A. Venefica’s Weblog: Symbolic Meanings

My friend Göran was curious about the sword symbolism as he begins pondering his next creative sculpted jewelry piece (click here to see his amazing sculpted jewelry art).

He’s done a lot of his own contemplation on the symbolic meaning of swords for his art work, and I thought I’d add to his thoughts by making this post.

Sword symbolism speaks of:

• Solidarity
• Defense
• Clarity
• Power
• Honor
• Force

Most perceptible is the symbolism of protection, honor and justice embodied in the blade of the sword. 

Metaphysically speaking the sword is symbolic of the penetrating power of the mind, and encourages the wielding of trained intellect to bring about the results we seek. 

The making of a sword incorporates all the elements: Earth, Fire, Air, Water.  This is a powerful point as it confirms the energetic pattern of the sword presents wholeness, balance, totality, and the unification of all resource to form a tightly focused beam of force (energy).

As an alchemical symbol aspects of the sword are representative of purification through the process of life and death.

Furthermore, Buddhism recognizes the sword as a metaphor in that the sword cuts through ignorance to reach to the truth in all things….“cutting through” wrong thought.

In Japan the sword is a symbol of courage and strength.  Here the sword is created by smithys in religious rituals.  Their swords are highly valued and serve as symbols of the warrior archetype.

As a Celtic symbol, the sword is connected to gain, wealth, honor, and establishment of hierarchy.  Often swords we be consider markers of familial ties, and indicate victories won for the purpose of insuring the survival of blood lineage.  Interestingly, swords were thought to be given as offerings by releasing them into the depths of the oceans.  I’ve written more about this and the sword’s connection with Nuada, here.

Mayans symbolism indicates the sword as the giver of life.  These people were intimate with the thin veil between physical life and spiritual life.  The sword serves as a gateway (when slain in battle or sacrifice) into spiritual life as the physical body passes and the spirit lifts into celestial unfolding.

As dream symbols, the sword is considered to hold meanings of intellect, seeking power, aggression, decision and action.  When we dream of swords our psyche is surfacing a message that it may be time for us to gain clarity about our position in life circumstances, take a stand and take action in a clear, discriminatory fashion. 

It may also hearken to our chivalrous archetypal nature.  Meaning, we may have an inclination to rescue someone (or ourselves).  Swords in dreams may also confirm our internal strength, that we are not prisoners of our circumstance, but we may cut away these limiting ties that bind us.

The symbolic meaning of the sword plays a large role in the language of the Tarot.  In  this esoteric light, a whole new realm of meaning about swords opens up to us.  I have written about the symbolic sword of the Tarot in depth here.

I’ve also written more in-depth thoughts on sword symbolism (including cultural perspectives) here.

Last month I was asked for a dream interpretation involving dream symbols of houses, storms and lightening. 

The dream is as follows:

“In the dream i am with a lady friend and we are walking down a road near the home where i use to live.  In the distance i see a terrifying storm cloud gather. I grab her hand and run towards to my old house. As I run to the house for protection, my lady friend goes to go in house next door and a lightning bolt just misses her, she is ok,then the storm quickly vanishes.I find this a very deep dream,would you be able to interpretate this for me?”

My response:

I can give you some impressions and thoughts on your dream, but ultimately only you can interpret the dream.

Dreams are messages from our own consciousness, and they dance within the context of our own lives - therefore it’s impossible for anyone but you to be able to glean the full, true meaning of the dream.

I’ll give you some ideas about the symbols in your dreams.  After thinking and meditating upon these symbols, I’m sure you will be able to formulate some answers from you psyche.

Let’s take your dream bit by bit, delving deep into each symbol.

You and your lady are on a a road.  Roads in dreams are symbolic of direction, navigation, purpose, goals, and destinations.

When we are moving in an easterly direction in dreams it is symbolic of communications, new beginnings and matters of the spirit, as we symbolically see the sun rising in the east.

Dreaming of houses deals with the body, as well as a desire for security and safety. The condition of the house in your dream represents how you truly feel about your current situation. If the house is in ill-repair or disarray, you need to take a close look at your health. If you are building a House, you should expect visits from old friends and you’ll make new friends. A picture-perfect house means you are ready to settle down into a more stable situation. In your case, a familiar house indicates a need to get back to your roots, surround yourself with comfort, create an environment of stability, as well as people and situations that make you feel safe/taken care of.

Interpreting storms in dreams gets tricky.  My symbolic lexicon identifies thoughts with sky and clouds as the element of air runs a symbolic parallel with thoughts and the cosmic consciousness.

