Vulcano

A volcanic eruption symbolizes emotional outbursts; in dreams, it may indicate an impending explosion of repressed emotions. Mythologically, the image is associated with heat, fire, and forging. The Roman counterpart to the blacksmith god Hephaestus, Vulcanus, lends his name to this geological phenomenon.

A volcanic eruption is an outlet for "the inner fire" that can no longer be contained, erupting uncontrollably in fire and heat—a veritable catastrophe; the overwhelming heat of the unconscious.

Sometimes, a fiery volcano can represent a massive cauldron (compare Vessel) and thus renewal. This archetypal image captivated Empedocles, who as an old man leaped into Mount Etna to achieve rebirth.

An extinct volcano is not necessarily preferable, as it suggests that the inner fire has died down, potentially symbolizing burnout after an eruption.

A lava flow that is not catastrophic may indicate previously unknown psychic energies emerging to the surface.

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