<html><head><title>Electric Dreams Volume 4 Number 2 -- Part B-- February 1997</title>
<META name="description" content="Electric DreamsVolume 4 Issue #2 part b ascii">
<META name="keywords" content="Electric Dreams, dreams, dream, dreaming, guide,
library, school, schools, education, institutions, learning, resource, resources, question,
questions, answers, answer, help Jung, Jungian, lucid, lucidity, sleep, sleeping,
research, guide, psychology, psychological, journey, path, spiritualism, religion, new age,
health, healing, memory, recall, self-help, decode, interpret, libraries, publication,
publications, radio, phone, Nightmares, nightmares, Night Terrors, Sleepwalking, REM
Sleep, NREM Sleep, Slow Wave Sleep, Delta Sleep, Alpha Sleep, Freud, Gestalt,
nightmare, grassroot, Sex Dreams, Mental Health, Psychotherapy">
</head>
<!-- This file ed4-2b.htm -->
<body text="#000000" bgcolor="#C0C0C0" link="#008000" vlink="#0000FF"
background="org-gray.gif">
<pre>
This is part B, which includes Dreams and Comments on Dreams
that were not sent in February.
To retrieve a copy of part A sent the last of February,
go to http://www.dreamgate.com/dreams/ed-ackissues
Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z
E L E C T R I C D R E A M S
Volume 4 Issue #2 Part B
26 February 1997
ISSN# 1089 4284
Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z
Electric Dreams - on the World Wide Web
http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/~mettw/edreams/home.html
Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z
-- Send Dreams and Comments on Dreams to:
Bob Krumhansl <bobkrum@erols.com>
-- Send Dream Questions and Concerns to
Victoria Quinton <mermaid@alphalink.com.au>
--Send Dreaming News and Calendar Events to:
Peggy Coats <pcoats@dreamtree.com>
-- Send Requests for Dream Groups to:
Chris Hicks <dreamwheel@michweb.net>
--Send Articles and Subscription concerns to:
Richard Wilkerson: <rcwilk@aol.com>
--For back issues, editors addresses
and other access & Staff see
ELECTRIC DREAMS ACCESS INFORMATION
at the end of this issue
Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z
Download a GREAT COVER for Electric Dreams 4(2)!
http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/~mettw/edreams/home.html
Cover by Jesse Reklaw
Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z=Z
== D R E A M S ==
Hi there! Thanks so much for your patience this month. This month
we have lots of interesting contributions including some great
feedback on remembering dreams and on mirrors in dreams. The
Dream Series section includes a unique contribution of a dreamers
dreams over a month called The ROB Series. The Editorial Section
this month includes some new features: A section on Dream
Software including interviews and software reviews, and Linkwatch
- a more in depth review of dream related Web Sites. Wherever you
are, thanks for reading, and come on join in the fun. Send us a
dream or commentary.
D R E A M S SECTION EDITORIAL BY BOB K. (For ED V4N2)
This Month (February 1996)
Dream Software - Dream Up and DreamScape
Interview re DreamScape
Interview re Dream Up
Linkwatch - Feb 1996
FEEDBACK FROM THE DREAMERS
= From Bob C. =
= From Conan =
COMMENTARY ON DREAMS FROM PREVIOUS ISSUES
= Commentary by Bob C. On "Crazy ..." =
* Dream: Harvesting Granny's Garden - Again by Nancy B*
= Commentary by Conan on Harvesting Granny Garden =
= Commentary by Mark on Harvesting Granny Garden =
= Commentary by Nutcracker on Harvesting Granny Garden =
= Commentary by Brett on ARMREST CAT AND HIGH SPEED LANES
- by Jim B (of 960915) =
NEW DREAMS:
PRECOGNITIVE/FUTURE DREAMS
[Stories from past experiences, or send them in before it
happens, if you can]
REPETITIVE DREAMS
[Significant by nature]
* Dream: Spiderman's Enemy King Pin by Ann (970221)*
= Comments by Ann on her "Spiderman's Enemy King Pin" =
= Commentary from on "Spiderman" From Heratheta (970222)=
See "Shoe Store of Childhood" by Sharon under FEAR
DREAM TRACES IN WAKING LIFE
[The effects of external stimuli on our dreams or is it the
other way around - our dreams leaving a trace on our
physical reality?]
* Dream: Line on my Face by Dallas (9702XX)*
= Comments by Jay on 'drawing a line' dream or, 'me and my
shadow...' =
DEFYING CLASSIFICATION
[Your stumpers may not be so mysterious to others]
See Commentary by Brett on ARMREST CAT AND HIGH SPEED LANES
under the Commentary on dreams from Previous Issues.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
LINKS TO STAGES OF LIFE
BIRTH [Starts]
CHILDHOOD [Early development]
ADOLESCENCE [Maturing, testing]
ADULTHOOD [The main event for most]
* Dream: The Fire Horse Dream by Rebeccah (90XXXX)*
= Interpretation by the dreamer, Rebeccah =
OLD AGE [Wisdom, Approaching the Journeys end]
DEATH [Endings]
COMMUNICATION WITH THE DEAD [Beyond our terrestrial limits]
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
ANIMALS [Basic Instincts]
See the Fire Horse Dream under ADULTHOOD for horses
* Dream "Groundhog Dream" by Nina (961002)*
= Commentary by Conan on Nina's Groundhog Dream =
* Dream: Another Dreamscape by Nutcracker (970219)*
* Deer in Dreams Question by Shahla *
= Commentary on Deer Question =
= Commentary on Deer in Dreams Question by Conan =
AGGRESSION [By us or against us- crossing others paths]
BATHROOMS [Maintenance, Cleansing and Elimination]
BELONGING [What we are associated with or wish we were]
BRIDGES [How we get across an obstacle or go from here to
there]
CELEBRITIES [The well known - famous and infamous]
CLOTHING [What we wear tells us about ourselves and the events we
participate in]
** Dream: "All Dressed Up And No Place To Go" by Nutcracker
(970216) **
= Commentary by Mark on All Dressed Up..=
COMPUTERS [Extensions of our minds, mind tools,
communication]
DIRECTIONS [Ever stop and ask for directions? North, South,
East, West, up, down, ahead, behind, straight, turn, right, left,
make a circle, cross, go through, open, close, mix, add, boil,
cook, simmer, but most of all - follow these instructions
carefully...and don't be shy about asking someone else down the
path, except, of course, for the Big Bad Wolf!!!]
* Dream: Spirits ... *
= Commentary from Heratheta (970221)=
= Commentary from Heratheta (970225)=
= Commentary by Heratheta "Perpendicular Avoidance" =
= Commentary by Cathy on Perpendicularity =
= Commentary on "90 Degrees away from.." by jrl =
= Commentary by Judeace on Directions (970226) =
DISCOVERY [New insights and unexpected developments]
DRUGS [Healing or Hurting?]
EATING [Getting nourishment for maintenance, growth and
pleasure]
ELEVATORS [Going UP or DOWN - Push the right button or
else...]
ESCAPE [Get me outta here!!!]
* Dream: "Escape" by Nutcracker (970214) *
= Commentary by Cathy on Escape by Nutcracker =
FEAR [What scares us]
* Dream: "Shoe Store of Childhood" by Sharon (Recurring)*
= questions about Sharon's shoe store dream by Jay =
= Answers to questions about Sharon's Shoe Store dream by Sharon=
= Commentary by Jay on Shoe Store Dream =
* Dream: Black Attack by Rebeccah *
= Commentary on Black Attack by Rebeccah =
* Dream: Crushed Car Sandwich by Rebeccah *
= Commentary on Crushed Car Sandwich by Rebeccah =
FOOD [The source of our physical nourishment]
FLYING [Confidence, Power, Freedom & Perspective]
GIFTS [Offerings to or from others]
HOBBIES [Our interests and desires]- COLLECTING THINGS
HOLIDAYS
*Dream: Christmas 1995 Dream by (951225)*
HOSPITAL [A place for treatment, healing and repair]
HOUSE [Where our lives take place]
* Dream: The Haunting by Nutcracker (970221) *
HOTELS [Temporary Dwelling or Special Event location]
JOURNEYS [Missions away from our home base -explorations]
Check out Our Hero & Kat Hart in the RELATIONSHIPS section
* Dream: "The Pedantic" by Brett tentatively titled "This is How
We Do It" (970208) *
= Commentary on the Pedantic =
* Dream: Little Titanic Dream by Cathy (97XXXX)*
= Commentary by Conan on The Little Titanic Dream by Cathy =
= Commentary by Bob C on The Little Titanic Dream by Cathy =
= Commentary from Cathy on her Little Titanic Dream =
LOST [Disorientation or abandonment]
LOTTERY DREAMS [Sudden Wealth - Randomness favors the
dreamer]
LOVE [All around us, yet so hard to find and keep]
MEMORY [Remembering ...In dreams we often struggle with the issue
of memories and remembering a dream by definition involves the
process of recollection. This month some pointers on remembering
dreams:]
* Corey's Dream Memory Question (970211) *
= Commentary by Pat on Corey's Memory Question =
= Commentary by Richard on Memory (5 Steps & Bibliography!) =
= Commentary by Bob K on Corey's Memory Question =
= Commentary by Earl on Corey's Memory Question =
= Commentary by Heratheta on Corey's Dream Memory Question =
= Commentary by Anonymous (Food) on Corey's Memory Question =
= Commentary by Richard on recall/food=
= Commentary by a Smoker on Corey's Memory Question =
= Reply by Corey to Comments =
MIRRORS [Reflection of Self]
* Question on Mirrors in Dreams by Conan (9702XX) *
= Commentary by Bob K. On Conan's Mirror Question (9702XX) =
= Commentary by Richard on Conan's Dream Mirror Question =
= Commentary by Cathy on Conan's Dream Mirror Question =
= Commentary by Bob C. On Conan's Dream Mirror Question =
NUDITY [What you see is what you get]
PERFORMERS [Entertainers]
See the Phys. Assistant woman from ER (the one with HIV) and
Rhea Pearlman in Feminist Brigade under POLITICAL SCENE.
PROBLEMS [Situations or difficulties sometimes present
choices]
POLITICAL SCENE [Public issues through positions of power]
* Dream: "Feminist Brigade" by MadGrl (970225) *
[Featuring Ann Richards of Texas]
RELATIONSHIPS [Other parts of ourselves]
* Dream: Family Dream" by Bonnie (9702XX)*
* Dream: Relatives & Relatives by Anna *
* Dream: Our Hero and Kat Hart by Jessel (9702XX) *
RELIGIOUS RELATED [The Ritual and the Spiritual]
ROMANCE [Thrills and Chills, lost in another]
..or something else - see Our Hero & Kat Hart in the section on
RELATIONSHIPS
* Dream: Return to the Country Club by Jessel *
SCHOOL THEMES [Learning and learnings trials]
SOLUTIONS [The answers to problems or quandaries]
TEETH [Ok, losing teeth is one of the top ten dreams people have
questions on. Theories on what they mean range all over the
spectrum of possibilities.]
