I dream alone. It's always been the best way for me to remain clear in my mental space.
My past partners recall me as being, without fail, the most restless sleeper they have known. I've been known to spout poetry while asleep, have strange muscle twitches, and toss my body around. One of my past partners claimed that he used to be able to actually see and perceive my astral body leaving my physical one as I drifted off. (The next day, he suggested we try having our own rooms.)
I wondered if maybe I'd gotten better... if maybe I was going to be able to share sleep space with a warm body again sometime, but I tested it out the other night, and slept next to one of my sweetest platonic friends, and I pulled him directly INTO my dream with me. It was nuts. We both awoke exhausted after I'd pulled him through some unknown city, running up walls and climbing onto skyrises. He had to go to work and was grumpy that he'd got no sleep. I swore to, once again, sharing a bed with my kitty and only my kitty.
Sometimes, for the first few minutes of getting into bed, it feels a bit empty. But then I remember that I get to lie diagonal, and it's all good from there on in.
In a manner of speaking, space is an intermediate zone between the
cosmos and chaos. Taken as the realm of all that is possible, it is chaotic; regarded
as the region in which all forms and structures have their existence, it is cosmic.
Space soon came to be associated with time, and this association proved one of
the ways of coming to grips with the recalcitrant nature of space. Another—and
the most important—was the concept of space as a three-part organization based
upon its three dimensions. Each dimension has two possible directions of movement, implying the possibility of two poles or two contexts. To the six points
achieved in this way, there was added a seventh: the centre; and space thus
became a logical structure. The symbolisms of level and of orientation were
finally brought to bear in order to complete the exegesis. The three dimensions of
space are illustrated by means of a three-dimensional cross, whose arms are oriented along these six spatial directions, made up of the four points of the
compass plus the two points of the zenith and the nadir. According to René
Guénon, this symbolism—because of its structural character—is identical with
that of the Sacred Palace (or the inner palace) of the Cabala, located at the centrepoint from which the six directions radiate. In the three-dimensional cross, the
zenith and the nadir correspond to the top and the bottom, the front and back to
East and West, the right and left to the South and North. The upright axis is the
polar axis, the North-South axis is the solstitial line, the East-West the equinoctial. The significance of the vertical or level-symbolism concerns the analogy
between the high and the good, the low and the inferior. The Hindu doctrine of the
three gunas—sattva (height, superiority), rajas (intermediate zone of the world
of appearances, or ambivalence) and tamas (inferiority, or darkness)—is in itself
sufficient to explain the meaning of the symbolism of level up and down the
vertical axis. It is, in consequence, the intermediate plane of the four-directional
cross (that which incorporates the cardinal points and which implies the square)
which represents the world of appearances. Taking next the East-West axis,
traditional orientation-symbolism associates the East—being the point of sunrise—with spiritual illumination; and the West—the point where the sun sets—
with death and darkness. Passing next to the North-South axis, there is no one
definite interpretation. In many oriental cultures, the zenith coincides with the
mystic ‘Hole’ through which transition and transcendence are effected, that is,
the path from the world of manifestation (spatial and temporal) to that of eternity. But it has also been identified with the centre of the three-dimensional cross,
taken as the heart of space. Reduced to two dimensions—those of the contrasting
horizontal and vertical arms—the cross comes to represent harmony between
extension (associated with width) and exaltation (with height). The horizontal
arm concerns the implications of a given gradation or moment in an individual’s
existence, and the vertical pertains to moral elevation (25). William of SaintThierry, describing the seven gradations of the soul, observes that it ascends these
steps in order to reach the celestial life (14). If we seek an interpretation which
will justify the four points of the horizontal plane’s being reduced to two (the left
and right), we can find a basis for it in Jung’s assertion that the rear part coincides
with the unconscious and the front with the manifest or consciousness; and since
the left also can be equated with the unconscious and the right with consciousness, the rear then becomes equivalent to the left and the front to the right (32).
