Understood in its modern sense as a primary activity in conceptualization, metaphor is here viewed as the linguistic product of a more fundamental metaphorizing process to be studied from developmental, semiotic, and all metapsychological dimensions. A backward look at the psychoanalytic literature identifies specific contributions that our field has made to its understanding, before pointing forward to its powerful role in groups; its neurophysiological implications; its pivotal place in the development and use of symbolization, both intrapsychically and interpersonally; its divers semiotic forms; and, most fundamentally, its pivotal function in dreams.

On far horizon

a ship at sea

with shining sail and golden oar,

transporting us from shore to shore,

and on its prow writ, “Metaphor”