The Dictionary of Symbols
The symbolism of ascension or ascent has two main aspects:
externally a higher level in space signifies a higher value by virtue of its connexion
with the symbolism of space and height; and, secondly, it pertains to the inner
life, the symbolism of which concerns the ‘upward impulse’ rather than any
actual ascent. As Mircea Eliade has observed: ‘Whatever the religious context,
and whatever the particular form they may take (shamanist or initiation rites,
mystic ecstasy, dream-vision, heroic legend), ascensions of all kinds, such as
climbing mountains or stairs or soaring upwards through the air, always signify
that the human condition is being transcended and that higher cosmic levels are
being attained. The mere fact of “levitation” is equivalent to a consecration. . . .’
(17). But, according to a more straightforward interpretation based upon the
concept of energy, the action of rising (as, in music, going from bass to treble, or
from piano to forte) expresses an increase in intensity (38), whether it concerns
domination or the lust for power, or any other urge whatsoever. All world-axis
symbols (the mountain, ladder, tree, cross, liana, rope, the thread of the spider,
spear) are connected with the symbolism of ascension (18).
