Awoke to a strange sound. Instantly lost my dream. My room was quickly illuminated by high beams. The anxious purr of a revving engine told me that there was a truck parked outside my window. It sat in place, engine slowly winding down until it sounded as if the truck would stall. Then it slowly crawled backwards, lights spinning through my venetian blinds. I heard the jingle of a kitty's collar, which pulled me out of sleep fast. I hoped they were in a safe place while this lumbering beast made its way.
Finally the low rumble crept past and down the alleyway. The kitties were both in and happily dancing around my legs as I got up to use the bathroom. In keeping with our usual morning routine, I went out to the kitchen to sprinkle a fresh cup of food onto their plate.
The sky was dark, reminding me that we're anticipating our first cloudy day in a week of summer sunshine. Looking out over the water, I saw light reflections indicating to me that the sun was either coming up, or our brilliant full moon had not yet set. Looking out towards Bainbridge, I saw the orange reflections of the city, sending soft illumination onto the belly of the low clouds.
But then there was another type of orange cloud - this one moving very fast and upward. It took a moment for my eyes to adjust, but right away I noticed it was a billowing cloud of fire-smoke, rising up from between some houses, about a block away.
I marvelled at the idea of a fire so early in the morning. Then it struck me - I had heard no sirens and the growing column of smoke was now being illuminated by a rather bright flickering of its parent flames - this fire was likely not called in yet.
I stumbled through the dark, feeling for my phone. I'd left it on my bedside table. As I walked back out to the kitchen, my fingers excitedly dialed 911.
After giving them my address, the operator informed me that it was a car fire, and units were on their way. I could see the brightness of the flames now, bouncing off of neighboring houses. My curiosity got the better of me.
I ran in my bedroom and pulled on a sweatshirt and some slippers. I went out into the adjoining street to see a rather impressive lot of flames, consuming a parked car. How odd. What causes a parked car to catch fire?
The firemen were in the process of smashing out windows, so they could more effectively douse the blaze. Once the water was on, the flames were gone immediately. I watched dark silhouettes turn to imagined figures in the pre-dawn grey. The smoke was no longer thick black, but the cool white of fire-squelched steam. Could it have been arson? The ashes of an improperly extinguished cigarette in the ashtray?
As I returned to bed, my mind swelled with the Godspeed You! Black Emperor song, Dead Flag Blues, whose haunting melody is preceded by a hollow voice narrating, "The car is on fire... and there's no driver at the wheel... and the streets are all muddied with a thousand lonely suicides... and a dark wind blows..."
As I returned to bed, another commotion drew me to the window. A block away, in the opposite direction, sirens blared as another fire truck was called to a different scene. This one I could not see for the trees and I debated heading out once more to investigate.
But the kitties were settling on the bed and my eyes were too tired to care. Tomorrow I'll take a walk and see what remnants remain of a very curious morning.
The Chinese, in their solar rites, utilize a tablet of red jade, which they
call Chang; it symbolizes the Element of fire (39). In Egyptian hieroglyphics, fire
is also related to the solar-symbolism of the flame, and associated in particular
with the concepts of life and health (deriving from the idea of body-heat). It is
also allied with the concept of superiority and control (19), showing that the
symbol had by this time developed into an expression of spiritual energy. The
alchemists retained in particular the Heraclitean notion of fire as ‘the agent of
transmutation’, since all things derive from, and return to, fire. It is the seed which
is reproduced in each successive life (and is thereby linked with the libido and
fecundity) (57). In this sense as a mediator between forms which vanish and
forms in creation, fire is, like water, a symbol of transformation and regeneration.
For most primitives, fire was a demiurge emanating from the sun, whose earthly
representative it was; hence it is related on the one hand with the ray of light and
the lightning (35), and, on the other, with gold. Frazer lists many rites in which
torches, bonfires, burning embers and even ashes are considered capable of stimulating the growth of the cornfields and the well-being of man and of animals.
