The word ‘temple’ derives from the root tem—’to divide’. Etruscan
soothsayers made a division of the heavens by means of two straight lines intersecting at a point directly above the head, the point of intersection being a projection of the notion of the ‘Centre’, and the lines representing the two ‘directions’
of the plane; the north-south line was called cardo and the east-west decumanus.
Phenomena were interpreted according to their situation within this division of
space. Hence, the earthly temple is seen as an image of the celestial temple and its
basic structure is determined by considerations of order and orientation (7). The
temple affords a particular and additional meaning to the generic symbolism of architectonic structures. Broadly speaking, it is the mystic significance of the
‘Centre’ which prevails; the temple and, in particular, the altar, being identified
with the symbol of the mountain-top as the focal point of the intersection of the
two worlds of heaven and earth. Solomon’s temple, according to Philo and Flavius
Josephus, was a figurative representation of the cosmos, and its interior was
disposed accordingly: the incense table signified thanksgiving; the seven-branched
candelabra stood for the seven planetary heavens; the holy table represented the
terrestrial order. In addition to this, the twelve loaves of bread corresponded to
the twelve months of the year. The Ark of the Covenant symbolizes the intelligibles
(14). Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance architects, each in their own way,
sought to imitate this superior archetype. For example, between 1596 and 1604,
imaginary reconstructions of the Temple of Solomon appeared in various works
published in Rome and based upon holy writ, and the illustrations they contained
deeply influenced the architects of the period. Another fundamental significance
of the temple derives from its being a synthesis of the various symbols for the
world-axis, such as the hollow mountain, steps and the sacrificial mountain-peak
mentioned above. In certain astrobiological cultures the temple or altar is in fact
built upon an artificial mountain—the teocalli of Mexico is an example. A more
advanced concept can be seen in the architectural portrayal of those essential
elements of the inner pattern of the universe founded upon the numbers three,
seven, ten and twelve in particular. Seven is basic to the representation of the
planets and their derived symbolisms, and hence the Mesopotamian templemountains—or ziggurats—were constructed after the fashion of a seven-terraced
pyramid. Each of the terraces was dedicate to a particular planet. The Babylonian
ziggurat known as Etemenanki (‘the house of the seven directions of heaven and
earth’) was built of crude bricks overlaid with others that had been fired. A tablet
in the Louvre records that in plan it measured 2,200 feet long by 1,200 wide. The
first level was black in colour and dedicated to Saturn, the second orange-coloured
and sacred to Jupiter, the third red and consecrated to Mars, the fourth golden and
sacred to the Sun, the fifth yellow (to Venus), the sixth blue (to Mercury), the
seventh silver (to the Moon) (39). This order is not always observed, for sometimes the Moon is situated in the sixth heaven and the Sun in the seventh (17).
Berthelot, however, suggests that the ziggurat not only embraces the mystic
aspects of the Mountain and the Centre (by virtue of its mass and situation) and
of Steps (because of its shape), but also constitutes an image of paradise, since
vegetation appears to flourish on its terraces (7). The origins of this type of
structure are Sumerian (7), and examples are to be found in Egypt, India, China
and pre-Columbian America. Eliade, in confirming this, adds that the climb to the top of the Mesopotamian or of the Hindu temple-mountain was equivalent to an
ecstatic journey to the ‘Centre’ of the world; once the traveller has reached the
topmost terrace, he breaks free from the laws of level, transcends profane space
and enters a region of purity (18). It is hardly necessary to observe that climbing
mountains implies ultimately the same mystic tendency, as can be seen in the fact
that mountain heights are the chosen abode of the recluse. And the favourable
symbolic significance of the goat derives solely from his predilection for heights.
Another important example of the temple-mountain, a product of Hindu culture,
comes from Indo-China—the temple of Borobudur built in the centre of the
island of Java in the 8th century of our era. Basically it consists of four levels of
square-shaped galleries, with four more circular platforms on top surmounted by
an enclosed belvedere. In form, then, it is similar to the Egyptian ziggurat, or, in
the Khmer language, a Phnom, signifying a temple-mountain comparable with
Meru, the Hindu Olympus. Four flights of steps up the centre of each pyramid
face lead directly from the base to the top. It would appear that the profoundest
meaning attached to this temple is of a supernatural character. Its name—
Borobudur—signifies ‘the seat of secret revelation’. All graduated edifices such
as steps concern the symbolism of discontinuous spiritual evolution, that is, the
separate but progressive stages of evolution (6). At the same time, the groundplan of the Borobudur temple is diagrammatically a true yantra, and its various
square and round-shaped levels constitute a mandala related to the symbolism of
‘squaring the circle’ (6). The symbolic structure of the Greek temple is fundamentally the same as that of the lake-dwelling: that is, it symbolizes the intercommunication between the Three Worlds—the Lower (represented by the water and
the piles on the one hand and earth and the subterranean part on the other), the
Terrestrial (the base and columns) and the Upper (suggested by the pediment).
Christian cathedrals are related less to the macrocosm than to the microcosm, the
human figure being depicted in terms of the apse (representing the head), the
cross and transepts (the arms), the nave and side aisles (the body) and the altar
(the heart). In the Gothic temple, the upward sweep, the vital rôle of the vertical
axis—and indeed the structure as a whole—embrace the idea of the templemountain with its implied synthesis of the symbolism of both macrocosm and
microcosm. According to Schneider, the two towers usually placed at the western
face correspond to the twin-peaked ‘mountain of Mars’ in primitive megalithic
cultures (and linked with the Gemini myth), while the cimborrio over the transept
is expressive of a higher synthesis, an image of heaven. Both the synthesis and the
crux of the matter are established by Gershom G. Scholem, in Les Origines de la
Kabbale (Paris, 1966). He recalls that God lives in his reason or that God is the absolute Reason and logos of the world, and that the temple ‘is the house’ or
abode of God, and thus identifies temple with reason.

