I was outside with a few friends. There was a pond, and a huge mountain of rocks on the other side of the pond, which was not very big. The sky turned a dark grey, and the rocks began to catch fire. I was stunned the rocks were on fire. Some rocks started sliding down the mountain and catching the other rocks on fire. It was almost like a volcano with lava, I think I remember believing that it was some sort of volcano. Everyone was running away, so my friends and I began to also, but I didn't want to. One of my friends decided to hide out in a boat and watch the fire, even though he knew that it was dangerous. I decided to join him, and my other friend [Mary] had children and didn't want to risk death. We laid in the boat and watched the rocks blaze, they were so hot that they were flying everywhere like shrapnel but somehow our boat did not get hit. My friend and I were not at all afraid. After it was over we walked inside of a school, which was apparently where we were. I saw an ex [Wes] walking up the stairs to his next class. I was happy to see him. He disappeared, and I wanted to find him again. I went and found my friend Amanda and talked to her about it. I went looking for him, even though I knew I'd be late to my next class. I ended up in huge library, that had a lot more than books inside. It was like a media center of learning. I couldn't find him, and I decided that I should go back to class.
In another dream I was working retail somewhere. Sam came to visit me, and nobody was around. He took me to the back room and wanted to have sex, and again I found myself thinking about how inappropriate he was being. I wasn't into it, but for some reason I complied. My bosses walked in but we were able to hide from them and get dressed before they saw us.
[All photography by me]
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 see a rock in your dream, symbolizes strength, permanence, stability and integrity, as conveyed in the common phrase "as solid as a rock". The dream may also indicate that you are making a commitment to a relationship or that you are contemplating some changes in your life that will lay the groundwork for a more solid foundation. Alternatively, a rock represents stubbornness, disharmony and unhappiness.
To dream that you are climbing a rock, signifies your determination, ambition and struggle. If the rock is particularly steep, then it refers to obstacles and disappointments.
To dream of rocks, denotes that you will meet reverses, and that there will be discord and general unhappiness.
To climb a steep rock, foretells immediate struggles and disappointing surroundings.
To dream that you are in or see a boat, signifies your ability to cope with and express your emotions. Pay particular attention to the condition and state of the waters, whether it is calm or violent, clear or murky, etc. Are you "smooth sailing"? Alternatively, you may be ready to confront your unconscious and unknown aspects of yourself. The dream could be telling you not to rock the boat and to stay out of harm's way.
To dream that you are trying to jump off a boat, suggests that you want to confront those difficult emotions and approach your problems head on.
Boat signals forecast bright prospects, if upon clear water. If the water is unsettled and turbulent, cares and unhappy changes threaten the dreamer. If with a gay party you board a boat without an accident, many favors will be showered upon you. Unlucky the dreamer who falls overboard while sailing upon stormy waters.
To sail in a boat or ship on smooth waters is lucky. On rough waters, it is unlucky. To
fall into water indicates great peril.
Dreaming that you are in or see a boat means you ability to cope and express your emotions. Pay particular attention to the condition and state of the waters, whether is is calm or violent, clear or murky, etc. Are you "smooth sailing"? Alternatively, you may be ready to confront your unconscious and unknown aspects of yourself. Dreaming that you are trying to jump off a boat, suggests that you want to dive directly in and confront those difficult emotions and approach your problems head on.
As mentioned in all relevant dream symbols, bodies of water represent your unconscious, your emotions and your accumulated soul experiences. Depending on the content of the dream, several different interpretations could be made. The boat in your dream could represent you and the manner you navigate through your emotions. It could symbolize the voyage of your life, an adventure and exploration of your unconscious, or a connection to the people in your dream by pointing out something that all of you have in common ("in the same boat"). When interpreting this dream, consider the kind of voyage and the type of boat. Superstition-based dream interpretation books say that if the voyage is calm, you should go forward with your plans. However, if it is a very stormy voyage, get ready for an emotional upset (or challenge), and if the boat is sinking, be prepared for a hidden danger.
To dream that you are in class, is a metaphor that you need to have more class.
To dream that you forget to attend a class you signed up for, indicates your anxieties and fear of failing. You may also be lacking self-confidence in your ability to handle new responsibilities or projects.
Dreaming that you forgot to attend a class you signed up for indicates your anxieties and fear of failing. You may also be lacking self-confidence in your ability to handle new responsibilities or projects.
