symbols

the Enso circle is a Zen Buddhist symbol of which there are many highly conceptual symbols throughout eastern historical theology. This lead me into research around the idea of symbols and I discovered that the western world throughout history hasn't had any all encompassing symbols representing life on earth in any profound way like the symbols of the east. Nationalist Flags Adverts and coats of arms are about as far as commonplace artistic symbols in the west.
Hinduism in particular is filled with beautifully coherent elegant symbols that represent the entire material world from birth to death. I learnt about The Dancing Shiva the Hindu god who has four arms with one foot raised. one arm holding a small drum, with which he summons things into creation; one holding fire with which he destroys things, one pointing up reminding us everything is alright and the last arm he points down to his raised foot which symbolises spiritual contemplation. his other foot is on the ground that is standing on the back of an all-powerful hideous dwarf that represents the ego, thus highlighting the importance of squashing/breaking the back of your ego. The Shiva is often depicted within a massive circle ring of fire representing the entire cosmos universe and shiva is everywhere dancing amongst it. I just thought this was a beautifully poetic cosmic symbol that discusses every aspect of human life but it was a tangent that i couldn't channel into my essay.
It made me want to consider the use of symbols more in my work, to use shape not literally but suggestively. to use commonplace known visual symbols as an aid to discussing my ideas. could i create a set of symbols? maybe a new alphabet? Assign a set of new shapes meaning and add a glossary key before a series of artworks? something for level 6 maybe.