Symbolic objects

We must work to form them within ourselves

January 12th 2025
A symbolic object should be valued only to the extent that it is useful for one’s inner life; otherwise it can lead to ridiculous situations. Many people talk about the philosopher’s stone which transmutes base metals into gold, and yet they are poor! They talk of the elixir of everlasting life and of the universal panacea, but they are always ill. They talk about the magic mirror or wand (and even possess one, for they can easily be bought!), but they remain blind and powerless. So what do all these things amount to? It is up to us to understand these symbols and work to form them within ourselves.
It is within ourselves that we must find the philosopher’s stone, the elixir of everlasting life, the universal panacea, the magic mirror and the magic wand. There is no point in trying to possess them outwardly, for not only is it a waste of time, but we risk becoming psychologically unhinged.*
* Related reading:
Random meditation Today's meditation Alphabetical index