That a storm is brewing in your dreams may indicate challenges, problems, mis-communication, misunderstanding, or conflict within the mind.  This may include an inability to make a decision or holding grudges (just as clouds accumulate, so too do thoughts).

Rain storms are symbolic of water, and water symbolism deals with cleansing and emotional stirrings.  The dream may indicate an accumulation of unclear thoughts need to be washed away from your psyche in order to continue on your path.

Lightning is symbolic of a stroke of genius, clarity, or ephiphany.  It is also symbolic of action, power, and masculinity.  Many dream interpreters consider it to be a spiritual oracle as native peoples have established lightning as a “sign from the gods” in cosmic consciousness.

I believe if you think about all of these dream symbols, and really invest the time to gather your own personal understanding of them and how they relate to your life experience, I know you will find profound meaning in your dream.

Dreams are windows into another world of knowledge.  When we take the time to meditate upon the meanings of our dreams in relation to our lives, we are looking into a bigger picture that provides us with incredible insight.

I got an email from a gentlewoman who was dreaming of deceased people, and she requested some clarity on this issue.  I respond thusly,

Dear Dreamer,

You are going to hear a million different reasons and explanations about dreaming of the deceased (or people who have passed from this physical plane, if you prefer).  All of these explanations are slices of the truth, and so you owe it to yourself to find the meaning that sits best with your own spirit.

In my life experience I have come to know the nature of energy (including the life force that is “human”) never dies - it simply passes from one phase to another.  We see it in all of nature.  Energy simply cannot be destroyed - it is universal law.

With that foundation, we can make the next assumption that our connection with other people (connections are a type of energy) will not die either - even if their physical bodies have ceased on this earth.

Are these people that have passed away coming in your dreams to give you a message?  Perhpaps….there are many philosophies out there that will tell you this.

The psyche deals with mortality in interesting ways - this is due to our own deep rooted beliefs as well as the collective conscious’ perception of death.

Perhaps you could also entertain the idea that you are a receiver of energy.  If our energetic connections with people never cease, then it would make sense that there are places within our own psyche that will recall the energy of those who have passed.  In this light, perhaps your own inner self is sending you a message, and using the imagery of those who passed as a message.

Recall the personalities of those people in your dreams.  Is there a predominant theme?  For example, was one person a healer?  Perhaps this is a message for more healing in your life.  Was another person always angry? Perhaps this is a message to point out your own anger, and how you may work to defuse it.

When we dream of those who passed, it may also be our inner selves telling us to die to the things that no longer serve us.  In other words, dreams of people who have passed me be a message for us release grudges or ditch bad habits.

You have brought up an enormous phenomenon - books have been written about this phenomenon, and will continue to be written about it.  What is key, is that you invest the time to determine the meaning to your own personal satisfaction.

I can promise you one thing, however: These dreams would not come to you if you yourself did not have the answers to their meaning. 

You know - just give yourself the time, patience, determination, and thirst for knowledge - the answers will come.

Many of us are having more and more visions, and I often am asked to shed some light on the symbolism of visions.

Such is the case with one gentleman looking for a reading on the symbolic meanings of his vision.

This is his vision told in his words:

“In my morning meditation, somebody was suddenly right in front of my face. This person seemed to be shouting at me. Slowly, my vision expanded and I realized it was a native warrior, face painted, and a single feather rising from the back of his head. As the vision continued to expand, I could see we were in a forest clearing and it was a circle of warriors chanting and dancing around a fire. I watched them as they made one complete circle of the fire, and suddenly they were gone.

Now I realized that straight ahead of me, through an opening in the trees, something was flying towards me. As it came closer I thought it was a bald eagle. It was quite large, and I could see some white. Now it began descending. Closer and closer, lower and lower, and as I strained my neck to watch it fly directly over me, so close I thought I could almost reach out and touch it, I realized it was a pure white Raven.”

My reponse and impressions on this symbolic vision is as follows:

Dear David,

Thank you for indulging me the span of time it took to get in the groove of your vision.  sometimes impressions come in big, beautiful, fully-formed blocks of information. Other times, some stewing is required. After stewing in your visionary energies for over two weeks, these are the impressions that have come forward….I hope it’s worth the wait :-).

Before I begin, please keep in mind these impressions are coming through my own filter.  Meaning my own life experience will color the interpretations. That’s just the way it is.  I cannot separate my personality from what I am shown…and I tend to think that’s okay.

