By understanding animals and their symbolism we approach life in a more simplistic and natural way. In shamanism, one of the most ancient belief systems, animals are an intrinsic part of the shaman’s (wise man or priest) journey into other realms. They are protective as well as being teachers. Godlike, talking, awe-inspiring or wise animals, or those with human characteristics: animal wisdom is simple and uncomplicated and, therefore, is innocent. In dreams and myths we personalize this quality. It is always important to pay attention to this aspect of animal life in fairy tales and dreams, since we need to be in touch with that part of ourselves.... Dream Meanings of Versatile

Psychological / emotional perspective: Psychologically these represent awareness of the potential for conflict between our nobler self and the baser instincts.

The antler with ten points is the mark of the shaman or holy man.... Dream Meanings of Versatile

1- Archetypes are basic pictures that each of us hold deep within our subconscious. They are in a sense ‘psychic’ blueprints. These blueprints while potentially perfect can become distorted by- childhood experiences, socialisation and even parental experience.

C G Jung began studying archetypes and dividing function into thinking, feeling, sensation and intuition. Following various work by his pupils, it became possible to build up a type of ‘map’ of the interaction between all of these functions and to discover where one’s own distortions occur. Each function has a ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ quality which is perhaps better described as ‘greater’ and ‘lesser’. Each of the masculine and feminine sides of the personality has these four functions, thus there are 64 (8 x 8) interactions possible. Where a distortion has occurred, we tend to project onto those around us the archetype with which we have most difficulty (often the Shadow). Consequently there will be a tendency to repeat situations over and over (e.g. the woman who continually finds herself in close relationships with a father-figure type, or the man who continuallv finds himself at odds with women executives) until we learn how to cope with and understand our distortion.

The obverse of this is that, with awareness, one is able to accept other’s projections onto oneself without being affected bv them. Perfect balance would be achieved by using all aspects of the personality as shown below. Kindly Father and Mother are self explanatory. Ogre represents masculine anger used negatively and Destructive Mother may be wilfully destructive, or simply the smothering type that is the mother who prevents the adequate growth of her children. Youth and Princess are the more gentle, fun-loving aspects of the personality while Tramp is the eternal wanderer and Siren is the seductress or sexually active part of femininity. Hero is the self- sufficient Messianic part of the personality, while Amazon is the ‘self-sufficient’ female the efficient business woman type. Villain is the masculine part of the self who uses power for his own ends, while Competitor is die typical ‘women’s libber’ who feels that she has 110 need for men. Priest and Priestess are the powers of intuition used for the ‘greater good’, while Sorcerer uses inner power totally dispassionately and Witch uses that same power rather more emotionally and perhaps negatively.

2- More specifically the feminine archetypes arc:

Kindly Mother

This is the conventional picture of the caring mother figure, forgiving transgression and always understanding. Because much has been made of this side of femininity, until recently it was very easy to overdevelop this aspect at the expense of other sides of the personality. Destructive Mother This woman may be the ‘smothermother’ type or the frankly destructive, prohibitive mother. Often it is this aspect who either actively prevents or because of her effect on the dreamer causes difficulty in other relationships. Princess The fun-loving, innocent childlike aspect of femininity. She is totally spontaneous, but at the same time has a subjective approach to other people. Siren This type is the seductress, the sexually and sensually aware woman who still has a sense of her own importance. In dreams she often appears in historic, flowing garments as though to highlight the erotic image.

Amazon

The self-sufficient woman who feels she docs not need the male: often becomes the career woman. She enjoys the cut and thrust of intellectual sparring. Competitor - She is the woman who competes with all and sundry both men and women - in an effort to prove that she is able to control her own life. Priestess - This is the highly intuitive woman who has learnt to control the flow of information and use it for the common good. She is totally at home within the inner world.

Witch

The intuitive woman using her energy to attain her own perceived ends. She is subjective in her judgement and therefore loses her discernment.

The masculine archetypes are: Kindly Father This side of the masculine is the conventional kindly father figure who is capablc of looking after the child in us. but equally of being firm and fair. Ogre This represents the angry; overbearing, aggressive and frightening masculine figure. Often this image has arisen because of the original relationship the dreamer had with their father or father figure.

