My new purchase:
And a few quotes from the Introduction that stirred my imagination:
“A symbol does not signify; it evokes and focuses, assembles and concentrates, in an analogically versatile manner, a multiplicity of meanings that cannot be reduced to one or many single meanings. … a symbol depends on the mythical and ritual context associated with it.
To penetrate the world of symbols is to try to perceive harmonic vibrations and, in a way, to divine a music of the universe.
This requires not only intuition but also an innate sense of analogy, a gift that can be developed through exercise but that cannot be acquired. There is a “symbolic ear” just as there is a “musical ear,” and it is partially independent from an individual’s degree of cultural development. The symbolic ear of the Australian Aborigine, for example, is incomparably more developed that that of the modern “civilized” person.
The sealed book of the universe dos not allow itself to be read aloud. Nature flees from the violation of evidence: She confides her mysteries only in murmurs, in half-light. Her landscapes reveal their depths only at dawn and dusk, through vapors and mist. Knowing is not understanding; it is only savoring what we have glimpsed along the way. Reality does not require us to reduce the symbol to the limits of our thought. Instead, it invites us to immerse ourselves in the absence of its limits. Thus, the veiled speech of the symbol can protect us from the worst error: the discovery of a definitive and ultimate meaning of things and beings – for no one is more in error than he who knows all the answers… except, perhaps, he who knows only one answer.”
The book seems so promising.
symbolreader 
Indeed, this sounds like a good choice and substantive read. Enjoy its information and stimulation.
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Yes, it’s very substantive and scholarly. There aren’t many books like this on the subject but there’s a lot of fluff. I’m looking forward to sinking my teeth into it.
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Oh gosh, I might have to order one of those…
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This one does look valuable. Ok, I will quit tempting you.
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No no! Don’t stop! I could always try the library…
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Let us know if it kept its promise 🙂
A great choice for a natal mercury retro under this current cycle! I wonder of our merc retro club is more inclined to have a symbolic ear?
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I think Mercury re does incline towards the world of archetypes, for sure.
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Oh no, another book to add to the list and I am so far behind already! 🙂
I especially love this: “Reality does not require us to reduce the symbol to the limits of our thought.” And this: “Her landscapes reveal their depths only at dawn and dusk, through vapors and mist.”
I love the softness of twilight and feel a deep kinship with ambiguity, as it points to the limits of sense and definition, leaving room for more possibilities, more connections; life and all things in motion.
Looks like a great read Monika!
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Hillman would approve of these quotes, wouldn’t he? 🙂
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I think so, but am trying to temper my desire to say I would know so. 🙂
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Nice!! I am sure you’ll enjoy it.
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Thanks. 🙂
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Reblogged this on By the Grey Woods.
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That should make for an interesting read !!!! 🙂
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So far I’ve noticed that it is very scholarly but it has a soul. It’s great, actually.
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Such an elegant text. Thank you!
“Reality does not require us to reduce the symbol to the limits of our thought.” Yes, that´s one thing why I love symbols and metaphors. I for one like to use positive symbols for my goals because they do go beyond the words (and labels, negative programmings…) During my meditation journeys the universe/guidance speaks to me (and to others when I used to give for example distance energy sessions) a lot in symbolic images, “video clips” and even cartoon like images (images are easier to remember afterwards than verbal messages which I also receive). They speak in practical ways as well, yet leave space for imagination more than verbal messages. It doesn´t even matter if I am able to always translate them exactly correctly, for receiving them in itself affirms my (our) connection with the universe. (Nor do I always verbalize them to myself, nor analyze them further, but allow them to work beyond my mind.)
Rambling around, inspired by you.
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PS. having started 😀 I wanted to add, that I have also learned that the meaning of a specific symbolic image delivered like this may be understood later on, and the timing of the understanding is perfect then, often enhancing the sense of magic. As, for example, they sometimes refer to the future.
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The same with dreams and their often prophetic wisdom. Also the tarot works like this.
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Yes!
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Thank you for these fascinating thoughts – I completely agree. I sometimes think in images and do not have the patience to translate them into words. They do work beyond the conscious mind – it is a wondrous thing.
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Yes! 😀 Lovely to connect as always.
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I hope that you find the book rewarding Monika. Love the expression, “divine a music of the universe.” Do I detect a subtle Pythagorean influence?
Btw, wanted to express my gratitude for the Stephen Arroyo recommendation. Astrology, Psych and the Four Elements is a great read. I enjoy his methodological approach to the subject. So, I thank you.
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I’m really happy you are enjoying Arroyo! I hope you’ll catch the astrological bug.
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Wow! Like ptero9, I am thinking Oh my goodness, another book to add to my growing list! I l hope you will post a follow up when you finish. I was thinking also that these quotes are Hillman-esque in their emphasis on the hidden-ness of the soulfulness “beneath” reality. The language seems poetic and soulful, though, a style that always captures my imagination. I am actually having some difficulty with Hillman’s style, for this reason. He argues, he pontificates, he analogizes and the strength of his assertions overwhelms me at times. He riles up my defenses. These poetic tidbits are like oil on my head. Thank you for sharing!
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I think we need the same kind of oil on our heads – a dreamy, poetic language. For me Jung has the best style – nobody has matched him in my eyes. This particular book on symbols is a curious mixture: so far the dry scholarly passages have been interspersed with breathtaking poetic expressions. I will post a follow-up for sure.
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When I read the last lines, I was reminded of Francis Bacon’s quote “If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts he shall end in certainties.”
I echo others. It sounds like a great read. 🙂
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Thank you for a great quote!
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Exquisitely written commentary on this book. Of course, one has to order the book now! There are many lines that are simply gourmet cuisine. This whole paragraph could be memorized for its beauty and revelations: “The sealed book of the universe dos not allow itself to be read aloud. Nature flees from the violation of evidence: She confides her mysteries only in murmurs, in half-light. Her landscapes …” Thank you for the delicacies, Monika. Certainly fed me for the day!
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That makes me so happy. Such words give us our daily bread.
Hugs to you,
Monika
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You have tickled my taste buds with this one Monika, and I can see I shall have to put onto my To read list 🙂 Thank you for sharing with us 🙂
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You’re welcome, Sue.
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I missed reading this one!
The introduction does seem absolutely fascinating! I’m glad you gave a review of the whole thing once you read it…I don’t mind scholarly books but those with a gazillion footnotes may not be for me..
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Yes, the introduction held so much promise, was so poetic.
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symbolical is embedded in the nature. Thank you.
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It is the greatest truth.
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