The Esoteric Meaning of the Wizard of Oz

This much beloved movie is played yearly for families everywhere. It is America's first true fairy tale, written by L. Frank Baum. A fairy tale is traditionally a story in which fairies (or trans-dimensional beings) help the hero to overcome the worst of personal circumstances. These spirits act as a midwife to help the hero make a profound shift from a miserable life -- to one of immense joy. It is in essence, a rebirth. Animals and nature are often highlighted in this process. This shift of awareness can occur for anyone, regardless of their station in life. Often the hero or heroine win their true love, and achieve their heart's desire in a happy ending (American version). Mythology is important in this regard, as it cloaks a valuable lesson in the telling of each tale. This is why such stories become classic generation after generation.
European fairy tales were often modeled after bible stories adopting the regional culture -- such as Snow White who bit the apple and fell to her sleeping death. The hero is often faced with the most frightful of circumstances, often primal in nature. A good example is the story of Hansel and Gretel, who wandered upon a cannibalistic witch, after being abandoned by their parents. These stories portray the many difficulties we face living in the material world. Children relate strongly to these adventures since they often feel powerless, and are promised magical solutions (against all odds) that can deliver their heart's desire. Magic, in this regard, means finding solutions that are beyond normal occurrences, often miraculous in nature. But making a dream come true only happens when one can prove their worth, mostly through enduring a set of grueling tasks. These tasks prove the integrity, loyalty and devotion of the native. These trials are reminiscent of the labors of Hercules, of Greek tradition.
In the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy leaves her home after her neighbor threatens to kill her beloved dog Toto. Distraught, her family fails to protect her faithful companion. Dorothy flees, only to be knocked unconscious by a terrible tornado. She awakens in another world and is led on a journey where she wishes to find a happier place. Along her way she makes friends with a Scarecrow, a Tin man and a cowardly Lion. The foursome then search for the wise and powerful Wizard of Oz, so that they may find their heart's desire.
Metaphorically, Dorothy represents the person who is on a journey -- and the "path" of course is the yellow brick road. She is our spiritual side seeking fulfillment. Her desire for a better world leads her away from her everyday existence to a magical place in which lurk hidden dangers. The Scarecrow represents our intellect, for he wants a brain. Without intelligence or the capacity to reason, we are indeed men of straw; apt to be pushed around by others. The Tin Man represents our emotions, for he badly wants a heart. Without the gentleness of love in our lives we become hard and unyielding; an attitude perfectly symbolized by a man of metal. The cowardly Lion represents our physical nature, and our will to survive in the material world. He seeks courage so that he can be strong and protective -- a king in his own kingdom.
When all of these characters meet up, they seek a wise man, the great Wizard of Oz, so they may find what they are searching for, and gain possession of the qualities they believe they are lacking. The wizard advises them to prove their worthiness and gives them a most difficult task. They must confront and overcome the evil wicked Witch of the East, or they may not return to the Emerald city.
So in essence, it is not until they work together as a team -- the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual -- that these four characters are able to gain the power they need to overcome their evil opponent. Once they are successful, they return to the Wizard to claim their prize. When the foursome approach Oz, they are hailed as great heroes and are now on equal footing with the Wizard. The Wizard declares that they possessed their desired qualities all along, but that these qualities could not manifest clearly until they helped each other in overcoming a decisive obstacle. It was only together that they were able to vanquish evil and free the witch's slaves.
So the inner message of this story is: that which we seek on the outside -- really exists on the inside, but remains to be discovered. This happens naturally when the aspects of our personality: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual work together harmoniously. When we achieve this wonderful union, we too will gain access (return) to our spiritual nature and our spiritual home, a great kingdom.
The fairy helping in all of this was of course the good witch Glenda, who came to their aide in several instances to help keep them on their path, like a good spirit guide or angel always does.
The Wizard of Oz is a version of the biblical tale of the prodigal son, who left home only to return much wiser and with a grateful heart. This story also emphasizes that home truly is where the heart is. The lessons of love and its transformative power is a prime theme in many European fairy tales. The Wizard of Oz is an American version of this timeless theme and remains in the hearts of thousands who enjoy revisiting Oz, and its magic, every year.

© 2015 Lynda Lee Abdo - Feng Shui consultant, spiritual intuitive and author
http://www.fengshui2bliss.com
Lynda Lee Abdo is a certified Feng Shui consultant, author, artist and has been a commercial designer for more than 25 years. I am available for holistic private consultations. Please visit my website for testimonials.
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