The history of the psychology symbol (Ψ)

The history of the symbol of psychology contains something mythological and a curious evolution of the term “psi” (Ψ) not without a certain originality. Originally, this twenty-third letter of the Greek alphabet ended up being transliterated by the Romans to form the word psyche, which meant butterfly and later evolved into breath of breeze, breath, encouragement and finally ‘soul’.

All of us who have studied psychology remember that day when upon arriving at university, the imprint of this symbol appeared almost anywhere. Books, teachers’ offices, informative notes… Those curious about this science also know how to recognize it, to the point that it is already part of that culture of symbols so common in different disciplines. as can be philosophy and its well-known “fi” (Φ).

Now, sometimes we stay with the iconography without going further. Even more, Sometimes we assume certain small urban legends that slightly distort the magic of our origins.. Thus, it is very common to hear that the symbol of psychology (Ψ) is a trident, the devil’s trident: no more, no less.

This false theory has its roots in that time when mental illnesses were considered diabolical evils. Disorders that responded to supernatural influences, spells and witchcraft, where man could not help man. Everything then remained in the hands of the church and of course, of the bonfires. Nothing is further from reality. Let us now see what is the true origin of the symbol of psychology.

The history of the symbol of psychology (Ψ), the science of the soul

In ancient Greek, the word psyche As we noted at the beginning, it meant butterfly. This insect also symbolized the breath of life, a breath of wind, a vital breeze… Little by little and also due to the influence of the Roman Empire, this word ended up symbolizing the human soul.an idea where the vital force of the human being or the “ka” of Egyptian culture.

The Greeks and Romans used to hold a very specific view of people’s souls. Within their beliefs, when someone died, that breath, that “ka” that the Egyptians also spoke of, emerged outside as in a breath of air. And he did it in the shape of a butterfly. Likewise, there was nothing terrifying in that image, nothing to regret or fear, since The butterfly was a being that represented light, change, hope…

The history of the symbol of psychology therefore assumed the term psyche to later unite it with “logia.” (ψυχή and λογία). In this way, and over time, it went from being etymologically the “science of the soul” to becoming “science of the mind”, with the symbol “Ψ” being its maximum representation.

The myth of Eros (Cupid) and Psyche

In Greek mythology the word “psyche” means more than just a butterfly, soul, or mind. Psyche is a goddess, a beautiful creature with butterfly wings who lived one of the most beautiful loves.the one that was immortalized by Apuleius in his Metamorphosis (The Golden Ass).

The story goes that of the three daughters of the king of Anatolia there was one really special. She was so delicate, attractive and full of joy that the goddess Aphrodite herself despaired when she saw her rival in the young woman.. His jealousy was so desperate that he did not hesitate to send his son Eros (Cupid) to shoot him one of his arrows. So that young Psyche would fall for the meanest, ugliest and most ruthless man in all of Anatolia.

However, something Aphrodite did not foresee happened. It was her son Eros who was defeated by Psyche. Thus, the young god, unable to resist, decided to go to the young woman’s bedroom every night to conquer her and make her his. So it was. That’s how Psyche fell madly in love with a stranger who visited her every night in the dark so she couldn’t see his face.. A god who wanted to preserve his identity, so as not to put an end to that magical idyll.

However, something happened. When Psyche spoke to his sisters about that relationship, they recommended that she not continue further if she could not see the face of his mysterious lover. The young woman did so. Taking advantage of the fact that Eros was sleeping in his bed, he brought a lamp to illuminate him.. When he did this, Aphrodite’s son left full of rage at Psyche’s audacity.

The tests of Psyche

Heartbroken, dejected and repentant, the daughter of the king of Anatolia went to Aphrodite to ask for help. Eros’s mother then saw her opportunity to take revenge on her, to eliminate from the world a woman who rivaled the goddess of love herself in beauty. She proposed 4 tests, four tasks that, if passed, could return the forgiveness and affection of Eros. Now, these undertakings involved traveling to the underworld, facing Cerberus, traveling with Charon and later with Hades to be able to reach Persephone and then ask him for a little of her beauty, which he kept in a little box.

However, and against all odds, the clever Psyche turned out to combine not only beauty, but also ingenuity, bravery and determination. However, just when she managed to overcome each difficulty and obtain Persephone’s box, the young woman sinned with curiosity and vanity. She decided to open it to see the contents and take a little of that beauty. It was at that moment when she fell victim to a trap: the Stygian dream. But a familiar hand of hers snatched that curse from her eyes. A familiar skin comforted her and a hopeful face of hers instantly restored her joy: it was Eros, who, having forgiven her, came to her aid.

The ending of this magical couple could not be happier. Aphrodite freed herself from her envy towards her son’s beloved and danced at their wedding. Zeus, for his part, decided to make Psyche immortal, that beautiful and brave woman who with her butterfly wings also represents the symbol of psychology “Ψ”.

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