More than a symbol, the year is, as it were, the prototype of all cyclic
processes (the day, the span of human life, the rise and fall of a culture, the cosmic
cycle, etc.). All cycles are composed of an ascending and a descending phase, i.e.
evolution and involution; sometimes, cycles are also subdivided into three or,
more frequently, four phases (seasons of the year, ages of man). The overall
division of the cyclic process, however, need not necessarily be symmetrical.
Thus, in a cycle composed of twelve units, such as the year (or the wheel of the
Zodiac), the ascending and descending phases can be taken either as 6 plus 6
(symmetrical division) or 8 plus 4 (asymmetrical division). The former is a more
geometrical, the latter a more empirical division. The year is usually represented
by the figure of an old man in a circle, with two or three outer rings containing
such items as: the names of the months, the cycle of work appropriate to each
month, the signs of the Zodiac and so on. Often the circle of the year is, in its turn,
enclosed in a square the corners of which are occupied by four figures personify ing the four seasons. The tapestry of the Creation, in Gerona cathedral, is a
famous example. Two interesting points in connexion with the annual cycle are:
(i) in Chinese tradition, the cycle is divided into two equal parts, corresponding
respectively to darkness/death, and light/life; (ii) there was a primitive belief that
every man undergoes a process of regeneration every year, from December to
June, symbolizing death and resurrection (51) (Plate XXXII).

To dream of a year, signifies a passage of time. It represents a cycle of growth, learning and maturity.

To dream of the past, suggests that a current waking situation is paralleling a past situation. You need to learn from the past and not make the same mistake again. Alternatively, the dream may represent unresolved issues from the past. Or that you need to stop living in the past and look forward toward the future.

To dream about computer programming, represents your mindset. The dream warns that you are doing things by rote. You are not thinking through what you are doing. Alternatively, the dream indicates a lack of autonomy over the direction of your own life.

To dream you are possessed of wisdom, signifies your spirit will be brave under trying circumstances, and you will be able to overcome these trials and rise to prosperous living. If you think you lack wisdom, it implies you are wasting your native talents.

Giving and receiving gifts is usually a pleasant occasion and both parties benefit from the exchange. Dreaming about gift giving may be a reflection on positive exchanges that are occurring in your daily life. Some say that to give and to receive is the same thing. Keep this in mind and also remember that the most valuable gifts may be emotional and spiritual in nature and that your dream may be attempting to make you aware of such gifts. Consider all of the details in the dream and make attempts to connect them to internal and personal realities or daily events.