Symbolism

[Steven]

I have just read "The Veil's Edge" by Willow Polson and am currently reading "Spells and How They Work" by Janet and Stewart Farrar. These books were recommended to me by someone on this forum and weren't easy to find by the way.

These are very interesting books. They refer primarily to the classic Pagan factors. They also touched on alternate beliefs. They mention that we all can tap into the Universal energy of the Earth. This is the where the energy used for spells comes from and where it goes when we ground, right?. The books suggest that one reason things like prayer and ritual in faiths that are not precisely Pagan in nature can work anyway. These books mention that our brains can manipulate energy but not with the ease that it can manipulate say our fingers or toes. So we need symbolism like the candles, incense, athame, twigs, roots, and whatever to provide the brain with a method of using this energy.

Now, I am by no means suggesting that anything at all is merely symbolic nor did these books suggest this. If these other things work or why is quite over my head.

I was just wondering where everyone stood on the symbolism issue. Do you all think that other faith's methods of reaching toward the Divine work for this reason? Do you think that they don't work? Some studies have even been done on this I think.

In this thread I am simply seeking the inner workings of magick and trying to understand the "Whats" and the "Whys" in so much as I can. I am already beyond wondering "If."

Thanks.

[Sercee]

I think symbolism is very important. When something is symbolic of an idea or emotion to someone then it will help them align their energy in that 'direction'. As you say, it can be difficult to manipulate energy as we do for spells and rituals etc. If you have these symbols out or around you then it would be easier to focus on what you're trying to accomplish.

Symbols can, in my opinion, come in several forms. You have the religious symbols (pentacles, crosses, ankhs, etc), you have natural symbols (doves, stags, oak trees) and you have personal symbols that mean something to you specifically based on an experience or value you hold. Therefore if you're trying to manipulate energy and are having difficulty it might be beneficial to pause and meditate for a while on what those values might be so you can use them to focus internally.

[Steven]

I see. Also, I was wondering. How many people would agree that the symbolism is part of the indirect vocabulary of spell work. Just as much as the actual vocabulary in our words, each symbol says something in and of itself. Just a thought.

[Suki1016]

Those are some interesting theories steven. I think I'd like to read those books, but only because I thirst for others opinions lol. But for me, symbolism is important as well. I think it keeps me focused and keeps me pushing at what I want without being too distracted, but sometimes I don't used symbols at all. I just use my mind and I find that doing anything that way works just as well, so I don't think symbols are completely nessisary. I think its whats inside the individual, their intent and their will that is nessisary to any spell, or ritual, but thats just me.

[Baratoz]

Yes, symbolism is very important. The images, tools, songs, chants, rituals, incense and so on, all help to bring the person into a state of mind that allows them to focus and direct energy towards their goal. Even the method of writing and reciting the spells aid in this.

I am going to add those books to my reading list as well.

[Wolf*]

Think of the human brain as a locked room containing energy, and tools and symbols as keys. Now, we can't normally get into this door (the energy) but when we have the right key (the symbols) it opens up and lets out the energy.

These keys can really be anything, it just depends on what you think of an object. If you think of a fashlight as a symbol for inspiration (its an example okay?) then using it in a ritual will help lead you to inspiration.

Make sense?

[Steven]

Yes, that does make sense. It also much more easily allows the whole thing to be viewed as an aspect of reality rather than a thing of fiction. Sure there is still mystery but it isn't void of explanation completely.