Symbolic Transformation

What is a symbol?

A symbol is a representation of an idea or thing. It is not the actual idea or thing - it is just the representation of that thing. It could be an image, a feeling, or a sound - any kind of representation of something else.

For example, a dove is a universal symbol for

peace, but a dove is obviously a dove. Pablo Picasso famously used this symbolic imagery for his line drawing of a peace dove. This is a great example of symbolism. The drawing itself is not a dove. It is a drawing of a dove. The drawing does not live, move, or fly. The picture is really made up of simple black lines on a white background, but the viewer recognizes the shape of those lines as representing a dove. This particular drawing of a dove shows the dove holding an olive branch, which is another symbol for peace. So even though it is just a collection of lines on paper, the viewer understands and interprets that the lines represent a dove holding an olive branch, which in turn represents the idea of peace. The dove and olive branch are symbols for peace.

There are symbols for just about everything, and sometimes the symbolic meaning can be different even for the same image. For example, a picture of a shield could mean protection, or it could represent a family crest, or it could be a logo for a company, or it could represent the idea of strength. Likewise, some people see a snake as a symbol for evil, but in many cultures snakes are a symbol for medicine or the healing arts, and for someone else a snake might be a symbol of fear, danger, flexibility, the shedding an old behavior, or a symbol for something else entirely. Really, any image can hold some kind of symbolic meaning, and that meaning may be completely different from person to person, and from situation to situation.

Symbolic Transformation.

It is important to understand the difference between a symbol and the actual thing. The subconscious mind communicates in symbol and metaphor, and so a lot of powerful work is done when you change the way an issue is symbolically represented in your mind.

For the purposes of the Symbolic Transformation Process©, the meaning of the symbol is not important. In fact, it is important that you NOT analyze the symbol. When you see a symbol or image, don’t think about what it means - just let the subconscious do the work. The symbol itself is what is important - not the meaning behind the symbol. You don’t want to analyze, think about it, or try to interpret it - just let the symbol be there and change on its own, as if you are watching it as an observer. If you try to direct the symbols and imagery, or if you try to analyze it too much, you will hinder the process.

The Symbolic Transformation Process is not guided imagery - it is a far more powerful process that requires you to surrender to your subconscious, letting your subconscious do the work while you just observe and report. If you and I are doing the process together and I ask you to let your subconscious come up with a symbol for your issue, do not tell me what the symbol means - just tell me what the symbol is. Just tell me what you see - NOT what you think the message behind the image is. If you see dove, don’t tell me that you see peace; tell me that you see a dove. If you see a cross, don’t tell me that you see religion; tell me that you see a cross. Don’t make up anything about meaning - just let the symbol be an image and forget about trying to interpret it.

Also, don’t try to consciously change the image yourself. Symbols don’t have to make sense, and often they may seem completely unrelated to the issue. For example, if you see a moth, but you think the symbol would be better as a beautiful butterfly, just trust what your subconscious gives you and stick with the moth image. Let your subconscious be the director while you just sit back and watch it all unfold, trusting whatever comes. Let go of the outcome and simply trust your subconscious to do it all for you as I guide you through this powerful process.

If you would like to experience this process and use it to transform your life, contact me today to set up a session, either in person, or on the phone!