Divination Series - Part 4 - Dream Interpretation: Common Dream Symbols

***************************************************************************
Dream Interpretation
(see bottom of post for links to help you interpret your dream symbols not listed here!)

Dreaming, we all do it. Some of us dream vividly, some very vaguely. Some of us even dream in black and white. I'm  sure more than one of you know that all-to-common dream feeling of trying to scream, and making no sound. Or trying to move and being unable, or it being like your held down with lead. What about those people, places, or things we seem to constantly encounter, universally? What does it all mean? Anything? The experts think so:

According to Domhoff:

"'Meaning' has to do with coherence and with systematic relations to other variables, and in that regard dreams do have meaning. Furthermore, they are very "revealing" of what is on our minds. We have shown that 75 to 100 dreams from a person give us a very good psychological portrait of that individual. Give us 1000 dreams over a couple of decades and we can give you a profile of the person's mind that is almost as individualized and accurate as her or his fingerprints."

Hall: Dreams as a Cognitive Process:
Calvin S. Hall proposed that dreams are part of a cognitive process in which dreams serve as ‘conceptions’ of elements of our personal lives. Hall looked for themes and patterns by analyzing thousands of dream diaries from participants, eventually creating a quantitative coding system that divided the content of dreams into a number of different categories.
According to Hall’s theory, interpreting dreams requires knowing:

• The actions of the dreamer within the dream
• The objects and figures in the dream
• The interactions between the dreamer and the characters in the dream
• The dream’s setting, transitions, and outcome

The ultimate goal of this dream interpretation is not to understand the dream, however, but to understand the dreamer.
Read More on Expert Opinions Here

Now, there are some very universal dream symbols, and dream themes. A dream diary is a great way to keep track of your dreams, and notice any recurring symbol or theme. Dream recording should be done immediately upon awakening. How much of your dream do you remember at the time? How much at the end of the day? The next? I'm certain I read once that we forget 50% of our dreams in the first 5 minutes after waking up. The next step is to go about interpretation. I'm going to include the most common below, and then some links for Dream Dictionary's for you to examine your past and future dreams.

Common Symbols

Babies-

"Babies in dreams are symbols of purity, rebirth, and vulnerability. Again, it’s important to recognize what’s happening with the baby to figure out how it relates to your life. A crying or abandoned baby could mean that you’re not paying enough attention to your own needs. Perhaps you feel especially needy and vulnerable right now, or you might have doubts about being able to take care of someone other than yourself."

 Another source says babies " can symbolize a literal desire to produce offspring, or your own vulnerability or need to feel loved. They can also signify a new start."

Yet another: "Baby is a new idea.
A child is the result of uniting of a male and female. In the language of mind this represents the cooperative use of the aggressive and receptive principles to create something new"

Work

" Dreams about your job suggest that certain work habits need fixing–either not being on-task enough or working too much. When worries about job performance leak into our subconscious, there’s a lack of balance somewhere, either in effectiveness or in leisure time."

Another source goes further in detail to say: "

To dream that you are at work indicates that you are experiencing some anxiety about a current project or task. The dream may also be telling you that you need to "get back to work".  Perhaps you have been slacking off and need to pick up the pace. Stop procrastinating. Alternatively, the dream reflects your success.

To dream that you are at your former work suggests that there is an old lesson that you need to learn and apply to your current situation.

To dream that you have been replaced at work represents your concern about your current job security. You feel that you are in a precarious position at work or in some group project."

Bugs

Creepy-crawlies are the manifestation of problems that we’re not facing. Bugs on your skin mean an unsettling change is taking place in your life. The more bugs you encounter in your dream, the greater your problems and unconscious anxieties.

Elsewhere:

"To see a bug in your dream suggests that you are worried about something. It is symbolic of your anxieties and/or fears. What is literally bugging you? Consider also the popular phrase "bitten by the bug" to imply your strong emotional ties or involvement to some activity/interest/hobby. Alternatively, the bug may be representative of your sexual thoughts.

