S
ymbols are visual forms, patterns, objects, images or even ideas (metaphors) which carry a deeper meaning and represent, or stand in for something else. In fact, a number of common symbols already exist in our societies which relate to identified universal patterns and principles. For instance, the circle indicates unity and wholeness, the yin and yang symbol represents duality and the figure eight denotes infinity. In this regard, cultural and religious symbols can be seen in many institutions such as churches and courts of law, and symbolic metaphors are embedded in the parables and analogies of many religions, as well as the myths and legends of many countries, as reflected in their ancient literature. On the other hand, some symbols are have more personal meanings and will only make sense to a particular person due to his or her unique experiences with the symbol and the event or situation which it signifies. For Aneis de Vida
example, specific gifts exchanged between partners would be a constant reminder of their affection for each other, and could be considered personal symbols of their relationship.
ter, could produce a strange feeling of anxiety. This subliminal symbolic activation, and the link to unconscious memories and emotions, could also account for spontaneous feelings of excitement, awe or Purely mental symbols on the other hand, could take even fear when one encounters religious or mystical the form of visual or verbal cues related to earlier pow- artefacts which have a deeply symbolic meaning. erful inner experiences. For This association between example, during a dream symbols and spontaneous you may have seen an iminner experiences is image and associated it with something important taking portant, as symbolic associplace in your current social ations, (including symbolic situation. And when this cue gestures), can also be con(image) is subsequently seen sciously established through repetition and later introin real-life, it could result in duced into selfsimilar emotional response. development to bring about The reason for this is that a desired shift in mental symbolic associations can state. This will be more fully be formed at an unconexplained in a later chapter. scious level, created by events which have had a Symbolic translation taking profound effect on your life. place at an unconscious For example, a fear of water level occurs most frequently can result from an early during dreams (or visions), as childhood experience which well as advanced mental you may not even rememtechniques such as meditaber. However, an uncontion or visualization. This type scious symbol (symbolic as- of symbolic presentation sociation), such as the pres- can be likened to a theatrience of a large body of wa- cal drama, with the script 66
September 2016