Last night's dream was odd, though I think I know where it came from.
We were in some sort of sub-tropical area, in a crystal clear lagoon, with sharp-sloped hills closing the area in, excepting where the lagoon flowed into the sea. There were great big leafy plants, vines, palm trees, and bright red flowers, and all of the colors were extremely vibrant. For some odd reason, it felt like we were filming a sequence for the credits of a movie. It must have been something to do with sharks, because this guy and I were sitting on top of this raft as a pod (Is it a pod?) of various kids of sharks swam under the raft and into the ocean, followed by this great huge white shark.
Before the great white shark could completely leave the area, though, I slipped and fell into the lagoon. I tried not to move after that so it wouldn't notice me (Must've gotten that from Jurassic Park or something...), but the great white did and grabbed my foot in it's jaws and dragged me off towards it's "nest". (Sharks don't really do that, but dreams...)
Once we got there, the shark let me go, and since my foot wasn't really hurt for some odd reason, I hurried to shore with the shark chasing after me. I climbed up onto and behind the rise, but I couldn't keep going because I had to get back to the film crew, so I made my way around the lagoon, using the rise as a barrier between me and the shark. However, I chose the wrong direction and ended up having to cross the section where the lagoon runs into the sea (would you call that a delta, if it's not a river?). There was a small hut where the hill flattened out, so I decided to hide behind it and gather my courage before making a dash to the other side. Something made my skin crawl, so I looked behind me, and the shark was there! Except it was on land, and had grown legs (don't ask)!
I screamed, but it wasn't a frightened scream... somehow. It was more like a super-sonic scream meant to drive it off, I think. I woke up then, because the room had gotten too hot for comfort. Once I'd gotten everything cooled down I tried to get back into the dream and make it lucid, so that I could fight the thing like I wanted to, but I didn't end up dreaming of anything when I fell back asleep.
To see a shark in your dream, indicates feelings of anger, hostility, and fierceness. You are undergoing a long and difficult emotional period and may be an emotional threat to yourself or to others. Perhaps, you are struggling with your individuality and independence, especially in some aspect of your relationship. Alternatively, a shark represents a person in your life who is greedy and unscrupulous. This person goes after what he or she wants with no regards to the well-being and sensitivity of others. The shark may also be an aspect of your own personality with these qualities.
To dream of sharks, denotes formidable enemies.
To see a shark pursuing and attacking you, denotes that unavoidable reverses will sink you into dispondent foreboding.
To see them sporting in clear water, foretells that while you are basking in the sunshine of women and prosperity, jealousy is secretly, but surely, working you disquiet, and unhappy fortune.
To see a dead one, denotes reconciliation and renewed prosperity.
Seeing a shark in your dream, represents a person whom you see as greedy and unscrupulous. This person goes after what what he or she wants with no regards to the well-being and sensitivity of others. The shark may also be an aspect of your own personality which exhibit these qualities. Alternatively, you may be going through a difficult, painful, or unpleasant emotional period. The shark symbolizes feelings of anger, hostility, and fierceness. You may be an emotional threat to yourself or to others.
Shark Meaning and Totem Symbolism
Sharks have been swimming in my awareness, and I love when this happens because it's a clear sign my energy is primed for focus - it's time to ruminate and write about shark totem symbolism. Shark also confirms self-trust, and a points me into forward momentum in my life.
There are some creatures in Nature's cradle who speak so clearly of their energetic symbolism. The shark totem is one with crystalline expression. To wit, one look at these extraordinary creatures conveys a message of sleek authority.
And the shark is an authority on all fronts of survival. In fact, those who connect with the shark totem will be masters at survival in their own waters of life. Shark people are extremely adept at summing up social situations, manipulating people and events (I don't mean that in a bad way).
A quick-list of Shark Totem symbolic meanings includes:
Calculating
Perceptive
Primal
Instinctive
Ancient
Knowing
Powerful
Focused
Mystery
Perpetual Motion
Dynamic
Unique Vision
Curious
Effective
Innovative
Superior
Efficient
Equipped
People with the shark totem navigate through life with a specialized "gut-rudder." What's a gut-rudder? That's what I call a primal instinct. It's a visceral, hard-wired knowing that guides certain humans. It's infallible, reliable, and geared for one thing only: To protect the sacred. And what is sacred? Life.
