My current dream goals are to have sex with this girl (http://e621.net/post/show/136252/dunkleosteus-female-floating-hybrid-kobraa-mikhail) and to do these three tasks
1. tell people i'm dreaming and see what happens
2. explore and map my body
3. find a mirror and disprove scary image thing
My previous endeavor was to find a computer and get the winning lotto numbers off it for sometime soon. When I finally got to a computer firefox turned into a spoof fake as soon as I tried to open it now that I think of it that was the only thing on the desktop apart from the trash can... I think.
To dream that you find something, suggests that you are coming into contact with some aspect of your psyche or unconscious. You are recognizing a part of yourself that was previously repressed or undeveloped. Alternatively, it represents change.
To dream that you find someone, indicates that you are identifying new facets of a relationship. You may be taking the relationship to a new level and/or direction.
Dreaming that you find something, suggests that you are coming into contact with some aspect of your psyche or unconscious. You are recognizing a part of yourself that was previously repressed or undeveloped. Alternatively, it represents change. Dreaming that you find someone indicates that you are identifying new facets of a relationship. You may be taking the relationship to a new level and/or direction.
To dream about sex, refers to the integration and merging of contrasting aspects of yourself. It represents psychological completion. You need to be more receptive and incorporate aspects of your dream sex partner into your own character. Consider the nature of the love-making. Was it passionate? Was it slow? Was it wild? The sex act parallels aspect of yourself that you wish to express. A more direct interpretation of the dream, may be your libido's way of telling you that it has been too long since you have had sex. It may indicate repressed sexual desires and your needs for physical and emotional love. If you are looking for a place to have sex, then the dream may be analogous to your search for intimacy and closeness. You want to rekindle some relationship. If you dream of having sex in a public place, then the dream implies that others are talking about your private relationship.
To dream about sex with someone other than your spouse or significant other, suggests dissatisfaction with the physical side of your relationship. On the other hand, it may be harmless fantasy. In such situations, you may find that you are less inhibited sexually. Perhaps you need to bring the same sense of adventure into your existing relationship.
To dream that you are having sex with an ex or someone who is not your current mate, denotes your reservations about embarking in a new relationship or situation. You may feel nervous about exposing yourself and are feeling a resurgence of those old emotions and feelings that you felt back when you and your ex were together. If you are approaching your wedding date, then is not uncommon to experience especially erotic adventures with partners other than your intended spouse. This may be due to the intensity of the sexual passion with your fiance. It also relates to the new roles that you will be taking on and the uncertainty that that may bring.
To dream that you are having sex with a stranger, represents uncertainty about what is ahead. Alternatively, the dream allows you to experiment freely without having any hang ups, emotional baggage or preconceived notions associated with a person you would know. In such a scenario, you are able to let loose and express your desires, passions and emotions. In particular, if you dream of having sex with multiple partners at the same time, then it indicates that you are feeling detached in your personal relationship. You feel that sex is just an act devoid of any emotion or passion. Perhaps your sex life has become too automated.
If you are heterosexual and you dream that you are having sex with someone of the same sex, then it represents an expression of greater self love and acceptance. You need to be in better touch of your feminine or masculine side. The dream does not necessarily imply homosexual desire.
To dream that you are having sex with a celebrity, indicates your drive to be successful. You are striving for recognition. Consider what movies your associate this celebrity with for clues as to where and what you want to achieve success in.
To see your parents having sex in your dream, indicate that you are seeing similar aspects between their relationship and your current relationship. Most of us cringe at the thought of our parents having sex, so this dream imagery is really trying to get your attention. Consider your parents' real life relationship together and what you can learn from it.
To dream that you are the opposite sex, suggests that you need to incorporate certain qualities of the opposite sex. Ask yourself, how do you feel being a man or a woman? In what ways can you incorporate those feelings into your waking life.