To dream about sex, refers to the integration and merging of contrasting aspects of yourself. It represents psychological completion. You need to be more receptive and incorporate aspects of your dream sex partner into your own character. Consider the nature of the love-making. Was it passionate? Was it slow? Was it wild? The sex act parallels aspect of yourself that you wish to express. A more direct interpretation of the dream, may be your libido's way of telling you that it has been too long since you have had sex. It may indicate repressed sexual desires and your needs for physical and emotional love. If you are looking for a place to have sex, then the dream may be analogous to your search for intimacy and closeness. You want to rekindle some relationship. If you dream of having sex in a public place, then the dream implies that others are talking about your private relationship.
To dream about sex with someone other than your spouse or significant other, suggests dissatisfaction with the physical side of your relationship. On the other hand, it may be harmless fantasy. In such situations, you may find that you are less inhibited sexually. Perhaps you need to bring the same sense of adventure into your existing relationship.
To dream that you are having sex with an ex or someone who is not your current mate, denotes your reservations about embarking in a new relationship or situation. You may feel nervous about exposing yourself and are feeling a resurgence of those old emotions and feelings that you felt back when you and your ex were together. If you are approaching your wedding date, then is not uncommon to experience especially erotic adventures with partners other than your intended spouse. This may be due to the intensity of the sexual passion with your fiance. It also relates to the new roles that you will be taking on and the uncertainty that that may bring.
To dream that you are having sex with a stranger, represents uncertainty about what is ahead. Alternatively, the dream allows you to experiment freely without having any hang ups, emotional baggage or preconceived notions associated with a person you would know. In such a scenario, you are able to let loose and express your desires, passions and emotions. In particular, if you dream of having sex with multiple partners at the same time, then it indicates that you are feeling detached in your personal relationship. You feel that sex is just an act devoid of any emotion or passion. Perhaps your sex life has become too automated.
If you are heterosexual and you dream that you are having sex with someone of the same sex, then it represents an expression of greater self love and acceptance. You need to be in better touch of your feminine or masculine side. The dream does not necessarily imply homosexual desire.
To dream that you are having sex with a celebrity, indicates your drive to be successful. You are striving for recognition. Consider what movies your associate this celebrity with for clues as to where and what you want to achieve success in.
To see your parents having sex in your dream, indicate that you are seeing similar aspects between their relationship and your current relationship. Most of us cringe at the thought of our parents having sex, so this dream imagery is really trying to get your attention. Consider your parents' real life relationship together and what you can learn from it.
To dream that you are the opposite sex, suggests that you need to incorporate certain qualities of the opposite sex. Ask yourself, how do you feel being a man or a woman? In what ways can you incorporate those feelings into your waking life.
Dreaming about sex, refers to the psychological completion and the integration of contrasting aspects of the Self. You need to be more receptive and incorporate aspects of your dream sex partner into your own character. Alternatively and a more direct interpretation of the dream, may be your libido's way of telling you that it's been too long since you have had sex. It may indicate repressed sexual desires and your needs for physical and emotional love. Dreaming about sex with someone other than your spouse or significant other, suggests dissatisfaction with the physical side of your relationship. On the other hand, it may be harmless fantasy. In such situations, you may find that you are less inhibited sexually and you can even bring that sense of adventure to your existing relationship. Dreaming that you are having sex with an ex or someone who is not your current mate indicates your reservations about embarking in a new relationship or situation. You may feel nervous about exposing yourself or currently feel a resurgence of those old emotions and feelings that you felt back when you and your ex were together. Believe it or not, it is not uncommon for people approaching their wedding to experience especially erotic adventures with partners other than their intended spouses. This may be due to the intensity of your sexual passion with your fiancé. It also relates to the new roles that you will be taking on and the uncertainty that that may bring. If you are heterosexual and you dream that you are having sex with someone of the same sex means not necessarily homosexual desire, but an expression of greater self love and acceptance. You need to be in better touch of your feminine or masculine side. Dreaming that you are the opposite sex, suggests that you exhibit or need to incorporate those qualities of the opposite sex. Ask yourself, how do you feel being a man or a woman? In what ways can you incorporate those feelings into your waking life.
To see friends in your dream, signify aspects of your personality that you have rejected, but are ready to incorporate and acknowledge. The relationships you have with those around you are important in learning about yourself. Alternatively, dreaming of a friend, indicates positive news.
To see your childhood friend in your dream, signifies regression into your past where you had no responsibilities. Things were much simpler and carefree. You may be wanting to escape the pressures and stresses of adulthood. Consider the relationship you had with this friend and the lessons that were learned. Alternatively, the childhood friend suggests that you have been acting in a childish manner. You need to start acting like an adult.
