Caves are prevalent images in the world of myths, legends, and cults. The cave is thought to be closely related to the symbolic HEART, and is often a place where the self and ego unite. They can be secret passageways to an underworld, places in which to make contact with the powers and forces which will eventually make their way into the world of light. In popular legend, caves usually house gnomes, spirits, DRAGONS, and TREASURE; they are often the site for initiation ceremonies. Psychologists interpret a dreamer's dangerous passage through caves as symbolizing the search for the meaning of life in the deep strata of the "maternal unconscious", as for Jung it represents the security and the impregnability of the unconscious (Biederman, 61). Entering the cave is considered re-entry into the womb of Mother EARTH. General symbolism of containment.
With a phallic snake and water, embodies the origin of life. Resurrection, often when a double cave, Christ was born and buried in a cave. Fertility and love making.
