Having read through the replies to date, it seems to me that there is some XY stuff going on here - you are seeking to solve a problem (X) that is what you perceive to be the solution to your real problem (Y). You will likely get a much better result if you tell us about the bigger (Y) problem.

If you find yourself "needing" symbolic references then most likely you have overlooked a better solution. Symbolic references are almost never the Right Answer™.