Following the Yellow Brick Road: See Eight Powerful Insights From the Wizard of Oz

One recent Saturday afternoon, I checked out the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in L.A. A central exhibit currently displayed at the museum is a tribute to Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz. Perusing the collections of props and storybooks from the film’s production got me thinking about the meaning of “following the Yellow Brick Road.”

So I started researching, and many experts have explored more deeply what Dorothy Gale’s visit to Oz represents.

Here are some theories and lessons I like most, along with my rose-colored interpretations:

1. What you dream becomes your reality.

“And so the film’s message is, dare to dream the highest possible dream because whatever you dream will become your reality. You can make it your reality—your mind is that powerful.” – Shunyamurti of Satyoga.

Shunyamurti believes the entire movie represents Dorothy’s inner psyche as she confronts deep existential issues.

Her experiences, ranging from the tornado to Munchkin Land to following the Yellow Brick Road, reflect her inner state at the time. They are all an outward projection of what’s happening inside. She’s dreaming her reality as she moves along her path.

Dorothy dreams of going somewhere over the rainbow, and her dream is so pure that she ultimately achieves it. Your dreams truly do become your reality.

2. Dorothy doesn’t know who she truly is at first.

“The first question that Glinda asks is, ‘Are you a good witch or a bad witch?’ And she says, “I don’t know, I’m not a witch.” But of course, she is a witch, but she doesn’t know it yet.” – Shunyamurti of Satyoga.

On her path to realizing her true self, she has no idea of the depth of her inner power. The depth of her naivety is relatable. To an extent, we are all relatively unaware of how powerful we really are!

3. We project our fears and strengths onto others.

The Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, Wizard, Wicked Witch, and Glinda, the Good Witch, all represent parts of herself that she must integrate as she and her friends follow the Yellow Brick Road to the land of Oz.

This makes me think of the quote by Anais Nin, “We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are.” Dorothy feels she lacks the brains, heart, and bravery needed to accomplish her goal of returning home. These characters shine a light on her process of discovering they (and she) do possess these qualities – and always have.

The good witch, evil witch, and wizard are also parts of herself that she comes to terms with throughout the movie.

4. The slippers are always on her feet.

“But it turns out she can’t take off the slippers, even though she agrees to do to the trade, they have their electromagnetic defense shield—the slippers have a power that she does not yet have—so we could say it’s a dissociated part of her soul that has not yet been integrated into her consciousness, but it’s already functioning.” Shunyamurti of Satyoga.

The slippers can’t be removed in the same way that our divine knowing can’t be removed.

We are born wise; sometimes, we must overcome many obstacles to discover this.

5. “You’ve always had the power, my dear. You just had to learn it for yourself.”

Glinda, the Good Witch, assures Dorothy that her power has always been within.

There is no external power, and the wizard isn’t the almighty force she believes he is. Her true power, divine connection, is inside.

6. Everything she seeks is within.

“She’s going back to her backyard, but not because her backyard has the goodness and the infinite beauty and perfection she’s looking for, no—it’s because it isn’t there. And it isn’t there because it’s in her. She has never lost it.” – Shunyamurti of Satyoga.

When Dorothy realizes this, she can be anywhere and access the beauty and wisdom inside. Her search is over.

7. The power of perception and symbolism rings true throughout.

The Yellow Brick Road is more than just a path to the Emerald City; it symbolizes self-discovery, growth, and transformation. For all of us, each yellow brick represents the building blocks of our lives, the experiences, and lessons that shape who we are.

The vibrant yellow color signifies the sunshine and optimism that guide us on our journey, illuminating the way even when the path seems uncertain.

As Dorothy follows the Yellow Brick Road, she encounters characters like the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion. These companions are not just whimsical additions to her adventure; they symbolize different facets of her own psyche. The Scarecrow represents her thoughts and intellect, the Tin Man embodies her emotions and capacity for love, and the Cowardly Lion stands for her courage and bravery.

Their stories teach us invaluable lessons about intuition, self-love, and the courage to face our fears.

The Emerald City, the ultimate destination of the yellow brick road, symbolizes the pinnacle of our journey: self-awareness and enlightenment. It’s a place of beauty and wonder where we can see ourselves and the world with newfound clarity.

The trip to the Emerald City is a metaphor for our quest for understanding and fulfillment, reminding us that the path to self-discovery is paved with challenges and triumphs.

8. Following the yellow brick road, you realize, “There’s no place like home.”

“Home is a place we associate with familiarity, love, a safe place, and a place of origin.” – A.N. news

Home is our true source, our divine essence. We’re safe when we feel at home within ourselves.

It’s almost impossible to believe that this 1939 film has such meaning even today. The lessons in the film transcend time.

Closing thoughts: Applying the insights to our lives:

So, how can we apply the insights from the yellow brick road to our own lives? Here are a few suggestions to help you embark on your journey of self-discovery and growth:

• Reflect on Your Journey: Reflect on your life so far. What have you learned about yourself and the world around you? Reflecting on your experiences can provide valuable insights and help you better understand your path.
• Identify Obstacles: What “wicked witches” in your life are trying to stop you from reaching your goals? Recognizing these obstacles is the first step in overcoming them.
• Cultivate Self-Love: Like the Tin Man, remember you are worthy of love and respect. Embrace self-acceptance and nurture your emotional well-being, as only you can.
• Face Your Fears: Courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to act despite it. Channel the bravery of the Cowardly Lion and confront your fears head-on.
• Trust Your Intuition: The Scarecrow’s journey teaches us the importance of intuition. Trust your instincts and let them guide you, even when the path ahead is unclear.

By applying these insights, we can follow the yellow brick road to greater awareness, understanding, and fulfillment. So, take that first step, and remember that the road paved with yellow bricks is one of self-discovery and transformation.

What do you think? Do you have any additional thoughts to add? Please let me know in the comments below :-)