Colors
The psyche often makes use of color symbolism to convey information in dreams.
It is often asserted that people rarely dream in color. This is untrue. When
the dreamer particularly emphasizes having dreamed in color, this simply means
that he remembers the colors. As far as interpretation is concerned, this means
that the dream is giving additional significance to the information conveyed by
the use of these colors.
The following
should be considered when interpreting the individual colors: BLACK must be
regarded as a signal of a state of non awareness in the sense of a standstill.
WHITE can also be a reference to a state of non awareness, like that which
exists before the start or after the end of the psyche's conscious life. White
can thus indicate forebodings of death.
Yellow is like
gold. In a dream, it is the color of mental, intuitive activity.
Red is the
color which most excites out attention. Ted is the symbol for the dynamics of
life. It is also a symbol for animal instincts and aggression. Orange is a particularly strong signal for activity.
Blue is the
color which symbolizes the intellect. It indicates clear-headed deliberations
and dispassionate thinking.
Purple is a
signal for especial significance.
As new life
begins in spring, when fields and meadows turn a fresh green sheen, this color
has an extremely positive meaning. Color test series over a period of years
showed that brown is preferred by neurotics and indicates unconscious complexes.
Violet in a
dream symbolizes conflict situations arising form the opposition of body and
intellect.
Canopy
The canopy is one of the attributes of a ruler. In a dream, it can be a sigh of
male sovereignty.
Car
In a dream, the car symbolizes the motive energy or the vitality of its owner.
Both the size of the car and its external apperances can indicate how the
dreamer is regarded by the world about him. A speedy sports car can be a sexual
symbol. The freedom of movement and the thrill of the speed are suggestive of
unconstrained love. It is noteworthy that this symbolic meaning is used for
advertising purposes. In dreams, however, cars and driving symbolize vitality
in general rather than sexual potency
Carnivores
Carnivores symbolize strong aggressive tendencies. In mythology birds and
beasts of prey are part of the entourage of the goddess of nature. This
signifies the threatening and negative aspects female sexuality has for men.
The carnivore also has this significance in dreams. The dream animals which
signify male sexual aggression in women's dreams are mostly smaller carnivores
like polecats, wildcats, pine martens, etc.
Castle
Castles and fortresses, like all buildings, should be seen as the zone of the
dreamer's psychic life. They are also mother symbols, representing the
sheltering and protective aspects of motherhood.
Cat
The cat symbolizes the realm of the emotions. mostly it has an erotic
significance, indicating that attitudes towards sexuality are still on an
animal, perfunctory level.
The cat's
sexual symbolic significance is illustrated by the fact that it is more or less
a tame miniature carnivore. Implicit in this is a parallel ot the dreamer's own
muted animal instincts. The cat indicates a certain egocentricity on the
dreamer's part, as well as difficulties in making contact with the opposite sex.
In the dreams
of neurotic women a tomcat can, for example, be the sign of a father-complex.
Chains
Chains symbolize a tie or a bond. This can apply, in a positive sense, to
marriage. The negative significance of chains is imprisonment. A shackle in a
dream, and also the familiar fashionable gold chain round the ankle, can imply
masochistic tendencies.
Cave, grotto
The grotto is a holy place in the mythology of many races, particularly when
there is a spring in it. It was dedicated to the goddess of nature and
inhabited by nymphs, elemental spirits. In a dream, the grotto is an indication
of the problems surrounding womanhood.
Child
The child symbolizes a new potentiality. Usually, the dreamer is being informed
of the possibility of a new attitude to life. If the dream child is ill or on
the verge of death, this is a warning signal. It shows the dreamer that
spiritual aspects within him are in danger of becoming deadened. Dreams like
this, however, are rate; mostly the child appears as a positive symbol.
Childhood
Childhood is frequently re-experienced in a dream. The dream refers to
long-forgotten events which perhaps unconsciously still play too great a role in
the dreamer's life. the situation must be thought over again. In this way, the
roots of neuroses can become apparent in dreams. Experience has shown that
disturbed behavior in later life is conditioned all too frequently by childhood
Christ
When the image of Christ occurs, it should at all events be taken as a serious
signal. It indicates that man cannot come to terms with the idea that his life
is purely a meaningless coincidence without damage to his psychic equilibrium.
