You will find symbolic concepts scattered through these pages.

I do my best to use the word symbolism in a particular way, which is not to say that any other way is wrong. It's often used to mean that something represents something else. For example, raising a fist (which means nothing by itself) can be a symbol of support for a cause or group. In this way, all words are symbols.

However, symbolism here means parity between physical reality and a meta-physical reality at their basic level. Whether that meta-physical reality exists in the mind only or is a fundamental principle of the universe is certainly a question to be asked, and I believe that question is answered as we make a point to observe symbolic realities. In other words, we discover the purpose behind seemingly meaningless reality, and lofty ideas can be understood through physical representation. In this way, words themselves are never symbolic. The letters C-A-T have no intrinsic connection to a feline creature. However, the meaning behind the words and the way in which we use words can be and likely are symbolic.^[1]

In fact, the manner in which words (or the things they represent) fit into a language semantically in practice are often deeply symbolic. Take for example the previous sentence. What do I mean by "fit" or "deeply"? These are words that describe the physical world, yet we use them to describe abstract cognitive realities, and we understand that meaning intuitively. That is what I mean by symbolism, and how words themselves fit into the symbolic worldview.

Why am I concerned with symbolism?

I believe that the universe is constructed in such a way that material reality mirrors spiritual reality, and therefor it show forth the handiwork of the Creator.

Admittedly, I was turned onto the importance of symbolism, particularly in the ancient world (especially the Bible) by the Pageau brothers - Jonathan, through his YouTube channel, and Matthieu, through his book The Language of Creation, and his various YouTube appearances. Although I have issues with both of them, they have a lot to offer and I believe it is important for us to understand. It may even be necessary in these times.

Take everything symbolic with a grain of salt. I am a noob when it comes to this. I have not read a lot of ancient literature. I have read a lot of the Bible and I am pretty good at recognizing patterns and thinking in terms of structures and systems. That's the up-side of being an INTP.