Dreaming about sex, refers to the psychological completion and the integration of contrasting aspects of the Self. You need to be more receptive and incorporate aspects of your dream sex partner into your own character. Alternatively and a more direct interpretation of the dream, may be your libido's way of telling you that it's been too long since you have had sex. It may indicate repressed sexual desires and your needs for physical and emotional love. Dreaming about sex with someone other than your spouse or significant other, suggests dissatisfaction with the physical side of your relationship. On the other hand, it may be harmless fantasy. In such situations, you may find that you are less inhibited sexually and you can even bring that sense of adventure to your existing relationship. Dreaming that you are having sex with an ex or someone who is not your current mate indicates your reservations about embarking in a new relationship or situation. You may feel nervous about exposing yourself or currently feel a resurgence of those old emotions and feelings that you felt back when you and your ex were together. Believe it or not, it is not uncommon for people approaching their wedding to experience especially erotic adventures with partners other than their intended spouses. This may be due to the intensity of your sexual passion with your fiancé. It also relates to the new roles that you will be taking on and the uncertainty that that may bring. If you are heterosexual and you dream that you are having sex with someone of the same sex means not necessarily homosexual desire, but an expression of greater self love and acceptance. You need to be in better touch of your feminine or masculine side. Dreaming that you are the opposite sex, suggests that you exhibit or need to incorporate those qualities of the opposite sex. Ask yourself, how do you feel being a man or a woman? In what ways can you incorporate those feelings into your waking life.
To score a goal in your dream, symbolizes your achievements and successes. Your path to success is within reach. The dream may also be a metaphor for the goals you have in your life. Or it may suggests that you need to start making goals for your future.
To miss a goal in your dream, indicates that you are not utilizing all your resources to achieve your goals. You need to reevaluate your choices.
As a symbol, it has the same characteristics as the mirror in fact; the
temporal and existential variety of its function provides the explanation of its
significance and at the same time the diversity of its meaningful associations. It
has been said that it is a symbol of the imagination—or of consciousness—in its
capacity to reflect the formal reality of the visible world. It has also been related
to thought, in so far as thought—for Scheler and other philosophers—is the
instrument of self-contemplation as well as the reflection of the universe. This
links mirror-symbolism with water as a reflector and with the Narcissus myth:
the cosmos appears as a huge Narcissus regarding his own reflections in the
human consciousness. Now, the world, as a state of discontinuity affected by the
laws of change and substitution, is the agent which projects this quasinegative,
kaleidoscopic image of appearance and disappearance reflected in the mirror.
From the earliest times, the mirror has been thought of as ambivalent. It is a
surface which reproduces images and in a way contains and absorbs them. In
legend and folklore, it is frequently invested with a magic quality—a mere hypertrophic version of its fundamental meaning. In this way it serves to invoke
apparitions by conjuring up again the images which it has received at some time
in the past, or by annihilating distances when it reflects what was once an object
facing it and now is far removed. This fluctuation between the ‘absent’ mirror and
the ‘peopled’ mirror lends it a kind of phasing, feminine in implication, and
hence—like the fan—it is related to moon-symbolism. Further evidence that the
mirror is lunar is afforded by its reflecting and passive characteristics, for it
receives images as the moon receives the light of the sun (8). Again, its close
relationship to the moon is demonstrated by the fact that among the primitives it
was seen as a symbol of the multiplicity of the soul: of its mobility and its ability
to adapt itself to those objects which ‘visit’ it and retain its ‘interest’. At times,
it takes the mythic form of a door through which the soul may free itself ‘passing’
to the other side: this is an idea reproduced by Lewis Carroll in Alice Through the
Looking Glass. This alone is sufficient explanation of the custom of covering up
mirrors or turning them to face the wall on certain occasions, in particular when someone in the house dies (21). All that we have said so far by no means exhausts
the complex symbolism of the mirror: like the echo, it stands for twins (thesis and
antithesis), and specifically for the sea of flames (or life as an infirmity) (50, 51).