The shark is both oracle and embodiment of fundamental life. The shark relays root-chakra energy to me because of its superior instinct, and that remarkable drive for survival. That's a prime root chakra concept : Ancient Instinct. Primal Knowing.
Furthermore, sharks are symbolic of acting on life. They never wait for opportunity. They are not handmaiden's to the life experience. Far from it. Because they are authorities on life - they know precisely what it's about and they seize it with verve.
This is made manifest by their constant motion. They move to allow oxygenated currents roll over their gills. Their motion through life - actively moving forward - insures their existence. Moreover, most sharks sink when motionless (a side effect of not having a "swim bladder" as most fish do). They can't afford to be still.
This carries symbolism for those who embrace their shark totem. It identifies the tendency for forward momentum in life. If sharks swim in your awareness, it's very likely you are extremely driven and perpetually moving forward. You meet life full-on. You rarely stay in the "shallow end" of life, but prefer to move deftly through the waves of experience - encountering adventure with undeniable exuberance.
And for all this zealous talk of life, the shark is also symbolically equipped to share lessons of death too. Actually, sharks know death is a fallacy. They have no concept of it. Sharks are in a constant state of renewal, and those with the shark totem will confirm the absence of death. Sharks, and humans attuned to sharks will only see renewal - only transition.
Sharks are superior organisms. From tail to teeth, sharks convey perpetual fluidity and momentum. They are examples of progress in its most assertive stages. To wit, their biological mechanisms are so elite, they've had no need to evolve over insane spans of time. They function from a place of timeless propulsion. Ever-forward.
Perhaps it is the sharks unsinkable nature that makes it a bit of a cold character (energetically speaking). Sharks are about aerodynamic efficiency, and they allow no fluff to enter their consciousness. They're quite austere and are wrapped in robes of distance and mystery.
Those with shark totems will display similar aloofness. Inwardly, they sense the waves of emotions within and around them. Yet, outwardly they are cool, controlled, steely. This makes people of the shark clan extremely good businessmen/women, leaders and visionaries.
It's important to note the inherent duality here. The element of water is esoterically symbolic of emotions, dreams and intuition. And yet, the shark conveys a sterility in emotion. To be clear, the shark is not symbolically devoid of emotion. Rather, it is a master of emotion.
This symbolic lesson is tantamount for humankind, and the lesson is this: We can be submerged in emotional dramas, but we do not have to be swallowed by them.
Whether or not you relate to the shark as a totem, this is a sacred conveyance of emotional wisdom - a most vital gift of the shark.
Indeed, shark wisdom is so profound, it's worth a summary. So, a recap of symbolic shark messages & shark totem meanings:
Be active in life.
Attune to natural instinct.
Be propelled forward (do not regress) in your evolution.
Although surrounded by emotions, you need not be consumed by them.
Swim the path of least resistance in life, be efficient and direct in your navigations.
Lastly, let this video draw your attention to the grace inherent in the shark's mobility. Such a uniquely equipped creature, with so many (seeming) contradictions. We see an energy in the shark that is so linear and spear-like in its objective....yet, at the same time there is such delicate elegance.
The Shark is a totem of fearlessness and confidence. Sharks have incredibly sensitive noses that can smell one drop of blood in 50 million times as much water. They can feel the pressure waves made by a struggling fish and are sensitive to electromagnetic currents. They teach those with this totem how to develop and refine their own sensory abilities. The study of aromatherapy would benefit those with this medicine. Shark people are traditionally loners and in order to remain centered may require time to themselves. If they do not have this important time alone they can become irritable, anxious and aggressive in their behavior. The Shark offers the power of protection to those who resonate to it. In the course of our life's learning we can attract events and people that are disharmonious. When there is something in your life that you need to frighten away call upon the shark to help you. Working with shark medicine gives you the power and confidence to drive off the negative.
