Allegory Explained

What is Allegory? This was one of my questions for this week. According to dictionary.com, allegory is a Middle English word that defines a representation of an abstract or spiritual meaning through concrete or material forms; figurative treatment of one subject under the guise of another. It can also be a symbolical narrative. 

"Allegory" by Antonio de Pereda, circa 1654
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia

This is pretty much the same definition from a Wiccan perspective. For Pagans, symbolism is used to make difficult or abstract concepts easier to understand. According to our studies with Rev. Don Lewis, in the First Degree Lessons, allegory allows us to free ourselves from literal understandings and to embrace abstract thoughts.