For Loeffler, mirrors are magic symbols for unconscious memories (comparable
with crystal palaces) (38). Hand-mirrors, in particular, are emblems of truth (4),
and in China they are supposed to have an allegorical function as aids to conjugal
happiness as well as a protection against diabolical influences (5). Some Chinese
legends tell of ‘the animals in the mirror’.
To dream of your own reflection in the mirror, suggests that you are pondering thoughts about your inner self. The reflection in the mirror is how you perceive yourself or how you want others to see you. You may be contemplating on strengthening and changing aspects of your character.
To dream that you are looking through a two-way mirror, indicates that you are coming face to face with some inner or worldly issue. What you see is related to your persona and unconscious. Seeing images through the mirror may be a safe way for you to consider and/or confront material from your unconscious. Mirrors symbolize the imagination and the link between the conscious and unconscious.
If you are being watched through a two-way mirror, then it suggests that you feel you are being scrutinized and criticized. Alternatively, the dream means that you are unwilling to acknowledge your unconscious emotions.
To break a mirror in your dream, suggests that you are breaking an old image of yourself. You may be putting an end to an old habit. Breaking a mirror is also an old symbol for seven years of bad luck.
To see a cracked or broken mirror in your dream. represents a poor or distorted self-image. Alternatively, it means that you have put an end to your old habits and ways.
To see a fogged mirror in your dream, signifies a hazy concept of who you are and confusion in your life goals. You are lacking clarity and purpose and questioning your self-identity.
To dream of seeing yourself in a mirror, denotes that you will meet many discouraging issues, and sickness will cause you distress and loss in fortune.
To see a broken mirror, foretells the sudden or violent death of some one related to you.
To see others in a mirror, denotes that others will act unfairly towards you to promote their own interests.
To see animals in a mirror, denotes disappointment and loss in fortune.
For a young woman to break a mirror, foretells unfortunate friendships and an unhappy marriage. To see her lover in a mirror looking pale and careworn, denotes death or a broken engagement. If he seems happy, a slight estrangement will arise, but it will be of short duration.
Seeing your own reflection in the mirror, suggests that you are pondering thoughts about your inner self. The reflection in the mirror is how you perceive yourself or how you want others to see you. You may be contemplating on strengthening and changing aspects of your character. Dreaming that you are looking through a two-way mirror indicates that you are coming face to face with some inner or worldly issue. What you see is related to your persona and unconscious. Seeing images through the mirror may be a safe way for you to consider and/or confront material from your unconscious. Mirrors symbolize the imagination and a link between the conscious and unconscious. Dreaming that you are being watched through a two-way mirror, suggests that you feel you are being scrutinized and criticized. Alternatively, you may be blocking or unwilling to acknowledge your unconscious emotions. To break a mirror in your dream, suggests that you are breaking an old image of yourself. You may be putting an end to an old habit. Breaking a mirror is also an old symbol for seven years of bad luck. Seeing a cracked or broken mirror in your dream. represents a poor or distorted self-image. Alternatively, it suggests that you have put an end to your old habits and ways. Seeing a fogged mirror in your dream means a hazy concept of who you are and questions about your self-identity. You are confused in your goals in life an you may have a lack of clarity in a purpose.
It is a symbol of vanity and superficiality. You may be concerned about your image and the way you present yourself to the world. Some say that if you see a clear image, you may be getting a glimpse of your true self. Broken mirrors always seem to be a sign of bad luck, or, at least, represent some distortions. On a deeper level the mirror can be considered to be a representation of the intellect. The intellect is an instrument of navigation and is constantly persuading us to identify ourselves. When we think about this, it makes a lot of sense. Our self-identity is very much connected to the way we look (not only superficially but also characteristically as man - woman, young - old, etc). We use this self-identity, which is greatly a production of our intellect, to navigate through life.
To dream that you are exploring new lands, indicates self-discovery. You need to start looking within yourself to discover aspects of your own character and find out what drives you.
To see or study a map in your dream, suggests that your current life path will lead to fulfillment of your needs and realization of your goals. It also indicates that you are set on the path to self knowledge and self discovery. If you have difficulties understanding or reading the map, then it means that you are feeling lost. You are literally still trying to find yourself and figure out where you want to go in life.