However, anthropological research has furnished two explanations of the firefestival (as it persists today in the Valencian bonfires on the night of St. John,
fireworks and the illuminated Christmas tree): on the one hand, there is the
opinion of Wilhelm Mannhardt, to the effect that it is imitative magic purporting
to assure the supply of light and heat from the sun, and, on the other, the view of
Eugene Mogk and Edward Westermarck that it has as its aim the purification or
destruction of the forces of evil (21); however, these two hypotheses are not opposing but complementary. The triumphant power and the vitality of the
sun—by analogy, the spirit of the shining Origin—is tantamount to victory over
the power of evil (the forces of darkness); purification is the necessary sacrificial
means of achieving the sun’s triumph. Marius Schneider, however, distinguishes
between two kinds of fire, depending upon their direction (or their function): fire
as in the axis fire-earth (representing eroticism, solar heat and physical energy),
and fire of the axis fire-air (linked with mysticism, purification or sublimation,
and spiritual energy). There is an exact parallel here with the ambivalent symbolism of the sword (denoting both physical destruction and determination of spirit)
(50). Fire, in consequence, is an image of energy which may be found at the level
of animal passion as well as on the plane of spiritual strength (56). The Heraclitean
idea of fire as the agent of destruction and regeneration is reproduced in the Indian
Puranas and in the Apocalypse (27). Gaston Bachelard recalls the alchemists’
concept of fire as ‘an Element which operates in the centre of all things’, as a
unifying and stabilizing factor. Paracelsus demonstrated the parallel between fire
and life, pointing out that both must feed upon other lives in order to keep alive.
To steal fire like Prometheus, or to give oneself up to fire like Empedocles, are
two concepts which point to the basic dualism of the human predicament. The
middle way lies in the comfortable solution of simply making material use of the
benefits of fire. But fire is ultra-life. It embraces both good (vital heat) and bad
(destruction and conflagration). It implies the desire to annihilate time and to
bring all things to their end. Fire is the archetypal image of phenomena in themselves (1). To pass through fire is symbolic of transcending the human condition,
according to Eliade in Myths, Dreams and Mysteries (London, 1960).
Depending on the context of your dream, to see fire in your dream can symbolize destruction, passion, desire, illumination, purification, transformation, enlightenment, or anger. It may suggest that something old is passing and something new is entering into your life. Your thoughts and views are changing. In particular, if the fire is under control or contained in one area, then it is a metaphor of your own internal fire and inner transformation. The dream may be a metaphor for someone who is "fiery". It represents your drive, motivation, and creative energy. Alternatively, the dream may be warning you of your dangerous or risky activities. You are literally "playing with fire".
To dream that you are being burned by fire, indicates that your temper is getting out of control. Some issue or situation is burning you up inside.
To dream that a house is on fire, indicates that you need to undergo some transformation. If you have recurring dreams of your family house on fire, then it suggests that you are still not ready for the change or that you are fighting against the change. Alternatively, it highlights passion and the love of those around you.
To dream that you put out a fire, signifies that you will overcome your obstacles in your life through much work and effort. If you are setting a fire to something or even to yourself, then it indicates that you are undergoing some great distress. You are at the brink of desperation and want to destroy something or some aspect of yourself.
Fire is favorable to the dreamer if he does not get burned. It brings continued prosperity to seamen and voyagers, as well as to those on land.
To dream of seeing your home burning, denotes a loving companion, obedient children, and careful servants.
For a business man to dream that his store is burning, and he is looking on, foretells a great rush in business and profitable results.
To dream that he is fighting fire and does not get burned, denotes that he will be much worked and worried as to the conduct of his business. To see the ruins of his store after a fire, forebodes ill luck. He will be almost ready to give up the effort of amassing a handsome fortune and a brilliant business record as useless, but some unforeseen good fortune will bear him up again.
If you dream of kindling a fire, you may expect many pleasant surprises.
You will have distant friends to visit.
To see a large conflagration, denotes to sailors a profitable and safe voyage. To men of literary affairs, advancement and honors; to business people, unlimited success.
Health and great happiness, kind relations and warm friends.
Depending on the context of your dream, to see fire in your dream can symbolizes destruction, passion, desire, illumination, transformation, enlightenment, or anger. It may suggest that something old is passing and something new is entering your life. Your thoughts and views are changing. In particular, if the fire is under control or contained in one area, it is a metaphor of your own internal fire and inner transformation. It also represents your drive and motivation. Dreaming of that you are being burned by fire indicates that your temper is getting out of control. Some issue or situation is burning you up inside. Dreaming that a house is on fire means passion and loving companions. Dreaming that you put out a fire means that you will overcome your obstacles in your life through much work and effort.
