Jung reiterates his distinction between a sign and a symbol noting that the former is always less than what it represents and the latter always stands for something more than its obvious and immediate meaning. Consequently symbols are not the product of reasonable thought given by definition they contain something not yet known. Jung asserts that given dreams "happen" and are not invented by man they are the main source of human symbolism. Jung notes that symbols are not confined to this context given there can also be symbolic acts, situations and even objects [e.g. documented accounts of clocks stopping, mirrors breaking, pictures falling at the moment of death].
Jung notes that there are many symbols that are collective in nature and origin, for example religious images. Religious individuals believe the origin is divine and sceptics claim they are the inventions of men. Jung believes that both are wrong and whilst sceptics are correct insofar as symbols have been elaborated over time; the origins of these images are so distant they appear to have no human source [e.g. the dragon]. These images instead are involuntary, spontaneous "collective representations". Jung revisits Freud here noting that assumption of dream symbolism will result in distinct results from those who believe thought or emotion is known and "disguised" by the dream.
Jung notes that in approaching dream analysis he has often suggested to his pupils to learn as much as possible about symbolism and then forget it. Jung notes the impossibility of interpreting another individuals dream. Our own associations and reactions may well prevail if caution is not taken. It is the role of the therapist to grasp the message of a dream and explore the content of the dream thoroughly.
Jung describes a time when he was recalling a dream to Freud. In this dream Jung explores a house with areas from distinct periods in history. Jung felt strongly that there was more to the dream than his emotional association but was unclear how to communicate this to Freud and was fearful of loosing his relationship. Jung here notes the significant role that the dynamic between therapist and patient plays in the therapeutic relationship. Jung expresses feeling confusion and fundamentally lying to Freud as the easier option to resolve the potential conflict.
Jung offers further comments with regards to the therapeutic relationships noting that analysis is not a technique that can be learned but an exchange between two personalities. Jung has chosen to avoid hypnotic treatment that healing may be cultivated from the patients own personality; preserving an individuals dignity and freedom that they might live life in accordance to their own wishes. Jung therefore believes that general theories about man must be derived from greater learning about the real human being we have to deal with. Jung asserts that "The individual is the only reality." Noting that the further we move towards abstract ideas the greater the possibility for error. If we are to see things clearly we need to understand the past as well as his present and this is the value of myth and symbols.
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