To dream of a map, or studying one, denotes a change will be contemplated in your business. Some disappointing things will occur, but much profit also will follow the change.
To dream of looking for one, denotes that a sudden discontent with your surroundings will inspire you with new energy, and thus you will rise into better conditions. For a young woman, this dream denotes that she will rise into higher spheres by sheer ambition.
Dreaming that you see or study a map means that you are being guided and led in a direction that will fulfill your needs and goals. It also indicates a new change in your business which will be followed by temporary disappointments and then stable profits.
To dream that you are making a list, suggests that you are worried about a problem or situation in your waking life.
Dreaming that you are making a list, suggests that you are worried about a problem or situation in your waking life.
To see a computer in your dream, symbolizes technology, information, and modern life. New areas of opportunities are being opened to you. Alternatively, computers represent a lack of individuality and lack of emotions and feelings. Too often, you are just going along with the flow, without voicing your own opinions and views. You may also feel a depreciated sense of superiority.
To dream that your computer has a mind of its own, denotes anxiety about technology and loss of control. You are feeling overwhelmed and that you are at the mercy of another.
To dream that a computer has a virus or has crashed, suggests that something in your life that is out of control. It may parallel something in your life that has come to a crashing end.
Seeing a computer in your dream, symbolizes technology, information, and modern life. New areas of opportunities are being opened to you. Alternatively, computers also represent a lack of individuality and non expression of emotions and feelings. Too often you are just going along with the flow, without voicing your own opinions and views. You may also feel a depreciated sense of superiority. Dreaming that you computer has a mind of its own means anxiety about technology and loss of control. You are feeling overwhelmed and feel that you are at the mercy of another. Dreaming that a computer has a virus, suggests that something in your life that is out of control.
A pattern of forms and figures endowed with unity and significance.
It is implied in the theory of form—and is true, also, of melody—that the whole
is greater than the sum of its parts being, in a sense, their origin and justification.
If for Sartre the image is a degraded awareness of knowing, for other psychologists the image is, in fact, the highest form that knowing can assume, for all
knowledge tends towards a visual synthesis. Also to be borne in mind is the
theory propounded by Sir Herbert Read in Icon and Idea, according to which
every creation in the visual arts—and, in fact, every kind of pattern—is a form of
thought and therefore corresponds to an intelligible mental concept. This leads us
towards an intuition of the world as a vast repertoire of signs that await being
‘read’. We may note here that some of the works of Trithemius and Athanasius
Kircher tend towards this interpretation.
If you dream that you see images, you will have poor success in business or love.
To set up an image in your home, portends that you will be weak minded and easily led astray. Women should be careful of their reputation after a dream of this kind. If the images are ugly, you will have trouble in your home.
In symbolism, numbers are not merely the expressions of quantities, but idea-forces, each with a particular character of its own. The actual digits
are, as it were, only the outer garments. All numbers are derived from the number
one (which is equivalent to the mystic, non-manifest point of no magnitude). The
farther a number is from unity, the more deeply it is involved in matter, in the
involutive process, in the ‘world’. The first ten numbers in the Greek system (or
twelve in the oriental tradition) pertain to the spirit: they are entities, archetypes
and symbols. The rest are the product of combinations of these basic numbers
(44). The Greeks were much preoccupied with the symbolism of numbers.
