Eyes are probably the most important
symbolic sensory organ. They can represent clairvoyance, omniscience, and/or
a gateway into the soul. Other qualities that eyes are commonly associated with
are: intelligence, light, vigilance, moral conscience, and truth. Looking someone
in the eye is a western custom of honesty. In this way covering of the eyes,
by wearing a helmet, sunglasses, etc. can mean mystery, not seeing the complete
truth, or deceit. However, in other cultural contexts the obscuring of the eyes
can convey respect (Asian) or modesty and submission (many middle eastern women
wear VEILS for this purpose). The eye often
means judgment and authority. Jung considers its original symbol as the eternal
bosom with the pupil its 'child.' It is the place where love begins (ending
at the mouth).
Different colors of the eyes carry different meanings: blue - a sign of being
in love, innocence; green - jealousy, a sign of distrust, rarity; red - demonic,
weeping, fury. Different numbers of eyes have different meanings as well: one
- subhuman, divine omniscience, superhuman (usually negative); two - normality,
both physically and spiritually; three - superhuman powers, can be either benevolent
or malevolent; multiple - stars and darkness.
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