To see a temple in your dream, represents inspiration, spiritual thinking, meditation and growth. It is also symbolic of your physical body and the attention you give it. Perhaps you need to pamper yourself. Alternatively, the dream suggests that you are looking for a place of refuge and a place to keep things that are dear to you.

Seeing a temple in your dream, represents your spiritual thinking, meditation and growth. It is also symbolic of your physical body and the attention you give it.

To dream that you or somebody is on a slide, indicates that you are experiencing some instability in your waking life. You have lost your grip on a situation or relationship.

To dream that you are sliding, represents a loss of control.

Dreaming that you or somebody is on a slide indicates that you are experiencing some instability in your waking life. You may have lost your grip on a situation or relationship.

In Egyptian hieroglyphs, the symbol for water is a wavy line with
small sharp crests, representing the water’s surface. The same sign, when tripled,
symbolizes a volume of water, that is, the primaeval ocean and prime matter.
According to hermetic tradition, the god Nu was the substance from which the
gods of the first ennead emerged (19). The Chinese consider water as the specific
abode of the dragon, because all life comes from the waters (13). In the Vedas,
water is referred to as mâtritamâh (the most maternal) because, in the beginning,
everything was like a sea without light. In India, this element is generally regarded
as the preserver of life, circulating throughout the whole of nature, in the form of
rain, sap, milk and blood. Limitless and immortal, the waters are the beginning and
the end of all things on earth (60). Although water is, in appearance, formless,
ancient cultures made a distinction between ‘upper waters’ and ‘lower waters’.
The former correspond to the potential or what is still possible, the latter to what
is actual or already created (26). In a general sense, the concept of ‘water’ stands,
of course, for all liquid matter. Moreover, the primaeval waters, the image of
prime matter, also contained all solid bodies before they acquired form and rigidity. For this reason, the alchemists gave the name of ‘water’ to quicksilver in its
first stage of transmutation and, by analogy, also to the ‘fluid body’ of Man (57).
This ‘fluid body’ is interpreted by modern psychology as a symbol of the unconscious, that is, of the non-formal, dynamic, motivating, female side of the personality. The projection of the mother-imago into the waters endows them with
various numinous properties characteristic of the mother (31). A secondary meaning of this symbolism is found in the identification of water with intuitive wisdom. In the cosmogony of the Mesopotamian peoples, the abyss of water was
regarded as a symbol of the unfathomable, impersonal Wisdom. An ancient Irish
god was called Domnu, which means ‘marine depth’. In prehistoric times the
word for abyss seems to have been used exclusively to denote that which was
unfathomable and mysterious (4). The waters, in short, symbolize the universal
congress of potentialities, the fons et origo, which precedes all form and all
creation. Immersion in water signifies a return to the preformal state, with a sense
of death and annihilation on the one hand, but of rebirth and regeneration on the
other, since immersion intensifies the life-force. The symbolism of baptism,
which is closely linked to that of water, has been expounded by St. John
Chrysostom (Homil. in Joh., XXV, 2): ‘It represents death and interment, life and
resurrection. . . . When we plunge our head beneath water, as in a sepulchre, the
old man becomes completely immersed and buried. When we leave the water, the
new man suddenly appears’ (18). The ambiguity of this quotation is only on the
surface: in this particular aspect of the general symbolism of water, death affects
only Man-in-nature while the rebirth is that of spiritual man. On the cosmic level,
the equivalent of immersion is the flood, which causes all forms to dissolve and
return to a fluid state, thus liberating the elements which will later be recombined
in new cosmic patterns. The qualities of transparency and depth, often associated with water, go far towards explaining the veneration of the ancients for this
element which, like earth, was a female principle. The Babylonians called it ‘the
home of wisdom’. Oannes, the mythical being who brings culture to mankind, is
portrayed as half man and half fish (17). Moreover, in dreams, birth is usually
