Dreams of Magic, Mermaids and Metaphysical Themes
~ Dream archetypes found in every culture. Interpret your subconscious mind expressed through your dreams!
M
Machinery
A dream of machinery is often associated with the mechanics of life or routine. The uni-dimensional, consistent daily (grind) or continuous process we go through is often a dream theme which reminds us that it is time to “break out of the routine”. Are you trapped in the machine? Then it is time to escape. Are you operating the machine? What does the machine do? Is a part of your daily life or is it a machine you do not recognize? This could also be the start of something you do not recognize or know well, but with practice, you will learn the routine of it over time.
Madness (mental condition)Within our dream world, it often takes a part of our subconscious and plays it out in a safe protective manner, unlike if we were in our waking state. Dreams of going mad or crazy can indicate a loss of control. Not being able to keep your daily life organized or overwhelmed by responsibility. Dreams of seeing someone go crazy is related your relationship with them. Is it a perfect stranger who has gone mad? This is a warning that if you do not change your ways, you can end up the same way. If it is a friend or a family member, then you are closer than you think to loosing control. Drastic changes in your waking life will need to be taken in order to help you stay safe and sane.
MagicThe overall theme of magic in our dreams represents two general themes, change and power. According to your dream, the magic may indicate that you need to make changes to yourself or your environment. It could indicate that you are stuck and need to conjure up some movement in your life in order to move forward. The other explanation of magic in our dreams has to do with empowerment. In our waking lives, there may be times when we wish we could wave a wand or snap our fingers and we are the most popular in the room, our apartment gets cleaned or we have that corner office. Taking back your power is the first step. Gaining confidence, mental strength and drive are the “magic” you will need to make everything happen!
The worker of magic, the artist who performs sleight of hand tricks, in our dreams, represent the art of deception. Are you the magician (the deceiver) or are you the one watching (being deceived)? This indicates trickery, or how we are lying (or being lied to). There is a lulling of false security that comes with this dream. 2. In Jungian thought, the archetype of the magician is The Fool. In the Tarot deck, The Magician may show us things we might otherwise avoid looking at.
If you dream you are looking at something through a magnifying glass this may signify that you are looking at things too closely? Do you micromanage? Are you very critical of others? Do you expect things in life? This is a good indicator that you need to reevaluate your problems as you may be magnifying them – making mountains out of mole hills. If the glass you are using is a help to you in your dream it means that perhaps you have not been looking at things close enough and your lack of details has been setting you back in ways you did not even realize. Consider paying closer attention to those things that can use a refresher…. your check book, cleaning up your clutter or reevaluate your spending.
Maiden
The Maiden represents the enchantment of the female persona. The Maiden symbolizes both a separate stage in the female life cycle and a phase of the moon. She is an innocent and pure of heart and spirit. She is the vision of inception or new beginnings. The maiden offers up the possibilities of expansion and a new way of looking at life. She is the promise of Spring (new beginnings), the inception of birth, the promise of youth and youthful enthusiasm. She is represented by the waxing (growing) moon. (see also: Triple Goddess)
The symbol of the Roman God, Mars is often used to represent the male sex. It also stands for the planet Mars and is the alchemical symbol for iron. Often, when you see a man in your dreams it represents the aspect of yourself that is assertive, rational, aggressive, and/or competitive. Given the context of the dream, this might mean that you need to incorporate these aspects into your own character. If the man is someone you know, then the dream may reflect your feelings or concerns about him. When a woman dreams that she is in the arms of a man, it suggests that she is accepting and welcoming her stronger assertive personality. It may also highlight her desires to be in a relationship and her image of the ideal man. An elder man often represents wisdom, knowledge and truth. To see an older man in your dreams represents wisdom as well as forgiveness. The older man may be an archetypal figure of father, warrior, guardian who is offering guidance to a certain problem. In traditional male roles of hunter and warrior, men came into intimate contact with nature while also opposing it. Based on their needs for self and family. The greater a society’s technological sophistication, the less its connection to the natural order. Men are traditionally associated with the technological innovations that separate the human realm from that of nature. The male body is also viewed as the inverted triangle. The inverted triangle pattern of the ideal male body is often another subject of dreams.
