The Spiral as Symbol of Power and Doom

The spiral pattern of the Pet Sematary and the Micmac burying ground symbolizes the cyclical nature of power and doom.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Pet Sematary's Design

Concentric Circles A Pattern Louis notices that the pet graves are arranged in concentric circles, forming a spiral. This is an ancient symbol of power. Unconscious Creation The children who made the graves unknowingly created the spiral. It mimics the pattern of the Micmac burying ground. Foreshadowing The spiral represents the cycle of death and resurrection. It is a symbol of the power that will consume the Creed family.

The Micmac Spiral

An Ancient Symbol The Cairns Louis sees the cairns on the plateau arranged in a spiral. He realizes the Micmacs created this pattern. Power Source The spiral is a conduit for the power of the place. It draws energy from the earth and the Wendigo. Doom Louis becomes part of the spiral. His actions are predetermined by the pattern. The spiral symbolizes his inescapable fate.

first visit, September 1983

night of Church's burial, November 1983