expressed through water-imagery (v. Freud, Introduction to Psycho-Analysis).
The expressions ‘risen from the waves’ and ‘saved from the waters’ symbolize
fertility, and are metaphorical images of childbirth. On the other hand, water is, of
all the elements, the most clearly transitional, between fire and air (the ethereal
elements) and earth (the solid element). By analogy, water stands as a mediator
between life and death, with a two-way positive and negative flow of creation and
destruction. The Charon and Ophelia myths symbolize the last voyage. Death
was the first mariner. ‘Transparent depth’, apart from other meanings, stands in
particular for the communicating link between the surface and the abyss. It can
therefore be said that water conjoins these two images (2). Gaston Bachelard
points to many different characteristics of water, and derives from them many
secondary symbolic meanings which enrich the fundamental meaning we have described. These secondary meanings are not so much a set of strict symbols, as
a kind of language expressing the transmutations of this ever-flowing element.
Bachelard enumerates clear water, spring water, running water, stagnant water,
dead water, fresh and salt water, reflecting water, purifying water, deep water,
stormy water. Whether we take water as a symbol of the collective or of the
personal unconscious, or else as an element of mediation and dissolution, it is
obvious that this symbolism is an expression of the vital potential of the psyche,
of the struggles of the psychic depths to find a way of formulating a clear message
comprehensible to the consciousness. On the other hand, secondary symbolisms
are derived from associated objects such as water-containers, and also from the
ways in which water is used: ablutions, baths, holy water, etc. There is also a
very important spatial symbolism connected with the ‘level’ of the waters, denoting a correlation between actual physical level and absolute moral level. It is
for this reason that the Buddha, in his Assapuram sermon, was able to regard the
mountain-lake—whose transparent waters reveal, at the bottom, sand, shells,
snails and fishes—as the path of redemption. This lake obviously corresponds to
a fundamental aspect of the ‘Upper Waters’. Clouds are another aspect of the
‘Upper Waters’. In Le Transformationi of Ludovico Dolce, we find a mystic
figure looking into the unruffled surface of a pond, in contrast with the accursed
hunter, always in restless pursuit of his prey, implying the symbolic contrast
between contemplative activity—the sattva state of Yoga—and blind outward
activity—the rajas state. Finally, the upper and lower waters communicate reciprocally through the process of rain (involution) and evaporation (evolution).
Here, fire intervenes to modify water: the sun (spirit) causes sea water to evaporate (i.e. it sublimates life). Water is condensed in clouds and returns to earth in
the form of life-giving rain, which is invested with twofold virtues: it is water, and
it comes from heaven (15). Lao-Tse paid considerable attention to this cyclic
process of meteorology, which is at one and the same time physical and spiritual,
observing that: ‘Water never rests, neither by day nor by night. When flowing
above, it causes rain and dew. When flowing below, it forms streams and rivers.
Water is outstanding in doing good. If a dam is raised against it, it stops. If way is
made for it, it flows along that path. Hence it is said that it does not struggle. And
yet it has no equal in destroying that which is strong and hard’ (13). When water
stands revealed in its destructive aspects, in the course of cataclysmic events, its
symbolism does not change, but is merely subordinated to the dominant symbolism of the storm. Similarly, in those contexts where the flowing nature of water is
emphasized, as in the contention of Heraclitus that ‘You cannot step twice into
the same river; for fresh waters are ever flowing in upon you.’ Here the reference is not to water-symbolism as such, but to the idea of the irreversible flow along a
given path. To quote Evola, in La tradizione ermetica: ‘Without divine water,
nothing exists, according to Zosimus. On the other hand, among the symbols of
the female principle are included those which figure as origins of the waters
(mother, life), such as: Mother Earth, Mother of the Waters, Stone, Cave, House
of the Mother, Night, House of Depth, House of Force, House of Wisdom,
Forest, etc. One should not be misled by the word “divine”. Water symbolizes
terrestrial and natural life, never metaphysical life.’