To dream that there are endless amount of bugs coming out of your hair suggests that something is weighing on your mind that you are confused about. Perhaps you are making a big deal out of minor matter. Alternatively, the dream refers to concerns over your public image."

Candles
If the candle is aflame, that might mean good luck’s coming your way, or at least that there’s a reason to be hopeful. If it’s not lit, the candle could represent a lack of initiative or not living up to one’s promise. A candle that’s blown out has to do with leaving something behind, which could be good or bad.

Another source: "To see a burning candle in your dream signifies that good luck and hope will be coming your way in small and steady amounts. You are in a comfortable stage in your life and may be seeking spiritual enlightenment.�Lit candles are also symbolic of intellect, enlightenment, awareness or the search for truth.

To see an unlit candle denotes feelings of rejection or disappointments. You are not utilizing your fullest potential. If you try to light the candle, but it won't light, then it represents grief. You are in denial about something. To see a candle blow out in your dream indicates that you are surrendering a significant aspect of yourself. You are letting go of something that used to be important to you."

Death
This makes for a sad dream, but death isn’t as ominous a theme as you’d think–it’s more about change on the horizon. If someone you know dies in a dream you have, think about your connection to that person. Is there an aspect of your relationship that needs changing? Or is there something about the person’s life that you’d like to see manifesting itself in your own? Death-related dreams might also be about incoming change or the dreamer’s need to change.

Elsewhere states that death  of a friend or loved one represents change (endings and new beginnings) and is not a paranormal prediction of any kind. If you are recently bereaved, it may be an attempt to come to terms with the event.

Mirrors
"Mirrors in dreams reflect our inner qualities–both how others perceive us and how we see ourselves. If the mirror is foggy or clouded, however, that means we’re not seeing things accurately and need to figure out why. Shattering a mirror is allegedly bad luck in real life, but in the dream world, it represents breaking away from the inner self."

From another source: "To dream of your own reflection in the mirror suggests that you are pondering thoughts about your inner self. The reflection in the mirror is how you perceive yourself or how you want others to see you. You may be contemplating on strengthening and changing aspects of your character.If you dream that that you do not see your reflection in a mirror implies that you have lost your self-identity. Perhaps you have changed for the benefit of others that you don't know who you are anymore.

To break a mirror in your dream suggests that you are breaking an old image of yourself. You may be putting an end to an old habit. Breaking a mirror is also an old symbol for seven years of bad luck. To see a cracked or broken mirror in your dream. represents a poor or distorted self-image. Alternatively, it means that you have put an end to your old habits and ways"


People (I would also like to say I once read that the people we see in dreams (even if we don't know them) have the faces of people we've seen somewhere before. We don't just make up a new face in our dreams. Fact check anyone?)
 

Would you guess the people we encounter in dreams are variations on ourselves? Pay close attention to these figures, because they represent personality traits we don’t acknowledge, either because they’re hidden or because they’re negative. When the person’s a stranger, it usually means the former; when he or she is familiar, it tends to signify the latter, although it could also mean that you should take a closer look at the ways in which you interact with that person in real life, and perhaps change your behavior toward him or her.

The former definition is mirrored by this source "People (other dream characters) are reflections of your own psyche, and may demonstrate specific aspects of your own personality."

Hair
Hair in our sleep life has multiple meanings, including sensuality, self-image, and strength. If you’re cutting your hair, that symbolizes taking power over your life and letting go of unnecessary burdens. Brushing or fixing your hair alludes to heightened self-consciousness. Hair falling out has to do with fear of getting old and/or physical weakness.

This source sees it a bit different:  " hair has significant ties with sexuality, according to Freud. Abundant hair may symbolize virility, while cutting hair off in a dream shows a loss of libido. Hair loss may also express a literal fear of going bald or becoming unattractive."

Tears
If you’re crying in a dream, you’re likely grappling with a pent-up emotion that you’re not letting go of in real life, and it’s a way for your subconscious to provide you with the emotional outlet you deny yourself otherwise. If someone else is crying in your dream, it could be a message to you to be mindful of the thoughts and feelings of those around you.

