cloud symbolism. floating eternity (the)

The idea we have of clouds is very often reduced to the meteorological sphere alone. Their presence in the sky is perceived as something negative: not surprisingly, many metaphors make derogatory use of them. And instead, for a very long time, clouds have represented the very image of dreaming, of spiritual pilgrimage, so much so that in some religions they have been considered a vehicle of meditation and a place of visions. Poets, painters, philosophers and mystics, whether of East or West, have all at one time or another come across this theme. Symbols of fecundity and sweetness (because of the rain they contain and conceal), as well as reminders of the invisible, clouds inspire melancholy because they remind us of the fleetingness of things and at the same time instill, in those who contemplate them, a feeling of joy because of their lightness and metamorphoses.