The Book of Symbols combines original and incisive essays about particular symbols with representative images from all parts of the world and all eras of history. The highly readable texts and over 800 beautiful full-color images come together in a unique way to convey hidden dimensions of meaning. Each of the ca. 350 essays examines a given symbol’s psychic background, and how it evokes psychic processes and dynamics. Etymological roots, the play of opposites, paradox and shadow, the ways in which diverse cultures have engaged a symbolic image―all these factors are taken into consideration.
Authored by writers from the fields of psychology, religion, art, literature, and comparative myth, the essays flow into each other in ways that mirror the psyche’s unexpected convergences. There are no pat definitions of the kind that tend to collapse a symbol; a still vital symbol remains partially unknown, compels our attention and unfolds in new meanings and manifestations over time. Rather than merely categorize, The Book of Symbols illuminates how to move from the visual experience of a symbolic image in art, religion, life, or dreams to directly experiencing its personal and psychological resonance.
The Book of Symbols sets new standards for thoughtful exploration of symbols and their meanings, and will appeal to a wide range of readers: artists, designers, dreamers and dream interpreters, psychotherapists, self-helpers, gamers, comic book readers, religious and spiritual searchers, writers, students, and anyone curious about the power of archetypal images.
LucyB –
I have had a few i ching books – I’ve had this one for years and bought it for others. This translation is the best & most comprehensive imo. I’m surprised people are giving it bad reviews, saying they can’t understand it or it’s ‘heavy reading’ – it’s a very ancient text, not Russel Grant’s horoscope. It comes from a world very different to ours and some of it needs to be transposed into a meaningful message for modern times and the specific issue in question – that is the job of the reader, not the author. One reviewer said it contradicts itself – life contradicts itself. The i ching isn’t about fortune telling – it’s an oracle that predicts what will happen if the current situation plays out. It isn’t about set destinies, it’s about cause & effect. If you go into this book deeply enough you will be amazed at the system and wisdom within. Wilhelm illuminates this better than anyone I have read so far & the added bonus of Jung makes this book well worth the money. I used mine so much the back pages have started falling out but I don’t resent buying another copy. I wouldn’t be without this book in my library.
Graybenn –
It’s the I Ching; what can I say but that the content is brilliant! The thick book itself is pretty light considering it has more than 700 pages. The cover has creased and looks worn, but that, for me, personalizes the tome. Nevertheless, when travelling I keep the book inside the Amazon envelope it arrived in.
Veronika –
This is a book that doesn’t ask for attention or praise. It is just quietly there for you when you come upon it, without trying to prove itself. Sort of like the old sages we hear about. So what more can I say? If you are interested you will find your own answers, that’s what it is about after all. It addresses all the complex sides of human nature, more humanly than our one sided causality modern view today. So different to the world we live in today, and so so refreshing.
Flug –
Everything was fine except some prominent scuff marks to front cover that looked like had occured prior to packing, not in transit.
jan –
excellent
Ollie –
Getting the most out of this book means thinking in terms of synchronicity instead of aetiology (in the Jungian sense).It all depends in wether you can swallow the concept that many of our actions are motivated by unconscious factors.Not a book to plough through, but a great companion navigating the vicissitudes of life. I love it!
Eildon11 –
This is the second time I have purchased this exact book from Amazon, as the first one which I purchased well over 10 years ago is now falling to pieces. I would have given this book 5 stars for its content, as it is a classic, and no other I-Ching book compares, as far as I’m concerned. Unfortunately, I’ve had to subtract 2 stars for the quality. The pages are very flimsy and you can see from the photo that the bottom corner of the cover is showing signs of splitting, even though I have only opened it twice since purchase, and both those times I was exceedingly careful in handling. I’m in two minds whether or not to return it, as it is just too much hassle and not worth it for the price I paid, which I thought was very reasonable if you were to base it on its contents alone. I would recommend, if you are considering buying this classic, save up, and buy the hardback instead.
Audrey –
Ive just scratched the surface of this book. Small writing, lots of pages. Arrived in good condition. Im in no rush to get through it, thankfully.
Jerry Jaquish –
Book came in good shape
Slow in coming
Bert –
Very cheap book
This is a reference book, and it is made to be use only once. They used very poor-quality paper and no wonder they did not gave use access to the inside page, because you would have saw the bad lettering. Try to find this amazing book somewhere else.