So that is why I beat the drum of independent study so vehemently. You must invest the time to know yourself, and interpret these visions as they apply to you and your life experience. 

YOU are the visionary, and the energies you deal with communicate special enlightenment for only you. My interpretation will never be the correct answer for you, but it will be an aspect of truth, as we are all connected and each of us presents a slice of the whole pie of knowing.

Enough of my diatribe…now onto the your symbolism of vision:

You prefaced the description of you vision by saying “that I don’t think I really understand it and/or, what I should be getting out of it.”

However, your vision begins with a human face confronting you very directly. Eye-to-eye. Nose-to-nose. Direct challenge, direct confrontation.  This initial face-to-face impression in your vision flies in direct opposition of this statement.  Symbolic stand-off’s such as this indicate you DO know precisely the matter and message of this vision. You may be at a “face off” in which there is something you must face or deal with. There may be a part of you that does not want to face the issue – but you certainly know what it is.

Expanding the vision, we see it is a warrior facing you – complete with war paint.  Our energetic lineage retains rituals of our ancestors. As such, we know the painting of native bodies and faces was/is a ritualistic practice carried out with deep sobriety and somber respect for the intention. Meaning, application of markings and color to the body was done purposefully and with focus. So this intentional ritual of marking the body with intent to battle begs the questions: 

• Who or what are you at war with?
• You have taken steps, made action, gone through modern-day rituals yourself…but to what end?
• What is the motivation of your prime action?
• Where is your focus?

The warrior has one single feather erected from his crown chakra. You can read about my thoughts on the symbolism of feathers (on my symbols website) here, and then more on this subject on my blog here. Briefly, feathers deal with:

• Ascension
• Spirituality
• Clarity of thought

Combined with this feather’s location on the crown chakra the theme of the vision deals with very high ideals:

• matters of enlightenment,
• conscious evolution, and
• energetic advancement.

That there is only one feather calls attention to the symbolism of one:

• One path,
• one direction,
• action,
• beginnings,
• foundations,
• solidarity of thought,
• singleness of purpose,
• activity of focus.

When we combine these concepts with the heady aspects of feathers and the 7th chakra, we begin to ask questions such as:

• Is there one path to freedom?
• Am I aligned with that energetic channel that seeks the highest vibration?

The feather points up  in your vision – does it not? I would encourage you to meditate upon that image – the feather pointing up with its base nestled in your divine crown. It’s a powerful symbol, capable of launching you into intense epiphany.

Moving further into your vision we see a forest clearing. Trees hold symbolism  that goes way beyond  my capacity for words.  The outermost philosophical branches of trees express symbolism of:

• Life,
• strength,
• resource,
• evolution,
• knowledge,
• provision

Trees encompass such massive and diverse energy that pinning single meanings takes some deep (and personal) contemplation.

However, that there is fire within your visionary forest, this indicates you are using resources at hand. By burning of the wood, you are igniting creative fire in a controlled methodical, ritualistic fashion.

Indeed our cosmic energy reveals our ancestors burning wood in order to obtain the secrets pressed within the flesh of sacred trees. Our energetic ancestors recognized trees as esoteric tablets of wisdom – capable of expressing and transferring that wisdom to us when we activated the indwelling passion (igniting the fire).

Furthermore, fire is symbolic of:

• passion
• spirituality
• creativity
• desire
• action
• possession
• energy
• intensity

Within these analogies we may ask questions such as:

• What surrounds you that sparks your passion?
• Is there an equal balance between your cool forests and the burning fire you create?
• Are you “burning out” your resources?
• In your practices, are you extracting the knowledge and experience you seek?

We cannot ask “what is consuming you” because we see order within your imagery of fire. But we may be bold, and ask if you feel conflict or war is required in order to have peace?

This is asked when we see your warriors circling around your flame. Circles are symbolic of:

• connectivity
• infinity
• evolution
• cycles
• repetition
• union
• eternity

Can you see the theme of balance within your vision?  Throughout your vision we see contrast:

• Peace vs. aggression (feathers vs. war paint).
• Spirituality vs. physicality (Sahasrara chakra vs. human form),
• Passive vs. active (trees vs. bonfire).

The Raven in your vision is replete with transformational symbolism, as it is typically black yet your vision indicates the Raven as white in color.  This offers further validation to the balance-seeking theme of the vision.

In other words, we see catharsis, release, and transformation as your deeper self propels the traditional imagery of the Raven, which is black, into a pristine white symbol.

Air animals are archetypes of living our lives in higher realms. Birds are symbols of:

• higher thought,
• higher intelligence and
• higher ideals

This is because birds are (metaphorically and mythologically speaking), situated in proximity to the higher energies of the Universe.

