Have you ever dreamt of a staircase, a bird, or a locked door — and felt it meant something, even if you couldn’t explain what? That’s the power of symbols: they bypass logic and speak directly to the unconscious. Whether we realize it or not, we all “speak” this language. At Symbol Art Lab, we believe that reconnecting with symbolic understanding can enrich creativity, healing, and self-awareness.
What Is a Symbol?
A symbol is more than a sign or a decoration. It’s an image, shape, or figure that carries layers of meaning — cultural, personal, emotional, archetypal. Unlike a logo (which means one fixed thing), a true symbol invites interpretation. It grows and shifts with you.
For example, a circle can be unity, eternity, the womb, or the sun — depending on where and how it appears.
Why Symbols Matter
We use symbolic thinking from childhood. A stuffed animal isn’t just cloth and stuffing; it’s safety, a companion, an emotional anchor. As adults, symbols surround us: in dreams, religious imagery, tattoos, gestures, rituals, and even the architecture of our cities.
When we engage with symbols consciously, they can help us:
- Express the inexpressible
- Tap into intuition
- See connections between seemingly unrelated things
- Reflect personal or collective narratives
Symbols in Creative Practice
Artists, writers, and designers have always relied on symbolic language. But you don’t need to be a professional to benefit from it. In our courses, we help participants identify the symbols that show up repeatedly in their own lives and guide them in turning those images into visual works — drawings, collages, mixed media journals.
Your Symbols, Your Story
You might be drawn to feathers, keys, circles, hands, or eyes — there’s a reason. These aren’t just preferences; they might reflect something deeper: a need for flight, access, connection, or protection.
By working with these symbols intentionally, you can better understand where you are in your life story — and where you might be heading next.
Ready to explore the language your soul already speaks?