It benefits us to learn about a wide variety of topics as this greatly expands the options we have for interpreting dream symbols. Imagine knowing the stories from every religion, all the myths and legends from every culture, all the archetypes... the list goes on and on. Once we are familiar with these symbols and metaphors they can be used in our dreams to teach us. This is why generic dream dictionaries are not a very useful way of learning how to interpret dreams. We must have a system for determining what our own symbols mean until we reach a point of directly working purely with the archetypes at a highly evolved level of mastery.
When we receive a new symbol there are a number of steps the serious dream worker will take.
1. Research the symbol.
Usually you will have some familiarity with the symbol even if it's only having heard the name or concept of it briefly before. You probably won't have the finer details however. It is important to research the symbol to gain more understanding of it and to expand your consciousness.
2. Record the symbol and its meaning.
Some people like to record their dream symbols and create their own personal dream dictionary. I could not see much sense in this for a long time as my dream symbols changed so often, whether it was because they were used in a different context or just understood at deeper levels of meaning. However, I am now convinced it is a great idea for a number of reasons. Firstly, to honour my research and organise it in a useful way. Secondly, to record the dates of dreams containing these major symbols. If you've ever tried rummaging through over 10 years of dream journals to find particular information you'll know how important it is to have some kind of cross reference or index system.
3. Interpret the symbol
From the information you now have about the symbol, look for some key words that are relevant to your dream. What you write here will form the basis of the interpretation. Look at the context in which it appeared and form an interpretation within the framework of that context - this should be done in your dream journal under the original dream in detail and also briefly in your dream dictionary.
4. Continue to update the symbol
It is quite important to continue to record new insights into the symbol so that you can see how your consciousness is evolving, which is the essence of dream work. In this way your dream dictionary is a sacred record of your evolving consciousness - not unlike your soul's Book of Life.
I tend not to use a journal or book for recording dream symbols, I prefer to type them into the computer and keep them electronically simply because they are easier to cut and paste and put into alphabetical order but loose pages in a binder will also work well.
In a dream I had recently the symbol of andalusite came up. This surprised me for I haven't really been involved in or studied geology for many years. Following the 4 steps above this is what I have recorded about my dream symbol, andalusite.
1. Research: I have a number of geology books in my personal library, one of which was useful in obtaining the information I needed; The MacDonald Encyclopedia of Rocks & Minerals. I also did a Google search and found information online as well. Additional research could be done on the mark of the cross in the Bible as this would add another dimension to the interpretation. I haven't written it here to keep the post short. Don't forget to list your references in this section.
2. Record the symbol and its meaning:
Andalusite:
Andalusite is a typical low pressure metamorphic rock rich in aluminium and silica. It appears in stumpy prismatic crystals. The chiastolite version contains fine, dark coloured, carbonaceous or clayey inclusions absorbed during the growth of the crystal and arranged in a regular pattern along the crystal's axis. In cross section this looks like a cross, which gives it the name "cross stone". The name chiastolite is derived from the Greek word 'chiastos' which means cross marked or marked with a cross. In a more esoteric sense chiastolite is the stone of balance and harmony, representing the base and sacral chakras and is associated with the zodiac sign of Virgo. Interestingly it is used in high-temperature electrical insulators and acid resistant ceramic products.
Dream dates: 8/7/2011 (an important inclusion at the bottom of the page - it allows me to find the dream again in my journal which are recorded in date order).
3. Interpret the symbol:
Key words: low pressure, rich in silica, crystalline, absorbs dark carbonaceous matter to form a cross, marked with a cross, balance & harmony, sacral & base chakras, Virgo, high temp electrical insulator, acid resistant.
Additional research could be done on the mark of the cross in the Bible.
Sometimes the key words will be sufficient to write here if you delve into the meaning of these in your dream journal.
The Dream: In the dream I was in a learning environment, receiving much help to learn and given gifts to assist me - one gift was a new black felt tipped pen in a size that I like to write with. The andalusite was associated with a volcano at the south pole.
Interpretation: I often feel a lot of pressure to evolve my consciousness and fall back in my practices due to overwhelm. The appearance of andalusite is showing me that the mark of the cross (Christ consciousness) can be achieved with constant low pressure. The dark carbonaceous matter absorbed by the crystal - carbonaceous matter under pressure forms coal and at high pressure forms diamonds. The carbonaceous matter then represents my potential - the inner diamond that requires building and polishing. It also represents lessons that must be learned and passed to create the diamond. Passing these lessons are what helped me to develop the mark of the cross. It doesn't have to be completely pristine - a note for me to let go of perfectionism. I wasn't shown a diamond so that is also significant. The South Pole of the planet is a gateway to the Inner Earth. The south pole in the body is the positive pole situated below the belly button (the dan tien then becomes another symbol). The south pole is then a symbol of personal and collective consciousness. At a time when I have been feeling as though my guides have deserted me (although I know that isn't so) I was shown I that I was very supported and receiving much help to learn. It draws my attention to balance and harmony within the two lower chakras, which happen to be the two I am currently working on. (if you don't know much about the chakras you would research these as symbols also). The base chakra, third ray (the ray of active intelligence) is at present my point of focus. The sacral chakra has to do with the relationship to self, which I am also striving to improve. The fact that andalusite is used in high temperature electrical insulators and acid resistant ceramic products is significant. The energy flowing in from Source can fry our electrical system if we don't ground ourselves properly and give our nervous system time to upgrade. The presence of andalusite is showing me I am sufficiently grounded and insulated to receive a high doses of energy at present. Ceramics are made from clay - clay also appears in the formation of the cross within the crystal. Clay is used as a lining for dams so they don't leak, clay creates a barrier between land and water - the mental and emotional. I associate this with my inner gold bubble of protection and the need to have it there to insulate my emotions from any negative subconscious thought triggers - I've fallen back in doing this visualisation so this is a gentle reminder to have it in place. The symbolism of the volcano indicates material from deep within erupting or surfacing. Again the symbol is both personal and planetary. I saw a shield volcano - again very gentle, more an oozing out of material than violent eruptions. The symbol is indicating that change need not be traumatic, it can take place gently and easily.
What a perfect symbol to convey such a detailed message. I could in fact write pages for this interpretation but I think you get the idea that our symbols are very personal depending upon what we know and have studied. In this dream there were hints also of the planetary consciousness which can also be explored or we can merely take it as our own contribution to the whole. The more we know about a wide variety of topics the more succinct the symbol can be to provide deeper meaning.
I hope this article has been useful in providing an example of how to record dream and interpret dream symbols.
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