A Little Bit of Symbols, Volume 6: An Introduction to Symbolism

by Henry Reed

Symbolism is the best evidence that we know and grasp more than we consciously realize—but what exactly are symbols? And how can we use them to expand our consciousness? A visionary psychologist answers these and many other questions as he delves into the symbolism of everything from shoes and animals to UFOs and dreams. Along the way, he explores Jungian archetypes, imagery and metaphors, spiritual symbolism, and even symbol dictionaries, so you can make the most of their information. 

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Witchcraft, Paganism

128 pages, Hardcover

First published June 21, 2016

About the author

Director of the Edgar Cayce Institute of Intuitive Studies

Reviews

[Alex Gruenenfelder · Rating 3 out of 5]

I began this book nearly four years ago, but put it away for a long while and only returned to it this week to finish more than half of what was left. A piece of light reading largely for those who are already spiritually inclined, it touches on symbology in largely surface level ways, making it not particularly my favorite of this series. However, I appreciated the deep attention that it paid to the concept of dreams and know that it may have resonance with people just beginning to wonder how symbols have related to and been processed by the human mind for millennia.

[Tabitha · Rating 2 out of 5]

The entirety of this book can be summed up with, "A symbol means what you think it means, but once you determine its meaning it becomes a sign." There are no sources cited, nor further reading that isn't the author themself. We all know how much we hate having that professor in school. I stopped gleaning any further information after the first 2 chapters. I found referencing "Native Americans" in one case infuriatingly simplistic, and am annoyed that the author couldn't bother to specify which tribes believed what they said falls under Native American belief systems, as if all tribes believed the same things and practiced spirituality the same ways.

[Obeida Takriti · Rating 3 out of 5]

لطيف الكتاب بحديثه عن العلاقة بين علم النفس، الروح، والرموز..
والرمز بالنسبة للكاتب ليست تلك الأشكال البسيطة التي تدلنا على شيء مباشر..
بل الرموز هي تلك الرسائل الخفية التي نواصل فكها لتكون رسالة لنا لفهم الكون والتطور فيه..

[Michael Westneat · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I realize this book has “a little bit” and “an introduction” in the title, I felt fully underwhelmed by this. An introduction might be an understatement, as the symbology covered in this is incredibly vague. While an easy read, I don’t feel like I learned much about symbology as the author seemed to reiterate fairly obvious points. I would’ve enjoyed reading more about the origin and meaning behind specific cultural symbols.

[Mkmmax · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took me a very long time to read this very small book. I can’t say that it was a useless read, I did make some notes, but the author writes very awkwardly. I am keeping the book but I can’t say it was money well spent.

[Buvi · Rating 1 out of 5]

No idea what the intention was!!!

[Abby Shepard · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you are reading this book with the assumption it’s a symbol dictionary or a book about common symbols and how they came to be, you would be wrong.

This book is about symbols, (real or potential) and how they make you personally feel. The author would like you to come to your own conclusions about symbols after giving you possible explanations about what they could mean for you, he uses religion, a lot, as a possible explanation for a symbolic meaning, but also dreams.

Overall, this book was not entirely what I expected. I read the whole thing quickly in one sitting thinking I need to just “get it over with.” I want to read a book ripe with symbolism and I thought this book would help me understand or spot potential symbols and meanings hidden within the book itself, but instead I got a crash corse in what a symbol/my dreams might mean to me personally instead of how to interpret classic symbols in literature/history.

[Talitha Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a “gift book” that you would buy in a store like Urban Outfitters. It’s a very fast read, but honestly it really sparked my imagination! Joseph Campbell’s insights into myth had been top of mind recently and I felt like this book was a great little addition to the things that Joseph Campbell has been sparking for me.

[Siavosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a book for someone who likes to think for a while after every page

[M. · Rating 1 out of 5]

couldnt really follow

[Rachel Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series!