Dreams have long fascinated and perplexed human beings. As we close our eyes and surrender to the realm of sleep, we enter a vast and mysterious landscape where our subconscious mind takes over and symbolism prevails. Dreams often communicate profound messages through symbols, allowing us to delve into our deepest desires, fears, and emotions, offering guidance and insights to the dreamer’s journey towards personal growth and improvement. Here we will explore the significance of symbolism in dreams and the insights they can provide into our innermost selves.
While symbols in dreams have remained relatively unchanged over time, their interpretations are influenced by a combination of learned associations and individual experiences. There are three main categories: conventional symbols, accidental symbols, and universal symbols.
Conventional Symbols: Conventional symbols in dreams are those that have acquired a collective meaning through learned association. They are the everyday symbols we use, where the symbol itself does not bear an inherent connection to its meaning. For instance, the word “dog” or the sound we make when saying it does not inherently resemble the four-legged creature. Instead, it is the learned association between the word and the concept that elicits the mental image of a dog. Conventional symbols rely on shared understanding within a cultural or linguistic context.
Accidental Symbols: Unlike conventional symbols, accidental symbols in dreams are deeply personal and draw meaning solely from individual experiences. These symbols hold unique significance to each dreamer, based on their specific memories, emotions, and associations. For example, a particular restaurant might evoke feelings of love and happiness for someone who celebrated a significant event there, while for another person, it might trigger associations with ill health or fear due to a negative experience. Accidental symbols highlight the subjective nature of dream interpretation, emphasizing the importance of personal context.
Universal Symbols: Universal symbols in dreams transcend individual experiences and possess shared meanings across cultures and time. However, it is essential to recognize that universal symbols can still carry multiple interpretations. Two examples of universal symbols are water and fire. Water can symbolize the flow of life, energy, and renewal through a calm river, but it can also represent destruction through a flood or crashing waves. Similarly, fire can signify vitality and passion through a dancing flame, yet it can also embody destruction in the context of a house fire. Some fires may initially seem destructive, like a forest fire, but symbolize rebirth and renewal. It is crucial to approach universal symbols with an open mind, considering personal associations and emotions to decipher their meaning within a dream.
Interpreting symbols in dreams requires careful consideration of personal context, experiences, and emotions. While universal symbols provide a starting point, every individual decodes symbols with their own unique circumstances in their waking life. One’s interpretation of a symbol should not solely rely on its universal meaning. Understanding the personal context allows for a more accurate interpretation, empowering the dreamer to uncover the specific message that the dream intends to convey. By unraveling the complex tapestry of symbols in dreams, we embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and understanding.
BASIC SYMBOLS AND THEIR MEANINGS
1. male characters = men in general, that particular man, the male aspect of yourself, your father, intellect, idea, mode of thought, healing agent, guide, entity, a former life
1. female characters = women in general, that particular woman, the female aspect of yourself, your mother, emotions, healing agent, guide, entity, a former life
2. children = immaturity, the child within, trauma which occurred at the age of the child shown
3. animals = the dreamer’s animal instincts, sex, aggression, paternal or maternal instincts, social status
4. flying = freedom, liberation, transcendence, desire to overcome obstacles, new perspectives, achieve personal goals
5. teeth falling out = insecurity, vulnerability, fear of losing control, concerns about communication or self-image
6. death = major life changes, transitions, the end of a particular phase, desire for transformation, need to let go of something
7. bridges = transitions, connections, the journey from one phase of life to another, significant change
NUMBERS IN DREAMS AND THEIR MEANINGS
1 = the need to develop one’s individuality or creativity; indicates selfishness with dream subject
2 = = balance, sharing, give and take, two way communication; can indicate that the dreamer is a channel (medium)
3 = commitment to improving oneself in mind, body, and spirit
4 = limitation
5 = sensuality, the five senses, Karma (literally learning your lessons through the five senses)
6 = love, compassion, forgiveness
7 = spiritual enlightenment
8 = expansion through balance
9 = spiritual advancement of the dreamer (not a very common number in dreams)
10 = God, ideals
COLORS IN DREAMS AND THEIR MEANINGS
1. indigo = perception, psychic abilities, wisdom, transcendence
2. blue = philosophy, calmness, peace, emotional balance
3. green = sharing, harmony, balance, healing, growth
4. yellow = happiness, positivity, creativity
5. orange = assimilation, energy, vitality
6. red = passion, desire, anger, warning signs
7. black = the unknown, hidden fears, need for introspection
8. white = purity, spiritual enlightenment, new beginnings
Oakley Seiter