This is a very complex symbol that can have both negative and positive connotations. When interpreting this dream, you need to consider all of its details and your emotional responses in the dream. Fire can be a deeply spiritual symbol representing transformation and enlightenment. On the other hand, it could represent danger, anger, passion, pain or fear. A warm fireplace can symbolize happiness and security. Is the fire in your dream destroying something or simply warming you? Are you currently engaging in negative behaviors, or are you knowingly making wrong (or destructive) choices? Are you putting out fires in your dream? Your unconscious mind may be warning you and at the same time encouraging you to alter those things in your life that may be hurtful and dangerous.
To dream that you are driving a car, denotes your ambition, your drive and your ability to navigate from one stage of your life to another. Consider how smooth or rough the car ride is. If you are driving the car, then you are taking an active role in the way your life is going. However, if you are the passenger, then you are taking a passive role. If you are in the backseat of the car, then it indicates that you are putting yourself down and are allowing others to take over. This may be a result of low self-esteem or low self-confidence. Overall, this dream symbol is an indication of your dependence and degree of control you have on your life.
To dream that your car won't start, indicates that you are feeling powerless in some situation.
To dream that you forgot or can't find where you parked your car, indicates that you are dissatisfied or unhappy with an aspect of your waking life. You do not know what you really want to do with your life or where you want to go. To dream that you car has been stolen, indicates that you are being stripped of your identity. This may relate to losing your job, a failed relationship, or some situation which has played a significant role in your identity and who you are as a person.
To dream that your car is overheating, suggests that you are expending too much energy. You need to slow down or run the risk of being burnt out. You are taking on more than you can handle. It is time to take a breather.
To see a parked car in your dream, suggests that you need to turn your efforts and energies elsewhere. You may be needlessly spending your energy in a fruitless endeavor. Alternatively, a parked car may symbolize your need to stop and enjoy life.
To dream that you are almost hit by a car, suggests that your lifestyle, beliefs or goals may be in conflict with another's. It may also be symbolic of a jolting experience or injured pride.
To dream that you are unable to roll up the windows of your car, suggests that you are showing some hesitation and reservation about the direction that you are taking in life or the path that you have chosen.
To see a haunted car in your dream, represents unfinished goals. You had started off on a path or journey, but never reached the end. Perhaps life had taken you on a different direction that you had planned or intended.
Dreaming that you are driving a car means your ambition, your drive and your ability to navigate from one stage of your life to another. Consider how smooth or rough the car ride is. Whether you are driving the car or a passenger, is indicative of of your active role or passive role in your life. If you are in the backseat of the car, then it indicates that you are putting yourself down and are allowing others to take over. This may be a result of low self-esteem or low self-confidence. Overall, this dream symbol is an indication of your dependence and degree of control you have on your life. Dreaming that your car is overheating, suggests that you are expending too much energy and need to slow down or run the risk of becoming burnt out. You may be taking on more than you can handle. It is time to take a breather. Seeing a parked car in your dream, suggests that you need to turn your efforts and energies elsewhere. You may be needlessly spending your energy in a fruitless endeavor. Alternatively, a parked car my symbolize your need to stop and enjoy life. Dreaming that you are almost hit by a car, suggests that your lifestyle, beliefs or goals may be in conflict with another's. It may also be symbolic of a jolting experience or injured pride. Dreaming that you are unable to roll up the windows of your car, suggests that you are showing some hesitation and reservation about the direction that you are taking in life or the path that you have chosen.
The car in your dream may symbolise the physical self or ego development and ego function. In that, it represents the way that you travel through your life's journey. Consider all of the details in the dream, including its emotional content (e.g. difficulty of the road, identity of the driver, direction of the incline). Recurring car dreams usually deal with life's major themes that may include issues of control and sensibility. By carefully examining this dream, you may gain insight into important areas of life, including to how well you are navigating from one stage of your life to another, if you are assertive and take charge or are passive. Dreaming about travelling in a car is a very, very common dream theme that provides valuable information in regard to a specific part of or long-standing theme in your life's journey.
To dream of darkness overtaking you on a journey, augurs ill for any work you may attempt, unless the sun breaks through before the journey ends, then faults will be overcome.
To lose your friend, or child, in the darkness, portends many provocations to wrath. Try to remain under control after dreaming of darkness, for trials in business and love will beset you.
A dark place, such as a cave, in a dream can symbolize negative emotions. In your dream, are you able to find your way out of the dark place?