= Following is not a dream, but where to get help on this type of
dream or others, just in case you missed the concise Top Ten by
Richard elsewhere in Electric Dreams or cyberspace.=
TORNADOS [Pretty well defined destructive power of nature]
TRAPPED [Temporarily helpless- Sometimes we are paralyzed or
imprisoned by jobs, relationships or expectations]
*Dream: "Abduction by Raincoat" A DREAM VORTEX SLICE by Nicole*
VEHICLES [Means of transportation, reflection of lifestyle]
See the Little Titanic Dream with boats & Jet Ski's under
JOURNEY, as well as Nicole's Commentary on Raincoat's Abduction
Dream under TRAPPED
* Dreams: The Multicolored Bus Double Feature by Dallas *
= Commentary by Dallas on Multicolored Bus Double Feature =
= Commentary by Jay on Cars =
WORKPLACE [Where we make a living]
WRITING & WRITERS [Communication and creativity]
= = = = = = = = = = = =
DREAM SERIES
= The ROB series by Island (970107 -970207)
* Dreams:
* January 7, 1997 - * The Apartment, three hole punch paper, an
expensive restaurant, the bag and a little girl singing * in a
skyscraper * a longstanding indebtedness * New York City streets
- Dreaming vs. Drugs.
* January 9, 1997 - * Some photos * T'ai Chi steps on Potholed
lot
* January 10, 1997 - * Apartment rental * A huge truck a dog and
Daddy
* January 11, 1977 - * Another child & Rob's oil spill
* January 12, 1997 - * A class
* January 14, 1997 - * Marty * The missed meeting * In an office
setting.
* January 14, 1997 - * Wealth, Success, and the rescue disk * Bar
scene &
* January 17, 1997 - * Three scenarios
* January 23, 1997 - * Princeton University
* January 28, 1997 - * Escape from behind the iron curtain. * The
Bicycle project * The Lost Wallet *The Theatre.
* January 31, 1997 - *Loving Rob * A Class * Jane's Objects *
Murder and a Group of Gay men
* February 1, 1997 - *Spirits of the Dead
* February 2, 1997 - *Rising Too High
* February 7, 1997 - *When the phone rings...
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
D R E A M S SECTION EDITORIAL BY BOB K. (For ED V4N2)
THIS MONTH:
Hi there! This month we have a get deal of interesting
contributions including some great feedback on remembering dreams
and on mirrors in dreams. The Dream Series section includes a
unique contribution of a dreamers dreams over a month called The
ROB Series. The Editorial Section this month includes some new
features: A section on Dream Software including interviews
and software reviews and Linkwatch- a more in depth review of
dream related Web Sites. Wherever you are, thanks for reading,
and come on join in the fun. Send us a dream or commentary.
DREAM SOFTWARE
Wouldn't it be great to have a tool to help one record and work
with our dreams beyond the pen and paper. I have seen some
magnificently decorated and scripted dream journals in my time.
Amazing how they reflect an aspect of the dreamers serious or
flippant attitude toward dreams. In this day of automation
though, it would be great to have them in electronic format to
the degree possible to assist in having your dream opus available
in one location, and capable of being searched and linked.
We have come a long way baby. I will be commenting on two
recently available Dream Software programs DREAMUP V1.0 and
DreamScape V3.0.
The first dream software program I ever experienced was a basic
program that Henry Reed had worked on available on a Bulletin
Board in Denver. Basically you typed in your dream first. It
then asked you what certain elements of the dream meant to you.
It then rewrote your dream with the information you supplied.
Much like the interviewing of dream characters and elements from
a Gestalt perspective, this approach was very revealing. With
advance Word Processors, the use of the search and replace
function serves a similar purpose. You identify values or
concerns the people or objects of your dream represent to you at
that time, and come up with another version of your dream. You
can then comment on your dreams making associations and
connections to waking reality issues. You can save the text
files and save them for consolidation at some future point in
time.
The software programs I experimented with this month take the
simple approach a giant step further. The provide different tools
to help motivate, organize, and stimulate your interest in
dreams.
DREAMUP V1.0 (for Windows) from Dreamsoft, Inc. is really two
programs. It is a journal program, and it is a Symbol Dictionary
program. It also has a very basic and helpful windows "help" file
on dreams and dreaming. It is not only useful for using the
program but for reviewing some dream related principles.
The journal section is organized in four clear cut sections:
Dream, Interpretation, Analysis, Conclusions. They are presented
in a tabbed folder format with each following the other. Each has
a few blocks of space for addressing key elements of a dream or
associations to the phases of working with a dream. When you
print out your dream however, all four sections are included in
your printout. This gives you a written black and white
incarnation of your dream which you can work with further or file
away in a binder. The dreams need to be given a title but the
program will add the date and time. You may search through the
listing of titles for previous dreams. It offers password
protection and can be used by multiple users (or you can keep
different journals under different names for instance - sleep
dreams and "waking reality" incidents to be interpreted as
dreams). Though you can search through dream titles, there is no
integrated "keyword" search function. The program has a stunning
mirror image at start-up, and colorful icons.
The neatest feature is the symbol dictionary. Some symbols have
"wizards" available which help to further refine the universal
meanings associated with the symbols. The authors researched
much dream literature to come up with their version of a "base
line" symbology. It's great to have a varied field of symbols
and concepts to draw on rather than having to start from scratch.
They recognize that even though there appears to be an
undercurrent of universal cultural symbols in the dreams of
humankind, most dream symbols take on quite personal meanings.
Water to someone who associates it with vacations & summertime,
will have a very different feel than to one who can't swim or
lost a loved one in a drowning accident. The symbol dictionary
can be edited, but not "on-the-fly." You have to go into the
symbol dictionary itself to add categories or subjects and to
expand on definitions. It would be nice to be able to directly
edit the dictionary as you are reviewing your dream in the
journal section. I found the symbols to be somewhat heavily
Freudian/sexual connotation oriented. Since much of the
traditional "modern" literature on dreams comes from the
psychiatric world that Freud founded, it is not surprising.
However, each dreamers with their environment & personal issues
are the ultimate determiner of what makes sense to him or her.
To use the program you need to run the install module, name your
"journal," assign your password if you so choose, and start using
the program. You fill in your dream in the dream section,
associations in the corresponding blocks. We you analyze the
dream, the symbol dictionary opens up and picks out recognized
symbols. My use of one and two for a half generated references
to the numbers one and two. Not all definitions of a word are
included in all symbol associations so some suggested
associations are really associated with an alternate meaning. As
you refine your dictionary, these issues will become less
bothersome.
As Victoria Quinton of our ED staff mentioned to me, there still
is no way other than personal effort to discipline yourself to
add your recalled dreams. No software program can supply the
internal motivation to use available tools.
DreamScape V3.0 (for Windows) is also two programs (plus it comes
bundled with a book by its author). It provides a journal (only
one per software program allowed) and an "Analyzer" program which
is somewhat along the lines of an intelligent interviewer.
(Anyone remember ELIZA the basic program?) The background uses
subdued colors, but has as a backdrop a starscape giving the
impression that you are traveling out into the farther reaches of
the universe.
You can write the dreams in your journal, stored by date & title,
and import them into the "analyzer" program or you can write a
dream directly into the analyzer. The focus of this author is to
help apply the wisdom of your dreams to your waking reality
concerns. To this end, he de-emphasizes the who, what, where,
how, and why of dreams in favor of uncovering the emotional
feeling ties that our dreams are linked to. The analyzer program
is seeded with associations to some actions or feelings, and will
ask questions to help determine what may be on our mind. It then
gives a summary interpretation based on the responses. My first
impression was that I found it quite amazing. Clearly focusing
only on the feelings and emotions uncovers a whole new world of
meaning in dreams. I have always tended to be more people or
event or location oriented in my dream reporting. However,
similar type of concerns will generate similar types of
responses. It was a little disappointing, but the truth is that
the issues still remained unresolved and this probably led to a
repetition of the theme and feelings in a whole new setting. The
program uncovers underlying issues in our dreams and helps us to
clarify them and move to doing something about them. Dreams saved
in the Journal are keyword searchable. An icon menu bar provides
the navigation system for this program.
The accompanying book provides lots of details on themes in our
dreams and what issues they tend to be associated with. It was a
refreshing new perspective on dreams for me, though many of the
categories had obvious common sense associations. You may be
better qualified to be able to figure out what areas of your
waking life your dreams are touching by reading the book
DreamScape and working with this software.
All these tools (relatively inexpensive) would be helpful to a
serious dreamer who has a windows computer readily available.
You can read more about these programs in the interviews with
their creators.
From: "Nicholas Heyneman, Ph.D." <neh@srv.net>
To: "'Bob Krumhansl'" <bobkrum@erols.com>
Subject: RE: DreamScape
Date: Sat, 22 Feb 1997 19:01:19 -0700
Hi Bob,
Thanks for the email and your interest in DreamScape. I would
love for you to review my book & software and would be happy to
answer any questions. I wrote in answers to ones you posed
below.
Warm regards,
Nick
----------
From: Bob Krumhansl[SMTP:bobkrum@erols.com]
Sent: Thursday, February 20, 1997 7:19 PM
To: neh@srv.net
Cc: rcwilk@aol.com
Subject: DreamScape
Hi Mr. Heyneman:
I am a co-editor of the e-zine ELECTRIC DREAMS. I am planning on
reviewing your book and software program in an upcoming issue of
ELECTRIC DREAMS. I bought a copy at a B.Dalton's here in
Columbia,MD about a month ago. I would also like to include an
"interview" with background information - if you would be
interested. These are the questions I came up with. I'm still
putting the review together. I am impressed by your approach.
1) Who is Nicholas E. Heyneman?
I am a psychologist, author, and university professor. My Ph.D.
is in clinical psychology and I am former professor at Penn State
Univ School of Medicine and Idaho State Univ. I now teach
part-time at ISU. My academic research was in the area of
computer-assisted therapy, a fledgling but exciting field where
computers are used as an adjunct to psychotherapy. I left the
University to pursue this work full-time in the private sector
(scary, but a lot more fun!).
2) How long has DreamScape been in development? What was your
objective?
Some 5-6 years in the making and very much still evolving. I
wanted to create a system that would allow "nondreamers" easy
access to begin understanding and utilizing their dreams.
Something more sophisticated and useful than a dream dictionary
yet could still be done privately. I also hoped that DreamScape
would provide more advanced dreamers with perhaps new
perspectives that, again, could be done privately.
3) How did you get involved in this project?
It grew out of my belief that we now have a technology that
allows us to develop new and better tools for enhancing
self-understanding, or what could be called inter- and
intra-communication.
4) What is the recommended system configuration? The minimum?
Minimum: Windows 3.1 or Windows 95, 8MB RAM, 4MB hard disk space,
CD-ROM, 386 or better. Recommend a 486 or better. If Windows
runs, so will DreamScape. I originally wrote the program on a
Mac and am hoping to upgrade the Mac version soon.
5) How much space does the program take up?
Initially, 3-4MB and will grow as more dreams are entered.
6) How big can the journal grow?
I think it is only limited by disk space.
7) How does one get DreamScape? How much does it cost? Can you
just buy the software in disk format anywhere (for those that
don't have a CD-ROM)? Any discount available to Electric Dreams
subscribers?
DreamScape is published by Simon& Schuster, one of the largest
publishers in the world so is available anywhere books are sold
(in English only so far). There is no formal disk version of
DreamScape but I have received email from individuals requesting
disks and I have just copied some myself and mailed them. I'm
glad to do this. As far as price goes, I have no control over
what the publisher charges. You may, however, be able to arrange
a deal directly with them.
9) Do you have a web page?
No. I don't publish DreamScape. I'm just the author.
10) Is there a version upgrade in the works? Any price break for
registered users?
Yes! I'm working a child's version of DreamScape as well as some
interesting new features such as the ability to add one's own
personal interpretive information into the program. I am almost
finished with a "professional" version designed for helping
professionals to use with their clients, although I'm not sure
exactly what to do with this. Any suggestions?
11) Any other versions planned? (ie. Mac, Win95, Spanish, French,
etc.)