Church
If the dreamer finds himself in a church, this indicates the necessity of giving
some thought to the meaning of life. Experience has shown that church dreams
appear particularly when the dreamer avoids such consideration far too much in
real life.
Circumcision
Circumcision is a part of the cult of initiation and masculinity rites. Should
a similar scene appear in a dream, it is in no way connected with castration -
quite the opposite! In the belief of primitive peoples, circumcision symbolizes
the sacrifice of the animal instincts. The image of circumcision or of similar
rituals in a dream indicates the necessity of becoming aware of one's animal
instincts.
Clergyman, vicar
If a clergyman or vicar appears in older people's dreams, the dream is
indicating the necessity of giving some thought to the meaning of life. In
general, the image of a priest can also contain an allusion to his helpful
function as a spiritual physician.
Clothes
Clothing shows the dreamer's personality, or how he thinks his fellowmen see
him. But it also shows the reverse - how he is really seen by the world about
him. Clothes are symbols of the Persona, a concept of Jung's. what he meant by
this was man's personality as he projects it - usually unconsciously - toward
the world about him.
Clouds
The symbolic significance of clouds arises form their rain bearing properties.
Rain still has the significance of the element which fertilizes seeds.
Coat
The coat is a symbol of protection and also disguise. As a rule, these
tendencies apply to the dreamer's personality. This image can also indicate
that those around him need protection.
Corn, cornfield
The cornfield
is a symbol of fertility. A waving cornfield in a dream is an extremely positive
signal. It indicates a rich harvest; a harvest which however doesnot fall
effortlessly into out laps as a gift of nature. The harvest previously required
hard work on the farmer's part.
Corpse
A corpse in a dream is a danger signal of the highest order. Death is a symbol
of transformation, followed as a rule by rebirth. The corpse, on the other
hand, is a symbol of the long dead, inanimate side of a personality. To a
certain extent, this relates to a spiritual relationship which the consciousness
regards as lifeless, or to a complex which still burdens the unconscious.
Cow
In men's dreams, the cow can indicate strong ties to the mother. In women's
dreams, the symbol of the cow frequently signifies that the dreamer should
develop the motherly aspects of womanhood within herself.
Cab, (Taxi)
Pleasant
occupations and average income is denoted by a dream of riding in a cab alone;
with others, scandal or gossip will plague your footsteps. Driving one may show
you are in a dead end job, doing manual labor with no chance of advancement. It
is warning you to find another occupation.
Cabbage
A garden with
cabbages growing in it is an omen of purchasing property that will give you more
trouble then it is worth. To eat cabbage in a dream foretells many quarrels with
family members. Cooking cabbages may warn of trouble with your teeth and the
odor of cabbage warns of an upcoming illness.
Cabin (ship)
To dream of
being in a ships cabin on the open seas in a storm means much sorrow and
financial loss, especially in a law suit. To dream of a bright, pretty cabin
while sailing on a calm, beautiful sea shows that law suits and other legal
matters will be changing in your favor in the very near future.
Cable
To dream of a
large cable supporting a heavy weight denotes that you have a very hazardous job
and is a warning to be extremely careful. If the cable should be frayed, danger
is imminent. But, if it is broken, or you see it break, then the danger you
sense will be for another.
Cackle
Cackling hens
show there has been a disaster involving someone in your sphere of influence,
possibly a death. A sound of cackling also presages illness and loss.
Cactus
Dreaming of a
cactus is usually the indication that you are feeling crowded, or that someone
is invading your space, and since the cactus has the prickly spines for defense
this represents to the dreamer a wish to establish a boundary and protect your
privacy. A cactus also represents winning out over adversity as it is found in
the desert and has adapted itself to hot, dry, growing conditions, thus the
dream could be telling the dreamer to adapt to the existing circumstances if
he/she cannot change them.