This indicates birth (of some person).

To dream of clear water, foretells that you will joyfully realize prosperity and pleasure.

If the water is muddy, you will be in danger and gloom will occupy Pleasure's seat.

If you see it rise up in your house, denotes that you will struggle to resist evil, but unless you see it subside, you will succumb to dangerous influences.

If you find yourself baling it out, but with feet growing wet, foreshadows trouble, sickness, and misery will work you a hard task, but you will forestall them by your watchfulness. The same may be applied to muddy water rising in vessels.

To fall into muddy water, is a sign that you will make many bitter mistakes, and will suffer poignant grief therefrom.

To drink muddy water, portends sickness, but drinking it clear and refreshing brings favorable consummation of fair hopes.

To sport with water, denotes a sudden awakening to love and passion.

To have it sprayed on your head, denotes that your passionate awakening to love will meet reciprocal consummation.

The following dream and its allegorical occurrence in actual life is related by a young woman student of dreams:

``Without knowing how, I was (in my dream) on a boat, I waded through clear blue water to a wharfboat, which I found to be snow white, but rough and splintry. The next evening I had a delightful male caller, but he remained beyond the time prescribed by mothers and I was severely censured for it.'' The blue water and fairy white boat were the disappointing prospects in the symbol.

To see water in your dream, symbolizes your unconscious and your emotional state of mind. Water is the living essence of the psyche and the flow of life energy. It is also symbolic of spirituality, knowledge, healing and refreshment. To dream that water is boiling, suggests that you are expressing some emotional turmoil. Feelings from your unconscious are surfacing and ready to be acknowledged. You need to let out some steam.

To see calm, clear water in your dream, means that you are in tune with your spirituality. It denotes serenity, peace of mind, and rejuvenation.

To see muddy or dirty water in your dream, indicates that you are wallowing in your negative emotions. You may need to take some time to cleanse your mind and find internal peace. Alternatively, the dream suggests that your thinking/judgment is unclear and clouded. If you are immersed in muddy water, then it indicates that you are in over your head in a situation and are overwhelmed by your emotions.

To dream that water is rising up in your house, suggests that you are becoming overwhelmed by your emotions.

To hear running water in your dream, denotes meditation and reflection. You are reflecting on your thoughts and emotions.

To dream that you are walking on water, indicates that you have total control over your emotions. It also suggests that you need to "stay on top" of your emotions and not let them explode out of hand. Alternatively, the dream is symbolic of faith in yourself.

