by Last Updated on November 20, 2023 by Avia
Envisioning Symbolic Meaning of Eyes
The symbolic meaning of eyes deals with exactly what you might think: Vision, Focus, and Observation. But, these meanings are not literal when it comes to the symbolism of eyes. It has been said “the eyes are windows of the soul” and that’s what this article explores…eyes as symbols of soul, psyche, and limitless vision.
It’s been said the eye is the window to the soul, which may explain why the symbolic meaning of eyes tends to be of a spiritual nature.
Table of Contents
Eyes in Legend, Myth, Lore & Religion
As Gospel Themes said, eyes in the Bible are often used as a metaphor for spiritual understanding, perception, and judgment. Jesus said, “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness” (Matthew 6:22-23).
Additionally, eyes are also associated with God’s omniscience and the idea that he sees and knows all things. The psalmist writes, “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry” (Psalm 34:15).
In Christianity, the Eye of God is depicted hovering over a tent which is symbolic of the Tabernacle – the temple of the faithful. The eye here represents the omnipresent spirit of God peering into the soul of the faithful – ever watchful over those who serve.
In Egypt, we see the Eye of Horus (a.k.a. the eye of Ra, and also referred to as a wedjat or a udjat). In this context, the eye is a symbol of protection and life. During his battle with Set, Horus’ eye was ripped out and torn to pieces. Thoth, however, was able to save the eye and restored it by invoking the magic of the falcon.
It’s interesting that in Egypt and Western occult traditions the left eye is considered a lunar trait and a symbol of northern direction. The right eye is a solar symbol and represents southern direction.
The “third eye” is referred to as the spiritual eye, the intuitive eye, or the eye of the soul. It is associated with the brow chakra ( or Ajna chakra) which facilitates intuition and extrasensory perception. The third eye is depicted on the forehead of Shiva, and is symbolic of the inner eye that sees all things within a cosmic perspective.
“Love is not blind. It is an extra eye, and it shows us what is most worthy of regard.”
~James M. Barrie
Meaning of Eyes in Dreams
In dreams, the meaning of eyes indicates an opening into a new dimension. This is symbolic of your vision clearing and focusing in on a new direction. It may also indicate your ability to see past what is common and spiritually arrive at the point where your inner vision perceives all things in their divine glory – even the simplest of things become imbued with an exquisite quality inherent in all nature.
The symbolic meaning of eyes also carries a message of prophecy – literally seeing “a vision of the future.” This translates well with ancient alchemists and astrologers speaking of eyes of the sky foretelling certain events as they chart the stars in certain patterns to ascertain various outcomes.
Symbolic Meaning of Eyes
- Focus
- Clarity
- Vision
- Prophesy
- Omniscience
- Presence
- Intelligence
- Perception
- Observation
- Opening
- Awareness
Eye Meaning and Spirituality
That adage ‘the eyes are the window to the soul’ is really quite accurate. Eyes are synonymous and symbolic of the soul. They are windows that allow sight from both sides of the metaphorical pane.
From Freemasonry to Alchemy, the eye is a commonly used symbol. It is meant to represent a desire to hold to an ideal vision for the future. It is also a symbol of ‘keeping an eye’ on that which is important. For example, the use of the eye on structures build by Freemasons sent goes something like: “My vision produced this. I invested in this. This is something I believe in. I set my seal of protection on this.”
The eye is a symbol of psychic vision and enlightenment in many spiritual organizations. In Buddhism for example, the eyes represent spiritual perception and seeing with the soul. In these instances the symbolic meaning of eyes deals with ‘second sight’ or extra-sensory perception.
Many ancient esoteric as well as earth-based philosophies consider the eye as a channel or a passageway into a new dimension. Here the eye is not a physical symbol but rather an ethereal one in which consciousness may enter into a gateway of infinite expanse. This journey is traversed through the pitch-black channel of being-ness (represented by the black of the pupil). Once the threshold is crossed, one is said to obtain higher knowledge – a glimpse of heightened epiphany – comparable to enlightenment.
“Almost nothing need be said when you have eyes to see.”
Quote by: Tarjei Vesaas
Avia’s note: I really like this quote from Vesaas, because I think it hits on the theme of this article. We’re not talking aobut eyes in a literal way. Instead, we’re talking about eyes that see beyond common reality. It’s a special kind of vision that sees far more than our physical eyes.
A Final Look at Symbolic Eye Meaning
Ultimately the symbolic meaning of the eye is what you make of it. Contemplate its meaning in relation to your own perspective and life situation. If eyes keep reoccurring to you (visions, dreams, random images throughout the day) it is certainly a message – it’s your responsibility now to interpret that message as it relates to your personal experience.
Meditate upon this phenomenon. Spend time with it. Answers will come when you are patient and still enough to receive them.
As always, thanks for reading. I hope this article shed some light on symbolic meaning of eyes, and has inspired you.
May all your sights be phenomenal.
Mighty brightly,
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Take Away Tips About Meaning of Eyes
Investing in a vision.
From Freemasonry to Alchemy, the eye is a commonly used symbol. It is meant to represent a desire to invest in and hold onto an ideal vision for the future.
Second sight.
In many spiritual organizations, the eye is a symbol of psychic vision and enlightenment. In Buddhism for example, the eyes represent spiritual perception and seeing with the soul.
Luminary lefty, radiant righty.
In many esoteric teachings, the left eye is symbolic of the moon and all the moon represents. The right eye is symbolic of the sun and solar associations.
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