As an attribute, it pertains to several mythic characters, including Hecate
(31). It is symbolic of mystery or enigma, or of a task to be performed, and the
means of carrying it out. It sometimes refers to the threshold of the unconscious
(32). The key to knowledge corresponds, within the cycle of the year, to the
month of June (healing). The conjunction of the symbols of the male dove and the
key signifies the spirit opening the gates of heaven (4). The emblem formed by
two keys, sometimes placed over a heart, relates to Janus (4). In legend and
folklore, three keys are often used to symbolize a like number of secret chambers
full of precious objects. They are symbolic representations of initiation and
knowledge. The first key, of silver, concerns what can be revealed by psychological understanding; the second is made of gold, and pertains to philosophical
wisdom; the third and last, of diamond, confers the power to act (38). The finding
of a key signifies the stage prior to the actual discovery of the treasure, found
only after great difficulties. Clearly there is a morphological relationship between
the key and the Nem Ankh sign (or ‘Eternal Life’)—the anserated cross of the Egyptians; their gods are sometimes shown holding this cross by the top as if it
were a key, especially in ceremonies concerning the dead. But it should perhaps
be pointed out that, in this case, it is the keys that derive from the anserated cross,
the archetype of the key of Eternal Life that opens up the gates of death on to
immortality.

To see a key in your dream, symbolizes opportunities, access, control, secrets, freedom, knowledge or responsibilities. You may be locking away your own inner feelings and emotions. Or you are unlocking the answer to some problem. In particular, a ring of keys, represents status, authority, and power. It also highlights your adaptability to a situation. If the key is gold, then it suggests that influence, power and wealth will give you access to almost anything you want.

Alternatively, keys have sexual connotations. They can represent intercourse, impotence, infidelity, etc. depending on the condition and usage of the key.

To dream that you lose your keys, signify fears of losing control of yourself or losing your position or status in life. It may also indicate unexpected changes, frustrations, and unpleasant adventures. The dream could be analogous to lost or missed opportunities. If you give your key away, then it suggests that you have given up control of some situation or responsibility.

To dream that you find a key, indicates that you have found a solution to a problem.

To see broken keys in your dream, represent a lost in status. You are denied access to a place where you were previously allowed. If the key is rusty, then it symbolizes a talent or skill that you have neglected.

To hear the sound of keys rattling, indicate that you have the right attitude toward life. You are heading in the right direction and asking all the right questions in the process. It is also a sign of decisive action.

To dream of keys, denotes unexpected changes.

If the keys are lost, unpleasant adventures will affect you.

To find keys, brings domestic peace and brisk turns to business.

Broken keys, portends separation either through death or jealousy.

For a young woman to dream of losing the key to any personal ornament, denotes she will have quarrels with her lover, and will suffer much disquiet therefrom. If she dreams of unlocking a door with a key, she will have a new lover and have over-confidence in him. If she locks a door with a key, she will be successful in selecting a husband. If she gives the key away, she will fail to use judgment in conversation and darken her own reputation.

Seeing a key in your dream, symbolizes opportunities, access, control, secrets, or responsibilities. You may be locking away your own inner feelings and emotions. Dreaming that you lose your keys means your fear of losing your position or status in life. You may have lost control of yourself. It may also foretells of unexpected changes and unpleasant adventures. If you give your key away, then it suggests that you have given up control of some situation or responsibility. Dreaming that you find keys means that you have found a solution to a problem. Seeing broken keys in your dream means many quarrels and possibly a break-up. Hearing the sounds of keys rattling indicates that you have the right attitude toward life. You are heading in the right direction and asking all the right questions in the process. It is also a sign of decisive action.

As with most dreams, look for the obvious connections by comparing the details or the theme of your dream to your daily life. Are you trying to figure something out and "unlock" a puzzling question? Do you wish to hide something? Are you locking something up or are you opening the door? Last, but not least, does this dream have any sexual connotations?

Mystics have always traditionally considered the feminine aspect of
the universe as a chest, a house or a wall, as well as an enclosed garden. Another
symbolic association is that which equates the house (and the above, related
forms) with the repository of all wisdom, that is, tradition itself (4). In architectural symbolism, on the other hand, the house carries not only an overall symbolism but also particular associations attached to each of its component parts.
Nevertheless, the house as a home arouses strong, spontaneous associations with
the human body and human thought (or life, in other words), as has been confirmed empirically by psychoanalysts. Ania Teillard explains this by pointing
out that, in dreams, we employ the image of the house as a representation of the
different layers of the psyche. The outside of the house signifies the outward
appearance of Man: his personality or his mask. The various floors are related to
the vertical and spatial symbols. The roof and upper floor correspond to the head
and the mind, as well as to the conscious exercise of self-control. Similarly, the
basement corresponds to the unconscious and the instincts (just as sewers do, in
symbols pertaining to the city). The kitchen, since this is where foodstuff is
transformed, sometimes signifies the place or the moment of psychic transmutation in the alchemical sense. The intercommunicating rooms speak for themselves. The stairs are the link between the various planes of the psyche, but their
particular significance depends upon whether they are seen as ascending or descending. Finally, there is, as we have said, the association of the house with the
human body, especially regarding its openings, as was well understood by
Artemidorus Daldianus (56).