Mac, I hope. As far as other languages, that is up to S&S.
12) Where can users submit recommendations for improvements?
I would love to hear from users! I get fantastic suggestions
whenever I lecture or do demos & book signings as well as some
wonderful email. I have included my address, phone, and email in
the back of the book and I encourage readers to contact me.
13) How has the program helped you?
As you might guess, DreamScape is a part of me. I use the program
to help me break out of my sometimes myopic thinking and look at
a dream from a fresh perspective. I love it when it surprises
me!
14) Did you know about Electric Dreams?
Not until I received an email from Peggy Coats a few months ago.
I would love to get on your list. How do I do this?
Thanks for your time and interest.
Thank you!
= = = = = =
Date: Tue, 25 Feb 1997 11:28:44 -0600
From: Sergio Ferragut <snovo@mail.mx.ges.com>
Reply-To: snovo@mail.mx.ges.com
To: bobkrum@erols.com
Subject: DreamUp Interview
Hi Bob,
Here are the answers to your questions, if you need any
additional information please email me. Sorry for the delay but I
had to get together with the rest of the team.
1) Who is DreamSoft?
3) How did DreamSoft get involved in this project?
DreamUp and DreamSoft were born from an idea that Sergio Ferragut
Sr.,
one of the company's owners, had after some time of interest and
development of his own dreamwork. He thought that dreams and
dreamworking was a field that could attract a great deal of
interest and so DreamSoft and DreamUp were created.
DreamSoft is young software company that was created specifically
for the development and marketing of DreamUp. The company is
incorporated as DreamSoft, Inc. in the state of Delaware in the
U.S.
Our mailing address is :
9051-C Siempre Viva Rd.
Suite MX-037-070
San Diego, CA 92173
Our email address is support@dreamup.com
DreamSoft's people:
Sergio Ferragut, Sr. Founder and Co-Owner
Sergio Ferragut, Jr. Research & Development, Co-Owner
Xavier Ferragut Marketing & Sales
(As you can see, it's a family project.)
2) How long has DreamUp been in development? What is your
objective?
DreamUp has been in development for over a year now. This has
involved a great deal of research on the unconscious mind and how
dreams relate to our everyday waking life. Our research was based
on many books which we considered to be serious and professional
work on dreams. We also received support and feedback from
psychologists that helped in developing the format for an
organized dream analysis.
Our objective is to provide a self-help tool so that individuals
could better understand their unconscious mind and how it
interacts with the conscious mind. DreamUp is an ongoing project,
we are always building on new ideas of how to make it a better
tool and we are open to any suggestions that the public may have.
4)What is the recommended system configuration? Minimum?
Recommended
===========
486/66Mhz
4MB RAM
10MB Disk Space
Windows 3.1 or Higher
Minimum
=======
386/33Mhz
4MB RAM
5MB Disk Space
Windows 3.1 or Higher
5) How much space does the program take up?
The program installation needs 7MB. Once installed the program
uses 4MB and about 1MB for each user's journal.
6) How big can the journal grow?
The journal has no limitation except for hard disk space.
Average dreams take up about 3K meaning that you can have about
330 dreams per MB.
7) How big can the dictionary grow?
The dictionary has over 65000 slots. A slot is what a symbol,
symbol group or a meaning occupies. Under 2000 slots are used up
with the basic dictionary so there's a lot of space to grow.
8) How does one order DreamUp? How much does it cost? Any
discount to Electric Dreams subscribers?
We are currently working on the ordering process. This will be
directly on-line using the services of Pik-A-Program which will
be accessed directly from DreamUp's website. We are near the end
of the setup process and we hope that we'll be up by the first
week of March.
Our introductory download price is $19.95. We'd be glad to give a
10% discount to Electric Dreams subscribers but we'd need to know
who are the subscribers. One possibility is that we manage a
special download of DreamUp through Pik-A-Program that would be
accessed only through the Electric Dreams E-mail Publication and
wouldn't appear on Pik-A-Program's regular list.
9) How long does the download of DreamUp take?
14.4 Modem 30 min
28.8 Modem 15 min
10) Is there a version upgrade in the works?
Yes, it should be ready by Summer 97 with a greatly enhanced
dictionary, general text search through the whole dream journal,
and we are open to any suggestions for improvements. Registered
users will be able to upgrade for $5.95. The new version will
contain a merging procedure to maintain old dream journals and
personal symbol dictionary.
11) Any other versions planned?
Yes.
The current version is in English and runs under Windows 3.1
or Windows95.
English 32 bit Windows95 Summer 97
Spanish Windows 3.1 Fall 97
Spanish 32 bit Windows95 Fall 97
French version 1998
12) How can users submit recommendations for improvements?
We are working on a suggestion submission form, but for now any
suggestions can be emailed directly to support@dreamup.com.
13) How has the program helped you?
Keeping a manual journal can be a time consuming task, specially
when trying to build a personal symbol dictionary. The dictionary
has made the process of learning my personal symbols much easier
since DreamUp looks them up for me. Also DreamUp has showed me
symbols which at first I hadn't recognized in certain dreams,
that's the advantage of having an automated lookup of the
dictionary. Having a quick and organized way of keeping and
consulting my dream journal has certainly made me a constant
dreamworker.
14) How did you find out about Electric Dreams?
Surfing the Internet to contact the dream community.
Regards,
Xavier Ferragut
DreamSoft, Inc.
= = = = = = = = = =
LINKWATCH - FEBRUARY 1996
By Bob Krumhansl
Well, all the world is at your fingertips now through the magic
of the Internet. But there is so much out there you can't
possibly check everything out, even everything you are interested
in. Therefore, the premise of this column is to bring some
insight and recommendations on what some of the dream sites out
there focus on or specialize in. The dreamlinks page on our
Electric Dreams Bulletin Board it is meant to supplement the web
page listings we have been providing. We started out trying to
put together a complete listing of dreams sites available on the
Web. The problem is that so many areas overlap the subject of
dreams that it becomes a huge undertaking. As if that were not
enough, the site are not all static. They are very dynamic,
evolving and changing over time.
This month I'll focus on four unique sites: DREAMLYNX, DAYBYDAY,
NIKI LEBOEF'S DREAM PAGE, and Harry Bosma's HEALING DREAMS Site.
One outstanding resource is the DREAMLYNX site managed by the
Hutchinson's - Linton and Becky at:
http://www.iag.net/%7Ehutchib/.dream/index.html
DREAM WHEELS: Those of you who have participated in some of our
Dream Wheels know the place. What a terrific dream resource! It
keeps expanding and improving. It sponsors a monthly LISTING OF
DREAMS AND COMMENTARY in the JOURNAL section- organized in
alphabetical order - and started anew every month. It has two
(!) updated LISTINGS OF DREAM RELATED WEB SITES. It features a
column focusing on Dream Subjects called TECHNIQUE A WEEK though
it isn't revised every week nowadays. You can submit dreams -
and the ONLINE DREAM SUBMISSION FORM will help you identify the
areas and characteristics of your dream. It has a resources
section with references to DREAM BOOKS, ARTICLES, and
PERSONALITIES. Ever wonder what some of these dream people look
like? Check out the PHOTOS in the BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH AREA. You
may submit "STUMPERS" to a panel of dream experts - just click on
their name and an e-mail form will be activated. Clearly a lot
of work has gone into developing this site. The current menu has
a rectangle with 21 clickable areas to explore. What are you
waiting for? I was visitor 80,200 according to their counter
recently. Anyone with an interest in dreams will find something
to like in a visit to this site.
The DAYBYDAY site is quite interesting as it focuses on the
RECOVERY from ADDICTIONS area, both from the perspective of the
person who has or is recovering from some kind of addictive
behavior as well as from the perspective of the affected and
supporting family members. Shelly Marshall, author of the best
selling collection of meditations book called DAY BY DAY has also
written a book on dreams called: YOUR DREAM OF RECOVERY
(A.R.E.Press). The focus of this Dream Book is how to use your
dreams to help you in dealing with ongoing issues and to help
support the changes in your waking reality. Shelly has done much
work with recovering Alcoholics, but her books address other
types of addictive behavior such as with drugs, sex or abusive
relationships. Shelly offers an ongoing monthly Question &
Answer column online. Check out her site at:
http:/www.erols.com/daybyday
One of the links I followed this month took me to a unique Dream
Web Page offered by Niki LeBoef. You can find it at:
http://www.takeme.com/student_features/vortex/
Niki interacts with her visitors in a number of ways. She has
suggested monthly dream topics and offers to give a dream
submitter free feedback from her honest-to-the-core perspective.
See the dream Section under TRAPPED for a slice (or chunk) of
Niki's latest column for your enjoyment.
Harry Bosma has another information rich site at:
http://www.xs4all.nl/~hbosma/healing_dreams/index.html
He uses the netscape "frames" approach similar to our ELECTRIC
DREAMS Web Site to allow the visitor to keep multiple navigation
options open at all times.
Harry has done a lot of work in organizing and annotating dream
resources. I still haven't finished exploring all the paths he
presents. The main focus is on the Healing Power of dreams and
how to help us get in touch with them. You can find his review
of the software program DREAMUP at his site. The site is very
visual oriented and uses lots of colorful graphics. Please you
sight and mind at this dream site.
An annotated list of his favorite dream books can be found at:
http://www.xs4all.nl/~hbosma/healing_dreams/drmlist.html
Bob Krumhansl
bobkrum@erols.com
FEEDBACK FROM THE DREAMERS
= From Bob C.
Bob, Thanks for your recent e-mail. I never worry about
getting credit. If one person is helped in cyberspace
through my thoughts that is reward enough. But it was kind
of you to write. - Bob C. [ Aka - "Only the dreamers knows"]
= From Conan:
Hi Cathy and Everyone, This is certainly the nicest email I've
received in several days. Thanks for the feedback. I hope more
dreams are sent in. The interesting thing about this whole
process is it opens my eyes to the symbology of everyday life;
the things people say and do, the way they decorate their homes
and work space -- cars, clothes, gestures, hobbies ... it all
adds up to a subtle message about the individual behind the
image, myself included. Thanks again, and I hope someone
dreams a doozy tonight! -- Conan
===
COMMENTARY ON DREAMS FROM PREVIOUS ISSUES
= Commentary by Bob C. On "Crazy ..." =
INTERPRETATION OF "CRAZY" DREAM: The dream appears to concern a
need for help. It is dark (late) as the dream begins. Is time
growing short in the dreamer's conscious life to resolve a
particular problem. The dreamer is desperately seeking a
pharmacy. Drugstores supply medicines -- or drugs. The driver
at first has a modicum of control. she is in the driver's seat
but can't find the way to the drugstore which she had been to
once before.. The name of the street is something Logan. (Could
this be a subliminal pun on net terminology, i.e. "log on"?
Possibly the dream mind is telling the dreamer she needs to
"network.") As the dream progresses the dreamer is no longer in
the "driver's seat." She is on foot, and the time shifts to day.
She realizes in the light of day that she doesn't belong where
she is (apparently a typical suburban neighborhood), but she
can't get to where she wants to go. She is feeling vulnerable
(clothing connotes protection or covering for the body and the
dreamer's dress is tattered). She also feels unknown "people"
are chasing her. Possibly these "people" may represents parts of
the dreamer's self that she has disowned or repressed. The
dreamer's ego defenses may be crumbling ("they're closing in on
me, they'll hurt me) and she subconsciously fears that the
repressed aspects of her self may force there way back into her
consciousness. The shopping cart may also indicate the dreamer
is getting weary of expending the energy necessary to continue
the process of repressing or disowning parts of her self. To
"cart" something around often means transporting something
laboriously from place to place. As the dream ends the dreamer
realizes the woman in the dream (herself) is "homeless and
insane." This may indicate that the dreamer feels she doesn't
emotionally "fit in" anywhere, and at some level she realizes she
is not perceiving her problems or addressing them rationally.
