Dream interpretation - archetypal symbols in dreams
Archetypes are among the most powerful and most significant of
all items found in dreams, and they are of great interest to
dream interpreters and to dream researchers and scientists
alike. At its simplest, an archetype is a prototype, or an
original copy, of any object or experience. An archetype can
also refer to the prefect example of an object - the object by
which all others are judged.
This article will examine several important prototypes
encountered in dream interpretation. The first of these
archetypes is the animus.
The animus is a term used by psychologist Carl Jung to represent
the masculine side of the female. Jung felt that women possessed
a unconscious masculine imprint, and he called this imprint the
animus.
Women become familiar with the nature of the animus through a
constant questioning of ideas and opinions, and of gender roles
and identity. When coming to terms with her masculine side, the
woman learns to criticize her opinions and hold them at a
distance. This does not mean repressing those opinions; it
simply means investigating where they come from, and delving
more deeply into their background.
Dream interpretation can often be a big help in discovering the
masculine side of a woman, and the woman who dreams of being a
man is often exploring her masculine nature.
According to Jung, women go through four stages of development
when exploring and discovering their animus. In stage one, he
animus may appear in dreams, and he may represent the ultimate
embodiment of physical power. Thus the animus may appear as an
athlete, a highly muscular man, or even as a criminal or thug.
In stage two, the animus gives the woman the initiative and the
ability to take action. Women in this stage are often ready to
take on careers and lives of their own, apart from their family
and other role models.
In stage three of the development process, the animus may be
seen in dreams as a clergyman, professor or other authority
figure. During this stage, the animus represents knowledge and
wisdom.
In the
final stage, the animus comes to represent spirituality
and deeper meaning. During this stage, the animus moves back and
forth between the conscious and unconscious mind, still
appearing frequently in dreams but appearing in the waking world
as well.
The other popular dream archetype is the Mandela. A Mandela can
be either a complex or a simple geometric design or pattern,
usually in the form of a circle. Mandelas are frequently seen in
Native American ceremonies, and they make up a big part of the
religious experiences of many Native American and indigenous
peoples around the world.
The Mandela also figures prominently in Eastern religions, and
it is used to represent the universe in both the Hindu and
Buddhist traditions. In Jungian philosophy the Mandela is the
symbol for the self. The Mandela is also used to symbolize the
circle of life, completeness or wholeness.
Dreams can use any one of these meanings, or a combination of
several meanings, for the Mandela. Dreaming of a Mandela or
seeing a Mandela in your dreams, is often seen as a spiritual
yearning, or as a greater enlightenment.
It is important to know that archetypes such as the animus and
the Mandela are universal in nature, showing up again and again
in religions and mythologies around the world and across the
time. Their universal nature if one of the things that gives
them such power and influence, both in the world of dream
interpretation and in the waking world.
Even so, it is important to note that the appearance of these
symbols in dreams can have very different meanings and
interpretations for each individual dreamer. Even thought the
symbols are universal, each individual is unique, and personal
experience plays a large role in making each individual dream
symbol unique as well.
About the author:
Always having a fascination on Dreams and Dream Interpretation,
Tony Robinson has many tips and techniques you may want to read
- visit his site at http://www.dream-interpretation.com
Written by: Tony Robinson
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