To
further help you in uncovering the meaning of your dreams, Jung specially
noted certain symbols in dreams that possess the same universal meaning.
While dreams are personal, our personal experiences often touch on
universal themes. These symbols were believed to occur in every culture
throughout time. Jung identified seven such symbols in what is referred to
as the major archetypal
1.
The Persona is the image you present to the world in your waking
life. It is y our public mask. In the dream world, the persona is
represented by the self. In the dreamscape, the Self may or may
not resemble you physically or may or may not behave as your would.
However, you know that this "person" in your dream is you.
2.
The Shadow is the rejected and repressed aspects of yourself. It is
the part of yourself that you do not want the world to see because it is
ugly or unappealing. It symbolizes weakness, fear, or anger. In dreams,
this figure is represented by a stalker, murderer, a bully, pursuer, a
frightening figure, or even a close friend or relative. Their
appearance often makes you angry or leaves you scared.
3.
The Anima / Animus is the female and male aspects of yourself.
Everyone possess both feminine and masculine qualities. In dreams, the
anima may appear as a highly feminized figure or a hyper masculine figure
in the case of the animus. Or you may dream that you find yourself dressed
in women's clothing if you are male or you suddenly grow a beard, if you
are female. These imageries serve as a reminder that you must learn to
acknowledge or express your masculine (be more assertive) or feminine side
(be more emotional).
4.
The Divine Child is your true self in its purest form. It not only
symbolizes your innocence, your sense of vulnerability, and your
helplessness, but it represents your aspirations and full potential. You
are open to all possibilities. In the dreamscape, this figure is
represented by a baby or young child.
5.
The Wise Old Man is the helper in your dreams. Represented by a
teacher, father or some other unknown authority figure, they serve to
offer guidance and words of wisdom. They serve to guide you into the
right direction.
6.
The Great Mother is the nurturer. They may appear in your dreams as
your own mother, grandmother, or other nurturing figure and provide you
with reassurance. Negatively, they may be depicted as a witch or old bag
lady in which case they can be associated with seduction, dominance and
death. This juxtaposition is rooted in the belief by some
experts that the real mother who is the giver of life is also at the same
time jealous of our growth away from her.
7.
The Trickster, as the name implies, plays jokes to keep you from
taking yourself too seriously. He may find himself in your dream when you
have overreach or misjudge a situation or if you are uncertain about a
decision or where you want to go in life. The trickster often makes
your feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. He may take on subtle forms,
sometimes even changing its shape.
