Interpreting visions, dreams or spontaneous visualisation using symbols
By Jimmy Henderson
Symbols are visual forms, patterns, objects, images or even words which carry a deeper meaning and stand in for or represent something else. They are also keys for communicating with, and unlocking the doors of our subconscious minds, and being charged with meaning and emotion, can lead to powerful sensations, impressions and moments of insight.
Each of our personal symbols or images represents a particular memory from our past or a thought, idea, emotion, concern or need. Working with this symbol can trigger the original experience.
Our own set of symbols form a ‘personal code’ and examining dreams is therefore an excellent way of deciphering this code, as they are also assembled using these symbols. When we dream, our subconscious minds are communicating with us by presenting symbolic images in a dramatised and metaphorical form, revealing our innermost needs, fears, conflicts and concerns. This can also happen during spontaneous imagery (visualisation) as well as visions, once again due to the action of our subconscious minds, so the same rules of interpretation will apply (Spontaneous visualisation, or spontaneous imagery, occurs when symbols, figures or changes present themselves in our mental scene spontaneously without our conscious control. This usually happens after many months of working with visualisation).
Symbolism is also applied by our minds when detecting and interpreting the characteristics of incoming energy, whether from other persons or spiritual beings. In other words, any energy impression or presence will also be interpreted in symbolic images using the same process of symbolic interpretation. For example, we may experience different levels of consciousness and power in terms of degrees of light or the size of the figure, in the case of angels or guides. Personality characteristics would probably be revealed by the appearance of the figure (seen as friendly or stern) and so on.
A vision, dream, lucid dream or spontaneously presented visualisation scene therefore contains elements or clues to its message and meaning hidden within its context, structure, form and composition and it is important to be able to identify and interpret these clues.
This can also apply to readings involving other persons as well, but obviously, during these readings, the symbols will not relate to self, but to the other person. There are a number of simple rules that should be remembered in this regard:
• The different symbols, representations and images in our dreams, visions and imagery are formed from our own storehouse of memories and experiences
• Our visions, dreams and imagery will always be assembled using our present paradigm of thinking. In other words, the framework of ideas, beliefs and values through which we each view the world. These paradigms can be scientific, religious or humanistic
• The actual structure of our dreams, visions and spontaneous images is very important. Within each there will be a number of levels or different dimensions, each having its own set of symbols and meanings. Using a process of self-questioning we can unpack the personal meanings that they have for us.
The first dimension : The background of the dream /vision/scene
This should suggest the context or theme of the message.
In this regard, we should ask ourselves the following questions:
‘Was it a recognisable or a strange scene?’
‘Was the scene indoors or outdoors?’
‘Was it light or dark?’
What we see as the background is only a clue to the underlying theme of the
dream/vision/imagery and should not always be taken literally. The idea is find a connection between the background of the scene and our own present circumstances, needs or state of mind (or that of the other person in the case of a reading), by looking at the symbolism involved
Examples:
The sea can be a symbol for the ebb and flow of everyday life and a dream playing out
against the backdrop of the sea would probably suggest a problem or situation arising
in our normal day-to-day lives, one which needs to be resolved.
A scene in a desert (isolated and desolate), may suggest a situation in which we feel
isolated and alone and are seeking assistance or understanding.
A scene playing out in semi-darkness may be indicating a crisis (we are having trouble
seeing our way forward).
Second dimension : The layout of the dream/vision/imagery
The immediate surroundings as seen in the scene provide more information on our present personal situation, state of mind or outlook on the world. In this regard, we need to ask ourselves the following questions:
‘Was there a building in my dream?’
‘What were the characteristics of the building?’
‘Were the windows large or small?
For example:
In ‘looking out’ onto the world, we would normally use the windows of our homes or
offices. And in our dreams, any building in which we find ourselves would be symbolic
(in this case, a metaphor) of ‘where we are’ at the moment.
Consider the following:
A small window could suggest that we have a limited outlook on life
A dark and damp building could relate to our being in an unpleasant situation or having
a negative view of the world
A building or house in shambles could suggest that our present situation, state of mind
or outlook, is chaotic
If there was no building in the dream, vision or imagery, then the message is probably related to some other issue.
Third dimension : The activity
The next symbolic category is the activity taking place in the dream/vision or spontaneous imagery. The type of drama, scenario or situation that is being played out, reveals the content of the message (such as unresolved needs or issues). In this case we need to relate the activity symbolically (metaphorically) to our current situation (or that of our client).
Consider the following examples:
A scene involving travel could be a call for change, the broadening of our boundaries or
the opening of our minds.
A battle or conflict could be referring to a similar conflict situation within ourselves
Any threatening scenario may be a unconscious warning of a matter that requires
resolution urgently, something which is a threat to our mental well-being or inner peace
Fourth dimension : The actual figures and characters presented
Objects or persons (characters) in dream scene, a vision or spontaneous imagery usually represent aspects which relate to ourselves (or archetypes based on our own personalities) (As already stated, during readings with other persons, the figures and objects will not relate to self but to our clients. And in the case of readings, the images can sometimes be more literal).
