L. Frank Baum's "The Wizard of Oz" has enchanted audiences for over a century, but beyond its colourful facade lies plenty of esoteric symbolism and strange facts that add depth to the story. Journey with Dorothy down the yellow brick road as we unravel the mysteries within the Land of Oz:
The Allegory of Silver Slippers
In Baum's original novel, Dorothy's iconic ruby slippers were originally silver. This change aligns with the economic debates of the late 19th century, with silver representing the populist call for bimetallism, which is the use of two metals (such as gold and silver) jointly as a monetary standard with both constituting legal tender at a predetermined ratio. The Yellow Brick Road itself represents the gold standard, creating an allegory of economic and political complexities.
Numerology and Symbolic Characters
The number three, a recurrent theme, appears in the three friends Dorothy makes (Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion) and the three clicks of her heels. Each character symbolizes distinct aspects of the human psyche, blending numerology with psychological exploration. As those of you who watch my videos know, 3 always represents the feminine. This whole story revolves around the journey of one young woman, through the complex areas of her psyche, her adventure unfolding before her, then reaching her goal in the Emerald City and then returning home.
The Emerald City and Political Symbolism
The Emerald City's vibrant green hue mirrors the emerald city of the mystical land of Oz in the books. However, it also carries political symbolism, representing the greenback currency and the illusion of prosperity during economic crises.
The Yellow Brick Road and the Golden Path
As mentioned before the gold colour of the path may be tied to the gold standard, creating an allegory of the economic and political complexities of the time. However, it also holds a more esoteric allegory. The yellow brick road serves as a guide for Dorothy's journey. In esoteric traditions, the colour yellow is associated with enlightenment and wisdom. Dorothy's quest becomes a spiritual journey towards self-discovery and illumination.
The Poppy Field and Allegory of Opiates
The poppy field's sleepy enchantment in the story may allude to the opioid crisis, addressing the numbing effects of addiction. The poppy has historical ties to opium, linking Baum's narrative to broader social issues. An intriguing allure surrounds the notion of a lethal flower, and poppies, in particular, are no ordinary blossoms. L. Frank Baum, the creative mind behind The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, was shaped by a world where poppies and their derivative, opium, held a prevalent presence in daily life. The late 19th century, coinciding with Baum's writing of the iconic tale, marked the peak of opium use in the U.S. A mere five years before Baum's passing in 1914, the U.S. implemented legislation to regulate opium and coca distribution. Although speculative, these opium-related concerns might have influenced the creation of the renowned scarlet field. The story delves into the enchantment and allure of the poppy in the lives of Americans at the turn of the 20th century.
Archetypal Characters
The characters Dorothy encounters symbolize Jungian archetypes. The Scarecrow embodies the seeker of wisdom, the Tin Man represents the compassionate heart, and the Lion embodies courage. Dorothy, the Everyman, integrates these qualities for a holistic transformation.
The Man Behind the Curtain
The Wizard himself, operating behind the curtain, reflects the idea of hidden authority. It underscores the power of perception and belief, suggesting that true authority may be less imposing than it appears. It also represents the idea that if you journey through your own psyche you can reveal the true you, and you will no longer have to wear a mask to try and fit in or pretend to be something you are not. You will finally be free to be your authentic self.
The Witches
The four witches are powerful figures, and represent the dual nature of our psyche. Evanora was the wicked Witch of the East, East being the element of Air, Theodora was the wicked Witch of the West, West representing the water element, Glinda was the good Witch of the North, North being the Earth element and Locasta aka Tattypoo was the good Witch of the South, representing the fire element. So we have Air and Water here as the dark elements and Earth and Fire as the good. But of course none of these elements are either good or bad, they are balanced. And here because 2 are good and 2 are bad, balance is created.
The Tornado and Personal Transformation
Dorothy's journey begins with a tornado, symbolizing chaos and upheaval. Tornadoes are powerful natural forces, analogous to life-altering events that propel personal growth and transformation. The start of one's journey to self-discovery is often a very challenging time, it is often at moments of complete breakdown or crisis that one starts on the journey.
The Return Home and Spiritual Awakening
Dorothy's return to Kansas mirrors the concept of spiritual awakening. Her realization that home was always within her heart parallels esoteric teachings that emphasize the journey within to discover one's true self.
"The Wizard of Oz" might appear like a whimsical fantasy, and yet it is embedded with an abundance of esoteric symbols and deeper meanings. Baum's masterpiece continues to be a source of fascination, encouraging readers to peel back the layers and uncover the magical truths hidden within the Land of Oz.
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