Penetration

Horns, knives, spears, arrows, swords, and so on, are used to penetrate. Psychologically, this can symbolize the psyche’s passionate, active, fixating, and forward-moving qualities.

Consciousness

Rays of light (which are sometimes expressed as horns or other pointed objects) are considered penetrating and are also symbols of consciousness. Inability to penetrate might allude to the incompatibility of consciousness’ focusing or grasping with the situation, or to something we simply cannot understand or accomplish.

We use the word “penetrate” to mean “thoroughly delve into” or “mentally grasp a subject.” An older, characteristic quote state: “The eyes appeared able to penetrate all the secrets of the universe.” In alchemy, Mercurius was considered a “penetrating spirit.”

Lightning and Fertilization

Lightning is also considered penetrating and symbolizes being suddenly struck or “penetrated” by passionate intensity, an idea, or enlightenment. Zeus penetrated Semele as a lightning bolt, and from this union, Dionysus was born. Receiving the god is often likened to allowing oneself to be penetrated by him—using imagery of sexual union. Herein lies ecstasy, a defining trait of Dionysus.

Life and Death

The phallic quality suggested by penetration gives the symbol additional meaning, such as fertilization, the penetrating effect of psychic energy, instinct, untamed desire, and so on. Like symbols in general, this one also has both a creative and a destructive side—penetration can lead to life but also to death. At times, both aspects of the symbol are expressed as something that simultaneously kills and fertilizes.

Differentiation

Penetration or piercing carries a symbolic meaning akin to differentiation, particularly in alchemy (penetratio and perforatio). (See Sword and compare TWO.)

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