Seeing water in your dream, symbolizes your unconscious and your emotional state of mind. Water is the living essence of the psyche and the flow of life energy. It is also symbolic of spirituality, knowledge, healing and refreshment. Seeing calm, clear water in your dream means that you are in tune with your spirituality. It indicates serenity, peace of mind, and rejuvenation. Seeing muddy or dirty water in your dream indicates that you are wallowing in your negative emotions. You may need to devote some time to clarify your mind and find internal peace. Alternatively, it suggests that your thinking/judgment is unclear and clouded. If you are immersed in muddy water, then it indicates that you are in over your head in a situation and are overwhelmed by your emotions. Dreaming that water is rising up in your house means your struggles and overwhelming emotions. Hearing running water in your dream indicates meditation, reflection and pondering of your thoughts and emotions. Dreaming that you are walking on water, suggests that you have supreme and ultimate control over your emotions. It may also suggest that you need to "stay on top" of your emotions and not let them explode out of hand. Alternatively, it is symbolic of faith in yourself.

To see a check in your dream, suggests that you may feel indebted to others. The dream may also be a pun on checking things out.

To see a blank check in your dream, symbolizes your unused potential. It may also indicate unclaimed rewards.

To see a check mark in your dream, indicates approval and acceptance. Your hard work has paid off.

Seeing a check in your dream, suggests that you may feel indebted to others. The dream may also be a pun on checking things out. Seeing a blank check in your dream, symbolizes your unused potential. It may also indicate unclaimed rewards. Seeing a check mark in your dream indicates approval and acceptance. Your hard work has paid off.

To dream of passing up a stairs, foretells good fortune and much happiness.

If you fall down stairs, you will be the object of hatred and envy.

To walk down, you will be unlucky in your affairs, and your lovemaking will be unfavorable.

To see broad, handsome stairs, foretells approaching riches and honors.

To see others going down stairs, denotes that unpleasant conditions will take the place of pleasure.

To sit on stair steps, denotes a gradual rise in fortune and delight.

Dreaming that you are walking up a flight of stairs indicates that you are achieving a higher level of understanding. You are making progress into your spiritual/emotional/material journey. It also represents material and thoughts that are coming to the surface. Dreaming that you are walking down a flight of stairs, represents your repressed thoughts. It suggests that you are going into your unconscious. It also refers to setbacks that you will experience in your life. If you are afraid of going down the stairs, then it suggests that you are afraid to confront your repressed emotions and thoughts. Is there something from your past that you are not acknowledging. Seeing spiral or winding stairs, signify growth and/or rebirth.

Going up and down the stairs could mean several different things. It could represent changes in consciousness, movement from one inner plane to another, or a change in understanding. In a more material sense, it could represent a rise or fall in economic or social status and the general efforts that are required to accomplish life's small and large goals. Climbing may represent an achievement of your ambitions and a movement in a positive direction. Descending may symbolise your doubts or a period following hard work and achievement of a significant goal. Generally, dreaming of ascending a stairway signifies movement in a positive direction while descending is indicative of a negative flow of ideas or actions.

To see or spin a top in your dream, represents idleness. You are not going anywhere in life and are wasting your time away on frivolous pleasures.

To dream that you are on top, signifies your goals, aspirations and ideals. You are seeking higher understanding and knowledge.

Seeing or spin a top in your dream, represents idleness. You are wasting your time away on frivolous pleasures. Dreaming that you are on top means your aspirations and ideals. You are seeking higher understanding and knowledge.

To see indigo in your dream, suggests that you are taking advantage of others.

To see indigo in a dream, denotes you will deceive friendly persons in order to cheat them out of their be longings. To see indigo water, foretells you will be involved in an ugly love affair.

Seeing indigo in your dream means deceit of your friends for your own gain.

To dream of talking, denotes that you will soon hear of the sickness of relatives, and there will be worries in your affairs.

To hear others talking loudly, foretells that you will be accused of interfering in the affairs of others. To think they are talking about you, denotes that you are menaced with illness and disfavor.

To dream that you are talking does not have any significance unless it is unusual or bizarre. What are you saying specifically. Consider also if what you say evoke strong feelings or behavioral reactions. The dream may simply be highlighting your need improve your communication skills or learn to express yourself more clearly.

Dreaming that you are talking does not have any significance unless it is unusual or bizarre. Consider also if what you say evoke strong feelings or behavioral reactions. Hearing others talking loudly in your dream means that you will be accused of not minding your own business and butting into everybody else's affairs.