If the dreamer disagrees with the above interpretation it is
wrong. Only the dreamer knows.
Bob C.
'What we do in dreams we also do when we are awake: we invent
and fabricate the person with whom we associate - and immediately
forget we have done so.'
FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE
* Dream: Granny's Garden - Again by Nancy ( )*
I've submitted this dream before, but I wanted to send it in
again and encourage comments on the pictures that it inspired.
NancyRB
The Granny Gallery is at:
http://www.dreamgate.com/dream/granny/
Harvesting Granny's Garden
I was sitting outdoors in a little garden. Granny's Garden.
Vegetables, fruits, flowers. I was sitting at a little table,
typing something which I had written. A story? Many pages.
When I finished typing, I got the idea to weed the garden, which
I did. It was muddy. I think I was barefoot and didn't mind the
mud.
There was a huge eggplant growing there. I thought, "Since I'm
weeding this garden, I might as well pick the eggplant and the
other ripe vegetables." It was my garden. I was about to do that
when I woke up.
= Commentary by Conan on HARVESTING GRANNY'S GARDEN =
This was a fun dream, with a very upbeat feel to it.
In my humble opinion:
Garden: a garden generally represents a place of sowing seeds,
cultivation, growth and reaping what you have sown. The soil
itself is where you plant your hopes and dreams. It is also the
source of your ideas.
Granny: any older person may represent wisdom, knowledge you
have gained, or even your higher self (God). What a delight it
would be if you were working in God's garden, and reaping what
you've sown, but I prefer not to go with religious suppositions.
I'm just tossing that out in case it hits home.
Writing: this represents a process of getting your thoughts
organized, and putting it into words; clarifying what you've been
thinking about. You are expressing your ideas, hopes, dreams and
thoughts - expressing yourself.
Weeding: probably represents a certain vigilance on your part in
nurturing your ideas or dreams, and "weeding out" all
unproductive tendencies in an effort to keep the garden vibrant
and productive.
Mud: it's interesting that the garden was muddy, because mud
would represent a certain unpleasantness; a dirty process;
getting bogged down - that sort of thing, but you do say that you
"didn't mind the mud," so like weeding, although it can be a
messy process, it is also rewarding in its own way.
Harvesting: pretty obvious here that you are reaping what you
(or Granny) has sown. As the dream progresses the garden ceases
to be Granny's, and becomes your own, so I'd say you are reaping
the rewards of a long effort which has sprung from a source of
wisdom, either external or internal. Eggplant: a special idea
or dream becoming fruitful. This is your reward for all your
hard work. Eggs represent a certain completion or sense of
wholeness.
Putting it all together: The garden, that is all the
ideas/dreams you've tended to become yours, and the harvest is
bountiful. A delightful dream! Thanks for sharing, and take
care -- Conan
= Commentary by Mark on Harvesting Granny's Garden =
Granny's Garden is obviously the fruit of her loins -- you
and your family. The story you typed was your life in progress.
You reveled in the mud of the primordial garden. The eggplant
and the fruits were ... you guessed it ... the fruit of your
womb.
I wouldn't be surprised if you are pregnant or if you are about
to be pregnant or at least really desire to bear children. I do
not know if you are past child-bearing age, but I would be very
surprised. Alternatively, you already may have children.
Mark
= Commentary by Nutcracker on Harvesting Grannys Garden =
While I agree with Mark on certain aspects (your life in
progress, you bearing fruit), I take it to represent the fruit of
your imagination, with your 'writings' as your children.
So you stop to 'weed' the garden, this could represent editing
said writings. Picking (or harvesting) the eggplant, could be
'picking your brain' for more ideas.
Just a thought......thanks for sharing.
Nutcracker
= Commentary by Brett on ARMREST CAT AND HIGH SPEED LANES - by
Jim B (of 960915) =
First, the Dream:
1996 September 15 7:53am after 7:44 of sleep (960915)
I am at a house and need to go somewhere else to copy something
at a copy machine. I also want to go to an exhibit next door. The
house I am at is moderate size and fairly old, on a street where
the houses are close together.
I am part of some group that is having exercises or games in the
building down the street or next door. I get there from the
second floor of my building to the second floor of the building
next door which is larger and has white colored walls. I look
down and see some more stuff.
Apparently this is some sort of science exhibit and there is a
picture of some animals on the wall, but I mainly see one big
animal that is the background for them all, rather vaguely. I sit
down on a nearby chair and wait for my wife Anne to come with me.
I look at the arm rest and find it is in the shape of a cat head,
a cat such as a small leopard of genus Felis or an ocelot. It is
whitish with blue or brown washed-out looking spots, I put my
hand on it and it feels nice. I continue to pet it and find that
I can move it around as though it were real. I stick my hand in
its mouth. Anne enters the room. At about this time I find that
this thing may be a real person underneath with a cat mask on,
masquerading as the couch arm rest. I get a little surprised by
this especially since the cathead seemed to enjoy it too.
I still need to go to the copy machine. I could go to the south
and then west through the main street, but I wonder why no one is
taking the highway to the north that would get me there sooner as
it is out more into the country. I go there that way. It seems I
am walking or driving indoors rather than driving. I hit a pair
of locked dark wood doors. I saw the sign above. "HIGH SPEED
LANES"
Then I remember. This was some sort of project to convert these
roads into some kind of high speed electric or other highway that
was designed for really high speeds. I look through a small
window and see cars whizzing past. I expected a lower speed limit
sign, something like 60. I saw a sign saying 80 and think this
must be the expected speed. I figure that they must keep the
highway locked so that people can go at these high speeds. I stop
and wonder if I should go through the process required (tickets,
etc) to get on the road.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The major theme I see in this dream is "Scientific". There are
copy machines, "new" projects for high speed lanes, a science
exhibit, even the cat arm rest could be a "museum" piece. That
people are not there--waited for, hidden, taking the other roads,
locked out of the high speed lanes--implies a de-humanizing
aspect as well. Also, most of this takes place "indoors" and
perhaps even "upstairs". This all adds to a feeling of
introversion.
The hidden person under the cat skin is me. I seem to enjoy
being hidden, to stroke myself, to show my teeth at my wife. On
the other hand, associations of "warm fuzzies" usually say to me
that I am not getting enough strokes from other people...that I
need reassuring. When my expectations are not met by myself
(not going where I intended, the speed limits are unexpected,
there are inconsistencies--plenty of examples) people are not
doing I think they should (taking the long way around), and my
reason lets me down...I like to head toward the simpler things
represented by "country".
Seems to be an anxiety producing dream...kind of a "rush-hour
traffic" of unexpected occurrences. The flip side of this is
that maybe we need this kind of stimulation. There is some hope
throughout this dream that expectations will be met; that even in
the country, there will be copy machines.
Brett
NEW DREAMS:
PRECOGNITIVE/FUTURE DREAMS [Stories from past experiences, or
send them in before it happens, if you can]
REPETITIVE DREAMS [Significant by nature]
* Dream: Spiderman's enemy King Pin by Ann (970221)*
I dreamt this nightmare for the first time when I was twelve
years old. It seemed then, as it does now to be disconnected
from my waking life. I have dreamt the following nightmare about
5 or 6 times, sometimes missing 5 years at a time. Thankfully, I
do not wake up in a cold sweat with my heart pounding. I simply
wake up with the alarm and realize: "I dreamt that dream again."
Here it is:
Bad Guy:Spiderman's enemy King Pin (fat, bald and
mean).
Weapon: Boomerang
Participants:about 20 faceless adults (male & female)
Setting: We are in a cottage, locked in one room. The
room has large windows. The day is sunny and
the view is of the middle section of pine trees.
(The cottage must be elevated.)
Events: The King Pin opens the locked door and
throws the boomerang. The extremely sharp
boomerang flies about the room for an interminably
long time until it chooses its victim and
cuts their head off. (Nice eh?!)
This is my dream. It repeats again and again. There is no ending.
= Comments by dreamer on "Spiderman & King Pin" =
I never die. (Thank God!) The strongest sensation I experience is
the WAITING/ANXIETY/SUSPENSE while the boomerang/King Pin
chooses its victim. The only hint of recognition is the setting,
as I have an aunt with a cottage that overlooks the middle
section of pine trees. I read the comic "Spiderman" as a child
and teenager, but never was addicted to it (i.e., never purchased
a comic book). I dream in colour.
Comments are welcome as I am curious to what others may think.
Thanks! p.s. hope this gets to someone as I'm a bit new at
this.
= Commentary from on "Spiderman" From Heratheta (970222)=
it sounds as if there are some extreme things in your life not
necessarily you but certainly compounding those extremes with an
extreme response on your part would not alleviate the pressure of
the dream
DREAM TRACES IN WAKING LIFE [The effects of external stimuli on
our dreams or is it the other way around - our dreams leaving a
trace on our physical reality?]
* Dream: Line on my Face by Dallas (9702XX) *
I had a dream in which my body was flat on its back when a
demon jumped down from a nearby window and began drawing a line
on my face, and, while he was drawing the line it appeared on a
canvas standing on an easel. I heard my voice say "he's drawing
the life out of me" and struggled up and into awakefullness. I
then, awake, went to the bathroom mirror and lo and behold there
it was, a line on my face. it was not like a wrinkle and I was
about 35 at the time with no wrinkles elsewhere. I knew this was
from the dream.
= comments by Jay on 'drawing a line' dream or, 'me and my
shadow...' =
if this is my dream...
it is about the struggle within me between me and my shadow.
the conflict and repression is very draining on me and is
'drawing the life out of me'.
in my waking life, when I am feeling anxious and stressed, if I
look in the mirror, my left eyebrow is more raised and my
forehead above it is more wrinkled, than on the right, which
indicates to me an imbalance within myself as I struggle to
maintain control of my emotions and reactions.
Jay
= Commentary by Heratheta on Dream Lines =
thanks to judeace for a sympathetic comment on dream pressure
manifestation. on a radio show interview I did some time ago the
host told me how she had shapeshifted in her dream into a wolf
and how a hunter in the dream shot her. when she awoke she bore
the wounds mark and still does she told me. I believe day dreams
can have as much pressure and can say I was tempted to go with a
daydream once and having caught myself reoriented my
consciousness only to have a two and a half foot bolt of
lightening strike near me indoors on a cloudless sunny day. that
kind of pressure for most is unbelievable. I take heart in the
story Carl Jung told of how he was glad to be a doctor for he
knew he could not give up that day job to live on his dream
interpretations. my wife always tells me I don't market myself
properly. I tell her my truth does not sell. warner books told me
that my views make to much sense and that a gimmick and a
reputation make money.
DEFYING CLASSIFICATION [Your stumpers may not be so mysterious to
others]
If you skipped it, see = Commentary by Brett on ARMREST CAT AND
HIGH SPEED LANES - by Jim B (of 960915). Here is a response to
one of our STUMPERS several issues back. It all seems so obvious
when you hear an explanation... the answer was right there
staring us in the eye!