Pythagoras, for example, observed that ‘Everything is disposed according to the
numbers’. Plato regarded number as the essence of harmony, and harmony as the
basis of the cosmos and of man, asserting that the movements of harmony ‘are of
the same kind as the regular revolutions of our soul’ (24). The philosophy of
numbers was further developed by the Hebrews, the Gnoptics and the Cabbalists,
spreading to the alchemists as well. The same basic, universal notions are found
in oriental thought—Lao-tse, for example: ‘One becomes two; two becomes
three; and from the ternary comes one’—the new unity or new order—’as four’
(Maria Prophetissa) (32). Modern symbolic logic and the theory of groupings go
back to the idea of the quantitative as the basis for the qualitative. Pierce suggests
that the laws of nature and of the human spirit are based on these same principles,
and that they can be ordered along these same lines (24). Apart from the basic symbols of unity and multiplicity, there is another general symbolism attached to
the even numbers (expressing the negative and passive principle) and the uneven
numbers (the positive and active). Furthermore, the numerical series possesses a
symbolic dynamism which it is essential not to overlook. The idea that one engenders two and two creates three is founded upon the premiss that every
entity tends to surpass its limits, or to confront itself with its opposite. Where
there are two elements, the third appears as the union of the first two and then as
three, in turn giving rise to the fourth number as the link between the first three,
and so on (32). Next to unity and duality (expressing conflict, echo and primordial duplication), the ternary and the quaternary are the principal groupings; from
their sum comes the septenary; and from their multiplication the dodecanary.
Three is the more direct derivation of seven (since both are uneven) and four more
closely related to twelve (both being even numbers). The usual symbolisms are as
follows: The ternary represents the intellectual or spiritual order; the quaternary
the terrestrial order; the septenary the planetary and moral order; the dodecanary
the universal order. Here now are the most generally accepted symbolic meanings
of each number, which will serve as a basis for a brief summary of the psychological theory of Paneth.
Zero Non-being, mysteriously connected with unity as its opposite and its
reflection; it is symbolic of the latent and potential and is the ‘Orphic Egg’. From
the viewpoint of man in existence, it symbolizes death as the state in which the life-forces are transformed (40, 55). Because of its circular form it signifies eternity.
One Symbolic of being (40) and of the revelation to men of the spiritual
essence. It is the active principle which, broken into fragments, gives rise to
multiplicity (43), and is to be equated with the mystic Centre (7), the Irradiating
Point and the Supreme Power (44). It also stands for spiritual unity—the common basis between all beings (55). Guénon draws a distinction between unity and
one, after the Islamic mystic thinkers: unity differs from one in that it is absolute
and complete in itself, admitting neither two nor dualism. Hence, unity is the
symbol of divinity (26). One is also equated with light (49).
Two Two stands for echo, reflection, conflict and counterpoise or
contraposition; or the momentary stillness of forces in equilibrium (43); it also
corresponds to the passage of time—the line which goes from behind forward (7);
it is expressed geometrically by two points, two lines or an angle (44). It is also
symbolic of the first nucleus of matter, of nature in opposition to the creator, of
the moon as opposed to the sun (55). In all esoteric thought, two is regarded as
ominous (9): it connotes shadow (49) and the bisexuality of all things, or dualism
(represented by the basic myth of the Gemini) in the sense of the connecting-link
between the immortal and the mortal, or of the unvarying and the varying (49).
Within the mystic symbolism of landscape in megalithic culture, two is associated with the mandorla-shaped mountain, the focal point of symbolic Inversion,
forming the crucible of life and comprising the two opposite poles of good and
evil, life and death (51), Two, then, is the number associated with the Magna
Mater (51).
Three Three symbolizes spiritual synthesis, and is the formula for the creation of each of the worlds. It represents the solution of the conflict posed by
dualism (43). It forms a half-circle comprising: birth, zenith and descent (7).
Geometrically it is expressed by three points and by the triangle (44). It is the
harmonic product of the action of unity upon duality (55). It is the number
concerned with basic principles (41), and expresses sufficiency, or the growth of
unity within itself (9). Finally, it is associated with the concepts of heaven (51)
and the Trinity.
Four Symbolic of the earth, of terrestrial space, of the human situation, of the
external, natural limits of the ‘minimum’ awareness of totality, and, finally, of
rational organization. It is equated with the square and the cube, and the cross
representing the four seasons and the points of the compass. A great many
material and spiritual forms are modelled after the quaternary (43). It is the
number associated with tangible achievement (55) and with the Elements (41). In
mystic thought, it represents the tetramorphs.
