The nature of symbols

By Jimmy Henderson (Hons (phil) , MA (Psychology)  FRC

    Symbols 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 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.

   Purely mental symbols on the other hand, could take the form of visual or verbal cues related to earlier powerful inner experiences. For example, during a dream you may have seen an image and associated it with something important taking place in your current social situation. And when this cue (image) is subsequently seen in real-life, it could result in similar emotional response. The reason for this is that symbolic associations can be formed at an unconscious level, created by events which have had a profound effect on your life. For example, a fear of water can result from an early childhood experience which you may not even remember. However, an unconscious symbol (symbolic association), such as the presence of a large body of water, 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 even fear when one encounters religious or mystical artefacts which have a deeply symbolic meaning. This association between symbols and spontaneous inner experiences is important, as symbolic associations, (including symbolic gestures), can also be consciously established through repetition and later introduced into self-development to bring about a desired shift in mental state. This will be more fully explained in a later chapter.

   Symbolic translation taking place at an unconscious level occurs most frequently during dreams (or visions), as well as advanced mental techniques such as meditation or visualization. This type of symbolic presentation can be likened to a theatrical drama, with the script designed to frame a specific message from the unconscious, usually related to one’s innermost needs, fears, conflicts and concerns. Although the characters and objects in the dream or vision would be constructed using your faculty of imagery, their individual characteristics and attributes are symbolically shaped by the content of memories and past experiences as represented in your system of schemas.

   As mentioned previously, what you actually see will also depend upon your personal framework of reference or worldview, which includes your personal beliefs, values and perceptions of the world. For example, the features of some characters may appear familiar, fashioned by your visual schemas of persons you have come to believe as representing a particular personality type (this could be compared to stereotyping). More abstract qualities such as strength and power could be superimposed on humanlike images having certain physical attributes representing your personal beliefs and ideas of what constitutes strength and power, for example, size or physique.

   Even your religious beliefs can play a role in symbolic interpretation. For example, some inner conflict you may be experiencing could symbolically be represented as the interplay between archetypal (religious) characters you have always considered to be the embodiment of good or evil, such as angels and devils. With the entire dramatisation being choreographed by your unconscious mind, any dream or vision will be very personal and metaphorical, but it will contain elements or clues to its message and meaning hidden within its context, structure, form and composition. 

   Symbolism and symbolic translation can even apply to our everyday lives. For instance, peoples’ actions could also even be said to be symbolic or representative of their attitudes or inner states, as revealed in non-verbal cues (body-language), their facial expressions, and even their tone of voice.

When interpreting symbols or symbolic presentations, whether in dreams or real-life, your aim should therefore be to seek an association between the symbol and your past personal experiences, worldview or frame of reference. In some cases the relationship between the symbol and its source can be intuitively understood. This phenomenon is described in psychology as ‘immediate insight’, and is based on the principle that, with the assistance of the unconscious, one can resolve a problem without rational thinking. In other words, the different elements of a situation are ‘unpacked’ and re-assembled at an unconscious level and a completed picture presents itself to consciousness. A practical example of this would be when one has been pondering over a problem, and the solution spontaneously presents itself later when one least expects it.

Jimmy Henderson is a metaphysician and the author of a number of books and articles on self-development. He has an Honours degree in philosophy (metaphysics) and a Masters degree in Psychology. His books ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ (2007) and ‘Multi-dimensional Perception’ (2010) are available on Amazon.com and Kalahari.com and can also be ordered via his website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com