Ravens are no exception to this underlying symbolism of air totems. However, Ravens are special among their airy clan as they are the symbolic containers of:

• mystery,
• magic,
• secrets, and
• even deception.

As I mentioned in an earlier email to you, Ravens do not give up their secrets easily.  They love to watch us marvel over their messages.  Ravens demand our commitment to learning their wisdom, and do not reveal their meanings unless they are convinced we’ve devoted ourselves completely to the path of understanding (both dark and light sides of) energy.

However, your vision demonstrates the most fundamental concept of alchemy which is: Transition and Transformation.

What is dark (traditional black Raven) becomes light as we see in your white Raven. We may interpret this into an alchemical formula: “With balanced mixing of appropriate energies, dark unknowns (black Raven) become known (white Raven).”

In other words, through the consistent unveiling of your inner depths, and the positive/active utilization of these inner impulses the esoteric secrets become exposed to the light of your own consciousness.

Are these interpretations deep? By gosh yes, they are deep. It’s a deep vision you’ve had.

It is no simple mind that summons the Raven. That is why I disagree with your earlier statement that you don’t think you understand the vision. This is poppycock (and I mean that lovingly).

The Raven will never come to a person who is not advanced enough to read the deeper meanings behind its presence. Ravens are cunning, selective creatures – if you did not already know the answers, you would have never had the vision.

David, I’ve laid a lot on your proverbial table here. It’s time for you to further prepare your table and feast on the wealth of knowledge that is before & within you. Seat yourself in the center of your own internal abundance. Know that your life experience is a grand banquet, and celebrate your own absolute knowing that is infused in every fiber of your being.

Thank you for sharing your vision. Moreover, thanks for indulging me this time of philosophical waxing and honoring my perspective (even if somewhat eccentric).

Namaste & brightest blessings to you,
A.

I got an intriguing post from a reader who requested a dream interpretation .

Here is a recap of her dream:

“The main parts of the dream were about three buried bumble bees, and one ruby slipper, buried by a shaman, in order to ’summon’ me? I came to him with utter confusion about finding three bees and a ruby slipper.” To which I respond…

Dear Dream Queen:

I’m happy to regurgitate the impressions I am shown about your dream. However, it is always you who is the interpreter - and only you are able to apply the meaning of your dream to your own life situation.

By translating the dream into how it applies to your life you are able to join two worlds - the mundane with the mystical. By joining these two halves to make a whole, you essentially lift yourself into a higher state of consciousness. With that kind of gravity, you can see why you really owe it to yourself to investigate all angles of meaning to your dreams.

That said:

Slippers or shoes are typically dream symbols that indicate our path in life and they ask these questions of us:

• Is the path I walk congruent with my beliefs?
• How is my spiritual walk?
• How do I feel about the direction my life is taking?

I’ve written an interesting post on shoe symbolism and lore here.

That your slipper is buried may indicate there is neglect within an important aspect within your life-walk, or something that you may wish not to reveal to others. Alternatively, buried slippers may hint to a meditative state - a time of resting from action and contemplating the path you’ve strode thus far.

That there is only one slipper may indicate a sense of either incompleteness or a narrow minded approach to your life’s journey (only moving in one direction with resistance to other options).  One slipper may also indicate taking the first step as we see an aspect of number one in numerology deals with new beginnings.

Rubies - (including ruby colored shoes or ruby slippers) are symbolic of the passion that sparkles brightly within our selves. For many of us, the subconscious mind associates the ruby with life, passion, and action as it’s deep, rich color is linked with such primitive forces as blood and fire.

The dreaming mind’s reference to gems speaks of unlimited potential and our inherent ability to create exquisite beauty by working hard towards our heart’s goal. We gather this analogy from the back-breaking work in mining for gems, and then undertaking the arduous task of forming the gem into its finished faceted glory. This is analogous of the chiseling of the soul…chipping away at the superfluous parts of ourselves to retrieve our innate finery.

Offhandedly, does the Wizard of Oz have something to do with the symbolism of your ruby slipper? Is there some kind of symbolic archetype there that your subconscious is tapping into? Are you looking for a way back home (philosophically speaking)?

Bumble bees in dreams speak of:

• industry,
• action,
• communication, and
• our ability to consciously choose the results we want in our lives

Bees also point to spiritual gifts as we incorporate the treasures of (golden) honey as their industrious byproducts. When we dream of bees it may be an indication that we are ready to communicate our spiritual gifts, or perhaps we should more clearly recognize the treasure the resides within us.