Five Symbolic of Man, health and love, and of the quintessence acting upon
matter. It comprises the four limbs of the body plus the head which controls
them, and likewise the four fingers plus the thumb (43) and the four cardinal
points together with the centre (7). The hieros gamos is signified by the number
five, since it represents the union of the principle of heaven (three) with that of
the Magna Mater (two). Geometrically, it is the pentagram, or the five-pointed
star (44). It corresponds to pentagonal symmetry, a common characteristic of
organic nature, to the golden section (as noted by the Pythagoreans) (24), and to
the five senses (55) representing the five ‘forms’ of matter.
Six Symbolic of ambivalence and equilibrium, six comprises the union of the
two triangles (of fire and water) and hence signifies the human soul. The Greeks
regarded it as a symbol of the hermaphrodite (33). It corresponds to the six
Directions of Space (two for each dimension) (7), and to the cessation of movement (since the Creation took six days). Hence it is associated with trial and effort
(37). It has also been shown to be related to virginity (50), and to the scales.
Seven Symbolic of perfect order, a complete period or cycle. It comprises the
union of the ternary and the quaternary, and hence it is endowed with exceptional
value (43). It corresponds to the seven Directions of Space (that is, the six
existential dimensions plus the centre) (7), to the seven-pointed star, to the
reconciliation of the square with the triangle by superimposing the latter upon the
former (as the sky over the earth) or by inscribing it within. It is the number
forming the basic series of musical notes, of colours and of the planetary spheres
(55), as well as of the gods corresponding to them; and also of the capital sins and
their opposing virtues (41). It also corresponds to the three-dimensional cross
(38), and, finally, it is the symbol of pain (50).
Eight The octonary, related to two squares or the octagon (44), is the intermediate form between the square (or the terrestrial order) and the circle (the eternal
order) and is, in consequence, a symbol of regeneration. By virtue of its shape, the
numeral is associated with the two interlacing serpents of the caduceus, signifying the balancing out of opposing forces or the equivalence of the spiritual power
to the natural (55). It also symbolizes—again because of its shape—the eternally
spiralling movement of the heavens (shown also by the double sigmoid line—the
sign of the infinite) (9). Because of its implications of regeneration, eight was in
the Middle Ages an emblem of the waters of baptism. Furthermore, it corresponds in mediaeval mystic cosmogony to the fixed stars of the firmament,
denoting that the planetary influences have been overcome.
Nine The triangle of the ternary, and the triplication of the triple. It is therefore a complete image of the three worlds. It is the end-limit of the numerical
series before its return to unity (43). For the Hebrews, it was the symbol of truth, being characterized by the fact that when multiplied it reproduces itself (in mystic addition) (4). In medicinal rites, it is the symbolic number par excellence, for
it represents triple synthesis, that is, the disposition on each plane of the corporal, the intellectual and the spiritual (51).
Ten Symbolic, in decimal systems, of the return to unity. In the Tetractys
(whose triangle of points—four, three, two, one—adds up to ten) it is related to
four. Symbolic also of spiritual achievement, as well as of unity in its function as
an even (or ambivalent) number or as the beginning of a new, multiple series (44).
According to some theories, ten symbolizes the totality of the universe—both
metaphysical and material—since it raises all things to unity (9). From ancient
oriental thought through the Pythagorean school and right up to St. Jerome, it was
known as the number of perfection (50).
Eleven Symbolic of transition, excess and peril and of conflict and martyrdom
(37). According to Schneider, there is an infernal character about it: since it is in
excess of the number of perfection—ten—it therefore stands for incontinence
(50); but at the same time it corresponds, like two, to the mandorla-shaped
mountain, to the focal point of symbolic Inversion and antithesis, because it is
made up of one plus one (comparable in a way with two) (51).
Twelve Symbolic of cosmic order and salvation. It corresponds to the number
of the signs of the Zodiac, and is the basis of all dodecanary groups. Linked to it
are the notions of space and time, and the wheel or circle.