We get much more in detail here: "To dream that you are crying signifies a release of negative emotions that is more likely caused by some waking situation rather than the events of the dream itself. Your dream is a way to regain some emotional balance and to safely let out your fears and frustrations. In your daily lives, you tend to ignore, deny, or repress your feelings. But in your dream state, your defense mechanisms are no longer on guard and thus allow for the release of those feelings that you have repressed during the dayTo see someone else crying in your dream, may be a projection of your own feelings onto someone else. If you do not cry in your waking life, then seeing someone else cry may be a little easier to deal with then seeing yourself cry. 

To wake up crying represents some suppressed hurt or previous trauma that is coming up to the surface. You can no longer suppress these emotions. They need to be dealt with head on.

To dream that no one hears or responds to your cries represents your helplessness, difficulties and frustrations in trying to communicate with others. You feel that your words are falling on deaf ears. Perhaps your dream is telling you to be more vocal and work harder to get your point across.  

Roads
Traveling down a road during a dream is like traveling down the path to your goals in life. Sometimes it’s windy or full of potholes, which means you have hardships to overcome. If it’s smooth, you’re making good choices and feel confident about your future success. And if the road ahead looks dark and looming, it might indicate that you’re making choices along the way without all the information you need, which could produce difficult outcomes

Again, we see a similar definition: aside from being literal manifestations, convey your direction in life. This may be time to question your current "life path".

Water
Whether it’s a rushing river or a calm ocean, water represents our emotional state. Calm, clear water means that we’re generally content and peaceful at the moment. Murky, rough water suggests we’re feeling overwhelmed by negative thoughts and not making choices that support our emotional well-being

Other source: Water comes in many forms and can symbolize the subconscious mind. Calm pools of water reflect inner peace while a choppy ocean can suggest unease.

30 Common Dream Symbols 
Guide for Interpreting Dreams 
Online Dream Dictionary(my favorite, been using it for over a decade. Very detailed.)

So Dreamers, questions for today: What are your most common dream symbols (not themes)? What does it mean to you; do you feel these interpretations are accurate? Ever had a dream come true? Leave a comment with your input!

Bonus:
My New Metaphysical Shop 
Small now, but lots more to come! 
Moonstone Rune Listing (ebay)
Labradorite Rune Listing (ebay)
 

Divination Blog Series - Part 2 - Omens and Scrying

"omen

noun \ˈō-mən\

: something that is believed to be a sign or warning of something that will happen in the future"

(http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/omen)

That's the technical definition, though I like how my 'Book of Shadows' tarot book describes and talks omens: "Omens are simple things that occur in everyday life that are somehow significant." It goes on to explain how some are very common, like superstitions, using the example of a black cat crossing one's path.

You'll notice something to likely be an omen when a signal, animal, word, image, or situation occurs a certain number of times in a short period or has great personal significance. Omens can be the Universe's way of telling us whether we are on the right or wrong path. Being aware of your thoughts, actions, feelings, and even current or potential events at the time of occurrence can be key to interpretation.

This excerpt from "Steps to Enlightenment" describes some messages and potential meanings:

• Your car starter broke down:  there is somewhere in your life where you are having a problem getting started.
• Car battery dies:  lacking energy, energy being drained
• Odometer numbers line up in an unusual combination:  notice where you are going or what is going on in your life and how do the numbers support this, for instance a set of 4’s in numerology would mean you have a good foundation under your current project.
• Car radiator leaks or breaks down:  unresolved anger
• Minor car accident:  need to adjust something
• Major car accident:  major shift in direction of your life is needed
• All red lights while on the way to a meeting: something is jammed.
• All green lights while on the way somewhere:  supported flow
• Left front tire leaks: subconscious resistance to going forward in some part of your life.
• Minor accident while on a bike where your right knee gets banged up: flow in life is getting jammed due to conscious stuck stubborn, ego, pride
• Eye gets temporarily irritated: something you don’t want to see clearly, or somebody else strongly doesn’t want you to see through something
• Broken left arm:  having trouble getting your emotional or subconscious self around whatever is going on in your life
• Left foot gets sprained: subconscious resistance to move forward in your life in a certain area
• Right foot gets sprained: conscious resistance to move forward in your life
• Bump your head: guides trying to get something through your head
• Earache: don’t want to hear something
• Sore throat: something needs to be said or you speak rudely
• Pneumonia:  emotions severely stuck
• Life and death illness: some personal issue is critically stuck
• Right pointer finger is sore for no apparent reason:  increase your management of consciously judging others
• Dog or cat becomes sick: may be a reflection of where we are not well
• Someone tells us of a healer and we get chills: perhaps it is time to go see the healer.
• Smoker: clouding issues in your life, something you don’t want to see
• Plumbing backs up in your home or water spills:  backed up emotions need to be dealt with
• House foundation is rotting:  some area in your inner foundation needs reassessing and transforming
• House electrical problems: you have a short in your energy field somewhere
• Fire somewhere in the house:  explosive anger needs to be managed and released
• House broken into:  could owe karma for violating someone else’s space
• Friend inadvertently answers a question you have been wondering about without you telling them the question
• You have been searching for an answer and as you read an unrelated book you read a passage that answers your question and you get chills
• Picture forms in the clouds guiding your way
• Computer dies mid-project:  your project is off somehow OR the dark is trying to block you OR you are being taught patience. You must discern which is true
• While playing any card game you notice the cards either flow or are jammed
• Walking through the library and a book falls off the shelf in front of you.
• Your job is outsourced and you are out of a job: time to look in new career directions
• Someone says something and you get chills of confirmation
• Break a glass:  a breakthrough has just occurred or is imminent
• Find a $20 bill or any money:  good financial omen
• You are planning an expenditure but don’t feel quite right finalizing the deal, then suddenly, you get a call with an unexpected offer of something better
• You are wondering if you should go somewhere when suddenly the phone rings offering you a free ride
• You have a dream warning you on an issue or guiding you to go in a direction
• Flies irritating you excessively: something or someone is bugging you
• Shooting star:  good sign, good luck or a big event coming
• Unusually familiar with a stranger: can be a past life connection
• Rainbow or moon bow: promise of good coming to viewer.
• Food burns:  there is anger in you or directed at you.

The same source even gives a method for becoming more aware of omens in your life; here is the excerpt:
To become more aware of omens coming to you take a day to focus on omens. Any day will do. Set your intent in the morning to be mindful of omens. Place a ribbon around your wrist to remind your self. Then notice everything:

• A stubbed toe
• The odometer
• Red (green) lights en route to work
• Paper cut
• Co-workers unsolicited comment
• Pet’s unusual behavior
• Anything Unusual
• Particular clouds
• Comments on the radio
• Car trouble
• Glass breaks
• Banged knee
• Broken finger nail, which nail, what were you thinking at the moment it broke
• Eye irritation
• Stomach ace
• Bowels too tight or too loose
• Malfunctioning appliance
• Blister on foot, which foot
• Car gets banged up, which part

1. With each potential omen, wonder for a few seconds what the message is.
2. Notice the first thought that comes to mind.
3. Does it resonate?
4. Repeat this process for a month. You will awaken your awareness to omens and tap an invaluable source of personal guidance. ******************************************************************************

Scrying
"A method of perceiving events and answers by way of the unconscious."
"to use divination to discover hidden knowledge or future events, especially by means of a crystal ball."

I'll admit, in this one I have little experience.  As I believe I mentioned in my last divination post, I just acquired a crystal ball, but I believe some real work will need to be put in to become proficient.

In my readings, I've seen the claim that scrying is one of the most difficult forms of divination. I won't discredit that, although part of my crystal ball failure I blame on the presence in this house..(long story).