Calculator
To see someone
you know well using a calculator indicates that circumstances may soon bring out
a colder, more calculating, side of this person. If you are totaling up a bill,
or a debt, that someone owes you, it is an omen that you will have to dun
someone to receive your money or your property back. If you are calculating your
monthly bills, or debts, it is an omen that you will soon have harassing
business worries.
Cage
If you are
putting a wild animal in a cage and you are successful then your dream is
telling you that you will win out in the face of much adversity and opposition.
To see rabbits in a cage shows you will have many children. To see birds in a
cage will sometimes presage loss.
Cake
To dream of
cakes of almost any kind shows you will have good fortune in your undertaking.
For a woman to see her wedding cake in a dream is an omen of ill, showing much
unhappiness if she should go through with the marriage.
Calendar
Seeing a
calendar on the wall indicates that you are well organized and prepared. If you
see yourself making marks on a calendar then this denotes that you are marking
time until a certain event comes to pass. If someone gives you a calendar you
will have much disappointment in the week ahead.
Called
To dream that
you hear the voice of someone you know could foreshadow a long illness or even
death for that person. To hear the voice of your loved one calling you may mean
a separation due to misunderstandings. If the voice you hear is the voice of
someone already dead then this denotes that you are about to commit a bad error
in judgment about your business.
Calm
In general a
dream of being calm is a good omen telling you that you will live a long and
rewarding life full of goodness. To see calm waters indicate that your business
dealing is sound. If someone in your dream is trying to make you calm down then
this denotes that you will soon have losses if you do not let your higher self
keep your temper cooled down.
Calomel (an
herbal product)
To dream of
calomel is not a good sign at all as to see it means much unhappiness dealt to
you by anothers hand. If you are drinking calomel tea you will allow yourself to
be deceived to save a marriage or relationship. This is a warning that you are
being used and should exit this relationship as soon as possible.
Calves
If you dream
of the calves of legs and they are pleasing to the eye this denotes that you
will soon meet someone who is very attractive but may be too self centered for
love. To dream of baby calves show that you will see your fortunes improving,
your life will be filled with joy if the calves are happy and playing.
Camel
If you
purchase, or otherwise own a camel it shows that mining investments will turn
out well. Camels are also an omen of warning to be more conservative, much as
the camel that crosses the desert with only his hump. or humps, full of water.
They also signifies help when all else is at a low ebb.
Cannibalism
Dreaming of a
cannibal or cannibalism shows that you are being tempted into doing something
that you should not do leaving you with the feeling of regret 'eating you up',
inside. It is a warning to stay out of those kind of situations if you have not
already been tempted into it.
Car
If you dream
of a railroad car, or a cable car your dreams of being rich will always be
dreams, but your income should be adequate for your lifestyle. See automobile.
Carnival
If you are in
the midst of a carnival and you see unusual, and freakish, sights you will
experience much discord at home, and if you also have a feeling of sorrow in the
midst of all the laughter this portends a divorce. To join in a carnival and
enjoy yourself shows that you will be treated to some unusual entertainment in
the near future.
Carriage
If you are
having a dream involving one of the old fashioned vehicles, splendidly arrayed,
then you must be extremely careful to act in such a manner as not to open
yourself or your lifestyle to vicious rumor and gossip. If you are riding in the
carriage you will be asked many embarrassing questions concerning a former
companion of yours. If the carriage is old and worn out, the rumors can be
overcome with a minimal loss of prestige, by outlasting, 'wearing them out',
until they finally die away.
Castle
If you dream
that you live in a magnificent castle and everyone obeys your every command, and
grants your every wish, this foretells that you will have a happy, comfortable
home with a loving and generous spouse. On the other hand, if the castle is old,
and the brick work is crumbling, you will do well to curb any actions you are
taking that may jeopardize your marriage, whether it be cheating, or temper
fits.
Cat
Dreaming of a
cat is a generally unfortunate omen and it shows treachery as well as a run of
bad luck. If you chase the cat away you will overcome your adversaries or turn
your bad luck into good. For the cat lovers who dream of cats you have a whole
new meaning....if the cat is beautiful you will meet an attractive person who
will become your mate. If the cat scratches you then will you meet with
treachery and deceit.