Youth

The fun-loving, curious aspect of the masculine is both sensitive and creative. This is the ‘Peter Pan’ figure who has never grown up.

Tramp

This is the real freedom lover, the wanderer, the gypsy. He owes no allegiance to anyone and is interested only in what lies around the next corner. Hero The hero is the man who has clcctcd to undertake his own journey of exploration. He is able to consider options and decide his next move. Often he appears as the Messianic figure in dreams. He will rescue the damsel in distress, but only as part of his growth proccss.

Villain

The villain is completely selfishly involved, not caring who he tramples on in his own search. He is often the aspect of masculinity women first meet in everyday relationships, so can remain in dream images as a threatening figure if she has not come to terms with his selfishness.

Priest

The intuitive man is the one who recognises and understands the power of his own intuition, but who usually uses it in the services of his god or gods. He may appear in dreams as the Shaman or Pagan priest.

Sorcerer

This is the man who uses discernment in a totallv dis- passionate way for neither good nor evil, but simply because he enjoys the use of power. In his more negative aspect he is the Trickster or Master of unexpected change.

3- Spiritually, when we have access to all the archetypes, we are ready to become integrated and whole.... Ten Thousand Dream Dictionary

For Native Americans, the bear comes to initiate the power of healing medicine and can represent a call to walk the path of a healer or medicine person.

For the urban shaman, the bear’s call may be to a profession in the healing arts such as massage therapy or reflexology. As an archetype, the bear pos sesses strength and a grounded connection to the earth.

The bear often represents the nurturing or mothering aspect that comforts and heals as the primary relationship early in life.

Thus, an angry bear can signify a response to the devouring nature of your own mother.... Ariadne's Book of Dream

The bear symbolizes spiritual strength and power, both latent – for example, when a bear hibernates – and also apparent. In shamanism the bear is a very powerful totem animal – a form of guardian.... Dream Meanings of Versatile

By bringing meaning to the signs, symbols, archetypes, and elements of the Upper World, whether through night dreams or collected through the synchronistic events of the waking dream, we discover that the otherworidly intersects the worldly. Symbols of a divine origin, such as angels, halos. rainhows, suns, moons and stars, bring the qualities of the Upper World of dreams into life By engaging in meaningful play with these symbolic reprc-sentations from our dreams, we may thus realize that our wodd can be traced to divine origins.

Upper World dreams deliver us into the certainty that spirit is all around us. assembled in the moment. And at any given moment our lives may take new. more positive direction if we choose to become lucid in our waking life and accept the grace around us. Enlightenment is the realization that heaven's dream is here on earth and we need not seek to leave our bodies to ascend Dreaming itself is a process of ascension.

Dreams in general are of transcendent value to the spintual- ly centered mind.

The related psychological work may even be viewed as spirit-driven. Each growth step we take through conscious dream work affects die collective unconscious, which includes every soul and every living thing The reverberation of our progress transforms the organism of the universe We may ourselves become like shamans and mediate the Upper World with the Middle World through recognizing dreams of a transcendent quality and bnnging the visions and information they communicate to those around us. By doing so, we bring inspiration and wisdom to our community of friends.

Spirituality and psychology have come together within the field of transpersonal psychology, which investigates transcendent states as an integral pan of rhe whole of an individual For the conscious dreamer, the exploration of dreams is a quest lor personal truth and spintual ccrtainty. By honoring the dreams from the Upper World as containing sacred information, one may be guided and supported toward life's fulfillment.... DreamPedia

Dreams of a chef symbolize mastery in your ability to nurture and feed souls. Perhaps you are blending together the ingredients of your personality with the chemistry of other people into a delicious creation. See Shaman and Integration Dreams.... Strangest Dream Explanations

As like with most other animals, the deer in your dream may represent some aspect of your intuition or it may be a message from your unconscious. In some parts of Asia, deer are considered to be conductors of soul and thus the robes of shamans are usually made out of deerskin.