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
LINKS TO STAGES OF LIFE
BIRTH [Starts]
CHILDHOOD [Early development]
ADOLESCENCE [Maturing, testing]
ADULTHOOD [The main event for most]
The most powerful and vivid dream I ever had is still having an
impact in my life, over 7 years after I had it. I remember every
detail of it, as if I just woke up from it this minute. Here are
those vivid details, followed by the interpretation:
* Dream: The Fire Horse Dream by Rebeccah (90XXXX)*
I was walking on a high mountain ridge, on what looked like a
path, but with the tall grass, it was barely visible, more like a
deer-track. The land sloped away on both sides. The grass was
about hip-deep, and there were tall pine trees and redwoods on
both sides. I saw a huge ball of light, perhaps 20 feet across,
coming down out of the sky. As it settled on the path in front of
me, the light dimmed, and I saw a huge black stallion with an
Indian man sitting on his back. There were no white markings on
the horse, at all.
The man had shoulder-length black hair, black eyes, dark skin,
and wore only a breech-clout and moccasins, with buckskin bands
tied around each upper arm, and a beaded buckskin band around his
head. No jewelry, no shirt.
I walked up to him, and asked if I would ever be able to ride a
horse like that, and he said, "Yes, but you'll have to have some
training first." I said, "Okay," and he reached down to take my
hand, pulling me onto the horse behind him. As we took off into
the sky, we became the ball of light again, and the scene
changed.
I was in the Teaching Place, and the man was my teacher. The
Teaching Place looked like a mountain which had been swept by a
forest-fire. The ground was black, the trees were black,
everything was black, and the air was the color of sunset, in
oranges, pinks, blues, and purples, all the way to the ground. It
also had a texture to it, a thickness, sort of like partially set
Jell-O.
My teacher called me to him, and asked if I would mind going out
to greet and bring home a young couple who were returning from a
completed mission. He explained that everyone else was either
busy or gone, and he couldn't leave. I said I'd be happy to do
it, but that I didn't have my own Fire Horse, yet. He told me to
take his, and the thought passed through my mind that I must've
graduated, because you don't get to ride a Fire Horse alone,
until you graduate.
I agreed, and called the horse to me. He came, and I mounted. We
took off into the sky, becoming the ball of light, and as I saw
the ground receding, I got scared, but I knew the horse wouldn't
let me fall, so my excitement took over, and the fear went away.
The scene changed again...
I was in a small oval clearing that looked like it had a dirt
track around the perimeter, with freshly mown grass in the
center. There was a young Indian girl and boy with me. She was
about 19, and he looked like he was about 20. She rode a Pinto,
and was very cool and aloof toward me, but he road a Bay, and was
very warm and friendly. He thanked me for coming to get them, and
I smiled, and took the horses toward the barn.
End of dream.
= Interpretation by the dreamer, Rebeccah =
This dream had 2 levels, one literal, and one symbolic.
The literal is that this was my introduction to the
Guide/Teacher I've worked with ever since, on a very close and
personal level. I call him Danny, and channel him, in trance. I
can feel his presence, and know he's near when I hear myself
using his phraseology in my conversations with others. He's
half-Sioux, and half Blackfeet and Shoshone, and I can see him as
clearly as I see any physical person. Sometimes, I can even smell
him.
The symbolic level was the introduction of my inner male, which
I had stuffed and stifled all my life, trying to be what others
wanted me to be, trying to fit into the typical societal role
dictated for women. I carry a predominant masculine energy, even
though I'm fully hetero-sexual, by conscious choice. In this
dream, I was told it was time to stop trying to be something I'm
not, and allow the fullness of my true identity and personal
strength to come forward.
Being outdoors represents openness, opening up, connecting with
a greater reality. Structures, in dreams, represent the nature of
our consciousness, and the type of structure gives clues to the
focus of our awareness, such as home, work, etc. This structure
was natural, the earthly environment of a mountain ridge, high
up, but not above the tree-line, still grounded, but also
connected with Spirit.
The Fire Horse is a Being of Light, also masculine, strong,
capable, powerful, and action-oriented. I needed to learn to ride
that energy within myself, and let it take me where I was
supposed to be. The ball of light being 20 feet across gets into
Numerology, the 2 being relationships with others, work with
others, and is connected to my relationship with Danny,
primarily. The 0 is the all and the nothing, the infinite
possibility, the dream or potential within any given thing.
When the man said I would be able to ride a horse like that,
with training, I reached for his hand, and went with him. I made
a choice to accept the training, learning, healing, and testing I
would need to experience, before I could live my full truth, know
who I am and why I'm here. I could've just as easily said no, and
the dream would've ended at that point.
The Teaching Place looking like a mountain-side where a forest
fire had swept through represents the burning away of all old
growth, clearing of old patterns, old life habits, everything
that's always been there, which must go for the new growth to
begin. It was a huge clue to the depth and degree of clearing my
life needed to undergo, so that I could get to the core of
myself. The colors of sunset represent the end of a day, or
chapter, in life. The density of the air suggested how difficult
it was going to be to walk through the healing process, to live
and breathe while it was happening.
When my Teacher called me to him, and asked if I was willing to
accept an assignment, he indicated that I was ready for it, and I
accepted it. Again, I made a conscious choice to keep going, to
follow through, and again, I could've just as easily said no, and
the dream would've ended. The assignment I accepted was to find a
young couple returning from a completed mission, and bring them
'home'.
The male/female balance is what I went to retrieve. Finding the
balance is the completion of the mission. It's the objective, the
goal of healing.
The girl treated me coolly, almost warily, indicating that my
inner female wasn't too sure of this plan for the process of
finding balance. The boy was warm and friendly, open, ready to
get started. The girl's horse was a Pinto mare, dark brown and
white, also indicating a mixture of feelings. The boy's horse was
a solid dark brown stallion, representing the solidity and
certainty of the readiness of my inner male to come forward and
be counted.
I took all 3 horses to the barn, my inner female, my inner male,
and my Higher Self, represented by the Fire Horse. Riding the
Fire Horse alone represents the full integration of the Higher
Self to reside completely in the physical body, so that guidance
from others, while it may still be sought on occasion, is no
longer a desperate necessity. Riding the Fire Horse requires
Balance, and Balance is the sole focus of Healing.
OLD AGE [Wisdom, Approaching the Journeys end]
DEATH [Endings]
COMMUNICATION WITH THE DEAD [Beyond our terrestrial limits]
==========================================
==========================================
ANIMALS [Basic Instincts]
[This month brings us: Groundhogs, a magical animal dreamscape,
and if you missed it - the powerful dream shared by Rebeccah
featuring horses in the Significant Dream section]
* Dream "Groundhog Dream" by Nina (961002)*
Standing at the kitchen sink, I stooped over, pulled open the
lower left cabinet door to get potatoes to wash and peel for
supper. I lifted out a furry, brown animal and was now sitting
legs crossed Indian style on the kitchen floor with it in my lap.
This action was nothing out of the ordinary, I had done this
regularly as a housewife. In all my years living with my parents
before I was married, almost all suppers were meat accompanied
with potatoes of some sort--mashed, French fried,
scalloped--always a sidekick to beef, pork, chicken or fish.
This was such an old routine, I thought, as I prepared to force
my hand into the mouth of the animal in order to pull out the
potatoes from inside him. But now, all of a sudden, right
before I stuck my hand in, I actually looked at the animal's
face. He looked what I thought might be something like a
groundhog, even though I had never seen one up close, or for that
matter, in my lap. I had seen groundhogs a farm field away,
eating soybeans on my dad's land and, of course, dead ones laying
bloated on their sides hit by cars along the edges of country
roads. But now this one, held close in my lap, turned his head
slightly to the side and up, looked into my eyes silently
communicating "I know you're going to stick your hand all the way
down in me again, because you do this all the time to get the
potatoes--and that's okay, I can endure it. I guess I'm used to
it because I'm stored down here in your kitchen cabinet and
that's what I'm here for--to be your loyal potato container.
Just try not to hurt me, please do it gently." Looking down into
his wet little eyes and "hearing" this hurt me. It was one of
those pains-in-the-middle-of-your-heart-that-you-feel-when-a-
beloved-pet-in-a-movie-gets-injured-whimpers-and-dies-but-
for-a-"good"-reason-because-he-saved-his-master's-life-and-
it-turns-out-okay-in-the-end-and-everyone-is-happy-and-you- know-
you'll-never-watch-that-movie-or-one- like-it-ever- again
feelings. I hesitated, but I had to get those potatoes out and
ready for supper, and out of habit I went ahead with this
routine. But this time I slowly, carefully, gently pulled his
mouth open with both hands and--this time hating the act of doing
it--stuck my right hand in his mouth, down to his stomach and one
by one slowly--in order to not hurt him as much as
possible--pulled out large brown-skinned baking potatoes until I
had enough for the whole family's supper. Each time I went in, I
felt so bad for this poor animal. It had to hurt even though I
knew he was resigned to it--maybe even callused. So that made me
decide to try, once again, to be a vegetarian.
= Commentary by Conan on Nina's Groundhog Dream =
Hello everyone, Sorry it took me so long to get back with the
dream run down. Weekends are a bear - hey, more symbolic
potential there! Anyway ... THE GROUNDHOG DREAM This was a
powerful dream, filled with a lot of hidden emotion, but tough to
draw any conclusions from. This is what I came up with:
Potatoes: Potatoes, as such, don't have a lot of inherent
symbology, except perhaps as a form of sustenance. However, you
were kind enough to explain what associations spuds hold for you,
making my job a lot easier:
"I had done this regularly as a housewife. In all my years
living with my parents before I was married, almost all suppers
were meat, accompanied with potatoes of some sort ..."
>From this we can surmise that potatoes are associated with your
childhood; being dependent on your parents, chores and routine
service. Potatoes are bland but satisfying, which is the
sensation I got from your description - certain aspects of your
life or sense of self are bland but satisfying.
Kitchen sink: no wonder you were at the kitchen sink when dealing
with potatoes. Kitchen sinks are also associated with bland yet
satisfying chores of preparing, mixing and cooking. The stove
may be the heart of the kitchen, but the sink is where a great
deal of sorting, cleaning and processing is done. If I may be
so bold: when you are at the sink as a housewife, it takes you
back to your childhood.
Kitchen: The kitchen is the heart of the house; the center,
associated with a sense of security and belonging. It is also
associated with family related issues, especially those passed
from generation to generation. The groundhog: Well, the
groundhog is most likely you. I think it would be helpful to
break down the various associations we have with the groundhog;
to stop looking at the whole animal, and instead look at its
components: captivity, the mouth and the potential for pain.
Captivity: This would represent your own sense of being captive.
It may also represent emotions or memories which you keep tucked
away. It may also represent feelings of resignation; seeing
yourself as being docile and long-suffering for the sake of the
family. Perhaps even a lack of ambition to escape.
Mouth: the mouth usually represents a need to say something, or
how our words affect others.
Putting it all together: In this case, "pulling potatoes out of
the mouth" may represent your need to say something, but a fear
that it will be painful. You act with great caution, trying not
to cause the groundhog (yourself) pain, but feeling compelled to
pull out the potatoes (the necessary words). The potatoes
represent memories of your childhood, so perhaps you feel a need
to express something about your childhood that has been tucked
away, but which still troubles you. The very act of being the
groundhog, that is, being loyal and dependable is inherently
painful due to suppressed childhood associations.
Hope this was of some use. Take care and thanks for sharing.