Cattle
If your dream
is of cattle with long horns and black, or black and white, it is an omen to
keep a close watch on your business to prevent losses. A herd of cattle feeding
in a pasture denotes that your life and your income will be easy. But if you are
forcing the cattle to go somewhere they do not wish to be, you will find you
must work harder and harder to maintain your present level of income.
Celebrities
To dream of
celebrities shows that you are letting too much pomp and circumstance convince
you to act certain ways that are against your better nature, this could be to
your downfall in the area of the heart. To dream that you are a celebrity
denotes that you desire to fly higher then your social life and means allow. To
dream a loved one becomes a celebrity shows that you have a secret fear of
losing this person to the world.
Cemetery
If you dream
of a well kept cemetery it is a sign of happiness to come but an unkempt one
shows that you will meet with opposition and adversity. This is the kind of
dream that must be correlated with the other symbols of the dream, such as: open
graves, flowers, funeral services, etc., as all of these things would change the
benign aspect of a stroll through a well kept cemetery.
Chariots
If you dream
of riding in a beautiful chariot you will have many opportunities to make good
and your finances will take a decided rise. If you fall, or if you see someone
else fall, from a chariot then you will suffer lack and failure, or a fall from
a high position in your life.
Charleston
(dance)
This is an all
around favorable dream. If it shows children dancing, much joy is yours, and if
you see dating couples dance the Charleston you will have great success in your
endeavors. If you are one of the dancers you have an omen that tells you that
your business enterprise will grow and expand.
Chase
If you see a
chase in progress or if you participate in a chase you will look forward to a
comfortable retirement and good health in your latter years. If fear is involved
in this experience then you must test all the signs and employ meditation to
seek the answer.
Chocolate
pudding
Any dream that
features chocolate in it is a simple omen that presages, not luxury, or
impeccable taste, as one might expect, but, rather, Good health and contentment,
coupled with a pampered lifestyle.
Church
dreaming of a
church is a good luck omen and especially so if you dream of the outside of the
building, which shows luck in love and marriage. The inside of a church shows
that you will have a few small problems that could turn out to be a blessing in
disguise. Of course, you must study the dream as a whole, for other activities
may change the interpretation so that the church itself has no meaning other
then that of location.
Cigarettes
Smoking a
cigarette in your dream is a lucky omen, as well as, giving, or offering them to
another. This dream denotes much prosperity and self- satisfaction for the
dreamer. If, during your waking hours, you are against cigarettes and believe
them to very bad for your lungs, then you must investigate your own habits to
find out what you may be doing to jeopardize your health. Have a medical
examination as soon as possible.
Circle
A perfectly
drawn circle in your dream is a prediction of many good things to come, and
prosperity beyond measure. If the circle is wobbly, or appears to be a child's
drawing, you will still reach your goals but you will have troubles on the way
to it. If the circle is broken, it denotes failed marriages.
Circus
A runaway
animal at a circus denotes the need for extra control of either your passions,
or your temper, as both could be harmful to you. If the circus is in full array,
with a boisterous, and joyful atmosphere, you will find happiness in your
present surroundings. To dream of simply being at a circus denotes that you must
be careful that you do not give the wrong impression about yourself to others.
Cloaks
(garment)
To dream of a
cloak, not a cape, pulled closely around you to keep out the weather, denotes
that you will have protecting influences surrounding you for the next few days.
If you dream you have torn the garment this shows a rift in a relationship with
a person who is important to you. If you lose the cloak, then you will have a
falling out with the one who loves and protects you.
Coconuts
There is
basically only one omen for a coconut, no matter what your dream is concerning
one, eating it, smelling it, etc., it is a sign of an unexpected gift, most
times the gift is money.
Color
if you dream
in Technicolor, the one outstanding thing that this presages is that you will
have increasing security and prosperity in your business affairs, if the rest of
the symbols point to a bad time for you and your affairs, the dream in color
shows that you will have help behind the scenes that will enable you to master
your problems. Dreams that involve people who are of a different color then you
are, (natural colors), usually points to good luck in money or business. For
specific colors, see the index under the color you wish to check out.