That your bees are buried may indicate you’re holding yourself back, or your voice (communicating your needs) is stifled for whatever reason. Alternatively, buried bees may hint to a hibernation, a time of holding back in self-reflection and I speak more of this later.

Even the number of bees may assist in identifying what kind of concepts the subconscious (dreaming) mind is presenting. Three is symbolic of creativity, and joining together higher aspects to create a unified whole - an end product (whether it be wholeness, art, enlightenment, or accomplishing a goal). I’ve written more on the symbolic meaning of three here. - it might be worth a gander.

Shamans are archetypes of primitive power. These beings can breathe in-time with the pulse of the earth. Likewise they move in-step with the primal rhythm of the Mother (earth, that is). That he is summoning you may indeed be a literal translation - your higher self - or the part of you more in-tune with the Divine may be calling you forth on a new path (harkening back to the symbolic slipper).

This symbolism combined with the earth (in the burying bees & slipper) bring about an intuitive glimmer that speaks of needing to be more rooted in the core of your beliefs. I’m talking about anchoring, rooting, and becoming wholly centered within your own Source of power.

I’m particularly fascinated with the burying aspect of your dream - not only can this be symbolic of holding back, or covering up - it may also indicate a need to ferment, or a time of hopeful germination. Are there aspects of yourself that are still in development (like seeds buried in the ground waiting for the right time to spring forth)? Or, do you have ideas that need to compost a bit before you can develop them?

I hope these ideas give you a bit of a nudge in a direction that might help you apply more personal meanings to your dreams. I know you will be able to read this and weave many tapestries of personal understandings that will weave through your daily life.

I would encourage you to continue to develop your own understanding of the many aspects of your dream life and then lay these meanings on top of your life situation like a template.

By doing this we can see through the transparencies and begin to formulate meaningful insight into the greater context of our lives.

Thanks for posting your dream, and for allowing me to reflect upon it.

Namaste,

A.

I’ve been asked about the symbolic meaning of the moth. 

 It took me a few days to really jive with this amazing creature, but once allowed access, I was given some incredible insights.  These (intense) thoughts can be seen here on my symbolic meaning of moth page. Here are some other observations:

Moths are nocturnal, and much of their symbolism deals with:

• Intuition
• Psychic perception
• Heightened awareness

Indeed, many people who are spiritual practitioners (particularly of an esoteric ilk) attract the moth as their animal totems. 

As if being a night-dweller weren’t enough, the moths are babes of the moon.  They follow the mother moon as a source of light, and this connects them with some powerful moon associations such as:

• Knowledge of the Otherworld
• Second sight
• Influence
• Prophesy
• Clarity

However, as I mentioned in my in-depth page on moth symbolism here, those of us who fly high with the moth must be mindful to not be too carried away by her influence.  Moon creatures such as moths ask us to have a firm foundation before lunar journeying. 

The moth expresses some tender vulnerabilities, which I’ve mentioned here. We may take this as a message to be open to our heightened spiritual experiences yet allow for adjustment and protection too.

Indeed, we find this theme of protection in the moth’s chrysalis.  Unlike her cousin, the butterfly (with whom the moth shares many symbolic attributes), the moth’s coccoon is like an internalized womb with a hard casing, allowing more protection against the elements.  (the butterfly has an externalized womb, more exposed and subjective to the environment).

This may be analogous of garnering protection for ourselves in our spiritual practices.  The moth reminds us to have a willing heart in our spiritual growth, but realize the heart is a treasure to be taken care of.  Part of this caretaking involves nurturing and protection during times of development.

I’ve written more about the moth’s message of balance, grounding and protection (particularly in terms of its attraction to light and flames) here.

As a dream symbol, the moth may be interpreted as a message to listen to our inner voice.  Dreaming of the moth may also indicate we are on the path to attracting love into our lives (see more about the moth and love symbolism here). 

Another dream animal aspect of the moth deals with influence.  Here, our dreaming mind may ask our waking mind what is it that rules our attention, or what are we allowing to overly influence us in our daily lives?
 
In superstition: A white moth is said to embody the soul of a loved one.  White being the symbolic color of purity of the soul, and the embodiment comes from an ancient idea that the night (realm of the moth) is a dwelling place for souls (in terms of the Underworld or Otherworld).

Another superstition connected to the moth is that when one is seen, an important letter or message will arrive (I have yet to find an origin for this one – if you know where this folk-myth came from, feel free to comment).

