Dear Claire,
I had a dream that I was an oak tree. But then my dream changed, and I just lived near an oak tree. I knew that the oak tree represented me, and I lived on the corner of the street where the oak tree was. The oak tree was on the corner of a street called “Strong Street.” Then I heard a voice say to me, “You are like the oak tree that lives on the corner of Strong Street and…” Then the voice stopped. But then I heard it again, and it said, “You are like that oak tree that lives on the corner of Strong Street and?” Then the voice stopped again. I woke up, and I never heard the other corner street name. I remember thinking, “Why did you (the voice) wake me up? Just to make me wonder?” It was a very short dream, but it was a very powerful dream. And I felt good and fuzzy with that dream afterward.
As I have noted in my previous responses, trees are a symbol of life, growth, regeneration, nature, family, generations, and immortality (think of the “family tree” and the ability of trees to regenerate season after season). Trees can also serve as symbols of spirituality and the connection between earth and heaven; there are numerous Biblical references, as well as other religious references, in which trees are used as symbols of faith, regeneration, and immortality.
Even if we had no knowledge of the fact that the dreamer felt “good and fuzzy” with this dream, it would be quite apparent that the symbolism in this dream is extremely positive. Oak trees are some of the strongest trees in nature, and they are symbols of strength and survival. After a natural disaster, they are often one of the few trees to survive. Obviously, this dreamer is feeling extremely powerful and strong at this time in his/her life; the oak tree is probably a symbol of strong, powerful, and positive growth (or survival) in some aspect of his/her life. It would be interesting to know if any particular part of the tree was more noticeable or prominent in the dream. This could provide a deeper meaning and a greater understanding of this tree symbolism. In addition, the missing street name needs to be addressed – especially due to the fact that its absence was noted not just once, but twice. The fact that the second, corner-street name was not provided could possibly indicate that the dreamer is wondering about what area in life needs growth, improvement, or to be “lived in” next – or it could represent the dreamer’s search for what new direction or path should be next taken in life. Furthermore, this missing street could represent goals in life which need to be identified and then explored. Regardless, this is powerfully self-affirming dream, one of strength, growth, survival, and moving in positive directions and places in life.
For the purpose of utilizing dream wisdom in the coming year, I would like to repeat my instructions for “Dream Catching” in this first column of 2017, in the event that some may need review and/or guidance:
How to Become a Dream Catcher
In our present, technology-driven culture and fast-paced world, many of us neglect to take the time to analyze what our dreams are trying to tell us, even ignoring messages that our inner world may be desperately trying to communicate to us. Perhaps a great deal of the trouble and turmoil which some of us experience today is due to the fact that we have lost our connection to this inner world and do not make room in our day for studying and utilizing our daily dreams, a practice which could guide us towards greater self-awareness and enhanced physical and emotional well-being.
So, how can you begin this process of studying and utilizing your dreams? All you need to do is to practice remembering and recording your dreams; then, you must commit to being open and accepting of the information which you gather from these dreams. If you are willing to make the time for this process—and if you remain open to what your dreams (and the dreams of those around you) have to tell you—you will find guidance, solutions, and a fuller and richer understanding of yourself and others.
- At bedtime, count backward from 60; then repeatedly tell yourself that you are going to remember your dreams.
- Keep a pen and a “dream journal” near your bed. Dreams disappear quickly, so record them as soon as you awaken – including dates and times. Include anything that stands out (for example, any noticeable or repeated words, names, symbols, themes, or phrases).
- If possible, allow yourself to wake up naturally. If using an alarm, use a low tone and no radio or music.
- Stay completely still until you remember your dream—not moving can fool the brain into believing that it is still in the dream state, which will assist with the recall of the dream.
- Give the dream an immediate title—this can also enhance/improve recall ability.
- Later, fill in any additional information or further recall—moods, possible interpretations, related ideas, feelings, emotions, impressions, or explanations about what may have prompted the dream.
- If comfortable, share your dreams with others for additional insight.
- Practice daily—recall ability is like a muscle. The more that you use it, the stronger it will become.
Happy New Year!
