Unlocking hidden realms: The gateways of metaphor and art

In his novel Ulysses, James Joyce writes: “Any object, intensely regarded, may be a gate of access.” This simple yet profound idea has stayed with me for years, and every time I revisit it, I uncover new depths. Joyce’s notion of a “gate of access” resonates strongly with the transformative power of metaphor, which lies at the heart of my work.

Joyce’s insight reminds me of another profound quote, this one from Herbert Marcuse, who wrote about the unique ability of art to reveal dimensions beyond the surface of our everyday lives:

“Art [functions to] break open a dimension inaccessible to other experience, a dimension in which human beings, nature, and things no longer stand under the law of the established reality principle…The encounter with the truth of art happens in the language and images which make perceptible, visible, and audible that which is no longer, or not yet, perceived, said, and heard in everyday life.”

Together, these two thinkers point to the same mystery: the way art, metaphor, and the act of deeply seeing can open us to realities we might otherwise miss. They both describe how powerful images and ideas allow us to transcend the ordinary, entering a richer and more expansive dimension of experience.

Metaphor: The Key to Unlocking the Gate

In my work, I often talk about metaphor as more than a literary device; it’s a bridge to deeper knowing. Metaphors are the language of the imaginal realm—a space where insight, transformation, and creativity come alive. When Joyce refers to an “object intensely regarded,” I think of the metaphors that show up in our lives, seemingly out of nowhere, yet rich with meaning if we take the time to notice them.

For example, a student in one of my classes once described feeling “like a seed buried under heavy soil.” This was more than just a phrase; it was a window into her inner experience, a metaphor inviting her to explore what needed to grow and be nurtured. In this way, metaphors function as gates of access, offering pathways to understanding that bypass the linear mind and connect us with the deeper truths of our lives.

The Role of Art in Finding the Gate

Art, too, functions as a gateway. Whether it’s a painting, a piece of music, or even a vivid dream image, art allows us to step outside the boundaries of the “established reality principle,” as Marcuse puts it. Art doesn’t just show us the world as it is; it invites us into what could be. It helps us see, hear, and feel things that we’ve either forgotten or have not yet imagined.

In my work with metaphor and creativity, I often encourage people to explore the images, symbols, and stories that arise in their minds. These are the raw materials of transformation. Just as art can break us free from the limitations of everyday perception, the metaphors we hold can help us reimagine our lives, opening doors to new possibilities.

Finding Your Gate of Access

The beautiful thing about gates of access is that they’re everywhere, waiting for us to notice them. Maybe it’s a line from a poem, a fragment of a song, a recurring image in your dreams, or even the way light filters through the trees on an afternoon walk. As Joyce suggests, all it takes is our attention—our willingness to intensely regard what is before us.

Marcuse’s words remind us that these gates don’t just show us new dimensions of reality; they offer us a kind of truth that is deeply personal and transformative. They speak to what is “no longer, or not yet, perceived.” They help us bridge the gap between what we know and what we long to know.

Living with Gates of Access

In my own life, I’ve found that metaphor, art, and the imaginal are not just tools for understanding—they’re ways of being. They remind us to stay curious, to stay open, and to look beyond the surface. When we do, we often find that the gates of access we discover lead us back to ourselves in ways that feel healing, whole, and even a little magical.

So today, I invite you to pause and notice. What gates of access are around you, waiting to be found? It might be as simple as the way a shadow falls on the floor or as complex as a symbol that keeps showing up in your dreams. Whatever it is, take a moment to step through the gate and see where it leads.

May you all find your gate of access today—and may it open to something extraordinary.