A dream about being in darkness can also mean that you believe you are being "kept in the dark" about something - that someone else is keeping a secret from you.
If you dream that you are afraid of the dark you could be unwilling to deal with obstacles that you expect to face in the future.
To see a truck in your dream, suggests that you are overworked. You are taking on too many tasks and are weighed down by all the responsibilities. Pregnant women often dream of trucks or driving trucks. This may be a metaphor of the load they are carrying or an expression of their changing bodies.
Seeing a truck in your dream, implies that you are overworked. You may be taking on too many tasks and responsibilities and are weighing you down. On a side note, pregnant women often dream of trucks or driving trucks. This may be a metaphor of the load they are are carrying or an expression of their changing bodies.
To dream that it is morning, suggests that fortune and pleasure are within near reach. It also denotes new beginnings, renewal, an awakening or starting over. Alternatively, the dream may also be a pun on "mourning". Are you grieving over something or someone? In particular, if the morning is cloudy, then it signifies an important situation that will burden you for a while.
To see the morning dawn clear in your dreams, prognosticates a near approach of fortune and pleasure.
A cloudy morning, portends weighty affairs will overwhelm you.
Dreaming that it is morning indicates that fortune and pleasure are within near reach. It may also indicates new beginnings, renewal, an awakening or starting over. Dreaming that the morning is cloudy means that an important situation will burden you for a while.
To see your bed in your dream, represents your intimate self and discovery of your sexuality. If you are sleeping in your own bed, then it denotes security and restoration of your mind. You may be looking for domestic bliss, for peace or for some form of escape. If you are waking up in a different and/or unknown bed, then it represents the consequences of the decisions you have made. The dream may also be a pun on the completion of a project and "putting it to bed." Consider the condition of the bed. If the bed is made, then it symbolizes security. If the bed is unmade, then it indicates that certain secrets will soon be exposed or revealed. Or that you are exhibiting some carelessness in your sexual behavior.
To dream that you are searching for a bed, suggests that you are having difficulties acknowledging your intimate self. You may be feeling inhibited in expressing your sexuality. Alternatively, it may mean that you are looking for domestic security and happiness. Or you just need more sleep.
To dream that you are floating or lifting up into the air from your bed, suggests that you are feeling helpless and disconnected from those around you. Your ideas may be alienating people. You might need to tone down your personality a bit.
A bed, clean and white, denotes peaceful surcease of worries. For a woman to dream of making a bed, signifies a new lover and pleasant occupation.
To dream of being in bed, if in a strange room, unexpected friends will visit you. If a sick person dreams of being in bed, new complications will arise, and, perhaps, death.
To dream that you are sleeping on a bed in the open air, foretells that you will have delightful experiences, and opportunity for improving your fortune. For you to see negroes passing by your bed, denotes exasperating circumstances arising, which will interfere with your plans.
To see a friend looking very pale, lying in bed, signifies strange and woeful complications will oppress your friends, bringing discontent to yourself.
For a mother to dream that her child wets a bed, foretells she will have unusual anxiety, and persons sick, will not reach recovery as early as may be expected. For persons to dream that they wet the bed, denotes sickness, or a tragedy will interfere with their daily routine of business.
Dreaming of your bed represents your intimate self and discovery of your sexuality. If you are sleeping in your own bed, then it indicates security and restoration of your mind. You are looking for domestic bliss and peace. If you are waking up in different and unknown beds, then it represent the consequences of the decisions you have made. Dreaming that you are going to bed with a stranger, suggests that you are making friends too fast. You need to be more cautious. Dreaming of sleeping outdoors on a bed means success. Dreaming that you are floating or lifting up into the air from your bed, suggests that you are feeling helpless and disconnected from those around you. Your ideas may be alienating people. You might need to tone down your personality a bit.
This is one of the most valued pieces of furniture. It's where we sleep, rest, restore our minds and bodies and engage in sexual pleasure. The bed is symbolic of all of these things. The bed could also symbolise the bridge between the conscious and the unconscious (i.e. our daily lives and the great unknown, our spirit and our psychological undercurrent). The quality and the cleanliness of the bed in our dreams may say something about the way we feel about ourselves, and our relationships. In reality we "make our own bed," so the dream may reflect that bed and remind us that we have to either change it or lie in it. If there were things hiding under the bed in your dream, it may symbolise secrets that you or others are keeping. If you dream that you are lying in bed, your unconscious may be warning you about potential health problems.
