Reflection
The act or principle of receiving, mirroring, contemplating, and returning light, image, thought, or meaning.
Definition
Reflection is the act or principle of receiving and returning light, image, thought, or meaning.
In Hermetic and alchemical symbolism, reflection often belongs to the Moon, Silver, Water, the mirror, memory, contemplation, and the receptive mind.
Expanded Explanation
Reflection is one of the key principles of symbolic study.
On the surface, reflection may describe light mirrored by water, metal, glass, or the Moon. Symbolically, it also describes contemplation: the mind receiving an image, holding it carefully, and returning to it for deeper understanding.
Reflection is not passive. To reflect well requires attention, stillness, and discernment.
In alchemy and Hermeticism, reflection is often connected with lunar symbolism. The Moon reflects the light of the Sun. Silver reflects with subtle brightness. Water reflects what appears above it while also hiding depths below.
Within hermetic alchemy, reflection is studied as a discipline of return. The student does not simply consume information and move on. The student receives, contemplates, compares, and returns to the symbol until meaning deepens.