Mani StoneMani stones are stone plates, rocks or pebbles, inscribed with the six syllabled mantra of Avalokiteshvara (Om mani padme hum), as a form of prayer in Tibetan Buddhism. The term Mani stone may also be used in a loose sense to refer to stones on which any mantra or devotional designs (such as ashtamangala) are inscribed. Mani stones are intentionally placed along the roadsides and rivers or placed together to form mounds or sometimes long walls, as an offering to spirits of place or genius loci. Creating and carving mani stones as devotional or intentional process art is a traditional sadhana of piety to yidam. Mani stones are a form of devotional prayer. (See also Sacred Stones).
The phallic of the “May King” or Maypole, was an ancient tradition of dancing clockwise (sun-wise or “deosil”) around a large tree or brightly decorated pole with ribbons and flowers. On Beltane eve, the Celts believed it was the fairies who were returning from their winter respite. It was considered the representation of the World Tree or World Axis. During the pre-Christian holiday of Beltane, girls would take one of the ribbons and dance around the pole counterclockwise, while the boys would take the other set of ribbon and dance clockwise. This was the male/solar energy “intertwining” with the female/lunar energy. This “matchmaking ceremony” was to believed to have originated from “Welsh Wales” but is now very much associated with “Merrie England” since the restoration of the English monarchy in 1660. With traditions reaching as far as Sweden and Germany to the North Atlantic Celts, the maypole is not only a symbol of phallic “intertwining”, but an expression of joy and happiness due to its representation of colorful ribbons, flowers and festive garland. The Priapic (acorn-tipped) Wand is connected to the seasons of Imbolc and Beltane, as it represents the promise of abundance and fertility. Also created as a riding stick or pole with a phallic tip. Children are often seen riding a similar version called a hobbyhorse. The wand or maypole can be made from a 8-12 inch twig from a tree. You can wire a bunch of flowers or an acorn(s) to the tip of the wand. You can wrap different colored ribbons from the top and wind them around the wand. They can be embellished with several attention getting charms, bells or crystals. You can place the wand on your altar, “plant it” in your garden or front door to invite abundance. Wave it 3 times over any objects you wish to multiply in your life!
MazeBeing lost in a maze will usually take you round in circles before letting you out where you first began. It is not designed to take you inward but may deliberately keep you from the center. A maze is a puzzle designed to get us lost. It can be fun, frustrating or challenging to find ourselves going round in circles, depending on the content of our dream.
MercuryConsidered one of the seven magic metals, mercury is commonly known as quicksilver and was formerly named hydrargyrum (from the Greek hydr-” water and “argyros” meaning silver). A heavy, silvery element, mercury is the only metal that is liquid at standard conditions for temperature and pressure. Mercury occurs in deposits throughout the world mostly as cinnabar. The red pigment vermilion is mostly obtained by reaction of mercury (produced by reduction from cinnabar) with sulfur. Cinnabar is highly toxic by ingestion or inhalation of the dust. Mercury poisoning can also result from exposure to water soluble forms of mercury (such as mercuric chloride or methylmercury), inhalation of mercury vapor or eating seafood contaminated with mercury. Mercury dissolves many other metals such as gold and silver to form amalgams. Iron is an exception and iron flasks have been traditionally used to trade mercury. Mercury was found in Egyptian tombs that date from 1500 BC. In China and Tibet, mercury use was thought to prolong life, although it is now known that exposure to mercury leads to serious adverse health effects and death. The ancient Greeks used mercury in ointments and the ancient Egyptians and the Romans used it in cosmetics which sometimes deformed the face. Alchemists thought of mercury as the First Matter from which all metals were formed. They believed that different metals could be produced by varying the quality and quantity of sulfur contained within the mercury. The purest of these was gold, and mercury was called for in attempts at the transmutation of base (or impure) metals into gold, which was the goal of many alchemists. Hg is the modern chemical symbol for mercury. Since it is liquid-like water and shiny like silver, The element was named after the Roman God Mercury, known for speed and mobility. It is associated with the planet Mercury, the astrological symbol for the planet is also one of the alchemical symbols for the metal. Mercury is the only metal for which the alchemical planetary name became the common name.
