Briefly
The center symbol, often depicted as a dot or a circle, represents unity, completeness, and self-realization. It is considered the point of connection, balance, and convergence, embodying the concept of being the ‘middle’ or ‘heart’ of things. The center symbol can also denote the beginning or end of a process, reflecting the cyclical nature of life.
- Symbolism: Unity, completeness, self-realization, balance, cyclical nature of life.
Center in Dreams
From a psychological perspective, dreaming about the center symbol often connotes a quest for balance, harmony, and equilibrium within oneself. It can indicate the need to focus on what truly matters, to re-center, and to exclude distractions. Famed psychologist Carl Jung referred to the center symbol as the "Self", representing the dreamer’s striving for unity or wholeness within their psyche.
- Symbolism: Balance, harmony, focus, exclusion of distractions, unity, wholeness.
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Center in Myths and Folklore
In various myths and folklore, center symbolism is frequently found. For instance, Norse mythology presents the Yggdrasil, a gigantic tree seen as the center of the cosmos linking the nine worlds together. In Greek mythology, the Omphalos stone at Delphi was regarded as the ‘navel’ or center of the world. Similarly, in Chinese folklore, the sacred mountain Kunlun is depicted as the center of the universe. These depictions illustrate the common conception of the center as the link or meeting point between different realms or aspects of existence.
- Symbolism: Link between realms, point of convergence, central point of existence.
In some native American cultures, the center symbol had a pivotal role in their creation myths. For instance, the Hopi believe that their ancestors emerged from a place called Sipapu, the ‘center of the Earth’. Similarly, in Mayan mythology, the sacred Ceiba tree was considered the center of the universe, connecting the underworld, Earth, and heaven. These beliefs embody the center symbol’s association with origins, creation, and the cyclical nature of existence.
- Symbolism: Origins, creation, cyclical nature of existence.
Center Spiritual Meanings
In spiritual contexts, the center symbol signifies the divine essence or the soul in various traditions. In Buddhism, the center point in a Mandala represents enlightenment and spiritual awakening. In Christianity, the center of a labyrinth is seen as a metaphor for a spiritual journey towards salvation. In Hinduism, the Bindu or center point in a Yantra symbolizes divine consciousness. Thus, the center symbol is often associated with spiritual growth, inner discovery, and divine consciousness.
- Symbolism: Divine essence, spiritual awakening, spiritual journey, inner discovery.
Center Tattoo Meaning
A center symbol tattoo typically signifies balance, harmony, and personal growth. It can be a visual reminder of the individual’s quest for self-realization and unity within oneself. It can also denote the cyclical nature of life, reflecting the belief in personal transformation, renewal, and rebirth. As the symbol of the ‘heart’ or core, it can represent the wearer’s core values, principles, or passions.
- Symbolism: Balance, personal growth, self-realization, cyclical nature of life, core values.
Reviewed by Alexander Lys, M.L., a specialist in the field of symbolism research and dream psychology. A certified participant in numerous psychological seminars and courses, the author of hundreds of articles on psychology, including studies on symbolism in dreams and myths from a scientific perspective.