- Conan
* Dream: Another Dreamscape by Nutcracker (970219)*
(In a hypnogogic state): I had another `dreamscape' shortly
after going to bed at 2:30 a.m. It was like one of those kids
puzzles, "Find the animals hidden in this picture". Everything
looked like a jungle; all patterned in leopard type spots and
snake skin patterns (diamonds) in colors of olive, tan, black and
brown. It reminded me of a full body tattoo. One by one the
animals would come alive and follow one another, crawling out of
the dreamscape. Then the dreamscape went black with only
haunting, gargoyle like faces (the devil). Even though in this
state between being awake and asleep, I could hear myself saying
aloud, "show me the mirror, I want to fly," which I kept
repeating over and over. But, all I got was birds.
Hummingbirds, owls and hawks, all in luminescent shades of deep
pink and blue. They kept appearing and disappearing. (2/19/97)
#111 Dreamscape
* Deer in Dreams Question by Shahla *
It was set on some exotic beach, there was panic as everybody
was viewing the horizon and in the distance was a huge black
cloud heading towards the beach. At this point I heard the word
'Pacific' mentioned.
I just took that to mean the area I was in, didn't understand
why it was said in that way though. I was rushing around trying
to get a lot of children together and to take cover as if
something dire was about to happen. There were very few adults
around, other than my own parents, who strangely enough were the
only two members of my family in the dream. My father is an
invalid, but in the dream he was ok. The dream switch to my
parents and I in an underground cave, and that's where the deer
was. It's head resting on my lap and I am nurturing and
protecting it. The whole dream felt more like a premonition
rather than symbolic. What do you make of the deer in this
context and the dream?
Regards, Shahla
What is the meaning of a deer in a dream?
In this case I was nurturing and protecting it, overall the dream
was a premonition, but what I didn't understand was the meaning
of the deer which had some significance to the whole dream.? It
has bugged me since I had the dream a couple of weeks ago.
= Commentary on Deer Question =
The fact that the dream has haunted you for more than a few hours
may mean it holds some emotional significance for you that is so
subconscious that it has been buried in the emotional symbolism
of protecting a deer.
= Commentary on Deer in Dreams Question by Conan =
A deer can mean a lot of things, depending on how you see these
animals. You have to ask yourself, "What do I think of when I
picture a deer?" a very graceful and gentle creature, a garden
invading pest, or a target to be killed -- it depends on your
point of view.
There's the obvious pun of the word "deer," with the word "dear."
The deer could represent something dear to you that you want to
"nurture and protect," like some long term goal, or even a friend
or relative. Are you working on a project that means a lot to
you?
A deer is also a wild animal, and may represent some "wild"
aspect within yourself that you cherish and don't want to let go;
perhaps something as obvious as your love of being in the
wilderness, or your desire to be free of societal constraints.
What were you protecting the deer from? Death? Leaving you?
Harm? It's an interesting opportunity for you to examine whether
you've overlooked some event in your life that is more important
to you than you might have thought. Best of luck.
-- Conan
AGGRESSION [By us or against us- crossing others paths]
BATHROOMS [Maintenance, Cleansing and Elimination]
BELONGING [What we are associated with or wish we were]
BRIDGES [How we get across an obstacle or go from here to there]
CELEBRITIES [The well known - famous and infamous]
See Spiderman in the Recurring Dreams section
CLOTHING [What we wear tells us about ourselves and the events we
participate in]
** Dream: "All Dressed Up And No Place To Go" by Nutcracker
(970216) **
I was with my friend Nancy. We had gone to this office
building to see some guy. Nancy's wearing a short (knee length
dress/white) and I'm wearing a long evening gown, straight,
strapless, body hugging in orange moire. It has a six inch piece
of lace tatting across the top, the same color, and we're both
barefoot. After speaking with this man, we leave through
revolving doors. Just as we get outside, he calls out to us,
"Wait a minute." We go back inside to talk to him again. We
leave the second time and again, after we get outside he calls to
us again. "Wait a minute." We go back inside for a third time.
This time I actually see the guy; he's tall, dark, wearing a
suit. I sense that he's more interested in me than my friend (I
don't know if it's business or pleasure). My dress keeps sliding
down and I keep grabbing it at the top and pulling it back up.
We leave again and just as we get outside, I *think* I hear him
call out, "Wait a minute." I turn to see if he's in the revolving
door, but I don't see him. Did I imagine it?
The office building is about fifty feet from the ocean. The
ocean floor is covered with rocks (the smallest, just a little
bigger than your hand). Nancy removes her long black evening
gloves and throws them away. I think to myself, not too far away
there's a bridge we could go to that's over a river where she
could throw them in and we could watch them float downstream, or,
she could throw them here, into the ocean, but then I imagined
them in the ocean, just floating for eternity, ruining it's
unpolluted beauty.
On our way to the car we walk along the ocean and as we're
barefoot, I walk in the water. It's unexpectedly and delightedly
warm. Just as I'm about to exclaim this to Nancy, I slip on a
stone and fall backwards. I manage to hold my head up so as not
to get my hair wet. Nancy extends her arm and I grab her hand
and she pulls me out of the water. My dress isn't too wet (just
my butt) and I worry about getting her car wet on the drive home.
Now we're back at Nancy's, outside in the backyard. It's night
and we're excited because we're working on (writing) something
together. I can see the neighbor who lives behind her, upstairs
on her porch. She's in her flannel pajamas and is sitting down
to read in her lounge chair (by porch light). She's slim and has
short blonde hair. She turns off the light (like maybe she
doesn't want us to see her), but then turns it on again (like she
doesn't care after all). Nancy grabs a journal off the patio
table to begin writing (we've got a ton of ideas). She pages
through, but there's something already written on every page.
It's one of my journals she's grabbed. I hand her one of my more
empty' ones to use. (2/16/97) #106 NES/Three
= Commentary by Mark on All Dressed Up..=
You wrote: "I was with my friend Nancy. We had gone to this
office building to see some guy. Nancy's wearing a short (knee
>length dress/white) and I'm wearing a long evening gown,
straight, strapless, body hugging in orange moire. It has a six
inch piece of lace tatting across the top, the same color, and
we're both barefoot. After speaking with this man, we leave
through revolving doors. Just as we get outside, he calls out to
us, "Wait a minute." We go back inside to talk etc."
I found this dream erotic, made more so by the fact that you
talk about clothing and the man who may have desired you, but the
dream never becomes overtly sexual.
Mark
COMPUTERS [Extensions of our minds, mind tools, communication]
DIRECTIONS [Ever stop and ask for directions? North, South,
East, West, up, down, ahead, behind, straight, turn, right, left,
make a circle, cross, go through, open, close, mix, add, boil,
cook, simmer, but most of all - follow these instructions
carefully...and don't be shy about asking someone else down the
path, except, of course, for the Big Bad Wolf!!!]
* Dream: Spirits ... *
in my dream there was a spirit to my right and a darker spirit
approaching from the left. i heard myself saying,"it's still
coming" and then moved perpendicularly out of the way whereupon
the spirit continued through my former position and collided with
the spirit on my right. i awake at this point and getting out of
bed i looked through the bedroom door only to see in the next
room at a geographical point equal to that in my dream a spirit
all white and glistening sitting in a chair i approached it
cautiously and it got up out of its chair. i asked, "Ma, are you
still up?". i was at the time but then i realized that i must
perpendicularly transcend this spirit and moved to that position.
as i did the spirit moved away a few feet and disappeared into
nothingness. it moved toward my mother i saw who was sleeping on
a nearby coach. i wondered if it could have been her spirit but i
also knew it had the character of my dream and was satisfied i
had moved perpendicularly to it in my awakefulness as i had done
in my dream.
=Commentary from Heratheta (970221)=
if possible, transcend "fancy" & thoughts thereof especially
until your next dream .. 90 degrees away from the geographical
location of the dream is likely to be less stressful to
transcendence. in haunting: transcend being "forgotten" and
thoughts thereof if possible, in dreamscape: transcend being
"all" and thoughts thereof in yourself and others if possible
transcendence is more likely to occur 90 degrees away from the
geographical sites in these dreams. mirrors are a good example
of deja vu . we see the mirror as one perspective of deja vu and
it sees us as the other perspective. when we know that dreams are
mirrors we can experience the deja vu in one way by being what I
recommend be transcended, that is the ghost of our experience or
we can transcend the ghost and experience the deja vu as the soul
seeing the ghost. personally, i've found the former to be
dangerous, disrespectful, and perverted.
=Commentary from Heratheta (970225)=
transcend "expected" in yourself and others if possible 90
degrees away from the dreams geographical location until the next
dream.
hippy bus 1* "maddening" hippy bus 2* "just pretending" ground
hog* "hurting" garden* "might as well" *I would transcend
perpendicularly situations within the above quotations and
thoughts thereof until my next dream. the transcendent function
is neither acquiring nor destroying the character of the dream &
to me that means stepping out of its way at a right angle if
possible. Jung defines the transcendent function and Freud gives
us a reason to transcend in his paper, Beyond the Pleasure
Principle, while Janet Lee Mitchell in Out of Body Experiences
talks about thoughts being perceived as micro dreams.
= Commentary by Heratheta "Perpendicular Avoidance" =
if this were my dream, "as if " situations and thoughts
thereof would be transcended perpendicularly. perpendicularly
avoid " being nurtured" situations , and thoughts which don't
help that avoidance, until your next dream.
if you consider thoughts which don't help you transcend the
dream to be part of the dream itself you answer your own
question. there is a technique called raja yoga which is a
candle meditation. I do a variation on it in which I meditate on
the personality or character of my dream. I meditate on that
character as if it were a mantra and I keep it in the corner of
my vision rather than straight ahead as a candle would be. and I
keep it there throughout my day verbally as a mantra and visually
as the candle. I do not have to be sitting or lying down but
keeping it aside as it were in the corner of my eye I find myself
headed in the direction of the peaceful state meditation is
supposed to be (previously noted as the transcendental state or
function, also as perpendicular stress avoidance).
it is said that the cosmological dream comes from the great
attractor which is supposed to be out there in the cosmos
southwest. perpendicular to that direction would be southeast.
this gives the dreamer a wider band of light to view and a
transcendent position. the motion picture predator 2 recently on
tv showed at the end of the story aliens turning at right angles
into invisibility. it was a wonderful confirmation for me to see
the transcendent function dramatized. i've also heard psychics
say auras are easiest seen from receptors at the sides of our
eyes. some say these receptors can pick up some ultra violet.
sleeping headed northwest seems to me a left handed approach to
transcendence but transcendently postured nevertheless. where
you're headed after you awake, that's something else.
= Commentary by Cathy on Perpendicularity =
Could you give an example of a situation with no relationship to
reality for me? Also was do you mean by "perpendicularly"?--I'm
confused, Cathy.
= Commentary on "90 Degrees away from.." by jrl =
I have seen several references to "90 degrees away from ..." and
always tried to glean meaning from the context. I've never
really understood what you meant.
If you can determine a line within a 2 dimensional coordinate
system, then you can rotate it through 90 degrees. However, with
a point (or geographical location), transforming by 90 degrees
has no meaning for me.
Do you mean moving the point? If you are using 90 degrees as a
direction of movement, then what is this direction in relation
to ? A vertical or horizontal reference for example? jrl
= Commentary by Judeace on Directions (970226) =
YOU GUYS ARE TRYING TOO HARD!!
DISCOVERY [New insights and unexpected developments]
DRUGS [Healing or Hurting?]
EATING [Getting nourishment for maintenance, growth and pleasure]
[Ever been to Gaylord at Giardelli Square in San Francisco? See
the Christmas Dream under HOLIDAYS]
ELEVATORS [Going UP or DOWN - Push the right button or else...]
ESCAPE [Get me outta here!!!]
