Fisherman

Since the fisherman draws beings from the water, he symbolizes the wise man (or woman) who can retrieve valuable content from the inner depths. Note that Jesus was a “fisher of men” (Matthew 4:19) and that the guardian of the holy grail was the “fisher king” (see also Fish).  

When one writes down and contemplates one’s dreams, engages in intuitive painting, or practices active imagination, one is fishing in the unconscious; casting a line in the water like the Fisher King. He was not in pain only when he was fishing.

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