So this actually came about when I explained some of the symbolism to a friend who reads the book, but I also wanted to put it here. I'm in the process of making a guidebook, but for all intents and purposes consider this an excerpt despite it not being in the book itself (at least yet).

So, the first thing is Solaris. It is a bit noticeable that Solaris isn't exactly emotionally stable. He isn't crazy by most standards, but this book draws on symbolism from Psychoanalytic theory, some esotericism and alchemy. So, we'll need to get started on that point.

For all intents and purposes, we can simply the entire Psychoanalytic theory into three main parts:

Superego (The Higher Morality or Discerning Feature of the Psyche, commonly associated with "I can't" or "I shouldn't". I can't be angry because it is wrong. I shouldn't do this because it is y)

Ego (The Mediator or the Waking Self, this is you as you are now. This is the part which has to work between the shadow (the Id's "I want" and the Shadow's own features) and the Superego.

Shadow (Which would include the Freudian Id, the Collective Unconscious, the Personal Unconscious and so on. The Personal Unconscious features all repressed or forgotten facets of a person, as well as connecting point to the Collective Unconscious which would feature the Id, or the Need for gratification through vengeance, sexuality, food etc. basically primal human needs).

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

This is a very basic interpretation, but it's what we're working with for now.

So anyway, you'll notice that Solaris has a few key issues:

- Obsession with Perfection

- The Need to Control / Be Secure

- Obsession with Purity

- Obsession with being Loved, but not dealing with the pain or stress of loving.

These issues become prominent when he has to deal with his emotions and the chaotic aspect of himself, that being represented through the serpent (atavistic power) and the circle (formlessness, it has no structure or order. The serpent also has a funny thing with change and transformation which is directly counterproductive to his need for control. You can't control what is not really stable or has no immediate form).

The Serpent and the Circle also feature on Deus Ex Nihilo's clothing. I wish to say beforehand, Deus Ex Nihilo is not a deity.

We carry on with Solaris's form. The Sun, Sol, is associated with external manifestations in Astrology, just as Solaris is more focused on appearances than actual character, creating a false character to suit him. When the consequences of his actions (a result of the dissonance between himself and his true self) begins to build around him, he experiences mental and emotional strain. Imagine Sister Faith and Sister Chance mixed with Silent Hill