I finished reading The Secret of the Golden Flower and I'm halfway through Jung's piece on the text. Seriously amazing stuff - especially if you're into meditation.
You can read it for free here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/15630761/The-Secret-of-the-Golden-Flower
Like C.G. Jung's Liber Novus, I don't really recommend it unless you're on a path that is craving this kind of information. If you're down for some individuation scooby snacks, check it out x) Otherwise it'll probably be rather bizarre and dry. Well, it's mostly dry anyway, but awesome!
I've pulled some quotes that resonate with me and have also added a few comments and graphics on my red book blog: http://onesundown.blogspot.com/
All secrets symbolize the power of the supernatural, and this explains
their disquieting effect upon most human beings. Jung is emphatic about this,
pointing out that, for the same reason, it is very helpful for the individual so
affected to unburden himself of his secrets (31). On the other hand, the ability to
master this state of tension within oneself confers an awareness of unfailing
superiority—a sensation which is common in individuals who live outside the
law and in spies and privy counsellors to kings and magnates. This same notion
supplies part of the basic attraction of esoteric thought and of all forms of
Hermetic science in literature and art.
To dream that you or someone has a secret, represents hidden power. It suggests that something is emerging from your unconscious.
Dreaming that you or someone has a secret, represents hidden power. It suggests that something needs to emerge from your unconscious.
Different flowers usually have separate meanings, but, as so often
happens, flower-symbolism is broadly characterized by two essentially different
considerations: the flower in its essence, and the flower in its shape. By its very
nature it is symbolic of transitoriness, of Spring and of beauty. The sixth of the
‘Eight Immortals’ of China, Lan Ts’ai-ho, is generally depicted clad in blue and
carrying a basket of flowers; it is said that he was given to singing of the brevity
of life and the ephemeral nature of pleasure (5). The Greeks and Romans, at all
their feasts, always wore crowns of flowers. And they would strew flowers over
the corpses as they bore them to the funeral pyre and over their graves (not so
much as an offering as an analogy) (8). We have, then, another example of an
antithetical symbol, like the skeleton which the Egyptians would bring to their
banquets, as a reminder of the reality of death and as a stimulus towards the
enjoyment of life. Now, because of its shape, the flower is an image of the
‘Centre’, and hence an archetypal image of the soul (56). ‘Celestial flower’ is the
name given to a meteorite or a shooting star by the alchemists (57), and the flower
was, for them, symbolic of the work of the sun (32). The significance would be
adapted according to the colour of the flower. So, for example, orange or yellowcoloured flowers represent a reinforcement of the basic sun-symbolism; red flowers emphasize the relationship with animal life, blood and passion. The ‘blue
flower’ is a legendary symbol of the impossible, and is probably an allusion to the
‘mystic Centre’ as represented by the Grail and other such symbols. The ‘golden
flower’ is a famous parallel in Chinese mysticism, a non-existent flower which is
also spoken of in alchemy; in the Epistola ad Hermannum Arch. Coloniensem
(Theatr. Chem. 1622) it is given the name of ‘the sapphire-blue flower of the
Hermaphrodite’ (32).
To see colorful flowers in your dream, signify kindness, compassion, gentleness, pleasure, beauty, and gain. It is also symbolic of perfection and spirituality. Your dream may be an expression of love, joy and happiness. Alternatively, flowers in dream, especially if they are blooming, represent your hidden potential and latent talents. Flowers can also denote a particular time or season. If the flowers are white, then it symbolizes sadness. Consider the color of the flower and the type of flower for additional analysis.
To see withered or dead flowers in your dream, denotes disappointments and gloomy situations. It may signal an end to a love relationship. Or it could indicate that you may not be utilizing your full potential and talents and letting it go to waste.
To dream that you receive a bouquet of flowers, represents respect, approval, admiration, and rewards.
To see flowers blooming in barren soil, signify that energy and cheerful nature will enable you to overcome your grievances. If you are picking flowers, then the dream symbolizes blooming love or a new developing relationship.
To dream of seeing flowers blooming in gardens, signifies pleasure and gain, if bright-hued and fresh; white denotes sadness. Withered and dead flowers, signify disappointments and gloomy situations.
For a young woman to receive a bouquet of mixed flowers, foretells that she will have many admirers.
To see flowers blooming in barren soil without vestage of foliage, foretells you will have some grievous experience, but your energy and cheerfulness will enable you to climb through these to prominence and happiness.
``Held in slumber's soft embrace,
She enters realms of flowery grace,
Where tender love and fond caress,
Bids her awake to happiness.''
Seeing colorful flowers in your dream means kindness, compassion, gentleness, pleasure, beauty, and gain. It is also symbolic of perfection and spirituality. Your dream may be an expression of love, joy and happiness. Alternatively, flowers may denote a particular time or season. If the flowers are white, then it symbolizes sadness. Seeing withered or dead flowers in your dream indicates disappointments and gloomy situations. You may not be utilizing your full potential and talents. Dreaming that you receive a bouquet of flowers, represents respect, approval, admiration, and rewards. Seeing flowers blooming in barren soil means that energy and cheerful nature will enable you to overcome your grievances.
When we look at flowers, most of us feel some joy and vitality. At the very least, we appreciate their beauty and see their value. Flowers are beautiful and in our dreams they could represent the simplest feelings of contentment to the deepest feelings of spiritual completeness. A circular flower is a friendly sign that could be the symbol of wholeness that represents the "psychic centre of the personality." Additionally, the colours could symbolize the psychic centers in our bodies called chakras. Flowers also represent hope and positive growth, along with simplicity, innocence, and possibly virginity. A flower can also symbolize the vulva.
If you dream that you are arranging flowers, you could be trying to make improvements to your waking life. Dead or dried flowers in a dream can symbolize poor health or obstacles in your life. Flowers in a bouquet may symbolize a marriage.
Dreaming of books indicates calmness. You will advance toward your goals at a slow and steady pace. Books also symbolize knowledge, intellect, information and wisdom. Consider the type of book. It may represent a significant calling into a specific field of work. Dreaming of dusty books indicates forgotten knowledge or previous "chapters" of your life. Dreaming of children's books, memories and a collection of personal memories from your own childhood. It may also suggest your desire to escape from reality and retreat into some fantasy world. Dreaming of a satanic book, symbolizes your one-sided way of thinking and looking at things. You are trying to denounce any responsibility in your actions and are putting forth a little effort as possible.
To see a check in your dream, suggests that you may feel indebted to others. The dream may also be a pun on checking things out.
To see a blank check in your dream, symbolizes your unused potential. It may also indicate unclaimed rewards.
To see a check mark in your dream, indicates approval and acceptance. Your hard work has paid off.
Seeing a check in your dream, suggests that you may feel indebted to others. The dream may also be a pun on checking things out. Seeing a blank check in your dream, symbolizes your unused potential. It may also indicate unclaimed rewards. Seeing a check mark in your dream indicates approval and acceptance. Your hard work has paid off.