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Freud used mythological (1) and anthropological (2) studies a great deal to understand human psychology and to formulate his theory of psychoanalysis; unfortunately, however, neither Freud nor others have done enough study — probably due to language handicap — of the Hindu and other Indian mythologies which are full of symbolism, the animal symbols in particular.
We realize the great value of the symbols in psychoanalysis. They provide us, as expressed by Anna Freud, a valid relation between particular id-contents (unconscious) and specific ideas of words or objects (conscious). Through them we can understand the latent (uns.) material behind many of our conscious manifestations, such as arts, poetry, folklore, mythology, and dreams. The value of the symbols in psychoanalysis is very well put by Jacques Schnier, when he says:
”… The knowledge of the language of symbols has the same sort of value for the understanding of the id as mathematical formulae have for the solution of typical problems.” (3)
Ramanlal Patel (4) has studied and interpreted the mythological (Indian) stories of Shiva, Krishna, (Vishnu) and Mahavir. In these stories he interpreted the snake as a symbol of instincts. The snake is a symbol of instincts not simply because it is a snake, but, to me, the snake may symbolize instincts because it is a member of the animal kingdom. The animal kingdom as a whole may stand as a symbol for human instincts. The snake, because of its shape, rhythmic movements, and residing in a hole, may be a symbol of sexual instincts and the male genital (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) as many other animals may symbolize other instincts. (3) (10). Freud