To dream that your best friend is dying, suggests that some aspect or quality that your best friend possess is dying within your own self.
To dream of friends being well and happy, denotes pleasant tidings of them, or you will soon see them or some of their relatives.
To see your friend troubled and haggard, sickness or distress is upon them.
To see your friends dark-colored, denotes unusual sickness or trouble to you or to them. To see them take the form of animals, signifies that enemies will separate you from your closest relations.
To see your friend who dresses in somber colors in flaming red, foretells that unpleasant things will transpire, causing you anxiety if not loss, and that friends will be implicated.
To dream you see a friend standing like a statue on a hill, denotes you will advance beyond present pursuits, but will retain former impressions of justice and knowledge, seeking these through every change. If the figure below be low, you will ignore your friends of former days in your future advancement. If it is on a plane or level with you, you will fail in your ambition to reach other spheres. If you seem to be going from it, you will force yourself to seek a change in spite of friendly ties or self-admonition.
To dream you see a friend with a white cloth tied over his face, denotes that you will be injured by some person who will endeavor to keep up friendly relations with you.
To dream that you are shaking hands with a person who has wronged you, and he is taking his departure and looks sad, foretells you will have differences with a close friend and alienation will perhaps follow. You are most assuredly nearing loss of some character.
Seeing your friends in your dream means aspects of your personality that you have rejected, but are ready to integrate these rejected part of yourself. The relationships you have with those around you are important in learning about yourself. Additionally, this symbol foretells of happy tidings from them and the arrival of good news. Seeing your childhood friend in your dream means regression into your past where you had no responsibilities and things were much simpler and carefree. You may be wanting to escape the the pressures and stresses of adulthood. Consider the relationship you had with this friend and the lessons that were learned. Alternatively, the childhood friend may be suggesting that you have been acting in a childish manner and you need to start acting like an adult. Dreaming that your best friend is dying, suggests that some aspect or quality that your best friend possess is dying within your own self.
To see a pond in your dream, represents tranquility. You need some more quiet time to yourself. It is a time to reflect on your situation and what is going on in your life. Alternatively, a pond suggests that you keep your feelings contained and in check. You are and emotionally calm.
To see a pond in your dream, denotes that events will bring no emotion, and fortune will retain a placid outlook.
If the pond is muddy, you will have domestic quarrels.
Seeing a pond in your dream, represents tranquility and desire for more quiet time to yourself. It is a time to reflect on your situation and what is going on in your life. Alternatively, it suggests that you keep your feelings contained and in check. You are experiencing and emotional calm in your life.
To dream of the hide of an animal, denotes profit and permanent employment.
In mythology, the volcano is invested with antithetical powers: on
the one hand there is the extraordinary fertility of the volcanic earth in such
regions as Naples, California or Japan; but on the other hand the destructive fire
of the volcano is linked with the idea of evil. This accounts for the variety of ideas
associated with the volcano. For the Persians, for instance, it was quite simply
the Great Adversary, Ahriman, who, in the form of a huge dragon or serpent, was
shackled (as in the comparable myth of Prometheus) to mount Demâvand, the
volcano of Elburz, there to await the Day of Judgement (35). The volcano is
symbolic not only of the primary force of nature and of the fire of life (representing creation and destruction) (4), but also of the original ‘site’ of the ‘descent’ of
the Elements—involution, that is to say; here, in the bowels of the volcano, the
Elements of air, fire, water and earth are intermingled and transformed (50).
Hence it becomes feasible to relate the volcano to Shiva, the god of creation and
destruction. As a psychological symbol, the volcano represents the passions
which, according to Beaudoin, become the sole source of our spiritual energy once
we have managed to master and transform them. An examination of the 30th
symbol of the Ars Symbolica of Bosch in relation to the legendary motto Gelat et
ardet, points to the conclusion that there is a profound significance of the volcano
touching upon the coincidentia oppositorum. Another important sense of the
volcano arises from its peculiar characteristic whereby a long period of latent,
enclosed and occult labour is followed by a sudden and terrible eruption. By
analogy between this process and many other similar processes in the lives of
individuals and social groups, the word ‘volcano’ has come to be used as an image
of this dual tendency of tension and distension (31).
Quarrels and disagreements in life.
To see a volcano in your dreams, signifies that you will be in violent disputes, which threaten your reputation as a fair dealing and honest citizen.
