ABSTRACT
The idea of the symbol has stood in the centre of the development of analytical thought for many years. The form of the word 'symbol' shows that it holds many passports, i.e. it is a Greek immigrant which has been naturalized in many lands, and its meaning has consequently been tinged by the verbal community in which it has acclimatized. The history of the object originally referred to as 'symbol' is rather striking in this connection. The great symbolists were able to give us the exaltation and grandeur of that other world 'there' and yet their feet were firmly set on the earth 'here'. One of the greatest examples is Yahweh's decision to become man as a symbol of the development that had to supervene when man became conscious of the sort of God-image confronting him. A few words may be said about the healing value of mystical symbols and their uniting power.