* Dream: "Escape" by Nutcracker (970214) *
It was dusk. I was walking along outside some apartment
buildings (rows of townhouses like in Washington, DC). There
were some black wrought iron gates in front of them (to my
right) as I walked. Up ahead I saw someone (male) I knew going
into one of the homes. As I called out to say hello, two guys
led me away. It was as if they were very large and I was much
smaller and had walked head first into them (their legs
actually).
They were killers. I had a consciousness of them from two
previous killings. They were going to kill me now. We move to
the left, out to the curb. There are people and cars going by.
I hear the familiar sound I know to come right before they kill
their victims. It's the sound of bones breaking, though that's
not actually what the sound is. It means my time is up. I
can't believe that I'm just going to let them kill me like this,
without a fight. Why don't I do something? "Jab him in the leg
with your pen (the one lying beside me on the bed I use to write
my dreams down with), I think to myself. [I guess I was too
afraid to move or to find out what happened as I went
immediately into another dreamscape. It was like watching a
movie.]
Before me a woman cloaked in a brown hooded cape stood in a
wooded setting. One minute she was there, then she began
disappearing before my eyes. Poof, she was gone. Next I saw
the white opaque face of a man with dark eyes . He was scary
and I tried to avoid looking at him. Next I saw a barn, dark in
color, red or turned gray by the weather. It was in the middle
of a snowy field. I don't want to go inside because there is
only evil there. I then see more people who turn invisible like
the first woman. I now see a caricature of Frankenstein (in
shades of blue). And lastly I see a sheet of white, like a
blank canvas or perhaps a mirror with light reflecting from it.
I hear myself say, "Don't go in there." I'm not ready to go
flying in my dreams (lucid). I want to, but am more afraid to
than not. Maybe later. (2/14/97) #100 Misc
(comments by Nutcracker: Well, I've never written down the
*time* of my dreams before, but this particular night I went to
bed at 4:11 am and woke up from this dream at 4:15 am. I'm
inclined to believe I got the 'mirror' image from all the talk
of mirrors in the group lately).
= Commentary by Bob K. on Escape by Nutcracker (970216) =
Hi Nutcracker!
As I'm starting to prepare for the next ED, I got your "escape"
dream (#100 of '97??) through the ed-core. What an action packed
4 seconds( I mean minutes) worth! Lot's of "second" guessing
going on here! You must have really been tired - well at 4:11AM,
er... I guess it's natural. Your deeper "self" sure wasn't
relaxing. Proves what I've known all along, that the 1 1/2 hr to
REM or Deep Sleep or dream sleep may be a general guideline, but
we dream & can recall at any time! Also, this dream demonstrates
the well known concept that time and space can compress or expand
immensely out of proportion to waking reality in our dreams.
LaBerge's correlation between dream seconds and waking seconds
may apply to many dreams, but certainly not all. So in my
opinion, this whole sequence is more significant by its
circumstances than by its content. We all have the potential for
"dreams on demand" if we chose to let them through. We are all
participating in a larger drama than is apparent to our waking
selves. I have had similar experiences to yours.
I'm testing out a software program I picked up with a book at
B.Daltons for $20.00 called Dreamscape. It's a quite interesting
approach to dreams de-emphasizing the content and focusing on the
emotions and feelings involved. It is oriented toward linking the
dream feelings or emotions with waking reality concerns. Your
dreams in particular might have more meaning to you in this
context, as you are so prolific in your volume and detail. I
think you are very much mirroring current "Americana" as I stated
in the last ED. Your imagery though dealing with personal issues
surely, has a clear and distinctive "cultural" (ie. media & real
life values) look and feel, "above and beyond" the universal
aspects and symbols. This dream in particular seems to be a good
fit for the "Dreamscape" approach. Dreamscape has an interactive
type of approach that varies with responses to a programmed
"neural net" type intelligent Q&A engine, and is tailored to the
individual responses; otherwise, I would send you a sample
analysis. I plan on writing about it this next ED.
Clearly though, the themes of DANGER, FEAR and ENTRAPMENT are
speaking loudly in your dream. However, it also drags in the
daily dream writing "process" and identifies an attitude of the
dreaming consciousness toward "lucid dreaming." (Regarding Lucid
Dreaming, my waking attitude reflects your dreaming attitude -
one I personally agree with very much. If it comes it comes, and
it does come naturally to many. But its end result tends to be
the intrusion of the "waking" mind into the "dream" mind, and we
al l know how the observer changes the reality by the mere act of
observation. I've had a few "naturally" but no success at
inducing or forcing them.) As you are about to use your powerful
ally and resource, the "pen" (for registering thoughts, for
communicating ideas) as waking and dreaming selves overlap, you
suddenly shift off into a sequence of visual movie-like,
disconnected except by "contiguity" & viewer, "similar type
"scenes" like a collage of memory or precognition or multiple
perspective. I can almost see a "Thomas Crown Affair" split
screen with "Windmills of Your Mind" playing in the background!
Planning and execution, attention to detail, hunting and
overcoming impossible obstacles, motivations and trust - can it
be done again? Why??
KILLING usually correlates to forcible "endings" mostly from
external resources, or forces, but sometimes well disguised inner
resources & forces. This can be of ideas, relationships,
attachments, memories, projects, feelings. This sequence
reflects concern about an "ending." What of though? Certainly
not of dreams. Usually the setting or event or time will
illuminate the fundamental environment the dream is addressing.
The day of the dream is early on Valentine's Day - love, romance,
flowers, and chocolates should be in the air, but instead "evil"
lurks around the bend. This being "sweeps" week, many TV shows
are facing make or break. The "Star Wars" epic of the battle
between good and evil is raking in the bucks in theaters all over
the country. Good and Evil are central issues we deal with every
day - specially on the news broadcasts. The dream locales are (1)
a "political/capitol center" attached "yet independent"
(townhouse) type of living complex area, (2) a remote undeveloped
natural area when a "hooded" woman appears and disappears - is
the "staying problem hers or the dreamers?, (3) a look into the
scary eyes of an opaque white man nowhere and anywhere, (4) a
"farm" or "harvesting center" setting in the winter colder
climate area season (where "evil" people lurk and also
disappear), (5) A "Frankenstein" caricature in blue (life out of
the lifeless, a created creature outside of the natural methods
and procedures, an adult infant with physical skills even though
awkward but almost blank development on all other planes of our
existence specially social skills), and (6) finally the
confrontation with the "blank" mirror-like sheet (is that as in
bed sheets or as in paper?) The dreamer would like to
immerse/plunge/merge in/with the sheet, but has reservations and
does not think the timing is quite right yet. Maybe later ...
the time, skills and preparation will be better to survive the
plunge.
The THREAT is not only for one "complex" or "character" but from
many. No harm is done even though there seems to be a close call
initially. DANGER is out there somewhere - just like the truth
(X-Files) ;).
In the first section, you are being forcibly separated from
someone (male) you know (or aspect of self), who is entering a
well protected (wrought iron gate) living complex. You are out of
touch with this person as he apparently doesn't hear your
greeting. The verbal "hello" turns into a physical "goodbye."
The forces taking you away are "male" related and outsized - much
larger than reality - overwhelming the dreamer. The dreamers
consciousness of them from previous killings within the dream
indicates that this scenario has occurred before somehow - and
note that the dreamer survived those assaults somehow to remember
them today. The sound of "bones-breaking" may be a key symbol.
What are "broken bones?" "Sticks and stones may break my bones,
but names will never hurt me" comes to mind. Has there been a
name breaking or bone-breaking "attack" or imminent concern about
one - physical, emotional, mental or spiritual recently?
The variety of images and interconnections common theme of mature
yet somewhat undefined characters that are currently being
perceived as "dangerous" may be a "WARNING" type of dream that
the dreamer is headed into an arena that the dreamer is not quite
ready to handle, and it would be in everyones best interest to go
slower or re-examine where it is the dreamers energy and effort
are taking you. There is hope, and there is the need for more
understanding and development somehow tied to the communication
field.
Having read so many of your dreams with very clear cut and
specific characteristic & detailed dream locations, actions and
events, this dream strikes me as a-typical and important. Even
though it was 4 seconds long and may be "hypnagogic" in nature, I
believe it merits special examination and reflection. I'll share
this response with the ed-core if you don't have an objection,
but I thought you were entitled to a first look since the dream
is clearly one of concern or greater curiosity to you.
Thanks for sharing this and all your dreams so freely and
uninhibitedly. Dream on "Dream Queen." I hope all is going well
with your family after the pressures of the Christmas/New Year
season, and the family "adjustment" to the loss of a loved one.
Hasta La Vista Amiga, Bob K.
= Commentary by Cathy on Escape by Nutcracker =
The theme of the series of small dreams in "Escape" seems to be
death/vanishing/fear of hell. The dreamer cannot escape from
death--first killers, then less menacing images that occur in the
forest/barn that are still haunting and frightening images. This
is a really fascinating dream sequence to me, but I have minimal
help to offer. I think the dream must be a very personal one, a
series of glimpses into things that are frightening/making the
dreamer worry or be nervous. The desire to use the pen, seems to
be a desire to wake up to analyze or rationalize away some harsh
physical reality that cannot be accepted. Perhaps the dreamer is
struggling with illness in him or herself or a close person. The
haunting fear of pain and loss might be touching on this.
Cathy
FEAR [What scares us]
* Dream: "Shoe Store of Childhood" by Sharon (Recurring)*
First off, hello to all! I am new to this list and looking
forward to some interesting thoughts and conversation about
dreams.
When I was a child, I had a recurrent nightmare. I'd like to ask
the group what they think it might have meant:
I am with my sister, who is older than I, and we are on the
sidewalk in front of a shoe store. She is holding my hand. My
sister sees a pair of shoes in the window and tells me to wait
while she goes inside the store. It is a sunny, summery day.
While I wait the sun moves like a disk through the sky until it
is a huge circle of orange where the entry door to the store had
been. It is as if the dream is happening in a frame and the sun
covers all the edges. The sidewalk, too, has lost its connection
with the rest of the world -- I seem to be left standing on an
island surrounded by vapor facing the sun. The shoes are still in
the windows, which remain on either side of me, and I can still
touch the window glass. I awaken very frightened.
Thanks in advance, Sharon
= questions about Sharon's shoe store dream by Jay =
hello Sharon,
I would like to ask you some questions about your dream if you
would like.
reading over your text, here is how I understand your dream to
have appeared. please correct any misimpressions or add any
other details you think of.
it sounds as if this is the kind of store front where there are
windows on each side of the entry door and, perhaps, the door is
recessed so that one walks in between the windows to reach the
door?
what kind of shoes were they? how did you feel about them?
which of the two windows were they in, left or right? then it
seems that the sun moves as though it were setting and blocks out
the entry door, but not the windows. it sounds a little
confusing though, because you also say the sun blocks out the
whole dream frame which would leave nothing visible.
what shade of orange was the sun? light pumpkin orange or dark
red orange? how bright was it? blinding? where was the vapor,
just at ground level, separating you from the store?
what was the frightening part?
=Answers to questions about Sharon's Shoe Store dream by Sharon=
Hello Jay, I'll try to answer your questions.
> it sounds as if this is the kind of store front where there are
windows on each side of the entry door and, perhaps, the door is
recessed so that one walks in between the windows to reach the
door? > > Yes, that is correct.
> what kind of shoes were they? how did you feel about them?
which of the two windows were they in, left or right? > As I
remember, they were all women's shoes. Perhaps, girl's shoes. I
think I liked the shoes, or at least felt neutral about them.
They were on display in both windows, I picture myself standing
by the window on the left.
