Chapter 17. Elements of Psycho-Analysis

The Grid itself can obviously be categorized in accordance with its own categories. Thus the horizontal axis may be described as a series of definitions of various uses. In so far as it is employed to define the horizontal axis belongs to the categories of column 1. But as it is, its use could qualify it for inclusion in row F. But suppose it were desired to test out the value of some of the suggestions made in this book; in that case the horizontal axis might be regarded as a preconception to which one wished to find a matching realization. As the object of investigation it would fall in the category of a bound constant conjunction, a definitory hypothesis that stated that certain elements are constantly conjoined. As the object of further investigation it would then be treated in a manner intended to invest it with meaning or expose whatever meaning it might have.

As I have set it out in the Grid the horizontal axis is represented by abstract signs, in a manner, as I said above, that can qualify it to belong to one of the categories of row F. But, following a suggestion implicit in the Grid, I shall take the ‘uses’ of the horizontal axis and substitute personifications, thus incidentally restating it in terms that would qualify it for categorization in row C.1

It might be convenient to substitute any sign or symbol that I chose, for example, the sign ψ for column 2. By proceeding in this way I can fill the line with signs and symbols that have meaning for me and thereby establish the basis for private communication, that is, for communication private to myself. Instead of the sign ψ I can use

the sign ‘Smith’ a man known to me who has a significance private to myself. Since however this discussion is intended to be public, I shall employ sig