Transformation of the spirit, teaches how to swim the currents of a busy life, use of intuition to navigate effectively, aids in attuning to the world of emotions, the un/subconscious and other-worlds, heightened senses including visions, dreams and related psychic abilities. Shark teaches how to accomplish "impossible" tasks by utilizing discernment and trust.
To see a lagoon in your dream, signifies some misunderstanding and doubt in what you are saying. Alternatively, it symbolizes stagnant emotions.
To dream of a lagoon, denotes that you will be drawn into a whirlpool of doubt and confusion through misapplication of your intelligence.
Seeing a lagoon in your dream indicates that there is a misunderstanding and doubt in your words.
To see your legs in your dream, indicate that you have regained confidence to stand up and take control again. It also implies progress and your ability to navigate through life. If your legs are weak, then you may be feeling emotionally vulnerable. If you dream that you are crossing your legs, then it implies defensiveness or your close minded attitude.
To see someone else's legs in your dream, represent your admiration for that person. You need to adopt some of the ways that this person does things.
To dream that your leg is wounded or crippled, signifies a lack of balance, autonomy, or independence in your life. You may be unable or unwilling to stand up for yourself. Perhaps you are lacking courage and refuse to make a stand.
If you are a woman and dream that your legs are hairy, then it suggests that you are domineering or that you dominate in the relationship.
To dream that one of your leg is shorter than the other, suggests that there is some imbalance in some aspect of your life. You are placing more emphasis and weight on one thing, while ignoring other important aspects that need attention as well.
To dream that you have three or more legs, denotes that you are undertaking too many projects. You are taking on more things that you can handle. Some of these projects will prove counterproductive.
To dream that you have a stick leg or a wooden leg, suggests that balance has been restored in your once chaotic or hectic life. You are able to stand up again with the help and support of others. Alternatively, the dream may be telling you to slow down.
If you dream of admiring well-shaped feminine legs, you will lose your judgment, and act very silly over some fair charmer.
To see misshapen legs, denotes unprofitable occupations and ill-tempered comrades.
A wounded leg, foretells losses and agonizing attacks of malaria.
To dream that you have a wooden leg, denotes that you will bemean yourself in a false way to your friends.
If ulcers are on your legs, it signifies a drain on your income to aid others.
To dream that you have three, or more, legs, indicates that more enterprises are planned in your imagination than will ever benefit you.
If you can't use your legs, it portends poverty.
To have a leg amputated, you will lose valued friends, and the home influence will render life unbearable.
For a young woman to admire her own legs, denotes vanity, and she will be repulsed by the man she admires. If she has hairy legs, she will dominate her husband.
If your own legs are clean and well shaped, it denotes a happy future and devoted friends.
To see a raft in your dream, indicates that you have not built a firm foundation for success. There is still much work ahead.
To dream that you are floating on a raft, suggests that you are drifting through life, not knowing where you are headed. You are confused about your purpose and direction in life.
To dream that you are white water rafting, means that you are experiencing some turbulent times.
To dream of a raft, denotes that you will go into new locations to engage in enterprises, which will prove successful.
To dream of floating on a raft, denotes uncertain journeys.
If you reach your destination, you will surely come into good fortune.
If a raft breaks, or any such mishap befalls it, yourself or some friend will suffer from an accident, or sickness will bear unfortunate results.
Seeing a raft in your dream indicates that you have not built a firm foundation for yourself. There is still much work ahead. Dreaming that you are floating on a raft, suggests that you are drifting through life, not knowing where you are headed. You are confused about your purpose and direction in life. Dreaming that you are white water rafting means that after going through some turbulent times, your sadness and pain will slowly disappear.
The symbolic significance of the sea corresponds to that of the ‘Lower
Ocean’—the waters in flux, the transitional and mediating agent between the nonformal (air and gases) and the formal (earth and solids) and, by analogy, between
life and death. The waters of the oceans are thus seen not only as the source of life
but also as its goal. ‘To return to the sea’ is ‘to return to the mother’, that is, to die.
