On coins, a ship ploughing through the seas is emblematic of joy and
happiness (8). But the most profound significance of navigation is that implied
by Pompey the Great in his remark: ‘Living is not necessary, but navigation is.’
By this he meant that existence is split up into two fundamental structures:
living, which he understood as living for or in oneself, and sailing or navigating, by
which he understood living in order to transcend—or what Nietzsche from his
pessimistic angle called ‘living in order to disappear’. The Odyssey is, basically,
nothing but a navigation-myth in the sense of victory over the two essential perils
of all sailing: destruction (or the triumph of the ocean—corresponding to the
unconscious) and withdrawal (regression or stagnation). Yet Homer reserves the
end of the periplus of Odysseus for a triumphant but affectionate ‘return’ to his
wife, his hearth and home. This is a mystic idea analogous to the mystery of the
‘fall’ of the soul into the material plane of existence (by the process of involution)
and to the necessity of its returning to the starting-point (evolution)—a mystery
which has been expounded by Platonic idealism and by Plotinus in particular.
This law of the returning soul corresponds to the belief in the concept of a
‘closed’ universe (like that of the Eternal Return) or the conception of all phenomena as a cyclic organization. Navigation, as envisaged in any philosophy of
the absolute, would deny even the hero his triumphant return to the homeland
and would make of him a perpetual explorer of oceans, under endless skies. But to come back to the symbolism of the ship, every vessel corresponds to a constellation (48). The ship-symbol has been related to the holy island, in so far as both
are differentiated from the amorphous and hostile sea. If the waters of the oceans
are symbolic of the unconscious, they also can allude to the dull roar of the
outside world. The notion that it is essential first to learn to sail the sea of the
passions in order to reach the Mountain of Salvation is the same as the idea
mentioned earlier in connexion with the perils of exploring the oceans. For this
reason Guénon suggests that ‘the attainment of the Great Peace is depicted in the
form of sailing the seas’; hence, in Christian symbolism, the ship represents the
Church (28). Some of the less clearly defined aspects of the symbolism of the
ship—comparable here with the small boat and the carriage—are related to symbols of the human body and of all physical bodies or vehicles; in addition to this,
there is a cosmic implication deriving from the age-old comparison between the
sun and the moon on the one hand, and, on the other, two ships floating upon the
celestial ocean. The solar ship frequently appears on Egyptian monuments. In
Assyrian art, too, ships shaped like cups are clearly solar in character; this cupshape narrows down still further the scope of the meaning (35). Another meaning,
sometimes quite independent of the foregoing, derives not so much from the idea
of the ship as such but rather from the notion of sailing; this is the symbolism of
the Ship-of-Death. Hence, many primitive peoples place ships on the end of a
pole or on the roof of a house. On occasion, it is the roof itself (of the temple or
house) which is made to resemble a ship. Always the implication is the desire to
transcend existence—to travel through space to the other worlds. All these forms,
then, represent the axis valley-mountain, or the symbolism of verticality and the
idea of height. An obvious association here is with all the symbols for the worldaxis. The mast in the centre of the vessel gives expression to the idea of the
Cosmic Tree incorporated within the symbolism of the Ship-of-Death or ‘Ship of
Transcendence’ (50).

If you have a ship of your own sailing on the sea, it indicates advancement in riches. A
ship that is tossed in the ocean and about to sink indicates disaster in life.

To see a ship in your dream, denotes that you are exploring aspects of your emotions and unconscious. The state and condition of the ship is indicative of your emotional state. If you dream of a cruise ship, then it suggests pleasant moods. If you dream of a warship, then it means that you are experiencing feelings of aggression.

To dream that you are sailing the high seas in a ship, denotes that you are still standing tall despite the emotional turmoil occurring in your life.

To dream that a ship has crashed or sunk, suggests that you are feeling emotionally out of control. You are expressing some fear or uncertainly within your emotional state. You are afraid of losing something close to you because of certain difficulties.

To dream that you abandon ship, indicates that you need to move on and let go. Your emotion may be holding you back. Alternatively, consider the phrase "jumping ship", to indicate changing of sides.

To dream of ships, foretells honor and unexpected elevation to ranks above your mode of life.

To hear of a shipwreck is ominous of a disastrous turn in affairs.
Your female friends will betray you.
To lose your life in one, denotes that you will have an exceeding close call on your life or honor.

To see a ship on her way through a tempestuous storm, foretells that you will be unfortunate in business transactions, and you will be perplexed to find means of hiding some intrigue from the public, as your partner in the affair will threaten you with betrayal.

To see others shipwrecked, you will seek in vain to shelter some friend from disgrace and insolvency.

Seeing a ship in your dream indicates that you are exploring aspects of your emotions and unconscious mind. The state and condition of the ship is indicative of your emotional state. If it is a cruise ship, then it suggests pleasant moods. If it is a warship, then you are experiencing feelings of aggression. Dreaming that you are sailing the high seas in a ship indicates that you are standing tall in times emotional turmoil. Dreaming that a ship crashed or is sinking, suggests that some aspect of your life is out of control You are expressing some fear or uncertainly within your emotional state. You are afraid of losing something close to you because of certain difficulties.

