num_pages: 807
description: An exploration of symbols and their meanings throughout history.The Book of Symbols combines original and incisive essays about particular symbols with representative images from all parts of the world and all eras of history. The highly readable texts and over 800 beautiful full-color images come together in a unique way to convey hidden dimensions of meaning. Each of the ca. 350 essays examines a given symbols psychic background and how it evokes psychic processes and dynamics. Etymological roots the play of opposites paradox and shadow the ways in which diverse cultures have engaged a symbolic imageall these factors are taken into consideration.Authored by writers from the fields of psychology religion art literature and comparative myth the essays flow into each other in ways that mirror the psyches unexpected convergences. There are no pat definitions of the kind that tend to collapse a symbol; a still vital symbol remains partially unknown compels our attention and unfolds in new meanings and manifestations over time. Rather than merely categorize The Book of Symbols illuminates how to move from the visual experience of a symbolic image in art religion life or dreams to directly experiencing its personal and psychological resonance.The Book of Symbols sets new standards for thoughtful exploration of symbols and their meanings and will appeal to a wide range of readers: artists designers dreamers and dream interpreters psychotherapists self-helpers gamers comic book readers religious and spiritual searchers writers students and anyone curious about the power of archetypal images.
language: English
title: The Book of Symbols: Reflections on Archetypal Images
publisher: TASCHEN