. The primary section of the Yasna is the Gathas, the oldest and most sacred texts of The Avesta. The Gathas are believed to have been written by Zoroaster himself.