Other equivalents are: left side with the past, the sinister, the repressed, involution, the abnormal and the illegitimate; the right side with the future, the felicitous, openness, evolution, the normal and the legitimate (42). In all this, there is an apparent contradiction with the corresponding number-symbolisms: Paneth
observes that, in most cultures, the uneven numbers are considered to be masculine and the even numbers to be feminine. Since the left side is the zone of origin
and the right that of the outcome, the corresponding number-symbolisms would
seem to be one (the uneven or masculine number) for the left side (that is, the
past) and two (the even or feminine number) for the right side (the subsequent or
outcome). The solution is to be found in the fact that the number one (unity)
never corresponds to the plane of the manifest world or to spatial reality: it is the
symbol of the centre, but not in the sense of occupying any situation in space
which might imply a sequel. Hence we must conclude that two is the number
corresponding to the left side and three is that related to the right. Guénon
explains the way in which the cosmic order conforms with all this in a lucid
exposition of the relevant Hindu doctrines to the effect that the right hand zone is
the solar region; the left-hand the lunar. ‘In the aspect of this symbolism which
refers to the temporal condition, the Sun and the right eye correspond to the
future, the Moon and the left eye to the past; the frontal eye corresponds to the
present which, from the point of view of the manifested, is but an imperceptible
moment, comparable to the geometrical point without dimensions in the spatial
order; that is why a single look from the third eye destroys all manifestation
(which is expressed symbolically by saying that it reduces everything to ashes),
and that is also why it is not represented by any bodily organ; but when one rises
above this contingent point of view, the present is seen to contain all reality (just
as the point carries within itself all the possibilities of space), and when succession is transmuted into simultaneity, all things abide in the “eternal present”, so
that the apparent destruction is truly a “transformation” ‘ (26). Now, the seven
aspects that define space have been regarded as the origin of all septenary groups,
and in particular of the seven planets, the seven colours and the seven kinds of
landscape (50). Hence Luc Benoist can assert that the Christian Church, by
building on earth a mighty, three-dimensional cross of stone, has created for the
entire world the co-ordinate lines of a supernatural geometry. Benoist then quotes
Clement of Alexandria as saying that the six directions of space symbolize—or
are equivalent to—the simultaneous and eternal presence of the six days of the
Creation, and that the seventh day (of rest) signifies the return to the centre and
the beginning (6). Once the cosmic sense of spatial symbolism has been demonstrated, it is simple to deduce its psychological applications. And once the static
laws have been determined, it is easy to grasp the dynamic-implications, always
bearing in mind the symbolism of orientation. Here, we must point out that the
swastika—a solar and polar symbol—implies a movement from right to left, like the apparent movement of the sun; and that Clotho—one of the Parcae—spins
her ‘wheel of destiny’ in the same direction, that is, the opposite way to existence, so destroying it. Right-handedness is characteristic of all symbols of natural
life (28); hence, in the Egyptian system of hieroglyphs, to enter is to go towards
the right and to go out is to go towards the left (19); orienting these hieroglyphs,
we have the right corresponding with the rise and the left with the setting of the
sun. Similarly, the right side takes on an extra implication of birth and life, while
the left side acquires an association with death (17). Another consequence, apparent in allegories and emblems, is that the right side corresponds to the higher
virtues—if one may put it that way—such as compassion, and the left side to
justice. All of the above conclusions are logical deductions drawn from the study
of oriental tradition, supported by the findings of experimental psychology. But
they are conclusions which have also been verified by anthropologists and sociologists in their studies of the habits of diverse peoples. Ania Teillard, for example, has collated a mass of facts; she quotes J. J. Bachofen as asserting (in his
Mutterrecht und Urreligion und Grabersymbolik der Alten) that, in the important
and very common equation ‘right hand=masculinity’, the left hand harbours
magic powers and the right hand the force of reason, and also that in matriarchal
societies one always finds the idea of superiority attributed to the left side, and
conversely. To turn to the left is to look back upon the past, the unconscious,
implying introversion; to turn to the right is to look upon the outside world,
implying action and extraversion. At the same time, ethnologists are agreed that
during the first stage of any period of sun-worship, the right side becomes preeminent, whereas in lunar cults it is the left side which prevails (56). In paintings,
reliefs and other artistic creations of man, the left side is characterized by a more
vivid projection of the self (that is, by identification) and the right side is more
extravert.