In all cases, we should ask ourselves the following questions:
‘Was I alone in my dream or were there others?
‘Did I see myself clearly or merely a figure that in some way resembled me?’
‘What aspect of my personality does the figure suggest?’
Identify the attributes of the characters involved.
Were they large or small?, aggressive or loving?, threatening or supportive?
Consider the following examples:
A poor, abused and helpless child could suggest a wounded ‘inner child’ (archetype).
A richly dressed, opulent figure could symbolically point to a desire for riches or even a
trait of greed embodied in an archetypal form (we need to look at the context and the
activities)
We should also examine the type of interaction taking place between ourselves and the figure(s).
Consider the following example:
A battle with another person in a dream could suggest a conflict, weakness or issue
within ourselves that needs to be resolved or overcome.
Fifth Dimension : Objects
Each object in the scene will have a particular symbolic significance which will add detail to
the final meaning of the scene. Objects can often be interpreted in terms of their practical uses or effects in everyday life and applied (metaphorically) to our present situation or path in life.
Consider the following examples:
A large boulder appearing in our path would suggest an obstacle to be overcome (in real-
life one would actually have to climb over the boulder).
A crossroads would suggest a decision to be made.
Once again, the guideline is to consider what we would do in real life if confronted with such a situation or object and rephrase the answer in a symbolic (metaphorical) form. These symbolic interpretations of the background, the layout of the scene, the activities, characters and objects and the meanings we have attached to them, reveal our personal symbolic codes.
Archetypes
By Jimmy Henderson
Archetypes can be described as an accumulation of drives, unfulfilled dreams and desires, suppressed wishes and even aspects of our personalities that need improvement. They are found deep in the subconscious areas of our minds and often appear to us during dreams, meditation or advanced imagery as human or partially human figures due to our mind’s ability to transform energy patterns into recognisable forms using our symbolic processes. In fact, many of the first figures appearing to us during meditation and visualisation will be our own archetypes.
They have an energy basis and an elemental consciousness (derived from our own consciousness) and any area of our lives in which there are unfulfilled desires and feelings can form an archetype and tie up much of our energy. For instance, suppressed feelings of love could give rise to the archetype of ‘the lover’, those parts of us that still require nurturing may gather as our ‘inner child’ and unfortunately, aspirations that have been frustrated and distorted during our lives could accumulate into in a more negative form as a down-and-out ‘victim’ of circumstance.
In order to clear the way for higher consciousness, unwanted archetypes can be balanced or freed using meditation and advanced processes of imagery and their blocked energy released. However, this requires us to work directly with them and this can sometimes be disturbing, as some can appear unpleasant. We will therefore need to put aside our doubts and fears and proceed with total confidence and need to remember that they are only repressed or hidden parts of our own personalities.
The process
If you wish to proceed with clearing and balancing archetypal energy, begin with a meditation to relax and clear your mind. Set an intention to enter your subconscious and meet with your unresolved archetypes.
Close your eyes, engage spontaneous imagery and see yourself descending a flight of stairs and opening a door to an underground chamber (use the first–person visualisation perspective if at all possible. In other words, see the room and the floors though imagined eyes and yourself not as a separate figure). As you pass though the doorway, allow the scene to unfold if its own accord. Notice how the archetypes present themselves in the form of strange humanlike figures. Allow them to challenge you on at a time about the unresolved issues that have brought them into being. This means facing and communicating with each of these apparitions in turn, trying to reach a resolution by explaining your past actions and motives, accepting any message or lesson they bring, asking forgiveness and recommitting to a new course of action. This could take more than one session.
They will appear to you in a symbolic form which reveals the characteristics of their energy. In other words, a neglected inner child may appear to you in the form of a dirty, impoverished, abused child. It is easy to distinguish an archetype from a guide or other spiritual being, as they will always admit to ‘being part of you’. Once you have resolved each matter satisfactorily, the figure will smile and retreat or fade into the distance. In some cases you may feel the need to actually embrace the archetype (such as picking up your ‘inner child’).
Thank them all for their willingness to share with you and conclude your visualisation by taking back control of the scene. See yourself moving out of the chamber and back up the stairs towards the light. Try to end at the point where you started. Return to your body consciousness by slowly moving your fingers and hands and opening your eyes.
Jimmy Henderson a well-known metaphysical teacher and regular radio talk show guest. He is the author of a number of articles as well as two self-help books entitled ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ and ‘Multi-Dimensional Perception’ which are available at Exclusive books. He is also associated with Metavarsity and based in KZ Natal.
www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com
http://www.kimaglobal.co.za/cgi-bin/go.pl/author_books.html?author_name=Jimmy%20Henderson