MermaidThis fantastical creature has a deep connection between women and the Sea. In dreams and throughout history, she has been known as the Goddess Astargatis, a female who became a hybrid after attempting to take her own life in the sea. The Siren, the more malicious sea creature toward man and the Mermaid who would warn sailors of stormy weather ahead. A supernatural half woman, half fish who is connected to both the elements of water and earth. She is a hybrid symbol of the struggle between light and dark, the spiritual struggle between good and evil and the sacred journey of the soul as it confronts fear and transforms joy. She is the object of all man’s desires yet this sexual dynamo, is sexless and virginal, since it is her lower half (or tail from the waist down) that prevents her from ever experiencing this ecstasy.
Dreams about luck, protection and intuition fall under the category of metaphysics. Metaphysics refers to the branch of philosophy that attempts to understand the fundamental nature of all reality, whether visible or invisible. “Beyond the physical”. Therefore, a Metaphysician is one who seeks to discover what underlies everything. This is the study of what is outside objective experience relating to the transcendent or to a reality beyond what is perceptible to the senses.
Mermaid
This fantastical creature has a deep connection between women and the Sea. In dreams and throughout history, she has been known as the Goddess Astargatis, a female who became a hybrid after attempting to take her own life in the sea. The Siren, the more malicious sea creature toward man and the Mermaid who would warn sailors of stormy weather ahead. A supernatural half woman, half fish who is connected to both the elements of water and earth. She is a hybrid symbol of the struggle between light and dark, the spiritual struggle between good and evil and the sacred journey of the soul as it confronts fear and transforms joy. She is the object of all man’s desires yet this sexual dynamo, is sexless and virginal, since it is her lower half (or tail from the waist down) that prevents her from ever experiencing this ecstasy.
A Mermaid’s Tale
by Andrew Pacholyk MS L.Ac ~
Peacefulmind.com
(for mom)
“Life’s a beach and then you sigh,
a sigh of relief, for days gone by.
With time, it gently, slowly drifts,
on clouds of light and sand that sifts,
between your toes and with each day,
invite a little sun your way.
And though you may not be with me,
where sand comes up to meet the sea,
remember you can always take,
a long deep breath to let escape,
the tension as you let it out…
all fear and anger, restless doubt”
Metatron’s Cube: (see Symbols)
Any symbol in a dream, must be looked at within the context of that dream. As symbols have many different meanings, it is best to discern how to interpret your dream by trying to understanding the connection between the symbol and it’s dream meaning. Metatron’s Cube is the name for a geometric figure composed of 13 equal circles with lines from the center of each circle extending out to the centers of the other 12 circles. Within this shape or cube, many other shapes can be found, including two dimensional versions of the Five Platonic Solids. Metatron’s Cube is, therefore, the template that delineates the Platonic solids. These solids are the five structures that form the building blocks of organic life, and which can be found in crystals minerals, organic life forms, sound, music, language and so on. In early Kabbalistic scriptures, Metatron supposedly formed the cube from his soul, and Metatron is also a reference to the highest Kabbalistic angel. Metatron’s cube is also considered a holy glyph, and was often drawn around a person to ward off evil spirits and dark entities. It is present in many of the ancient mysteries including Egyptian mythology, ancient Judaic teachings and in alchemy. It is a primordial and very powerful image.
A window into the soul, mirrors have a long history and relevance to our desires. It is regarded as a mystical gateway into another world. Mirrors are symbols of the Celtic holiday of Beltane and represent a looking inward with the transition from adulthood back to the possibilities of youth. Celtic women were often buried with a mirror as it was believed to capture the soul and keep it safe. The mirror in the Snow White fairytale has a soul of its own and always expresses the impartial truth. This symbolizes a reflection of both honesty and purity. Lewis Carroll took Alice Through the Looking Glass, showing her a paralleled Universe of Opposites. Our dream mirror can often show us what we wish to see, whether we like it or not. Breaking a mirror, was believed to give you 7 years of bad luck. The mirror in Feng Shui is placed over the door in a home to reflect back any bad luck that wishes to enter. Not a good tool for vampires to have around, as Bram Stoker showed us that his character, Dracula, was not able to see his reflection in it.
If money is a pressing issue in our waking life (debt, unemployment, bad job) dreams of stealing or hoarding money can represent our literal anxiety. Dreams of insufficient money commonly reflect feelings of inadequacy and powerlessness. As a rule, dreams of discovering money should not be interpreted literally. Instead, dreamers should recognize the value they already have “discovered” in their waking lives an exciting relationship, an intellectual pursuit, a promising business opportunity that is paying them emotional rewards.