To see the sea in your dream, represents your unconscious and the transition between your unconscious and conscious. As with all water symbols, it also represents your emotions. The dream may also be a pun on your understanding and perception of a situation. "I see" or perhaps there is something you need to "see" more clearly. Alternatively, the dream indicates a need to reassure yourself or to offer reassurance to someone. It brings about hope, a new perspective and a positive outlook on life no matter how difficult your current problems may be.
To dream that you are lost at sea, suggests that you are drifting around in life without any direction. You are feeling overwhelmed by emotions.
To dream of hearing the lonely sighing of the sea, foretells that you will be fated to spend a weary and unfruitful life devoid of love and comradeship.
Dreams of the sea, prognosticate unfulfilled anticipations, while pleasures of a material form are enjoyed, there is an inward craving for pleasure that flesh cannot requite.
For a young woman to dream that she glides swiftly over the sea with her lover, there will come to her sweet fruition of maidenly hopes, and joy will stand guard at the door of the consummation of changeless vows.
Seeing the sea in your dream, represents your unconscious and your transition between your unconscious and conscious. It also often represents your emotions. The dream may also be a pun on your understanding and perception of a situation. "I see" or perhaps there is something you need to "see" more clearly. Alternatively, the dream may indicate a need to reassure yourself or offer reassurance to someone.
In all probability, the foot is to be taken as an ambivalent symbol. For
Jung, it is what confirms Man’s direct relationship with the reality of the earth,
and he considers that it is frequently phallic in significance (31). Ania Teillard
points out that, like the hand, it is an essential part of the body and the support
of one’s entire person; she recalls that in the mythology of a number of countries
the rays of the sun are compared with the feet, as witness the figure of the
swastika (56). But Diel makes the revolutionary assertion that the foot is a
symbol of the soul, possibly because it serves as the support of the body in the
sense of keeping man upright. He quotes examples which show that, in Greek
legends, lameness usually symbolizes some defect of the spirit—some essential
blemish. Jung corroborates this, observing that Hephaestus, Wieland the Blacksmith and Mani all had deformed feet (31). May it not be that certain talents are
given to men to compensate for some physical defect? Schneider has indicated the
heel as the ‘area of vulnerability and of attack’ in the foot. It is the heel that
scotches the serpent or that is wounded by it (as with Achilles, Sigurd, Krishna)
(50). According to Aigremont, ‘the shoe, like the foot and the footprint, has also
a funereal implication. In a sense, a dying man “is going away”. There is no evidence of his going away save his last footmarks. This sombre symbolism is
illustrated, possibly, in the monuments characteristic of the Roman Empire, and,
beyond question, in primitive Christian art. . . .’ (And also, we might add, in
Gothic art. The passage is quoted by Stekel.)
To dream that you injured or hurt your foot, signifies a lack of progress, freedom, and independence. Alternatively, the dream suggests that you have taken a step in the wrong direction. In particular, if you dream that your foot is cut by glass, then it indicates passivity. You are hesitant or reluctant in taking the first step toward a goal or decision.
Dreaming that you injured or hurt your foot means a lack of progress, freedom, and independence. Alternatively, the dream may suggests that you have taken a step in the wrong direction. In particular, to dream that your foot gets cut by glass, then it indicates passivity. You are hesitant or reluctant in taking the first step toward a goal or decision.
To dream that you are screaming, symbolizes anger and fear. You are expressing some powerful emotion which you have kept pent up inside. If you try to scream, but no sound comes out, then it indicates your sense of helplessness and frustration in some situation. No matter how hard you try to get someone's attention, they cannot hear you. The dream highlights your difficulty in communicating with this person. You need to immediately identify your fears or feelings and confront this situation in real life. Alternatively, your inability to scream may be a form of REM paralysis.
To hear or dream that someone is screaming, indicates that some friend or family member is in need of your help.
Dreaming that you are screaming, symbolizes anger and fear. It is an expression of your powerful emotions which you have kept pent up inside. If you try to scream, but no sound comes out, then is suggests that you need to immediately confront some situation. Perhaps you are unable to pinpoint your fears or feelings.