To see a house in your dream, represents your own soul and self. Specific rooms in the house indicate a specific aspect of your psyche. In general, the attic represents your intellect, the basement represents the unconscious, etc. If the house is empty, then it indicates feelings of insecurity. If the house is shifting, then it suggests that you are going through some personal changes and changing your belief system. 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.

To dream that you are cleaning your house, signifies your need to clear out your thoughts and get rid of old ways. You are seeking self-improvement.

If you live with others in your waking life, but dream that you are living alone, suggests that you need to take new steps toward independence. You need to accept responsibilities and be more self-reliant.

To see an old, run-down house in your dream, represents your old beliefs, attitudes and how you used to think or feel. A situation in your current life may be bringing about those same old attitudes and feelings. Alternatively, the old house may symbolize your need to update you mode of thinking. To dream that your house is damaged, indicates your waking concerns about the condition of your house.

To see a new house in your dream, indicates that you are entering into a new phase or new area in your life. You are becoming more emotionally mature. If you are locked out of the house, then it represents rejection and insecurity. You feel you are being left behind.

To dream that your house is broken into, suggests that you are feeling violated. It may refer to a particular relationship or current situation in your life. Alternatively, it indicates that some unconscious material is attempting to make itself known. There are some aspects of yourself that you have denied.

To dream of a haunted house, signifies unfinished emotional business, related to your childhood family, dead relatives, or repressed memories and feelings.

To dream that a house has disappeared, indicates that you are not feeling grounded. You feel uprooted by a particular circumstance or relationship in your life.

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

To dream of building a house, you will make wise changes in your present affairs.

To dream that you own an elegant house, denotes that you will soon leave your home for a better, and fortune will be kind to you.

Old and dilapidated houses, denote failure in business or any effort, and declining health.

Seeing a house in your dream, represents your own soul and self. Specific rooms in the house indicate a specific aspect of your psyche. In general, the attic represents your intellect, the basement represents the unconscious, etc. If the house is empty, then it indicates feelings of insecurity. If the house is shifting, then it suggests that you are going through some personal changes and changing your belief system. Dreaming that you are cleaning your house means your need to clear out your thoughts and getting rid of old ways. You are seeking self-improvement. Seeing an old, run-down house in your dream, represents your old beliefs, attitudes and how you used to think or feel. A situation in your current life may be bringing about those same old attitudes and feelings. Alternatively, the old house may symbolize your need to update you mode of thinking. Dreaming that your house is broken into, suggests that you are feeling violated. It may refer to a particular relationship or current situation in your life. Alternatively, it indicates that some unconscious material is attempting to make itself known. There are some aspects of yourself that you have denied. Dreaming of a haunted house means unfinished emotional business, related to your childhood family, dead relatives, or repressed memories and feelings. Dreaming that a house disappeared, indicates that you are not feeling grounded. You feel uprooted by a particular circumstance or relationship in your life.

It is common to dream about houses. They usually symbolise our emotional and psychological selves. All of your experiences, stages of development, and parts of your conscious and unconscious life may be represented by that house. The house may be representing issues concerning a particular dilemma in your life, or it may be more general and comprehensive. Either way, if you pay attention to the details in this dream, you may learn a thing or two about yourself.

To see the army in your dream, symbolizes an overpowering force working against you. You may feel outnumbered or pressured and are unable to deal with this situation.

To dream that you join the army, suggests your feelings of superiority. You feel that no one is any match for you.

Dreaming of an army can have two opposite meanings: if you are part of an army, you are feeling strong, protected and superior. But if you are seeing a foreign army and you do not join it, it means that you feel surrounded by hostile presence and you can't measure up to it. You need to have more trust in yourself and in your resources.

The basic theme of an army in one’s dream is a struggle against the forces of evil, against the monsters and demons that threaten us. An army is an overwhelming force, irresistible and indestructible. It is a nameless power. It can represent the forces of our emotions and our basic instincts as a whole. If you dream about an army it is almost always connected with suffering from an internal conflict. A marching army shows that you are about to be overwhelmed by your subconscious. If there are two armies battling each other, it is a clear sign that there is conflict within the dreamer. There is a duality of thoughts, emotional stress and probably anxiety. If you dream that an army is marching forward, you may believe that you will ultimately achieve success, but if it is retreating, it can be a sign that you are afraid that you are doomed to failure.

To dream that you are hiding, suggests that you are keeping some secret or withholding some information. You may not be facing up to a situation or dealing with some issue. However, you may be getting ready to reveal something and confess before somebody finds out. In particular, to dream that you are hiding from some authority figure (police, parent, teacher...), implies feelings of guilt.