The Indians of North and South America also gave deer a spiritually important role. They believed that the souls of men passed into deer at the time of death. They also believed that a dying deer was a negative omen, which usually represented droughts that in turn foretold of very difficult times ahead. In the modern world, we generally see deer as gentle forest animals. Deer are characters in children’s stories and Santa Clause uses them to bring gifts to all. Thus, the deer in your dream may be a symbol of gentle and helpful parts of your psyche. In order to understand the message of the dream, think about what situation in your life would benefit from gentleness and soul fullness?... The Bedside Dream Dictionary

Clearing evil or decay, or taking in good, is symbolized as devouring it – that is, eating it greedily. Kali, the hindu mother goddess, as the keeper of the graveyard, demonstrates this, as do the devouring gods such as dionysus. Such clearing is a way of returning to source and receiving spiritual upliftment. Shamanic belief puts forward the theory that we take on the power of that which we eat. We are not allowed to eat our own totem animal, however.... Dream Meanings of Versatile

A diver may appear to accompany you into the depths of your emotions.

The diver may come as a guide into the ocean of the.subconscious to retrieve some treasure of wisdom for you to bringiout into your life. It may point to a professional shaman or hypnotherapist1 who assists you to enter the labyrinth of your soul.... Ariadne's Book of Dream

(see Music)

Communication. Among tribal cultures, drums were not just used for rhythmic accompaniment, but to send messages across long distances.

Intense emotions like passion (the drumming of your heart).

Imminent war (or quarrels) being fought on a personal front.

A spiritual summoning to native or shamanic ideals.

Muffled: Missing an important call for aid from yourself, a situation, or another person.... The Language of Dreams

If you dream you are watching a DVD this reflects a high regard for the content of a clear message, and your ability to observe your life with clarity (high resolution), as in the Shamanistic practice of “soul retrieval”, whereby you witness your life, and reclaim any personal power that was lost, stolen, or given away. See CD.... Strangest Dream Explanations

Such an image is often about the ‘demons’ we create which can only be overcome by assimilating them in a constructive way. Shamanic societies believe that one takes on certain aspects of the animal that are superior – in certain respects – to ordinary human attitudes.... Dream Meanings of Versatile

The shape of the tadpole looks similar to a young fetus, thereby symbolizing fertility- and fecundity.

Egyptian: Rebirth or figurative renewal in some area of your life.

Shamanic: A messenger regarding matters of health. Alternatively, a charm against any figurative bad weather coming your way.

Transformation and perspective.

The frog prince of fairy tales reminds us that things are not always as they seem.

In China, frogs represent the ultimate Yin principle, healing, and business prosperity.

Ancient Greece: A portent of harmony between lovers.... The Language of Dreams

(see Animals, Carcass, Hair)

Shamanically, a representation of an animal spirit with which you wish to connect.

A disguise or ruse used to fool a perceived enemy, or one that helps you better integrate with new surroundings.

Either attempting to internalize the positive attributes and characteristics of the creature featured, or presently bearing the negative traits of that animal.

If the fur in the dream is standing on end, this is a visual metaphor for having your “fur up” over a situation, or perceiving danger therein.... The Language of Dreams

As a sign of status, wealth, and sophistication, the wearer of a fur coat may portray an elitist attitude, from a shamanic perspective, wearing the skin of an animal signifies the identity of your power animal.... Ariadne's Book of Dream

Dreams of a healer represent your inner shaman/goddess that knows just the right soul medicine to prescribe for any challenge or imbalance you face. Healing is at hand. See Doctor.... Strangest Dream Explanations

Psychological / emotional perspective: Horns in a dream suggest superiority, either earned or conferred. It is interesting that horns are supposed to bestow the powers of the animal on the wearer. In pagan times, as well as some tribes today, the donning of horns signifies a particularly senior position within the tribe. Often the wearer is a shaman who, through dreams, can connect with other realms. In chinese medicine, rhinoceros horn is reputed to be an aphrodisiac. This is possibly because of its association with masculine power. All of these significances, as we become more aware, can appear in dreams.... Dream Meanings of Versatile

The inuit traditionally believed in a god-like power that is contained in all of nature.

The shaman is an important figure in their belief structure, being able to converse with the spirits. In dreams, the inuit reflect the harshness of life lived as hunters close to nature.... Dream Meanings of Versatile

Jaguar wanders through the jungles of South America and is sacred shamanic medicine to indigenous shamans of these areas. In a dream, a jaguar comes to initiate and refine psychic power, such as your clairvoyance. Its power offers the initiate the ability to see into the distant past and the present, as well as the future.... Ariadne's Book of Dream

A leopard showing its spots arrives with the message that it is time to come out of disguise and show off your abilities.