Some methods of scrying include the following:

• Crystal sphere
• Crystal skull (carved)
• Mirror (could be a black mirror or a silver mirror)
• Glass of water
• Bowl of water colored with ink
• Candle flame
• Coals of a fire
• fire smoke
• Pool of water
• Fog or mist over water

 Beginners may only see clouds of mist at first, which is what I saw. According to e-how.com:

"White symbolizes good fortune while gray/black/deep purple indicates misfortune. Yellow indicates obstacles to come and orange is reflective of anger or intense negative emotion. Red is always indicative of danger. Blue indicates success and green is symbolic of happiness and good health." 
Also

"Rising clouds are symbolic of positive energy and sinking clouds are negative. If the visions are distant then they can be the past or the future, while strong foreground images are indicative of present or near future events."

In my opinion, color interpretations could be personal. Different colors symbolize different things to different people of different culture, background, and belief system. I, myself, don't necessarily believe there is a "cut and dry" "all in one" interpretation of color meaning, although guides like above can be helpful if you're clueless where to start (like me! -_^)

Crystal Scrying Steps: (from the "Pocket Guide to Crystals and Gemstones" (Crossing Press), publication date, August, 1998)

1. Scrying is best when done at night because traditionally night rules the psychic mind. Find a quiet spot, sit comfortably, and place the crystal on a stand, table or hold it in your hands.

2. Candles are conducive to scrying. If you find yourself distracted by the reflections and movements of the flame, then experiment by using other light sources, or try moving the candle until you find what works for you.

3. Now relax by breathing deeply for a few moments with your eyes closed.

4. Upon opening your eyes, hold the crystal in your hands until it is warm. Many scryers say this is important because this step connects your energy to that of the stone. Heating the stone also activates it.

5. While holding the stone, think about what your intentions are for scrying. Examples of intention might be information regarding your career, relationship, or future. Be clear about your intention.

6. Next, place the stone back in its resting place or continue holding in your hands, and then begin gazing into the crystal.

7. As you gaze deeply into the crystal, move your mind beyond the physical structure of the stone, merging into the light within. The idea is not so much to see physical images, but instead to use the crystal and the light reflecting in it as a tool to connect to the divine energy within yourself and all things. When connected, you will begin getting impressions and insights. Practice this technique, particularly merging with the crystal, until everything flows and feels comfortable to you.

 A Guide to Scrying

Personally I've seen some crazy stuff gazing into the flame of a candle dedicated to my Goddess, but never knew I was scrying. As far as all the options go, I'll stick it out with my crystal ball. 

Ponderings to the readers:
Is scrying a form of divination you practice? What means do you use and why? 
 

All the Correspondences You Could Possibly Need or Want for Samhain

October 31— Samhain/ Samhuinn/ Hallowmas 

Solar System: Moon

Moon Phase: New

Season: Autumn

Colors: Black, Orange, Brown, Gold, Red, Silver, Yellow

Trees: Apple, Beech, Blackthorn, Locust, Pomegranate, Willow, Witch Hazel, Yew

Herb & Garden: Angelica, Broom, Catnip, Garlic, Heather, Mugwort, Sage

Misc.Plants, Herbs, etc: Allspice, Bittersweet, Dittany, Mullein, Patchouli, Reed , Cedar, Cherry, Elder, Eucalyptus, Holly, Horse Chestnut, Lime, Orange, Palm-Date, Oak, Peach, Pear, Pine, Plum, Quince, Rowan, Sandalwood, Willow, Witch Hazel, African Violet, Agaric, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cinnamon, Coconut, Cuckoo-Flower, Cyclamen, Deerstongue, Devil’s Bit, Elderflower, Garlic, Ginger, Grape, Hemp, Huckleberry, Kalbs Cross, Lavender, Liquorice, Mandrake, Mint, Myrrh, Nettle, Nightshade, Pineapple,  Raspberry, Rhubarb, Saffron, Sarsaparilla, Sassafras , Sloe, Star Anise, Strawberry, Sugar Cane, Tea, Tobacco, Vanilla, Witch Grass, Wolfsbane

Incense & Oils:Cedar, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Lavender, Lime, Mint, Myrrh, Orange, Sagebrush, Sandalwood, Copal, mastic resin, benzoin, sweetgrass, wormwood, mugwort, sage, or patchouli.