For a young woman, it means that her selfishness and greed will lead her into intricate adventures.
To see a volcano in your dream, indicates that you are unable to control your emotions, particularly if the volcano is erupting. You are ready to burst. The outcome may be damaging and hurtful, especially to those around you. If the volcano is dormant, then it represents past issues that have been resolved and put to the rest.
Seeing a volcano in your dream indicates violent disputes or repressed thoughts. Your emotions are about to "erupt". Your honesty and fair character may also be threatened or attacked.
Volcanic eruptions in dreams usually represent our erupting emotions. Feelings that you may be harbouring during the day might take the form of a volcanic eruption in a dream state. The unconscious psyche might be releasing positive or negative feelings in a safety of a dream; e.g. Strong sexual feelings, passion, anger, rage, and fear. Superstition-based dream interpretations say that pouring lava is a warning about poor health
The different meanings which have been attached to the symbolism of the mountain stem not so much from any inherent multiplicity as from the
various implications of each of its component elements: its height, verticality,
mass and shape. Deriving from the first idea (height) are interpretations such as
that of Teillard, who equates the mountain with inner ‘loftiness’ of spirit (56),
that is, transposing the notion of ascent to the realm of the spirit. In alchemy, on
the other hand, the reference is nearly always to the hollow mountain, the hollow
being a cavern which is the ‘philosophers’ oven’. The vertical axis of the mountain drawn from its peak down to its base links it with the world-axis, and,
anatomically, with the spinal column. Because of its grandiose proportions, the
mountain came to symbolize, for the Chinese, the greatness and generosity of the
Emperor; it is the fourth of the twelve imperial emblems (5). But the profoundest
symbolism is one that imparts a sacred character by uniting the concept of mass,
as an expression of being, with the idea of verticality. As in the case of the cross
or the Cosmic Tree, the location of this mountain is at the ‘Centre’ of the world.
This same profound significance is common to almost all traditions: suffice it to
recall mount Meru of the Hindus, the Haraberezaiti of the Iranians, Tabor of the
Israelites, Himingbjör of the Germanic peoples, to mention only a few. Furthermore, the temple-mountains such as Borobudur, the Mesopotamian ziggurats or
the pre-Columbian teocallis are all built after the pattern of this symbol. Seen
from above, the mountain grows gradually wider, and in this respect it corresponds to the inverted tree whose roots grow up towards heaven while its foliage
points downwards, thereby expressing multiplicity, the universe in expansion,
involution and materialization. This is why Eliade says that ‘the peak of the
cosmic mountain is not only the highest point on earth, it is also the earth’s navel,
the point where creation had its beginning’—the root (18). The mystic sense of
the peak also comes from the fact that it is the point of contact between heaven
and earth, or the centre through which the world-axis passes, binding the three
levels together. It is, incidentally, also the focal point of Inversion—the point of
intersection of the immense St. Andrew’s cross, which expresses the relationship
between the different worlds. Other sacred mountains are Sumeru of the UralAltaic peoples (17) and Caf in Moslem mythology—a huge mountain the base of which is formed by a single emerald called Sakhrat (8). Mount Meru is said to be
of gold and located at the North Pole (8), thus underlining the idea of the Centre
and, in particular, linking it with the Pole Star—the ‘hole’ through which all things
temporal and spatial must pass in order to divest themselves of their worldly
characteristics. This polar mountain is also to be found in other symbolic traditions, always bearing the same symbolism of the world-axis (25); its mythic
characteristics were, in all probability, based upon the fixed position of the Pole
Star. It is also called the ‘white mountain’, in which case it embraces both the
basic mountain-symbolism with all the implications outlined above and that of
the colour white (intelligence and purity). This was the predominating characteristic of Mount Olympus (49), the supreme, celestial mountain which Schneider
sees as corresponding to Jupiter and equivalent to the principle of the number
one. There is another mountain, relevant to the symbolism of the number two,
and that is the mountain of Mars and Janus—that is, as the Gemini; basically,
they represent two different aspects of the same mountain, but blending together
the symbolism of the ‘two worlds’ of Atma and Buddhi, or the two essential,
rhythmic aspects of manifest creation—light and darkness, life and death, immortality and mortality. This mountain has two peaks, in order to give visual expression to its dual or ambivalent meaning. It occurs constantly in traditional, megalithic culture, particularly in the form of a landscape, illustrating yet again the
Protean myth of the Gemini, which bursts out in so many different forms in
primitive thought and art. This mountain is also a form of mandorla consisting of
the intersection of the circle of the heavens with that of the earth, and this
mandorla is, as it were, the crucible of life, containing the opposite poles of life
(good and bad, love and hate, fidelity and treachery, affirmation and negation, the
numbers 2 and 11—both equal to one plus one—and finally construction and
destruction). Incidentally, the animals which correspond to this all-embracing
significance of the mandorla are the whale and the shark (51). In Hindu legend, the
castle of Indra was built on this mountain; whereas in Roman legend it was the
castle of Mars, and the home of the thunderbolt, the two-headed eagle and the
Gemini. It has been called the ‘mountain of stone’ and is at once the abode of the
living (the exterior of the mountain) and of the dead (the hollow interior) (50).