Bodies of water represent your unconscious, your emotions, and your accumulated soul experiences. The ship in your dream could represent you and the ways in which you navigate through these parts of yourself. When interpreting this dream, consider the kind of journey and the type of ship. Some dream interpretation books say that if the journey is calm you should go forward with your plans. However, if it is a very stormy journey, get ready for an emotional upset or challenge.

Up to a certain point it corresponds to landscape-symbolism in general,
of which it forms one representational aspect, embracing the important symbols
of level and space, that is, height and situation. With the dawning of history there
arose, according to René Guénon, a true, ‘sacred geography’ and the position,
shape, doors and gates, and general disposition of a city with its temples and
acropolis were never arbitrary or fortuitous, or merely utilitarian. In fact, cities
were planned in strict accord with the dictates of a particular doctrine; hence the
city became a symbol of that doctrine and of the society which upheld it (28).
The city walls had magic powers since they were the outward signs of dogma,
which explains and justifies Romulus’s fratricide. Ornamental reliefs on capitals,
lintels, and tympana of the Middle Ages often depict the outlines of a walled city,
although in a way which is more emblematic than symbolic. These ornaments are
a kind of prefiguration of the heavenly Jerusalem. An angel armed with a sword is
sometimes to be seen at the city gate (46). Jung sees the city as a mother-symbol
and as a symbol of the feminine principle in general: that is, he interprets the City
as a woman who shelters her inhabitants as if they were her children; that is why
the two mother-gods Rhea and Cybele—as well as other allegorical figures derived from them—wear a crown after the pattern of a wall. The Old Testament
speaks of cities as women (31).

To see a city in your dream, signifies your social environment and sense of community. If you dream of a big city, then it suggests that you need to develop closer ties and relationships. You are feeling alienated and alone. To dream that you are in a deserted city, indicates that you feel rejected by those around you.

To dream of a city in ruins, denotes that you are neglecting your social relationships and allowing them to deteriorate.

To dream of an underground or underwater city, represents your unconscious and how through deeper understanding of yourself, you find commonality and shared experiences with others.

To dream that you are in a strange city, denotes you will have sorrowful occasion to change your abode or mode of living.

Seeing a city in your dream means a sense of community and your social environment. Dreaming that you are in a deserted city or that you feel alienated from the activity of the city, then it suggests that you feel rejected by those around you. Seeing a city in ruins means that you are neglecting your social relationships and allowing them to deteriorate.

To see your teacher (past or present) in your dream, suggests that you are seeking some advice, guidance, or knowledge. You are heading into a new path in life and are ready to learn by example or from a past experience. Consider your own personal experiences with that particular teacher. What subject was taught? Alternatively, a teacher relates to issues with authority and seeking approval. You may be going through a situation in your waking life where you feel that you are being treated like a student or in which you feel you are being put to a test.

To dream that you are a teacher, indicates that you are in a position of disseminating your knowledge and wisdom to others. The dream may imply how you are "teaching someone a lesson" and giving them a hard time about something. If you are a teacher in real life, then the dream is just a reflection of who you are and is about your work.

To dream that you are having sex with a teacher, implies that there are still things you need to learn when it comes to sex.

Seeing your teacher (past or present) in your dream, suggests that you are seeking some advice, guidance, or knowledge. You are heading into a new path in life and ready to learn by example or from a past experience. Consider your own personal experiences with that particular teacher. What subject was taught? Alternatively, it may relate to issues with authority and seeking approval. You may going through a situation in your waking life where you feel that you are being treated like a student or in which you feel you are being put to a test.

The meaning of this dream depends on your own experiences with teachers or teaching and, of course, the circumstances in your dream. The dream could be addressing your issues with authority and approval. Also, you may have a need for guidance and new learning.

Dreams of the astral, denote that your efforts and plans will culminate in worldly success and distinction. A spectre or picture of your astral self brings heart-rending tribulation.

To dream that you are going up a ramp, signifies your struggles in achieving a goal. It is symbolic of your determination and ambition. If you fail to go up a ramp, then it suggests that you are not able to overcome your difficulties. There are still obstacles standing on your way.

To dream that you are going down a ramp, refers to some instability and lack of control in your life.

Dreaming that you are going up a ramp means your struggles in achieving a goal. It is symbolic of your determination and ambition. If you fail to go up a ramp, then it suggests that you are not able to overcome your difficulties. There are still obstacles standing on your way. Dreaming that you are going down a ramp, refers to some instability in your life.

To dream that you are in school, signifies feelings of inadequacy and childhood insecurities that have never been resolved. It may relate to anxieties about your performance and abilities. If you are still in school and dream about school, then the dream may just be a reflection of your daily life and has no special significance.

Alternatively, a dream that takes place in school may be a metaphor for the lessons that you are learning from your waking life. You may be going through a "spiritual learning" experience.

To dream that you are looking for a school, suggests that you need to expand your knowledge and learning. To dream that you are at a new school, means that you are feeling out of place in some situation. Or perhaps there is a new lesson that you need to learn.