MonkeyThe monkey symbolizes playfulness, agility and the almost immature, jovial fun loving seeker of adventure. He represents an uncivilized, materialistic oriented person. Also known as that deceitful person who will flatter you to advance their own interests. A dead monkey signifies your worst enemies will soon be gone. When a young woman dreams of a monkey, she should insist on an early marriage, as her lover will suspect unfaithfulness. In a love relationship, the monkey is your opposition. The monkey is a sexually active, fertile creature. In Egyptian lore, the monkey was used to symbolize anger. The Mayan culture would consider the monkey an animal of prominence, a gifted orator, hard working and talented with artistic pursuits. So honored among the Chinese, the Monkey was made one of the 12 Celestial Creatures in the Chinese Zodiac.
Dreaming about the moon often represents some mysterious aspect of yourself. It is often something we hide away. It is often associated with the feminine mystique and intuition. Alternatively, the moon signifies your changing moods. To see a normal moon in a normal sky rich with stars, denotes that you will have success with love or money but if the moon is peculiar or strange in appearance then you will meet with many disappointments. To see the eclipse of the moon in your dream signifies that your feminine side is being overshadowed. It may mean that some hidden aspect of yourself is coming to the surface. To see the crescent moon in your dream indicates cyclic changes, renewal, and movement. You are progressing smoothly toward your life path. A full moon signifies completion and wholeness, while a new moon symbolizes new beginnings. To dream that you jump and touch the moon refers to your ambition. When it comes to your goals and aspirations, you aim high. You can do anything if you set your mind to it. See also, crescent moon and star, triple moon goddess, moonsigns, women, moon meditations.
Mother is one of the most significant “archetypes” in history. The Mother symbolizes both a separate stage in the female life cycle and a phase of the moon. The “Great Mother” is the personification of the feminine and represents the fertile womb out of which all life comes and the darkness of the grave to which it returns (as with Mother Nature). Its fundamental attribute is the capacity to nourish infants, we cannot survive without a nurturer. If we do not have a nurturing mother, we seek one and project this archetype upon that person. If no real person is available, we personify the archetype. We may also spend our time seeking comfort through a less personal symbol, such as the church, the “motherland,” or a life on the ocean. The Mother represents ripeness, fertility, sexuality, fulfillment, stability, power and her life is represented by the full moon.
If the great mother nourishes us, she is good. However, if she threatens to devour us, she is bad. In psychological terms, the great mother corresponds to the unconscious, which can nourish and support the ego or can swallow it up in psychosis or suicide. The positive, creative aspects of the great mother are represented by breast and womb. Mother is the source of life and nurture and the images are nearly inexhaustible: anything hollow, concave or containing, such as bodies of water, the earth itself, caves, dwellings, and vessels of all kinds.
The mother is Goddess, in every form (maiden, mother, crone) and defines the stages of life. See also (Honoring the Goddess) and (The Goddess Experience)
Mountains symbolize aspiration, achievement, courage and accomplishment. In this case we can liken the mountain to challenges we face in our lives. Mountains in the distance make us aware that we will always be met with challenges in our lives. However, what makes climbing the mountain difficult or easy is the way we approach it. The mountain or hill represents challenges. This well lead to growth when overcome. The size or steepness of the hill or mountain usually represents the size of the problem or challenge that needs to be overcome.
In the IChing, Mountain (Gen) represents one of the 8 major Trigrams. This is a symbol that makes up all the components in the Universe. Keywords for mountain include slow, indecisive, tough, secretive, contradictory, independent, hard, obstinate, perverse, stubborn, immovable, standstill, resting, or stopping.
MouseThe mouse has been a symbol of the soul leaving the body. It was believed that as a person dies, the soul would leave through the mouth/mouse as they breathed their last breath. Also known as the spreader of the “plague, in Europe, this tiny creature has a reputation of being mischievous and curious. In India, he represents humility as he sits along side the large elephant-headed Indian God, Ganesh. (See also mice, and rat).
Music is a model to life. Major and minor chords. Dis-chord and harmony. Bass and treble. Talking back and forth. If your dream of music is of soothing, beautiful, melodies that uplift your spirit, then you will have some wonderful luck in every matter that is of concern to you while the raucous, unpleasant type of music brings discord to all your activities.