Gemstones & Minerals: Carnelian, Obsidian, Onyx, Amethyst, Asbestos, Beryl, Bloodstone Cat’s Eye, Coal, Coral,  Danburite, Fossil, Herkimer, Jasper, Jet, Marble, Mother of Pearl, Petrified Wood, Pumice, Quartz, Rhodonite, Smoky quartz, Salt, Tourmaline-Pink
 
Goddesses: Badb, Banba, Cailleach Bheur, Durga, Hecate, Hel, Inanna, Ishtar, Kali, Macha, Nephthys, Rhiannon , Morrigan, Persephone

Gods: Arawn, Belenus, Coyote, the Dagda (November 1), Hades, Loki, Odin, Pluto, Cernunnos, Gywnn Ap Nudd, Osiris

**Any figure of the Goddess in her Crone aspect, as well as Gods of death**

Animals and Magickal: Fairies, Bat, Boar, Cat, Cattle (cow), Dog, Stag, owl, jackal, elephant, ram, scorpion, heron, crow, robin, Phooka, Goblin, Medusa, Beansidhe, Fylgiar, Peryton, Erlkonig, and Harpies.

Symbols for Samhain:  apples, autumn flowers, acorns, bat, black cat, bones, corn stalks, cauldrons, colored leaves, crows, death/dying, divination and the tools associated with it, ghosts, gourds, Indian corn, jack-o-lantern, nuts , oak leaves, pomegranates, pumpkins, scarecrows, scythes, waning moon.


Foods of Samhain::apples, apple dishes, cider, meat (traditionally this is the meat harvest) especially pork, mulled cider with spices, nuts, pomegranates, potatoes, pumpkins, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, roasted pumpkin seeds, roasted pumpkin seeds, squash, corn, cranberry muffins and breads, turnips, beets, ale, herbal tea (mugwort).

Issues, Intentions & Powers: crossroads, darkness, death (of the god), divination, honor (ancestors), introspection, the otherworld/ underworld, release, visions, wisdom (of the crone)

Spell Work of Samhain:release of bad habits, banishing, fairy magick, divination of any kind, candle magick, astral projection, past life work, dark moon mysteries, mirror spells (reflection), casting protection, inner work, propitiation, clearing obstacles, uncrossing, inspiration, workings of transitionor culmination, manifesting transformation,creative visualization, contacting those who have departed this plane

Essence: Magick, plenty; knowledge, the night, death & rebirth, success, protection; rest, new beginning; ancestors; lifting of the veil, mundane laws in abeyance, return, change

Dynamics/Meaning:
Death & transformation, Wiccan new year,wisdom of the Crone, end of summer, honoring, thinning of the veil between worlds, death of the year, time outside of time, night of the Wild Hunt, begin new projects, end old projects
 
Purpose: Honoring the dead, especially departed ancestors, knowing we will not be forgotten; clear knowledge of our path; guidance, protection, celebrating reincarnation

Rituals/Magicks: Foreseeing future, honoring/consulting ancestors, releasing the old, power, understanding death and rebirth, entering the underworld, divination, dance of the dead, fire calling, past life recall

Customs: Ancestor altar, costumes, divination, carving jack-o-lanterns, spirit plate, the Feast of the Dead, feasting, paying debts, fairs, drying winter herbs, masks, bonfires, apple games, tricks, washing clothes


Activities of Samhain:On Samhain, Honoring the Dead, Dumb Supper, Carving Jack O’Lanterns (and then baking pumpkin pie!) , Making Masks representing the Gods & Goddesses of Samhain, Making a besom , Divination, And most importantly, don’t forget to leave milk and honey out for the Faerie folk.

Tools: Besom, cauldron, tarot, obsidian ball, pendulum, runes, oghams, Ouija boards, black cauldron or bowl filled with black ink or water, or magick mirror

Gender: Male

Threshold: Midnight