When working with dream symbols no one image should be taken
in isolation or viewed out of context. See the symbols in
detail in your mind’s eye. What exactly does the person,
place or object look like? Pay particular attention to your
emotions. How does it make you feel? What is happening? Are
you starring in the action, or are you an observer? Are you
dreaming in black and white or color?
Animals are very common dream symbols and we’ll explore a
few this month. The meaning to an individual will relate to
the person’s own feelings about the animal. Generally
animals appear as an indication or some form of instinctual behavior. It’s
important to identify the animal in detail: size, color, posture
or actions. Are you excited to encounter this creature or
feeling terrified? Is the animal wild or tame? The animal
may be saying that you can already draw on its qualities, or you
may feel frightened because you don’t yet know how to exhibit
this particular strength or characteristic.
Some examples of animal symbolism include bulls which symbolize
strength, prowess and stubbornness. Cats embody resilience as in
the fabled “nine lives.” Felines are nocturnal
hunters, showing their skill at finding things in the dark. Cats
also have an Egyptian connection and convey both independence and
mystery.
Cows and cattle have symbolized nurturing, wealth and domestic urges
for ages. Dolphins are magical guides to the spirit world and
can be rescuers of humans in danger.
Dragons are mythical beings which usually symbolize transformation and the alchemical
process of the Great Work. They are sometimes seen as positive and at other
times seen as miserly creatures, hording gold and jewels. Horses are generally
seen to represent the human body and the ability to move through space. Many
myths link horses to the sun and magical rides through the sky like the famous
winged steed, Pegasus. By contrast the mouse may indicate what’s
hidden from every day awareness and perhaps where we are being opportunistic
in nature. The owl, another nocturnal hunter, can be a symbol of wisdom
or death. Likewise the serpent is a symbol of both wisdom and sexual energy.
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Birds are almost always universal symbols of messages from the
spirit world. Their capacity for flight makes them natural
couriers from the human realm to higher planes. Birds denote flight,
freedom, an aerial view and an opening to the higher self. Birds
are messengers of Spirit and typically carry a potent shamanic
significance.
If a bird appears in your dream consider the following: is
the bird caged, in flight, or perched? What kind of bird
is it; a high flying raptor, a shy forest bird, or a water bird? Each
has a unique quality. Most importantly, what are your feelings
about the bird both in the dream and upon waking?
Crows usually represent news of some kind. Traditions vary
on whether the crow brings good news or is a harbinger of ill fortune. A
white dove is generally a symbol of peace and also signifies the
soul. White doves, which are sacred to Venus, are also symbols
of the Holy Spirit and the Great Mother.
Ducks appear to glide effortlessly on the surface of the water,
but underneath they are paddling furiously. Are you”ducking” an
issue? The eagle is a high soaring bird who sees clear and
far. Mythology says the eagle is the only bird unafraid to
fly in a storm. Magpies are birds of great power to Native
Americans, but can often equate to noisy nuisances to others. The
Robin is seen as the harbinger of spring in certain locations and
usually carries a positive connotation.
A swan is a symbol of the soul in many cultures. Is the swan
white or black? The haunting sound of a dying swan, known as “swan
song” is a phrase which implies an ending. By contrast
hummingbirds are icons of joy and strength out of all proportion
to their tiny size. Vultures, like scorpions, are known to
be good mothers, fiercely protective of their young. Because
they eat carrion, vultures, like the Egyptian god Anubis, are symbols
of transformation. The vulture goddess, Nekhbet, was the ancient
symbol of Upper Egypt. In Native American tradition woodpeckers
are drummers and herald a message and perhaps a new rhythm in your
life.
Always pay attention to the context in which the symbol appears and
your feelings and emotions. Remember, it’s your dream
and your feelings and intuition are what counts. If you wake
from a dream that stays with you and evokes strong emotion, write
it down, and be willing to spend some time musing on the night time
messengers who are speaking to you.
Julie Gillentine is the award-winning author
of TAROT & DREAM
INTERPRETATION and other books and articles. Each year she
leads a sacred journey to Egypt. Julie can be reached through
her web site www.queenofcups.com or in Colorado at 970-264-7474. |