To dream that someone is hiding, indicates that you are looking for a sense of security and protection.

Dreaming that you are hiding, suggests that you are keeping some secret or withholding some information. You may not be facing up to a situation or not want to deal with an issue. However, you may be getting ready to reveal and confess before somebody finds out. Dreaming that you are somebody else is hiding indicates a need for security and protection. In particular, to dream that you are hiding from some authority figure (police, parents, teacher...), implies feelings of guilt.

Rooms in dreams, much like in waking life, are a way to compartmentalize aspects of our lives. We undertake certain tasks in certain rooms, for instance we sleep in a bedroom, work in an office room and cook in a kitchen.

In dreams different types of rooms represent different aspects of our subconscious, or symbolize thoughts connected with whatever we connect that type of room with in waking life. So, for instance, a kitchen in a dream may represent sustenance, cooking and eating, or even family gatherings - depending on how you use your kitchen in waking life.

Furthermore, the state of the room in your dream can tell you something about the message it is trying to convey, i.e. kitchen dreams may be telling you to eat more or eat less, or eat differently, depending on how it appears in your dream.

Discovering a new room in your dream could represent discovering a new part of your subconscious, a new aspect of yourself that you haven't explored before, an aspect that your subconscious thinks that you should explore.

To dream that you are taller than someone, indicates that you may be looking down on that person. You feel that you are above him or her. Alternatively, the dream represents authority and pride.

To dream that others are taller than you, suggests that you have a tendency to overlook things. Perhaps you feel that a higher power is always looking over you and judging your actions. Alternatively, the dream denotes low self-esteem issues. You are looking down on yourself.

Dreaming that you are taller than someone indicates that you may be looking down on that person. You may feel that you are now above him or her. Alternatively, it represents authority and pride. Dreaming that others are taller than you, suggests that you may have a tendency to overlook things. Perhaps you feel that a higher power is always looking over you and judging your actions.

To see or dream that you are wearing boots, refers to the power in your movement and the boldness of your position. You are taking a firm stance. The dream may also be a metaphor that you are getting the boot. Are you getting kicked out somewhere?

To see your boots on another, your place will be usurped in the affections of your sweetheart.

To wear new boots, you will be lucky in your dealings.
Bread winners will command higher wages.
Old and torn boots, indicate sickness and snares before you.

To dream that a doll comes to life, signifies your desires to be someone else and escape from your present problems and responsibilities. The doll serves as a means to act out your wishes.

To see a doll in your dream, symbolizes childhood innocence and light-hearted fun. The dream may also be a metaphor for someone that you call or refer to as "doll".

To dream that you are playing with a doll, represents a lack of communication between your conscious and unconscious mind. The dream also indicates an immature attitude towards the opposite sex.

Dreaming that a doll comes to life means your desires to be someone else and escape from your present problems and responsibilities. Dolls may serve as a means to act out your wishes. Seeing a doll in your dream, symbolizes childhood innocence and light-hearted fun. Dreaming that you are playing with a doll, represents a lack of communication between you conscious and unconscious mind. You may also have an immature attitude towards the opposite sex.

Dolls in dreams are lifeless images of real people. They are suggestive of a person that is not genuine and does not express their feelings. Most dreams are about our personal issues and concerns and not about others. Therefore, think about yourself and try to see if you have been behaving in such ways that have been less than "real." Dolls as a dream symbol may represent the way you relate and interact with your internal and external environments. If feelings of detachment and falseness prevail in your daily life, then they may be reflected in this dream.

Dolls are important symbols in dreams because, as children, we often associate emotions and strong feelings with them and project a kind of human persona onto them - these are powerful, deep rooted thoughts that we acquire in childhood and carry with us for the rest of our lives. As children we attach a personality to dolls and figures in all innocence, but our ingrained feeling that dolls have a personality can often seem a little spooky as we get older. The evil doll is a well-known theme in popular culture, appearing in movies and on television.

As with voodoo dolls, the ones in our dreams can often represent other people in our lives, and if you dream of sticking pins in them it isn't too much a stretch of the imagination to assume we have bad feelings, perhaps temporarily, towards that person. You may even find that the doll/s in your dreams are imbued with a particular personality of someone you know, or knew in the past.

Sometimes you may dream that you are violent towards a doll in your dreams, in this case it is thought that these dreams are a form of transference of aggression, mimicking when we ourselves punished when we were small and not in control of our environment - reflecting a need to dominate someone, or be no longer dominated by them, or be more in control of your life.

Dolls in dreams are not always negative though, they can represent a vessel for receiving your emotions, as a comfort, much like they were in childhood. Also, because they are so closely connected with childhood, they can represent a need to reconnect with your inner child, to relearn some of the things about life that you may have forgotten about as you got older. Dolls in dreams can also reflect one's own need to feel precious to someone else, a need to be loved.