Symbols are a language, a very special sort of language which has no set translation. As Dr. Carl Jung explained it, the symbol is an expression of “transcendent content”, or information which can’t be explained by logic or analysis. Symbols form a language which speaks about the invisible, immaterial, spiritual or artistic worlds. No encyclopedia can capture all the meanings of a symbol, but there are some traditional meanings which have developed over time.
The idea that symbols can contain spiritual insights has an ancient origin, and is part of esoteric tradition common to all religions. One example is found in Tibetan tantric Terma tradition. Here we find what is called the “twilight language” of the Dakini, which is composed of symbols and in this way, a teaching could be condensed into a symbol. Another example are the Tarot cards with their complex ever changing meanings.
In my work I use symbols which come into my mind during dreams, meditations, and shamanic experiences to communicate archetypal spiritual themes. Many of these appear complete from the beginning, other seem to grow as I work. They may mean different things to each person who views them. I’ve learned that I can only say what it meant to me as I created it, the rest is out of my control.
For many of us, our first emotional response is a good guide to what meaning a particular symbol has for us. Yet we are shaped by our society in our responses to symbols. For example, in the pre-Christian era, the serpent was a symbol of great wisdom and respect, like the Chinese dragon, it was a symbol of something good. But as times changed and it became a symbol of evil, its opposite. So a symbol’s meanings can change wildly. It’s interesting to watch this in the human history of power and repression. A newly dominant religion or state will always seek to degenerate the symbols of the previous power structure and erect their own. Symbols have great power over our emotions and spirit. Another example is the Nazi swastika, which became a symbol of death; formerly it had been an ancient symbol of life and good luck.
Our own spiritual, emotional histories determine whether or not we can appreciate and learn from symbols. If we use too much logic and analysis, they sometimes escape our understanding. Intuition is a better guide.
Jung said that artists and poets come to meet the spiritual needs of society in which he or she lives; and that this means more than their personal fate, becoming the instrument for the work, and subordinate to it. This feels true for me and my work.
Kathleen Thoma copyright 2011
The best way to reach Kathleen Thoma is with e-mail. StudioThoma@comcast.net