Thirteen Symbolic of death and birth, of beginning afresh (37). Hence it has
unfavourable implications.
Fourteen Stands for fusion and organization (37) and also for justice and
temperance (59).
Fifteen is markedly erotic and is associated with the devil (59).
Other Numbers Each of the numbers from sixteen to twenty-two is related to
the corresponding card of the Tarot pack; and sometimes the meaning is derived
from the fusion of the symbols of the units composing it. There are two ways in
which this fusion may occur: either by mystic addition (for example,
374=3+7+4=14=1+4=5) or by succession, in which case the right-hand digit
expresses the outcome of a situation denoted by the left-hand number (so 21
expresses the reduction of a conflict—two—to its solution—unity). These numbers also possess certain meanings drawn from traditional sources and remote
from their intrinsic symbolism: 24, for example, is the sacred number in Sankhya
philosophy, and 50 is very common in Greek mythology—there were fifty
Danaides, fifty Argonauts, fifty sons of Priam and of Aegyptus, for example—as
a symbol, we would suggest, of that powerful quality of the erotic and human
which is so typical of Hellenic myths. The repetition of a given number stresses its quantitative power but detracts from its spiritual dignity. So, for example, 666
was the number of the Beast because 6 was regarded as inferior to seven (37).
When several kinds of symbolic meaning are contained within a multiple number,
the symbolism of that number is accordingly enriched and strengthened. Thus,
144 was considered very favourable because its sum was 9 (1+4+4) and because
it comprises multiples of 10 and 4 plus the quaternary itself (37). Dante, in the
Divine Comedy, has frequent recourse to the symbolism of numbers (27).
The work of Ludwig Paneth upon numbers concerns not so much symbolism
as such, but rather the normal interpretation of numbers from the psychologist’s
point of view as they appear in obsessions and dreams of average people. His
conclusions are as follows:
One rarely appears, but where it does occur it alludes to the paradisiac state
which preceded good and evil—which preceded, that is to say, dualism.
Two signifies counterpoise, or man’s experience of separate existence, with
its concomitant problems, inevitable analysis, dividing up, inner disintegration
and struggle.
Three stands for biological synthesis, childbirth and the solution of a conflict.
Four, as a kind of double division (two and two), no longer signifies separation (like the number two) but the orderly arrangement of what is separate.
Hence, it is a symbol of order in space and, by analogy, of every other wellordered structure. As Simonides, the Greek poet, observed: ‘It is difficult to
become a superior man, tetragonal in hand, foot and spirit, forming a perfect
whole.’
Five is a number which often occurs in animate nature, and hence its triumphant growth corresponds to the burgeoning of spring. It signifies the organic
fullness of life as opposed to the rigidity of death. There is an erotic sense to it as
well.
Six is, like two, a particularly ambiguous number: it is expressive of dualism
(2 × 3 or 3 × 2). However, it is like four in that it has a normative value as opposed
to the liberating tendencies of five and the mystic (or conflicting) character of
seven.
Seven is, like all the prime numbers, an irreducible datum, and an expression
of conflict or of a complex unity (the higher the prime number the greater the
complexity). It is sometimes associated with the moon (since 7 × 4=the 28 days
of the month).
Ten, in its graphic form as 10, is sometimes used to express marriage.
Nought, as the decimal multiplier, raises the quantitative power of a numerical symbol. A number of repeated noughts indicates a passion for grand things.