Coffins
(Caskets)
Should you
dream of a well appointed coffin and it is empty then does this show that you
will soon lose a close friend, (not necessarily through death, but rather, death
of a friendship). If you see a body in the coffin you will soon have sadness,
but if the person in the coffin is the dreamer then is this a contrary dream and
the dreamer can expect some very good luck.
Computer
The computer
dream is one of personal understanding and as such should be viewed in
conjunction with all the other signs in your dream. The computer can also
represent discipline and coordination to the dreamer, if the dreamers job
involves the use of a computer then dreaming of it would be telling you that you
are too wound up in your work and need to back off on the heavy work schedule.
Contract
To dream of
signing a contract is an omen that you will soon be experiencing a rise in your
profession, but, if you refuse to sign the contract, your promotion could be
more then you had hoped for. If you dream you have gotten into a bad contract,
or someone has duped you into signing a contract that will only bring you
problems, then this is a warning to examine your relationships with the opposite
sex; marriage may not be the best idea at this time.
Costumed
If you are
wearing a costume this could indicate that you are trying to hide your true
self, or you inner feelings behind a facade of duplicity; you may not be wholly
honest with a loved one and have a fear of being found out. If you are wearing a
ridiculous costume, such as a chicken suit, this could indicate that you are
being foolish about certain matters in your life and must look to the other
symbols to find out just what it is.
Court
There are two
kinds of court to consider, one is the court of law, and the other is courtship.
If you dream of being hauled up in court on charges this indicates that the
dreamer may have circumstances in his/her life that may cause a certain amount
of worry about the law, and it is telling the dreamer to change these things;
like an early warning system. It is also a prediction of financial reverses that
can be staved off if you do not waste time, and keep your nose to the
grindstone. Dreaming of courting, or being courted, is very bad luck, especially
for a woman, as the lover she has her heart set on will never propose. See also,
divorce court.
Coyote
A coyote, not
being a very brave animal, will attack those living beings that are injured,
dead, or just weaker then themselves, and they also run in packs like dogs,
(kind of like street gangs). If you dream of being attacked by a pack of coyote,
or see them wearing a threatening demeanor, you should be extremely careful for
the next few days as this is a warning of danger to yourself. A friendly coyote
is an omen of deception.
Crash
To dream of a
crash, such as in the stock market, you can expect to see your investments take
hold and grow. If you hear a loud crash, such as the percussion sound of a drum
or cymbals, that is a warning to calm your environment down in order to control
your nerves. For cars crashing, see wreck.
Crawling
You have not
taken proper advantage of your opportunities if you are dreaming of crawling
over rough, or broken ground. If you are crawling over stones and other damaging
material and hurt yourself you may shortly experience some humiliating events
that are forced on you by others. If you are crawling in muck and mire with
someone, then you will shortly fall into a depression over a business failure.
Crickets
To have a
cricket invade your home foretells that you will soon be experiencing poverty,
if you kill the cricket, your poverty will be short lived. To hear a cricket
foretells some very sad news concerning the death of a distant friend.
Crocodile
Just to see a
crocodile in your dream doing nothing much but lazing around is a warning that
someone is trying to adversely influence you about a matter closely related to
your happiness or your income. If the Crocodile chases you it means success
magnified in your affairs. If he catches and bites you then you are slated for
disappointments in love and business but if you see the crocodile dead then your
success' will be many, and beyond your wildest hopes.
Crush (love
interest)
If you dream
that you have a crush on someone then you will come to realize that you are not
truly in love, but in like. If the person you have a crush on is younger or
older then you, then this is a sign that you suffer guilt for misleading the
innocent party, after you have plumbed the shallow depths of your emotions.
Crush
(pulverize)
If you are in
the act of crushing something in your dream this will show that you are under a
lot of pressure and need to make a decision right away to end it. The pressure
may have arisen because of a decision you are being forced into making so be
sure you have all the facts together before you do.