Seeing or dreaming that you are in space, represents exploration. You are an independent thinker.
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 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 of meeting unknown persons, foretells change for good, or bad as the person is good looking, or ugly, or deformed.
To feel that you are unknown, denotes that strange things will cast a shadow of ill luck over you.
To see an unknown person in your dream, signifies a part of yourself that is repressed and hidden. Alternatively, it symbolizes the archetypal dream helper who is trying to offer some insight and advice.
To see an unknown place in your dream, represents change in your life. Consider how you feel about the surrounding. If you are afraid or lost, then it indicates that you are not ready for the change. You are not ready to leave the past behind. If you are excited or happy in this unknown place, then it suggests that you are ready for change.
Seeing an unknown person in your dream means a part of yourself that is repressed and hidden. Alternatively, it symbolizes the archetypal dream helper who is trying to offer some insight and advice.
To dream that you are hard at work, denotes that you will win merited success by concentration of energy.
To see others at work, denotes that hopeful conditions will surround you.
To look for work, means that you will be benefited by some unaccountable occurrence.
To dream that you are at work, indicates that you are experiencing some anxiety about a current project or task. The dream may also be telling you that you need to "get back to work". Perhaps you have been slacking off and need to pick up the pace. Stop procrastinating. Alternatively, the dream reflects your success.
To dream that you are at your former work, suggests that there is an old lesson that you need to learn and apply to your current situation.
To dream that you have been replaced at work, represents your concern about your current job security. You feel that you are in a precarious position at work or in some group project.
Dreaming that you are at work indicates that you are experiencing some anxiety about a current project or task. The dream may also be telling you that you need to "get back to work". Perhaps you have been slacking and need to pick up the pace. Dreaming that you are at your former or past work, suggests that there is an old lesson that you need to learn and apply to your current situation. Dreaming that you are hard at work means success and merit. Alternatively, it may suggest anxieties about a current task or project. You may need to "get back to work" and stop procrastinating.
To dream of climbing up a hill or mountain and reaching the top, you will overcome the most formidable obstacles between you and a prosperous future; but if you should fail to reach the top, your dearest plans will suffer being wrecked.
To climb a ladder to the last rung, you will succeed in business; but if the ladder breaks, you will be plunged into unexpected straits, and accidents may happen to you.
To see yourself climbing the side of a house in some mysterious way in a dream, and to have a window suddenly open to let you in, foretells that you will make or have made extraordinary ventures against the approbation of friends, but success will eventually crown your efforts, though there will be times when despair will almost enshroud you.
Going upward, or ascending, is always a positive dream symbol. Whether you are struggling on a difficult rope or ladder or walking up an easy slope, this dream suggests that you are moving in the right direction. If the climb in your dream is extremely difficult, it may be pointing to some obstacles that you need to overcome before reaching your goals. Consider all of the details in your dream, and if you recently completed a difficult task, achieved a goal (e.g. graduating), this dream may be reflective in nature.
To dream that you find a wall obstructing your progress, you will surely succumb to ill-favored influences and lose important victories in your affairs.
To jump over it, you will overcome obstacles and win your desires. To force a breach in a wall, you will succeed in the attainment of your wishes by sheer tenacity of purpose.
To demolish one, you will overthrow your enemies. To build one, foretells that you will carefully lay plans and will solidify your fortune to the exclusion of failure, or designing enemies.
For a young woman to walk on top of a wall, shows that her future happiness will soon be made secure. For her to hide behind a wall, denotes that she will form connections that she will be ashamed to acknowledge. If she walks beside a base wall. she will soon have run the gamut of her attractions, and will likely be deserted at a precarious time.