But don’t rely on superstition to receive an important message.  Take some time to connect with the moth…she may be a bit elusive at first, but she’s worth the persistence for the wisdom she imparts.

For more information on symbolic meaning of the moth click here.

Other insect totem information can be found here.

I’ve also written about other animal totems; a list can be found here.
 

I received another comment on my post about Finding Feathers on Your Path in which the reader intimated a desire to have a dream interpretation, as well as an interpretation of a magnificent phenomenon. 

To re-cap his comment:
“In 1977 I was on a trip in Hagerman, New Mexico. I was on the seventh day of a fast when lots of little birds landed on my body as I lay on the ground resting. I had a dream after that and I could see old model cars and rooftops only. The little birds left feathers all around me.”

The following are some thoughts on interpreting these events:

Dear Eagle Feather,

Fascinating!  Thanks for sharing this experience - absolutely fascinating.

I get completely jazzed when I learn of animals making a connection with us (in your case, literally) – coming so close into the human aura – I imagine for them it may be like visiting another planet….a place with similarities, but so vastly foreign.

You point out the seven’s in your experience  - certainly understandable as this number is ruled by Saturn, and therefore exudes qualities concerning:

• Knowledge
• Consciousness
• Awareness
• Activation of Imagination

These qualities of the number seven are set in an esoteric framework.  The meaning of seven does not normally speak of a day-to-day awareness, but more a cosmic blossoming of presence. 

Saturn (ruler of seven) is a complex energy, to be true – but at its core is a singular pulsing eye of consciousness that is accessible through our activation of it. 

I believe your post-fasting experience is a manifestation of this in which you essentially activated (opened) this eye of the storm – the calm within the cosmic consciousness, causing a chain of events – your bird visitation being one of these events. 

We can find confirmation of numerological phenomenon of seven by peeking at the preliminary number you shared: 1977.  If we reduce the number (which is a common numerology practice; an example of this can be found here) we get the number six (1+9+7+7=24, 2+4=6). 

Sixes are the embodiment of our physical completion.  To illustrate: Myth indicates the world was created in six days.  Further, the human has developed its most primary essentials for functionality within the womb after six months.  There are other clues that indicate the number six is the culmination of physical completion.  Six is symbolic of one totality – but on the precipice – only a starting point.   (note: I’ve written a brief summary on numbers meanings here). 

Effectually,

• Six is the point of wholeness primed for further transformation.
  
• Seven marks the point of a new phase of growth.

And so essentially, on the 7th day, you rested into a new phase of energetic presence.  The manifestation of your descending birds serves as an exclamation point to your experience. The symbolism of the bird indicates a direct energetic match with your state of receptivity at that time. 

Quite fitting as animal totems (birds) are symbolic of:

• Higher mind
• Consciousness
• Imagination
• Dreams
• Intuition
• Thoughts
• Spirit

As you likely know, many Native American  philosophies honor the bird as kin to the gods, as its home is within the heavens.  Further, birds hold special power as they move in two worlds.  Birds are buoyed by the air and ever-connected with divine mind – yet able to touch down to the ground, sit with the Mother (Earth) and become anchored to primitive roots of being.

I think your dream is a reflection of this duality.

Your dream cars seem to be juxtaposed to your whole sequence of events, don’t they?  However, when we see they may serve as a hook back into your earthly matters, they take on a different meaning.  Your cars settle on the ground, and may serve as a message of anchoring too.

But the cars say so much more – as vehicles of transportation they symbolically speak of:

• Motion
• Direction
• Progress
• Direction
• Navigation
• Motivation
• Advancement

Dream cars ask us “how do I get from point A to point B?” Perhaps this question was posed to you in a spiritual/philosophical sense due to the prevalence of birds (symbolic of higher thought and spirituality).

I like that you’ve pointed out these cars are old models.  I believe this is symbolic of :

• an old modality of thought,
• an old way of functioning or
• an older belief system that no longer serves you (in getting you from point A to point B) after experiencing the phenomenal events leading up to your 7 day fast.

Like most dreams, we could spend years delving into the variables, and subtle symbolism’s to gain more insight. 

Dreams are energetic lives played by our more childlike persona’s within an ethereal (often surreal) theatre. 

Part of the fun of dream interpretation is to interconnect the theatrical production with the backstage events (your “awake” life).

I’ll leave these ideas with you, with the hope they will spark clarity in your own pesonal interpretation. Ultimately, you are the ONLY interpreter.