To dream that your childhood school is in ruins, suggests that you are dwelling on some unresolved childhood issue. Alternatively, the dream represents the passage of time. You need to look toward the future instead of reliving the past.

To dream of attending school, indicates distinction in literary work. If you think you are young and at school as in your youth, you will find that sorrow and reverses will make you sincerely long for the simple trusts and pleasures of days of yore.

To dream of teaching a school, foretells that you will strive for literary attainments, but the bare necessities of life must first be forthcoming.

To visit the schoolhouse of your childhood days, portends that discontent and discouraging incidents overshadows the present.

Dreaming that you are in school means feelings of inadequacy and childhood insecurities that have never been resolved. It may relate to anxieties about performance and abilities. You may also be going through a "spiritual learning" experience. If you are still in school and dream about school, then it will naturally serve as a backdrop to your dream world. Alternatively, a dream that takes place in school may be a metaphor for the lessons that you are learning from your waking life.

This dream may be interpreted on several different levels. If you are the student you may be feeling inadequate or lack self-confidence. Either way, going to school or attending class in a dream is your unconscious reminder that there is a need for new learning and that you may have not learned an important lesson. School may not always be a positive experience, but it is always necessary. Ask yourself what do you need to learn more about? If you were a teacher in your dream, you may be dealing with issues of authority. From a spiritual point of view, some believe that in the dream state an individual may travel to an inner plane or the spiritual realm, where they can attend classes that assist in spiritual growth and development.

To see your home in your dream, signifies security, basic needs, and values. You may be feeling at "home" or settled at your new job or environment. Alternatively, the dream represents your basic needs and priorities.

In particular, to see your childhood home, your hometown, or a home that you previously lived in, indicates your own desires for building a family and your family ideologies. It also reflects aspects of yourself that were prominent or developed during the time you lived in that home. You may experience some unfinished feelings that are being triggered by some waking situation. Alternatively, the dream may represent your outdated thinking.

To dream that you cannot find your way home, indicates that you have lost faith and belief in yourself. It may also signify a major transition in your life.

To dream of visiting your old home, you will have good news to rejoice over.

To see your old home in a dilapidated state, warns you of the sickness or death of a relative. For a young woman this is a dream of sorrow. She will lose a dear friend.

To go home and find everything cheery and comfortable, denotes harmony in the present home life and satisfactory results in business.

To dream of home-life in early boyhood indicates good health and prosperity. Good
sign of progress.

Seeing your home in your dream means security, basic needs, and values. You may feel at home at your new job or you finally feel settled and comfortable in a new environment. In particular, to see your childhood home or a home that you no longer live in, suggests your own desires for building a family. It also reflects aspects of yourself that were prominent or developed during the time you lived in that home. You may experience some feelings or unfinished expression of emotions that are now being triggered by a waking situation. Dreaming that you cannot find your way home indicates that you have lost faith and belief in yourself. It may also signify a major transition in your life.

Symbolically, the world is the realm in which a state of existence is
unfolded (25), comprising many component parts adhering together. Used in the
plural, the term pertains, in a sense, to space-symbolism, but the ‘worlds’ are
really only different modes of the spirit (26). The explanation of the cosmic and
moral significance of the three worlds (the infernal, the terrestrial and the celestial) is to be sought in the symbolism of level. The inferior must not always be
equated with the subterranean, for, in megalithic cultures, the latter was usually
located high up, or in the hollow interior of mountains (conceived as the dwellingplace of the dead). Guénon has pointed out that references to the ‘subterranean
world’ are found in a large number of cultural traditions, in which the ‘cult of the
cavern’ or cave is linked with that of the ‘centre’. One must also bear in mind the
equation of the cavern with the cave of the heart, the latter being considered as the
Centre of being or the Egg of the World (28).

To dream that it is the end of the world, suggests that you are under a tremendous level of stress. You may be feeling vulnerable or helpless in some situation.

To dream that you are saving the world, signifies confidence in your abilities and belief in yourself. You have a positive perspective on life and in where you are headed. Don't let someone or something prevent you from progressing forward or question your abilities.

Dreaming that it is the end of the world, suggests that you are under a tremendous level of stress. You may be feeling vulnerable or helpless in some situation. Dreaming that you are saving the world means confidence in your abilities and belief in yourself. You do not let others question your intelligence or your abilities and generally have a good perspective on life and what your goals are. Don't let someone or something prevent you from progressing forward.

Planet: Saturn.
Positive associations with this tarot card:
fulfillment, completion, satisfaction, joy, wholeness, success.
Negative associations with this tarot card:
stagnation, lack of will, impatience, delays.
The World heralds the arrival of your heart's desire, whatever that may be, a time of achievement, recognition, success and triumph.
This card signals a time of enjoyment, of holidays and travel, time with loved ones, a fulfilling relationship is on offer and spoiling yourself with the material things you've been wanting.
The World also marks the end of one cycle and the beginning of another.
Negatively, The World points toward delays and that you may still need to overcome some challenges before you suceed, so don't give up so close to the finish line.
Don't be lacking in vision or feel insecure, success will soon be yours.