To dream that something or someone is low, signifies something that is beneath you. Perhaps, you are feeling superior and are above some situation. Alternatively, the dream signifies something that you may have overlooked.
Since it consists of an aperture, the window expresses the ideas of
penetration, of possibility and of distance, and because it is square in shape, its
implications are rational and terrestrial. It is also symbolic of consciousness (32),
especially when it is located at the top of a tower, by analogy with the head of the
human figure. Divided windows carry a secondary significance, which may at
times even be the predominant sense, deriving from the number of openings or lights and from the inter-relationships between the relevant number-symbolism
and the general symbolism of the window (Plate XXXI).
To see windows in your dreams, is an augury of fateful culmination to bright hopes. You will see your fairest wish go down in despair. Fruitless endeavors will be your portion.
To see closed windows is a representation of desertion. If they are broken, you will be hounded by miserable suspicions of disloyalty from those you love.
To sit in a window, denotes that you will be the victim of folly. To enter a house through a window, denotes that you will be found out while using dishonorable means to consummate a seemingly honorable purpose.
To escape by one, indicates that you will fall into a trouble whose toils will hold you unmercifully close.
To look through a window when passing and strange objects appear, foretells that you will fail in your chosen avocation and lose the respect for which you risked health and contentment.
To see a window in your dream, signifies bright hopes, vast possibilities and insight. If the window of a house is dark, then it indicates a loss to your perception or vitality.
To dream that you are looking out the window, signifies your outlook on life, your consciousness and your point of view. It also refers to your intuition and awareness. You may be reflecting on a decision. Or you need to go out into the larger world and experience life. If you are looking in the window, then it indicates that you are doing some soul searching and looking within yourself. It is time for some introspection. To see another face in the window in your dream, suggests that you are feeling emotionally distant and physically detached. Also consider the emotion depicted on the face.
To see shut windows in your dream, signify desertion and abandonment.
To see a shattered and broken window in your dream, represents your distorted view and skewed outlook on life. It is also refers to a state of vulnerability.
To dream that you are fixing or replacing a broken window, indicates that you are reassessing your view and outlook on life. You are gaining a new perspective on things.
To see a tinted window in your dream, represents your need for privacy. You are keeping some aspects of yourself hidden. You also want to remain ambiguous.
To dream that you are washing windows, suggest that you need some clarity in some matter. Something is not clear.
Seeing windows in your dream means bright hopes, vast possibilities and insight. Dreaming that you are looking out the window means your outlook on life, your consciousness, point of view, awareness, and intuition. You may be reflecting on a decision and seeking guidance. If you are looking in the window, then it indicates that you are doing some soul searching and looking within yourself. Seeing shut windows in your dream means desertion and abandonment. Seeing shattered and broken windows indicates misery and disloyalty. Seeing a tinted window in your dream, represents you need for privacy and your ways of getting it. You are keeping aspects of yourself hidden or that you want to remain ambiguous.
A window is a rich dream symbol. Its accurate interpretation can lead to awareness and a better understanding of a personal outlook on life. If you are looking through the window, pay close attention to what you are looking at. Is it a beautiful landscape or a scene dealing with an experience or a situation from your past? Looking through a window and seeing a beautiful landscape may represent your desire for greater satisfaction and more peace in your life. If you are seeing something familiar, you may be able to perceive the situation in a new way and gain some insight. Some say that a window may represent a time frame. A closed window suggests an inability to effectively communicate, and an opened widow may represent desire for new adventure in life. Windows in our houses allow us to see the world on the outside, the windows in our dreams may encourage us to better see the world within ourselves, as well as the world outside.
To see an engine in your dream, represents your heart and its power. Consider the condition of the engine and how it is running. If the engine does not start, then it symbolizes some obstacle that is hindering your progress and goals.
To dream that you engine is blown or disabled, indicates that you have been betrayed. Alternatively, your old habits and old ways of doing things is hindering your progress.
To dream of an engine, denotes you will encounter grave difficulties and journeys, but you will have substantial friends to uphold you.
Disabled engines stand for misfortune and loss of relatives.
Seeing an engine in your dream, represents your heart and its power. Dreaming that you engine is blown or disabled indicates that you have been betrayed.