In closing, thanks for indulging me this lengthy response.  I get really inspired by certain things, so I tend to philosophically wax (going on and on - usually getting really “far out”).

I suppose I need to learn there is never an ending (and maybe I should learn to paraphrase better :-).

In love & light,

A.
 

I received a question about dreaming of blue jays and cardinals from a gentleman who left a comment on my Meaning of Feathers post here.

To re-cap the dream:

“My friend had a dream about a blue jay flying in his kitchen window and landing on his head. The bird calmly allowed him to carry it in his hands to be released out the door. Upon re-entering the kitchen, a cardinal flew in the window and landed on his shoulder. It seemed to want to stay there and resisted somewhat to being released outside. At that point, he woke up. Can you help interpret this dream?”

Dear Feathered Friend (I couldn’t resist the pun):

I’ll begin as I usually do - by saying mine is only one perspective.  Ultimately your friend will have to take the time to interpret his dream (if he hasn’t already) for himself.  Symbols in dreams (or otherwise) are intensely personal, and their meanings are like chameleons - changing according to the backdrop they’re nestled upon. 

Simply put, symbolic meanings are tailored to their master. 

That said…what a great dream!  Let’s take it step by step:

1) Symbolic Meaning of  the Blue jay deals with:

• Clarity
• Voice
• Assertion
• Curiosity

I go into the origin of these symbolic attributes in much greater detail in my page on the symbolic meaning of the blue jay here.   When we dream of blue jay’s it may be a message that it’s time to vocalize more clearly.  Does your friend need to speak out in his own defense?  Is it time he asserts himself, and speaks his mind?  Or, perhaps he’s curious about a something…a different vocation, relationship, location…the blue jay will come to us when we need a nudge of confidence in order to peek behind those curtains in order to satisfy our curiosity.

2) Symbolic Meaning of Kitchens:

Part of the wonderful crazy world of dream interpretation is that no stone is left unturned.  Every detail of the dream has unique symbolism - kitchens included.  Symbolic meaning of kitchens deal with:

• Preparation
• Creativity
• Sharing
• Nourishment

Kitchens are where we prepare nourishment for ourselves, as well as friends and family.  They are often social gathering places too where long intimate talks are held over a good plate of pasta or a cup of joe.  When we dream of kitchens it may be a message to spend more quality timewith those who are close to us.  Or, it may indicate we need to take the time to feed ourselves better (physically AND philosophically).  Is your friend getting the proper kind of nourishment (socially? physically?)?

3) Symbolic Meaning of Windows and Doors:

As we would imagine, the symbolic meaning of windows and doors in our dreams speak of openings, entryways, and portals.  They also speak of two-way directions (letting in, and letting out).  Windows in our dreams ask us what kind of opportunities are we facing right now?  Are we shutting out our highest good, or opening the shades and letting in the light?  Interestingly, windows are like eyes to houses.  Houses are symbolic of solid foundations, with windows looking out…is your friend seeking out other structures?  In need of a new foundation? It’s a stretch…but something to consider.  Also, if they are clear glass windows, it is often a message of clarity of thought (this ties in with the blue jay too).

4) Symbolism of the Head:

Here again, no dream-point is moot.  The blue jay landed on your friend’s head.  This is symbolic of thoughts, contemplation, sorting out a problem.  The blue jay confirms this symbolism as it is symbolic of clarity.  This imagery speaks of a need to get clarity of thought - or better yet - get focused and assertive with some thoughts or ideas.

5) Symbolic Meaning of the Cardinal Deals with:

• Passion
• Boldness
• Nobility

I’ve written more about the origins of these meanings on my Symbolic Meaning of Cardinal page here.  The cardinal flying into the window of your friend’s dream may indicate a returning of a love that was once lost, forgotten or buried in the past.  I’m not necessarily referring to a romantic love - but something your friend was passionate about yet had to give up for one reason or another.  Perhaps your friend might want to re-visit some passions that were left behind.  By doing so, his sense of confidence may be boosted.

6) Symbolism of the Shoulder:

Shoulders in dreams may indicate a burden is being carried by your friend - the cardinal landing on his shoulder may be a message that your friend has or is grappling with the loss of this love I mentioned in the above paragraph.  Shoulders are also our starting point of strength.  Consider, from our shoulders span our arms which are symbolic of strength and power. 

I’d like your friend to consider the occurrence of air totems in his dream.  Creatures of the sky speak to us of thoughts, higher ideals, spiritual enhancement, even enlightenment.  They are creatures closest to the heavens, and so they are the messengers of the gods (your Native American blood knows this, no?).

