SYMBOLOGY

Dream image as metaphor is possibly the most potent form of symbology there is – it is what people will believe in. Frequently, there seems to be no context in which to place the figures which appear. The shapes manifest apparently at random yet, as we become more and more involved in the interpretation of our dreams, we discover they contain a message in themselves. They are an aspect of sacred geometry (the measurement of perfect proportion in the physical world) and, put simply, are the way in which the physical world reflects the spiritual. There are many images which demonstrate such a concept; below are the ones that are most likely to appear in dreams:

Circle – the circle symbolizes the Universe; a circle with a dot in the centre can signify the soul in its entirety and is sometimes taken to represent Woman or the essential feminine. A circular object – such as a ring – has the same meaning as the circle.

Crescent – information on the origins of this symbol are difficult to

ascertain, but most sources agree that ancient celestial symbols were in use by the peoples of Central Asia and Siberia in their worship of sun, moon, and sky gods many thousands of years ago.

Crooked Line – deviance from the norm in a spiritual sense can be a falling away of the standards we have set ourselves. If we are aware of this on a spiritual level, a crooked line will often appear in a dream. The line may be any sort of line, such as a queue of people, a line of cars or whatever.

Cross – the cross shape gives rise to many images. Moving through the symbol of the sword with the crossbar at the bottom through the equal armed cross, from there to the cross of suffering and crucifixion and finally to the Tau of perfection, the cross symbolizes the lessons the soul must learn. Through experience it overcomes the obstacles to spiritual progression. The arms of a cross signify conflict, anguish and distress, finally reaching perfection. The intersection signifies the reconciliation of opposites. The

three upper arms are said to stand for God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, but more properly they indicate any Divine Trinity. The hung cross with the figure of Christ represents the sacrifice of self for others.

Spiral – when the spiral moves towards its centre, it shows we are approaching our own spiritual centre via an indirect route. A clockwise spiral, moving outwards to the right, is a movement towards consciousness and enlightenment. If the spiral is moving anti-clockwise, it shows a degree of introspection towards the unconscious, and possibly regressive behaviour. The spiral convolutions on a shell have often been associated with perfection and therefore plenty. The conch shell was, and still is, used as a trumpet in certain societies, hence it may be seen as a warning. The spiral representing a flow of energy has a connection with the navel or solar plexus as the centre of power.

Square – a figure within a square is the Self or Perfect Man, perhaps the most recognizable image is Leonardo da Vinci’s representation. A simple square signifies energy given expression within the physical world. A square within a circle suggests the actual act of ‘becoming’ or taking on form. Any square object signifies the enclosing and feminine principle.

Star – the five-pointed star or pentagram evokes personal magic, and all matter in harmony. Ideally, the star should point upwards. In dreams it signifies our acceptance of our own magical qualities and aspirations.

If it is pointing downwards, it symbolizes evil and misuse of power.

The six-pointed star, or Star of David, is made up of one triangle pointing upwards and another pointing downwards: the physical and the spiritual are thus joined together in harmony to create wisdom.

Human nature moves towards the Divine and Spirit seeks expression through the physical. Twelve stars signify both the Twelve Tribes of Israel and the Apostles.

Swastika – this is a form of cross which, revolving clockwise, symbolizes positivity and the Wheel of Life. Revolving anti-clockwise it has a more negative connotation often connected with the misuse of power.

Tau Cross – spiritually, the Tau Cross signifies the key to Supreme Power and living a truly successful life. In the psychological sense, it signifies the meeting of the physical and the spiritual and all that that entails.

Worn as a talisman, it protects from evil, and will often be perceived in this way in a dream.

Triangle – the triangle can represent family relationships, that is, father, mother and child. If the triangle points upwards, it is reaching towards the Divine, and symbolises Duality reaching Unity. If it is pointing down, it is any two polarities finding expression through the act of creation.