A Dictionary of Symbols (1962) by J.E. Cirlot is a seminal reference work that explores the universal language of symbols across cultures, religions, dreams, and art. Cirlot, a Spanish poet and critic influenced by Carl Jung and hermetic traditions, compiles over 1,000 entries—from animals (serpent, lion) to elements (water, fire) to archetypal motifs (the labyrinth, the tree of life)—unpacking their mythic, psychological, and esoteric meanings.
This encyclopedic tome bridges anthropology, alchemy, and depth psychology, offering insights into how symbols shape human consciousness. While some interpretations reflect mid-20th-century Eurocentric biases, its rich cross-cultural comparisons (drawing on Kabbalah, Tarot, and Eastern philosophies) make it indispensable for artists, writers, and students of the occult.
A must-have companion for readers of Jung’s Man and His Symbols or Bachelard’s The Poetics of Space.
