Little Giant Encyclopedia
by Klaus Vollmar
One of the most frequently occurring symbols of modern times. It points to the transformation into something new. Individual means of transportation, status symbol, motorized energy—it is also a sexual symbol. In a modern sense, usually a symbol for being on the go every day, and of psychological strength and mobility. As with the “Chariot” in the Tarot, it always presents a question about our road in life and how we are charting our course. As a symbol of environmental pollution, it often points to the need for inner growth.
Are you driving yourself or is somebody else driving you? What kind of an auto is it? For example, a sports car relates to virility, a utility vehicle to control. What color is the car? Are you fixing it up or Driving it?
According to Freud, in psychoanalysis a car is often the symbol for treatment. As Freud sees it, a slow car is making an ironic statement about the slowness of the analytical process.
According to Jung, it is a symbol for moving away.
See Wagon.
