Arcana Coelestia (Elliott) n. 2988

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2988. To gain some idea of representations and correspondences, it will do if one considers simply the things that belong to the mind, namely, thought and will. These usually shine from the face in such a way that they are plainly visible in its expressions. Above all else interior affections shine out of the eyes and in the eyes. When the parts of the face act as one with those of the mind they are said to correspond and exist as correspondences, while the actual looks on the face represent, and exist as representations. It is similar with the things that are expressed by gestures in the body, and also with all the movements which are effected by means of the muscles. The fact that these are expressions of what a person thinks and wills is well known. The actual gestures and movements, which belong to the body, represent the things which belong to the mind, and exist as representations; and when things of the body accord with things of the mind they are correspondences.


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