The symbolic and non-symbolic aspect of image: clinical and cultural reflections.

Abstract

It is fundamental for analytical psychology to understand images symbolically. However, Jung was aware of the non-symbolic and direct appearance of image in synchronistic visions and dreams. Therefore, there are two aspects of the non-symbolic: literal and synchronistic. Firstly, the pathology of the non-symbolic was explored in psychosomatic syndromes, trauma, borderline syndromes and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Then the historical and cultural considerations show that dreams were shared and understood directly and non-symbolically in Japanese medieval times. Historically, the symbolic aspect emerged through the loss of this directness and is characteristic for the modern, western, and adult consciousness. However, the increasing prevalence of ASD and ambiguity between reality and virtual reality show that the contemporary world is again dominated by directness and the non-symbolic, which can be called 'postmodern consciousness'.