General Characteristics of Numbers Paneth draws a distinction between the
arithmetical number and the symbolic number: the former defines an object by its
quantity but says nothing about its nature, whereas the latter expresses an inner
link with the object it defines by virtue of a mystic relationship between what is
enumerated and the number itself. In arithmetic, the addition of 1 and 1 and 1
gives 3, but not triunity; in symbolism the second and third of these ones are
intrinsically different from the first because they always function within ternary
orders which establish the first term as an active element, the second as passive
and the third as neuter or consequent. Aristotle spoke of the ‘qualitative structure’ of the numbers as opposed to the amorphous character of the arithmetical
unity. Concerning the higher numbers, Paneth has this to say: ‘The multiplication
of a number simply increases its power: thus, 25 and 15 are both symbols of
eroticism. Numbers composed of two digits express a mutual relationship between the individual digits (reading from left to right). For example, 23=2 (conflict) and 3 (the outcome).’ Numbers made up of more than two digits may be
broken down and analysed in a number of different ways. For example, 338 may
equal 300 plus 2 × 19, or else 3 and 3 and 8. The dynamism and symbolic richness
of the number three is so exceptional that it cannot be over-emphasized. The
reconciling function of the third element of the ternary, we would add, may
appear in either a favourable or an adverse light. For instance, when in myths and
legends there are three brothers or sisters, three suitors, three trials, three wishes,
and so on (42), the first and second elements correspond broadly to what is
already possessed, and the third element represents the magic or miraculous
solution desired and sought after; but this third element may—as we have said—
also be negative. Thus, just as there are legends where the first and the second fail
and the third succeeds—sometimes it is the first six followed by the successful
seventh—so there are others where the inversion of the symbolism produces the
opposite result: the first two are favourable (and the second usually more so than
the first) but then comes the third which is destructive or negative. The Three
Kings, for example, offer the Infant Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense (both positive) and myrrh (negative). In almost all those myths and tales about three chalices, three chests or three rooms, the third element corresponds to death, because
of the asymmetrical division of the cycle of man’s life, composed of two parts
which are ascending (infancy-adolescence, youth-maturity) and the third and last
which is descending (old age-death). There is a Hebrew tale, called ‘True Happiness’, which exactly expresses the symbolic significance of this ‘third element’.
Here it is in Loeffler’s exemplary version: ‘A peasant and his wife, dissatisfied
with their lot, envied those who dwelt in palaces, imagining their existence to be
an unending flow of delights. While he was working in the fields, the man came across three iron chests. On the first was an inscription which said: “He who
opens me will become rich.” On the second he read: “If gold makes you happy,
open me.” On the third: “He who opens me, loses all that he possesses.” The first
chest was at once opened up and with the silver it contained the couple gave a
sumptuous banquet, purchased splendid garments and slaves. The contents of
the second chest enabled the couple to discover the luxury of refined living. But
with the opening of the third, a terrible storm destroyed all their belongings’ (38).
The symbolism bears a relationship to the asymmetrical cycle of the year (Spring—
Summer—Autumn followed by Winter) and to all symbols of the ‘superior’—
for superiority is always perilous.
Finally, there are also visual interpretations of number-symbols, derived from
the shape of the digits; but such interpretations are of a specialized nature and are
not always well-founded.
To see numbers in your dream, symbolize material gains and possessions. You are keeping close track of things. Alternatively, numbers indicate that you are being over analytical or rational. Or that you need to evaluate a situation more thoroughly. Numbers also carry much personal significance. They may represent a special date, address, age, lucky number or something meaningful and significant to only you.
To hear numbers in your dream, mean that you need to pace yourself in some situation. Or perhaps you need to calm down and take things a little slowly.
To dream of numbers, denotes that unsettled conditions in business will cause you uneasiness and dissatisfaction.
Interpreting numbers that we see in dreams may be difficult. Their meaning my be very personal, such as a reflection of financial concern or any other area of daily life represented by numbers. One way to interpret numbers is to try to see how they are specifically related to you. (E.g. If you have the number 25 in your dream. Your house number is 12 while your parent's number is 13. Together they make 25, and this dream could have been addressing issues in regard to you and your parents.) On the other hand, numbers in dreams may represent global concepts and point to collective dilemmas.
A dream that you win something can be a message from your unconscious that you have the ability to be successful. Winning at an athletic event in a dream can be your unconscious mind's way of rewarding you for something good that you have done in waking life, but which you may not have consciously thought about.
To dream that something or someone is fake, suggests that you are pretending to be someone you are not. You are putting up front because you are afraid to show your true self.