I love the implications of color in this dream: one red bird, one blue.  Red and blue are vibrant power colors by themselves, to be true - but if we put them together, we get violet.  Here again we see a symbolic undertone of richness, high-mindedness and devotion in the color of violet. I’ve written a bit about symbolism of colors here (it’s my Tarot site, but the core insights are consistent).

We can even investigate your dream from a numerological perspective.  Two birds - the meaning of two  deals with choice, balance, opportunity, and so much more as indicated on my study of the number two here.

It should be clear the symbolic possibilities of this dream (any dream for that matter) are endless.

When your friend has meditated and contemplated all these beautiful symbols in his dream, it’s time for him to begin putting the puzzle pieces together.  When he relaxes with all the symbolism, they will begin to morph into a template he can lay on top of his life situation.  This will provide amazing clarity as to the true meaning of his dream.

Just keep in mind this is only one perspective (and a brief one at that - years could be devoted to the many nuances this dream presents).  Please tell your friend it’s his responsibility to charm the meanings out of this dream.

I hope this dream interpretation of the blue jay, cardinal and other dream symbols is helpful to your friend.  

Granted, it’s rather lengthy - but I couldn’t help it - so many neat and subtle meanings peering out - just had to let loose.  Thanks for indulging in my verbosity!

A few symbolic meanings of the Beaver include:

• Industry
• Community
• Goals
• Determination
• Accomplishment
• Resourcefulness
• Community

Ingenious builders and also creatures of water, Beavers represent the architecture (development) of our subconscious thoughts (dreams). Beavers are diligent workers and attune with their environment, and thus serve as a model for us to set goals while still maintaining flexibility.

Beaver Animal Totems Facilitate:

• Clearer understanding of our subconscious thoughts and dreams
• Ability to mold our thoughts more constructively to suit our needs
• Determination to follow our dreams
• Diligence to keep and reach our goals
• Balance and flexibility concerning ourselves and our expectations

As a dream animal, the Beaver is a message to get busy, and start accomplishing those goals you’ve only been thinking (or dreaming) about until now.  You’ve thought about it long enough, and now is the time to get to work!

More information on the symbolic meaning of the beaver can be found here.

The symbolic meaning of clover got its most popular reputation in Ireland around the fifth century.  During this time Saint Patrick was going about the business of introducing and establishing Christianity among the people.

Nature has a way of revealing deep symbolism on a simplified level.  St. Patrick must have understood this as legend indicates he utilized the three leafed clover as an illustration of the Christian holy trinity.  Each leaf representing:

• Father
• Son
• Holy Ghost

Apparently, this spiritual teaching tool caught on and spread amongst the community because to this day the symbolic shamrock is considered an emblem of St. Patrick and his spiritual passion.

The symbolic meaning of clover may deal with spiritual development, but the use of the clover’s trefoil growth might not have been original to Saint Patrick.

Ancient Celts revered the clover because of the trinity of its leaves too.  These people had a deep understanding of their connection with nature, and had a myriad of powerful beliefs based on triads, as we see in the triskelion, triquetra, triple spiral, Druid marks, and various knot-work illustrated by the artists of the time.  The occurrence of three’s, depending on how they were depicted, indicated aspects of goddesses, gods, time, and balance of energies pertaining to the triple mark.

On a more mundane level, the clover was seen as a substantial food source for livestock which lent attributes of abundance, provision, and nurturing to the list of symbolic meaning of clover.

Furthering the symbolism of abundance, clover growth is prolific with very little provocation.  This would have indicated stability, expanse and fecundity to the Celts and their ilk.

The notorious four-leaf clover is still considered a good luck symbol today because of its rarity.  Each leaf symbolizes a different lucky characteristic:

1. Fame
2. Wealth
3. Love
4. Health  

From a spiritual perspective, the four-leaf clover may represent the same divine triune as the one prescribed by Saint Patrick: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost with the four leaf symbolizing man or humanity.  Therefore the presence of this fourth leaf (mankind) signifies redemption.

Meaning of clover and shamrocks in symbolic dreams deals with growth, financial gain, success, good health and achievement.  This is largely due to its color, as green is typically a brain trigger for refinement, wellness and satisfaction.  Also, the smell of clover is sweet, and studies have shown it induces a feeling of calm - this is also adds to the symbolism of attainment and contentment associated with dreaming of shamrocks.

Take the time to contemplate these symbolic meanings of the shamrock and add your own meanings as you go.  This year you’ll be celebrating Saint Patrick’s day (March 17) in grand symbolic style!