Whether the experience is 'REAL' or Symbolic depends on whether you experience it directly or indirectly. Personal symbols are those which are unique for each individual, depending upon our psychology and previous experiences. The jet airplane is an exhilarating thought to some, but terrifying to others. Cultural symbols are those which are common to a country or ethnic group, but which have no meaning, or a totally different meaning in another culture. The spinning wheel represents freedom for the Indian.
Snakes are a symbol of spiritual potency in some parts of the world, but demonic to others.
Universal symbols, or Archetypes, are those which transcend the other two categories. They are basic ideas, shapes, or force fields, where the details aren't filled in yet. The circle, the square, and the triangle, light and darkness, up and down are such symbols. Our goal is to discover where we're at, personally, culturally, and symbolically. When we know our personal symbols, we can improve our daily life.