Symbolist in fiction:

I came across some typed up notes from a previous session of life universe and everything panel.

Here are the notes on symbolist in fiction.

Symbolism presents a mystery whether readers might not otherwise expect one. A symbol representing something within the story that the character might not even be aware of.
Symbol can represent an event or character trait.
Private symbols must be discovered over the course of a lifetime, and meaning which may not be understood. Public symbols are familiar to all (most) to cultural literacy.
Symbols can be used to cut down the amount of wording necessary to explain something.
Plot = events, theme = meaning.
Some symbolism cannot be inserted into a story; they tend to rise out of the material as it is created.
Physical symbols can bring new and enlightening behaviors out of characters.
If nobody gets them then they want symbols. They may be personal symbols that no one else will perceive.
Symbolism often strikes a subconscious cord with the reader, causing him to like the story without necessarily knowing why.
There are certain things that seem to transverse cultures, and can be layered into a story.
Symbols have external meanings as well as meanings inside the story and add a level of richness the reader will perceive.
Private symbols can often mean something else as public symbols and can mislead the reader. Even public symbols can have different meanings.
Symbols can make a book re-readable by presenting a different aspect each time.
Theodore Roethke: “13 ways of looking at a blackbird”.
When you’re starting out, don’t force symbolism; let it come out on its own and go back looking for it later. The symbolism should be organic, almost inevitable. Don’t force symbols repetition to reinforce its meaning in your story.
Don’t borrow someone else’s symbolism and try to imprint it on your story. The more intellectual a symbol is the less effective it is.
Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.
Many symbols have been cheapened and debased and must often be avoided.
Public symbols are the ones that must be allowed to insert themselves. Private symbols, developed within the story with caution.
If it is immediately recognizable as a symbol, then is not working as it should.