A leopard in a dream may also signify the disclosure of some hidden information about someone else. As a shamanic medicine. Leopard delivers the ability to heal a serious physical illness through its magical shamanic powers.... Ariadne's Book of Dream

(see Animal, Wolf)

Changing into any animal form reflects moving backward into more primal ways of thinking and behaving.

The type of creature portrayed in the dream will help you to determine what aspect of your personality is returning to this wildness.

Communion with the astral realm. Shamans often transform into animals to travel in the spirit world.

Because folklore portrays this as a lunar phenomenon, this may be an alternative emblem of the moon.

Taking after your family in ways that are not necessarily complimentary.

The ancients often believed that lycanthropy was hereditary.... The Language of Dreams

1- Most people have a facade they put on for others, particularly at a first meeting.

To dream of a mask often alerts us to cither our own or other people’s facade. When we are not being true to ourselves we can often experience this in dreams as a ‘negative’ or frightening mask.

2- When we are trying to protect ourselves and prevent other people knowing what we arc thinking or feeling, we ‘mask’ ourselves.

A mask appearing in a dream can therefore represent concealment. Additionally in primitive cultures, to wear a mask such as that of an animal gave the wearer the powers of that animal. In Shamanism that is still accepted today:

3- The Death Mask, either our own or another’s, can appear in dreams as a signal that it is time to put an end to a spiritual game we arc playing.... Ten Thousand Dream Dictionary

In primitive shamanistic societies, to wear an animal mask gave the wearer the powers of that animal.

If we dream of wearing such a mask, we may need to consider that animal’s qualities and how they can be, or are, applied in our waking lives.

The death mask, either our own or another’s, can appear in dreams as a signal that it is time to put an end to a spiritual game we are playing.... Dream Meanings of Versatile

Material aspects: Most people have a facade they put on for others, particularly at a first meeting.

To dream of a mask often alerts us to either our own or other people’s facade. When we are not being true to ourselves we can often experience this in dreams as a ‘negative’ or frightening mask. You might also like to consult the entries for animals and shaman.... Dream Meanings of Versatile

As Mercury is the planet of communication and the cougar the shamanic medicine of a spiritual teacher, the arrival of a Mercury Cougar at your front door in a dream may bnng a sage into your life It may signify a call to become a spiritual teacher or mention a communication from a higher power.... Ariadne's Book of Dream

(see Vegetables)

Eating mushrooms among ancient Egyptians was a sign of rulership, as only the Pharaohs received this treat.

In Rome, an emblem of strength.

Metaphysics and / or the psychic nature coming to the forefront of your awareness. Shamans and medicine people have long known that some mushrooms produce visionary experiences. Additionally, they grow in dark, damp regions, equating with the fertile subconscious or Collective Unconscious.

The lunar aspects of the mushroom combine with fiery energy. Mushrooms are considered the child of lightning in folk tales. This provides a unique balance between conscious / logical thinking and the intuitive self. Consider if you have been heeding both voices equally of late.... The Language of Dreams

The sun dance amongst the plains native americans is perceived as a replay of the original creation. Their religion is shamanic and as more people become aware of their culture and practices, dreams will reflect the richness of their beliefs and their closeness to nature. Ceremonies such as the sweat lodge give rise to much imagery.... Dream Meanings of Versatile

Dreams of this nocturnal bird symbolize wisdom, patience, and intuition.

The owl also symbolizes Athena, goddess of wisdom, discernment, and leadership. Because of its excellent night vision, the owl reflects the aspect of you that sees things in the dark that go unnoticed by your day-To-day consciousness. In Shamanism, the owl represents a creature that travels between worlds, between life and death, the underworld and the outer world.

The owl is also a wise advisor or guide.... Strangest Dream Explanations

(see Flowers, Gardens)

The loveliness of nature, or life itself.

A nearly timeless symbol of love, passion, and the spirit of beauty in all its many forms, having been originally associated with the goddess Venus.

