Probably the most useful tool in working with your unconscious is your imagination.
In a later lesson,
I will introduce the concept of active imagination,
Which is where you can begin to have some truly creative and surprising interactions with your own unconscious.
But for now,
We will begin with simple visualization to help you develop your imaginative capacity.
Building up your imagination takes practice.
For many of us,
Our imagination,
Particularly our capacity to visualize,
Has atrophied since childhood.
It can take practice to build back up the ability to maintain a steady and stable image in your imagination.
However,
Doing so opens the door to having valuable and potentially life-changing conversations in the inner world.
It is valuable to be able to visualize all of your senses,
Including your sense of proprioception,
So you can experience movement in the inner world.
But for now,
We will begin with the visual.
So start by visualizing a simple symbol before you.
That could be a symbol of special significance to you,
Such as a cross or a Star of David.
Or if you don't have such a symbol,
Or you'd like to try something different,
I'd like to recommend a five-pointed star or pentagram.
The pentagram is a useful symbol,
As it is both a symbol of power and protection,
While also being a symbol of love and life.
It symbolizes completeness,
Representing the four platonic elements,
Earth,
Air,
Water,
And fire,
Plus the fifth element,
Or quintessence.
Notice visualizing this as a flaming blue pentagram,
Maybe a meter in diameter,
About two meters in front of you.
Once this becomes easy,
Try visualizing four of them,
One before you,
One behind you,
And one on each side.
This can be a useful exercise when beginning any kind of meditative or ritual practice.
