We will now outline similarities and differences between spirituality and folklore, as well as similarities and differences between psychology and spirituality.

Similarities and differences between spirituality and folklore

These are two concepts that refer to different aspects of a nation’s culture and traditions. Spirituality is linked to the beliefs, values, and meanings that people hold, while folklore is connected to artistic, literary, musical expressions, and customs that express the identity and history of a people.

Similarities between them:

• Both are expressions of a nation’s culture and traditions that reflect its way of being and thinking.
• Both use images and metaphors to communicate messages.
• Both have a transgenerational dimension.

Differences between them:

• Spirituality is more connected to internal aspects, while folklore is linked to external aspects.
• Spirituality is more influenced by religion, philosophy, and psychology, combining to create spiritual phenomena, while folklore is more influenced by ethnography, anthropology, and sociology, combining to create cultural phenomena.

Similarities and differences between psychology and spirituality

These are two domains that deal with aspects of human life. Psychology is the science that studies human behavior, thinking, emotions, and personality using scientific methods. Spirituality represents the search for meaning, purpose, and values in life, which can involve beliefs, practices, and religious or transcendental experiences.

The similarity is that both recognize the importance of interpersonal relationships, community, and moral values for mental and social health. The difference is that psychology is based on knowledge and scientific evidence, while spirituality is based on beliefs and invisible and material aspects such as the soul and spirit.

Spiritual symbols and their meanings

The sacred lotus flower and the tree of life

The sacred lotus flower represents purity, rebirth, transformation, eternity, and spiritual awakening, serving as a powerful symbol of growth. The tree of life is a universal symbol in many spiritual traditions, recognized as the cosmic tree, the mandala tree, the tree of wisdom, or the sacred tree. Over time, attempts have been made to decipher the mystery of this symbol. One interpretation could be: whoever manages to navigate through its darkness and sunny parts reaches their own soul.

Pure light and infinite love be with us!