The color of the rose here provides more meaning.

For example, purple roses are exotic emotions, red is for passionate love, and yellow is for friendship.

Thorny roses speak of the difficulties in all relationships. Native American shamans believe that nature hides its greatest treasures beneath such painful traps so that we have to work to receive the prize.

A rose with its bud just opening represents the blossoming of your highest conscious awareness.

Alchemically, the rose symbolizes wisdom; blue roses represent impossible tasks, and gold ones are an emblem for achievement.

Jung believed that in dreams a rose became a mandala representing an integrated person and wholeness.

In Babylonia and ancient Arabia, the rose became an alternative emblem for Paradise with strong sexual connotations of this also equating to a woman’s vulva. Consequently, this can be a dream figure for women, and your feelings toward women.... The Language of Dreams

Dreams of ruins represent the buried treasures of your heart and soul.

If you dream of discovering ruins, as in a Shamanic Soul Retrieval, then this signifies reunification of lost pieces of your soul that allow you to feel a connected and unified to your wisdom and spiritual bounty. Alternatively, this dream could also signify old and worn out aspects of yourself that no longer serve you. Consider the feeling tone. See Antique.... Strangest Dream Explanations

A potent image in mythology is the salmon of knowledge, which signifies knowledge of other worlds (the lands beneath the sea) and of other­worldly things. This conforms to shamanistic belief that creatures have the ability to visit other dimensions.... Dream Meanings of Versatile

In general, the snake can be one of the most powerful forces emerging from a dream.

The power of Snake bnngs active libidinous or sexual energy out of the subconscious for creative use. Snake power is healing power that when cultivated and used can heal your physical and emotional wounds.

The undulating movement of Snake moves the energy known as kundalini up the spine of its initiate to activate a spintual awakening. It may announce the call to the profession of a healer or shaman. Snake may signify wisdom in its association with the tree of knowledge. Snakes may sometimes represent deep-seatec fears that disrupt your life, or sexual fears where there has beer trauma or violanon.... Ariadne's Book of Dream

See Shaman.... Strangest Dream Explanations

If you dream of being stocked, then you are venting out feelings of victimhood and are running from your shadow. Your dream is giving you the message to face and embrace this shadow aspect of your being so that you can live in peace. It you dream of stocking yourself, as in Native American Shamanic teachings, this represents a high level of mastery as you are seeking to become aware of where you are unaware, to make your unconscious conscious, and to become free from fear.

If you dream of being the stocker, then this represents that you are giving your power over to someone that you have put on a pedestal, and your dream is cautioning you to bring your power back. See Pedestal and Peeping Tom.... Strangest Dream Explanations

In dreams, the metamorphosis of the dreamer or other people into animals and vice versa shows the potential for change within any situation. Coincidentally, magical techniques allow ‘shape-shifting’, permitting magicians and shamans to adopt animal form, and dreams give us an understanding of that process.... Dream Meanings of Versatile

Dreams of playing a trick on someone signify your connection to the Shamanistic way of learning, growing and transforming.

If you dream of playing tricks on someone, then this dream is revealing your ego games, manipulation and avoidance techniques to mask unhealed wounds.

If you dream of magic tricks, then see Magician.... Strangest Dream Explanations

The scavenger of the bird tribe, the vulture teaches us to honor death as pan of a natural cycle of life.

The vulture picks the meat down to the bone to reveal the power in having examined something down to its internal stnicture or the bare bones.

A vulture may come to liberate you from the fear of death and, in shamanistic terms, to reduce the personality to its original structure.

The vulture also signifies respect for all the dead who have passed on to other levels of evolution.

The appearance of a vulture in a dream may be a response to someone who is taking advantage of what another has accomplished. (See Birds.)... Ariadne's Book of Dream

Dreams of a warrior represent your connection to your source and power. You are discovering your heroism in the face of the your fears. You are realizing that in the face of your greatest challenges is where you find your strength. See Shaman.... Strangest Dream Explanations

Dreams of a wizard represent enchantment, multi-dimensional power, lucidity, and your ability to cut through the limitation of the five senses and manifest magically. See Magician, Shaman and Prophetic Dreams.... Strangest Dream Explanations