Krappe has borne this out with the observation that ‘The interior of a mountain
has frequently been taken as the location of the Land of the Dead: the derivation
of the Celtic and Irish fairy-hills, and of the legend, widespread in Asia and
Europe, of a demiurge or hero asleep inside a mountain, one day to emerge and
renew all things sublunar’ (35). This myth has obvious connexions with the myth
of Entanglement—of the castle inextricably entangled in a wood and also with the story of the ‘Sleeping Beauty’. All such myths are concerned with the mystery of
a disappearance between appearance and reappearance. Schneider lists the following trades and professions as being associated with Mars: those of the king,
physician, warrior and miner, as well as the martyr (51). In Western tradition, the
mountain-symbol appears in the legend of the Grail, as Montsalvat (the ‘mountain of salvation’ or ‘of health’)—just as much a ‘polar mountain’ as it is a ‘sacred
island’, according to Guénon; but always it is inaccessible or difficult to find (like
the ‘centre’ of the labyrinth) (28). In general, the mountain, the hill and the
mountain-top are all associated with the idea of meditation, spiritual elevation
and the communion of the blessed. In mediaeval emblems, the symbolism of the
‘mountain of salvation’ is further defined by a complementary figure surmounting it, such as the fleur-de-lis, the star, the lunar crescent, the cross, steps, the
crown, the circle, the triangle, or the number three. The letter Z sometimes occurs,
standing for Zion; similarly, an R is short for Regeneratio (4). Some of these
symbols have lent themselves to a poetic treatment that is well worth examination. From the moment when the mountain, so to speak, divests itself of its
terrestrial and material character and becomes the image of an idea, the more
numerous the component elements pertaining to this idea, the greater will be its
clarity and force. Hence, mount Meru of India is considered to have the shape of
a pure, seven-sided pyramid (corresponding to the seven planetary spheres, the
seven essential virtues and the seven Directions of space) and each face has one of
the colours of the rainbow. Seen as a whole, the mountain is a shining white, by
which token it may be equated with the ‘polar mountain’ and the all-embracing
image of totality (also symbolized by the pyramid-symbol), tending towards
Oneness (symbolized by the peak)—to avail ourselves of the concepts of Nicholas of Cusa.
For a young woman to dream of crossing a mountain in company with her cousin and dead brother, who was smiling, denotes she will have a distinctive change in her life for the better, but there are warnings against allurements and deceitfulness of friends. If she becomes exhausted and refuses to go further, she will be slightly disappointed in not gaining quite so exalted a position as was hoped for by her.
If you ascend a mountain in your dreams, and the way is pleasant and verdant, you will rise swiftly to wealth and prominence. If the mountain is rugged, and you fail to reach the top, you may expect reverses in your life, and should strive to overcome all weakness in your nature. To awaken when you are at a dangerous point in ascending, denotes that you will find affairs taking a flattering turn when they appear gloomy.
Seeing mountains in your dream means many major obstacles and challenges that you have to overcome. If you are on top of the mountain, then it means that you have achieved and realized your goals. Alternatively, mountains indicates a higher realm of consciousness, knowledge, and spiritual truth. Dreaming that you are climbing a mountain means your determination and ambition. Dreaming that you fall off a mountain, suggests that you are in a hurry to succeed without thoroughly thinking about your path to success. It also means that you have a tendency to give up or escape from demanding situations.
Climbing a real mountain is not always fun but it usually challenging and rewarding. Some say that the mountain may represent spirituality while others suggest mental development and self-awareness. The most literal interpretation of climbing a mountain is that it represents attainment of goals. If you are ascending a mountain you may be are working hard and trying to accomplish your goals, whether they are spiritual, emotional, or material.