A Vision: An Explanation of Life Founded upon the Writings of Giraldus and upon Certain Doctrines Attributed to Kusta Ben Luka

A central concern of A Vision is the interplay between opposing forces. One example of this is the relationship between man and his “Daimon.” This duality, which juxtaposes the Daimon, which signifies shadow, destiny, and the subconscious, against man, who signifies consciousness, light, autonomy, and free will, provides a window into the potential for harmony between conflicting forces within an individual. Furthermore, the duality of light and shadow, the interplay between opposing forces, and the quest for a “Unity of Being” are themes that have been explored in many cultures. From Taoism’s Yin and Yang to the Hindu philosophy’s concepts of duality and non-duality to the ancient Greek notions of fate and free will, Yeats taps into these archetypal themes, reinterpreting them in the context of his contemporary world.

Yeats’s use of solar and lunar symbolism serves as an emblem of the cyclical nature of existence and the oscillation between opposites. Through this symbolic program, he encapsulates the rhythmic balance between light and dark, clarity and ambiguity, and action and passivity. Such representations are neither definitive nor prescriptive but provide a perspective on the complexities of life. The solar phase symbolizes moments of objective understanding, clear vision, and active participation in the world. It is a time of growth, outward movement, and unambiguous assertion. This phase is akin to midday, where the sun is at its zenith, casting the least amount of shadow.

In contrast, the lunar phase, associated with the moon, represents introspection, ambiguity, reflection, and passivity. Lunar periods are times of ebbing, retreat, or introspective searching. In the context of a person’s life or a historical epoch, this would be a period characterized by uncertainty, questioning, and internal growth. The moon, with its changing phases, from crescent to full, reflects this waxing and waning of energies and clarity.

For Yeats, these phases are not merely sequential; they interpenetrate each other. As one phase waxes, the other wanes, leading to a dynamic system in which opposites continually interact, and one gives way to the other in an eternal dance. By presenting these phases as intertwined, Yeats suggests that objective understanding and introspective reflection are not opposing forces but complementary aspects of human experience. His main point in discussing these symbols is to present a system of understanding that recognizes and integrates these dualities, suggesting that one can only truly understand existence by acknowledging and navigating both its solar and lunar aspects.

Another example of opposites is the Tinctures, which represent the twin forces of objectivity (Primary Tincture) and subjectivity (Antithetical Tincture). The Primary Tincture, representing objectivity, symbolizes external realities, collective truths, and a more grounded, pragmatic approach to understanding the world. It embodies the shared experiences and tangible realities that largely shape collective human understanding. This perspective aligns with the more traditional, empirical methods of interpreting the world, akin to the Enlightenment era’s emphasis on reason and external observation. On the other hand, the Antithetical Tincture, embodying subjectivity, ventures into the realm of personal experiences, emotions, and individual interpretations of reality. This is the realm of the poet, the dreamer, and the visionary, where personal truths are as valid and essential as collective ones. It resonates with the more introspective, perhaps even mystic, approaches to understanding existence, emphasizing the significance of internal landscapes in shaping one’s perception of the world.

The Tinctures reflect Yeats’s understanding that neither objectivity nor subjectivity can stand alone as the sole lens through which to view life. Instead, he suggests that these forces each inform and are informed by the other. Yeats considers the dynamic balance between the Tinctures a lived reality. Individuals constantly navigate between their personal experiences and the external world’s demands. Just as the relationship between man and his Daimon reflects the balance between autonomy and destiny, the Tinctures highlight the perpetual tension and potential synthesis between personal perceptions and universal truths. He suggests that a truly enriching life and understanding come not from favoring one aspect over the other but from harmonizing both, recognizing the insights that arise when personal subjectivities converse with objective realities.

Amid these oppositions, Yeats emphasizes a need for balance. Balance, for him, is not about a static midpoint between two opposing forces, but rather an active harmonization of them. Yeats aspires to “Unity of Being,” “to bring all that happens, as well as all that they desire, into an emotional or intellectual synthesis” (26). Rather than suggesting a dominance of one force over another, the “Unity of Being” highlights a state where oppositions can coexist and merge. It is an exploration of equilibrium amid life’s inherent dualities and challenges.

Throughout A Vision, Yeats points to the potential richness that comes from integrating the wisdom of the past with the possibilities of the future. Traditions offer common ground and values, while innovation brings fresh perspectives and adaptability. Together, they weave a tapestry of continuity and change, allowing society and individuals to evolve without losing their roots. The “Unity of Being” encapsulates this idea of harmonization. Achieving such a balance cannot be done passively; it requires active engagement, negotiation, and continual rebalancing as circumstances and perspectives shift.