To see a wall in your dream, signifies limitations. obstacles and boundaries. There is a barrier obstructing your progress. Alternatively, the wall indicates that you are too accustomed to your old habits and way of thinking. You feel stuck.
To dream that you jump over a wall, suggests that you are able to confront tough obstacles and get around barriers with success and ease.
To dream that you demolish or break down a wall, indicates that you are breaking through obstacles and overcoming your limitations. It also means that you desire some freedom and independence. If you see a wall crumble, then it suggests that you have risen above your problems and overcame your barriers.
To dream that you are building a wall, refers to a bad relationship or childhood trauma. You are trying to keep others out for fear of getting hurt again. Alternatively, the dream suggests that you have accepted your limitations.
To dream that you are hiding behind a wall, suggests that you ashamed in acknowledging your connections.
To dream that you are being thrown or shot through a wall, means that you need to literally breakdown those walls that you have put up around you. You need to venture out and explore.
To dream that a house has no walls, represents a lack of privacy. You feel that everyone is looking over your shoulder or up in your business.
Seeing a wall in your dream means limitations. obstacles and boundaries. There is a barrier obstructing your progress. You may have been accustomed to your old habits and way of thinking. Dreaming that you jump over a wall, suggests that you will overcome tough obstacles and succeed. Dreaming that you demolish or break down a wall indicates that you are breaking through obstacles and overcoming your limitations. If you see a wall crumble, then it suggests that you have easily risen above your problems and overcame your barriers. Dreaming that you are building a wall, represents a bad relationship or some childhood trauma. It also suggest that you have accepted your limitations. Dreaming that you are hiding behind a wall, suggests that you ashamed in acknowledging your connections. Dreaming that you are being thrown or shot through a wall, literally means that you need to breakdown those walls that you have put up around you. You need to venture out and explore.
To dream that you are running away from someone, indicates an issue that you are trying to avoid. You are not taking or accepting responsibility for your actions. In particular, if you are running from an attacker or any danger, then it suggests that you are not facing and confronting your fears.
To dream that you are trying to run but cannot make your feet move as fast as you want them to, signifies lack of self-esteem and self-confidence. It may also reflect your actual state of REM paralysis during the dream state.
To dream that you are running alone, refers to your determination and motivation in the pursuit of your goals. You will find success and rise above those around you. Alternatively, the dream may mean that you need to hurry up in making a decision.
To dream that you are running with someone, signifies cooperation.
To dream of running in company with others, is a sign that you will participate in some festivity, and you will find that your affairs are growing towards fortune. If you stumble or fall, you will lose property and reputation.
Running alone, indicates that you will outstrip your friends in the race for wealth, and you will occupy a higher place in social life.
If you run from danger, you will be threatened with losses, and you will despair of adjusting matters agreeably. To see others thus running, you will be oppressed by the threatened downfall of friends.
To see stock running, warns you to be careful in making new trades or undertaking new tasks.
Dreaming that you are running away from someone indicates an issue that you are trying to avoid. You are not taking or accepting responsibility for your actions. In particular, if you are running from an attacker or any danger, then it suggests that you are not facing and confronting your fears. Dreaming that you are trying to run but cannot make your feet move as fast as you want them to means lack of self-esteem and self-confidence. It may also reflect your actual state of REM paralysis while in the dream state. Dreaming that you are running alone means that you will advance to a higher position and surpass your friends in the race for wealth. Alternatively, you may be running from some situation or from temptation. Dreaming that you are running with others means festive and prosperous times.
Dreaming of running competitively should be distinguished from dreams that have you running to or from something. If you are simply running with no goal, it may be an indication that you need to slow down in your every day life. If you are competing, you need to consider your recent rivalries and realistically look at the current challenges. If you are running in a race and win, your unconscious may be expressing confidence that you may or may not feel in the wakened state. Running in your dreams may also symbolise the energy levels, the strength, or the force that you have to get through life.