The arcana of the ancient Mysteries was never revealed to the profane except through the media of symbols. Symbolism fulfilled the dual office of concealing the sacred truths from the uninitiated and revealing them to those qualified to understand the symbols. Forms are the symbols of formless divine principles; symbolism is the language of Nature. With reverence the wise pierce the veil and with clearer vision contemplate the reality; but the ignorant, unable to distinguish between the false and the true, behold a universe of symbols. It may well be said of Nature–the Great Mother–that she is ever tracing strange characters upon the surface of things, but only to her eldest and wisest sons as a reward for their faith and devotion does she reveal the cryptic alphabet which is the key to the import of these tracings.
-Manly P Hall, The Secret Teachings of All Ages
In this quotation, Manly P. Hall delves into the esoteric realm of ancient Mysteries, asserting that their secrets were communicated through symbolic language, accessible only to the initiated. Symbolism serves a twofold purpose: veiling sacred truths from the uninitiated while revealing them to those deemed worthy. Forms act as symbols for divine principles, and symbolism itself embodies the language of Nature. The wise, with reverence and clarity, penetrate the veil of symbols to perceive reality, while the ignorant perceive only a world of symbols, unable to discern truth from falsehood. Hall suggests that Nature, as the Great Mother, inscribes enigmatic characters on reality's surface, reserving the key to understanding these symbols for her eldest and wisest sons, as a reward for their faith and devotion.
Symbols, extend beyond the confines of ancient Mysteries into the broader realm of human existence and perception. They serve as conduits for conveying abstract concepts, allowing for communication and comprehension beyond the limitations of language. In this broader interpretation, symbols are the currency of expression for the human psyche, manifesting in art, religion, culture, and everyday life. They possess the remarkable ability to evoke emotions, convey complex ideas, and bridge disparate realities. From the cross as a symbol of sacrifice and redemption to the rose as a representation of love and beauty, symbols permeate our collective consciousness, enriching our understanding of the world and ourselves. In essence, symbols are the threads that weave together the tapestry of human experience, offering glimpses into the profound depths of our shared existence.
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'Within Our Nature' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. https://www.scottbuckley.com.au
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