Sacred Landscapes and the Phenomenon of Light
Geographical Review 1996 DOI: 10.2307/215141 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 38 |
| Key points | Argues that light is fundamental to religious experience and that its symbolism pervades sacred landscapes, serving as a bridge between landscape interpretation and religious experience. Proposes that light orients believers in undifferentiated space, grounding them in the context of home, and that the creation of sacred places involves an inner light outweighing outer darkness, initiating a spiritual journey. |
Abstract
Light is fundamental to religious experience, and its symbolism pervades the geography of sacred landscapes. As sun, fire, ray, color, or attribute of being and place, light serves as a bridge between interpretation of landscape and religious experience. To see the light cast upon places orients believers in otherwise undifferentiated space, grounding them in context of home. As sacred places are created, an inner light outweighs outer darkness, and a spiritual journey commences.