>then it seems that the sun moves as though it were setting and
blocks out the entry door, but not the windows. it sounds a
little confusing though, because you also say the sun blocks out
the whole dream frame which would leave nothing visible. > > The
sun settles parallel to the door, thereby blocking the door but
not the windows. What I meant by suggesting that it blocked the
dream frame is that it extended horizontally in all directions.
The windows would have been at right angles and not blocked from
view.
> what shade of orange was the sun? light pumpkin orange or dark
red orange? how bright was it? blinding? > > It was a bright
orange, more pumpkin than dark red. Very, very bright, but not
blinding, hot, fiery, a definite barrier. I couldn't touch it
and my sister was on the other side.
>where was the vapor, just at ground level, separating you from
the store? > > Yes, the vapor surrounded the windows and the
concrete on which I stood. It more or less isolated the scene.
> what was the frightening part? > > The frightening part was the
sun situating itself in front of the doorway. As I noted this
was a recurrent childhood nightmare. I always awoke feeling very
scared. I have not had this dream since I was a small child, but
I still remember it quite vividly.
>(and when was the last time you had this dream?) > > Hi, Jay!
This dream started when I was about 4 or 5 years old. The last
time I had it was when I was still a small child. I don't
remember exacted how> long it recurred, but it probably lasted
for at least a year. (This was so long ago. I may be off on the
dates and duration; it's the dream itself I remember.)
Cheers, Sharon
= Commentary by Jay on Shoe Store Dream =
if the 'shoe store' dream were my dream... the significance of
the various symbols in the 'shoe store' dream will differ
somewhat for each dreamer of the 'shoe store' dream, but if it
were my dream...
I am with my older sister or with whatever she may represent for
me, security, the older wiser more grown up part of myself, etc.
then she leaves me for the shoe store, whatever that represents
for me. a shoe store has a feeling for me of grown up ness,
outer verses inner world, social structure and conformity verses
running barefoot in the wet woods and fields, shoes are
supportive and protective.
then this very abstract primitive fiery (angry?) symbol or force
descends from above (and behind?) me and comes between me and my
'sister'. this sun image is very powerful, and I feel it is so
abstract because it represents something I have great difficulty
in recognizing consciously. but the more I can recognize about
it, the more I will learn from this dream. does it represent a
feeling or force within me, or from outside of me? or perhaps
some searing truth or knowledge?
this being cut off from my 'sister' leaves me feeling quite
isolated and frightened.
if this were my dream.
Jay
* Dream: Black Attack by Rebeccah *
Dream: I had several to choose from for this one, but with the
Fire Horse Dream, there simply wasn't a choice. It's the most
prominent dream, so full of information, and the only really GOOD
example I could think of from my own dream-experiences.
The nightmare I chose is another about balance, and especially
about searching for and facing our own individual dark-sides.
Here we go...
NIGHTMARE -- by Rebeccah
I lived in a small house with dark red carpet on the floors, a
very small kitchen, narrow hallway, and a very small bedroom. The
walls were done in a dark walnut-stained pine paneling, and the
curtains were made of white eyelet fabric. Sunlight came in
through the small windows. I was walking up the hallway into the
living room, when I heard a knock at the door, and went to answer
it.
When I opened the door, the doorway was completely filled by the
largest Black man I'd ever seen. He had a wild afro hairstyle,
and his face was painted, split down the middle, stark white on
one side, and deepest black on the other. And he looked mean and
angry.
I was terrified, and ran screaming down the hall, toward the
bedroom. I bounced across the bed, and tried to hide between the
bed and the wall, away from the doorway. He found me, pulled me
up onto the bed, and landed on top of me. I knew he was going to
rape me and kill me. Just as he began to rip off my clothes, I
woke up.
End of dream.
= Commentary on Black Attack by Rebeccah =
Home represents where you live, the present state of your
consciousness. In this case, the house was very small, and very
dark, but with light coming in through the windows, filtered by
light colored curtains. Small windows present a narrow view, and
very little light is allowed in. The white eyelet curtains
represent shields or personal barriers, and an attempt to cover
up the light source, but the attempt is only half-hearted, and
the shields aren't very strong.
The red carpeted floor represents first chakra foundation,
survival energy, life force energy, and suppressed feelings and
emotions. Dark paneling represents the darkness of deeper reaches
of the self where light doesn't normally shine, and acceptance
for self isn't often found.
So, in this home, we're finding a place within, which hasn't
been allowed expression, hasn't been allowed to grow, hasn't been
nurtured and loved and accepted as part of the whole Self. It's
very small, crowded, cramped, and dark.
The knock at the door is an event that brings awareness of
arriving change. The fearsome being at the door, when it is
opened represents long-suppressed energies, exploding in their
release, as the door is opened. The man being Black, or
Afro-American, represents the darkness of unacceptable feelings,
feelings we don't dare express for fear of abandonment, loss of
love, or even incarceration, in short, everything we are ever
taught about ourselves which is deemed to be unacceptable to
society. And the fact that this is a man, not a woman, indicates
that action on these feelings has become a necessity.
In this dream, the man is in a rage, bent on violence, and
unconcerned with my terror. The desperation of the need for
expression of these unacceptable feelings often gets into the
range of violence. The wildness of his hair represents the
uncontrollable and uncontrolled, single-minded focus on the need
to express.
His face is painted in both black and white, but the way it's
painted is terrifying... a single, straight-lined split down the
middle. This represents the Balance to be found through the
allowing of expression, but it also highlights the stark boundary
between light and dark.
I run, because I don't really want to face this 'beast', but he
follows, and there's no escape from the inevitable. I can't even
hide from it anymore. It pulls me out of hiding, and engages me
in a full-frontal assault, venting all of the pent-up rage in the
violent act of rape.
The rape itself deals with the lower chakras, where the female
energy originates in the feeling centers. The masculine mental
centers are the upper chakras. And the heart is where the two
must meet to find balance.
The rape represents the violence involved in the suppression of
feelings and emotions, and the reciprocal violence of their
determination to express. This man wanted me to know how badly I
had hurt him, by hurting me in return. In symbology, as we apply
all aspects of the dream to the self, this means that I
perpetrated violence on myself by forcing myself to control and
suppress what I really felt, in order to keep peace and make
others happy, and the feelings themselves were fighting back
against me.
The violence of this dream was a few more years in manifesting
in my life, but it did occur. Not as an actual rape, but through
my experiences with deeply buried terror and rage, as they came
to the surface to be healed.
This dream was about facing my dark-side, healing all of the
parts of myself which had been shoved aside, denied and neglected
through my belief that there was something wrong with me, to feel
this way, and that I had to control it and cover it up, or other
people would hate me and run from me.
In a related dream:
* Dream: Crushed Car Sandwich (NIGHTMARES RELATIVE) by Rebeccah *
I saw my dead body, wearing a red wool dress my mom had made for
me when I was 15 years old, and I was sandwiched in between
crushed cars, which were being hauled to a junkyard in huge
garbage trucks. The junkyard was wet, like it had been raining,
and it was night-time. Instead of tilting back to dump their
cargo, the truck had a hydraulic platform in the bottom, which
pushed the stacked crushed cars out through an opening in the
top.
The truck pulled around to the loading dock, parked parallel to
it, and began pushing up the load of crushed cars with my dead
body forming one of the layers in the stack. The stack was pushed
straight up into a gigantic lampshade, where the light was turned
on... I could even see the switch for turning it on and off. End
of dream.
= Commentary on Crushed Car Sandwich by Rebeccah =
The red wool dress represented first chakra issues of survival
and emotions. The age I was when I wore the dress gave a clue to
the time period covered by the issues to be handled in this
particular phase of my healing process: I was 15.
Cars represent one of two things: Belief systems which move us
through life, or the physical body, as a manifested means of
operating in this reality. The stacked crushed cars were the
remains of old belief systems I held, and lived by, which no
longer worked, and which were now useless. They also represented
the condition of my body, which wasn't good, and needed
attention, but I didn't know it at the time.
The darkness of night-time represents the darkness of the
feminine principle of emotions, as does the water in the
junkyard, left over from the rain. The junkyard also represents a
repository for all of the unacceptable debris of our Selves,
judgments we've made against ourselves, guilt, shame, regret,
rage, fear, and all the other forms of pain we carry. It's all
stashed somewhere.
In this junkyard, though, the crushed and destroyed parts of me
were being lifted up into the light.
The dream was about death, and I even saw my dead body, but it
wasn't about a physical death... it was about the death of old
beliefs I held about myself, which had held strong controlling
influence over the choices I had made for most of my life.
Four days later, I woke up with my mother's words ringing in my
ears: "Rebeccah, you can't DO things like that!!! You can't SAY
things like that!!! No one will want you, or want to be NEAR
you!!!" She began saying that to me when I was about 5, and the
last time I remember hearing those words... I was 15.
Beliefs about my un-acceptability had ruled my choices in life
with an iron fist, preventing me from expressing my true nature,
and preventing others from knowing who I really am, accepting me
on that basis.
Emotional healing is painful, because the only way OUT is
THROUGH, but dreams and nightmares hold valuable clues to the
direction we're taking with our processes, and sometimes, they
even hand us unarguable pointers to exactly what the problem or
trigger is, like this dream, with the red wool dress I'd worn
when I was 15. It just doesn't get much clearer than that, for
someone who never has literal dreams.
If possible, Richard, I'd appreciate it if you could use both
of these, because nightmares so frequently point to the need for
emotional healing in specific areas of the Self. Emotions have
such a hard time getting the attention of those who habitually
ignore themselves, and nightmares are like a non-physical cosmic
two-by-four, shocking us into the awareness that something needs
to change.
Let me know what you think. I look forward to hearing from you.
Rebeccah *.*
FOOD [The source of our physical nourishment]
FLYING [Confidence, Power, Freedom & Perspective]
GIFTS [Offerings to or from others]
HOBBIES [Our interests and desires]- COLLECTING THINGS
HOLIDAYS
*Dream: Christmas 1995 Dream by Nancy B(951225)*
Last Christmas (1995), I had an important dream. There was a lot
of bright Christmas red in it. (It is unusual for me to see color
in my dreams.) One of the settings was a fancy Indian restaurant
which my mother, grandmother and I wanted to enter. I recognized
it as Gaylord's at Ghiradelli Square in San Francisco, a place
where we often took our children on special occasions; a place we
all liked.
This dream eventually became a collage I put up on my dream
inspired art gallery (thanks Richard) and I've written a short
article on this for the next ED - but I'd also like some comments
on the dream. And of course, you are invited to stop by the
gallery and see the collage and talk to me about this as well!
Nancy B
HOSPITAL [A place for treatment, healing and repair]
HOUSE [Where our lives take place]
* Dream: The Haunting by Nutcracker (970221) *
I'm at home. B. and his friend Jamie are there as well. We're
all out in the backyard. We decide to go inside the house. B.
and Jamie both fall asleep on the couch. I go into the den to
read and watch TV. A short while later, Jamie comes through on
his way to the bathroom. He goes in, but doesn't close the door
behind him. I can see him standing at the toilet.
I get up and wander into the next room, which I know is there,
but we never use or think about. The room is like an alcove, but
larger. (at this point in the dream, it's a dream I've had
before, but not one I've written down before now....one of those
elusive ones) There's another door to the left (inside this
alcove). It's ajar, which I find peculiar. I had completely
forgotten about this part of the house until now. At this point
in the dream, the house is one story.
I see Jamie come out of the bathroom and call to him to come see
this part of the house. We go through the door and enter a room
that seems to only have a fireplace in it. It appears to b