As my dreams are full of murderous mayhem at the moment, I can't comment on symbols of renewal, but I wanted to say I appreciated your post. What resonated with me was how we can resist change and how dreams can reveal powerful defences that we would not otherwise be conscious of. I suppose if there was a small symbol of renewal in latest dream, it was that some blue and white patterned creatures appeared from the bushes, wanted to be rescued, but they couldn't be saved and we were all slaughtered. On waking, they reminded me of the blue creatures from the Avatar films, peaceful, vulnerable - and yes, perhaps a symbol of the life that wants to come through.
Those dreams sound quite heavy. I think for a time, the images of renewal are not present yet, perhaps because we are in the darker, deconstructing, nigredo-like states. What's interesting for me is that the complimentary dream themes and symbols started coming up while I was still having the difficult ones too. And as I got more curious, I could see how those difficult ones had there own subtle aspects of resistances to the renewal that was happening. Or perhaps, renewal but in ways that felt overwhelming and scary (from the dream ego's perspective). Similar to the meeting of shadow figures that cause us to run away in dreams.
Those creatures sound really interesting, otherworldly. The murderous themes remind me of what Kalsched talks about with one of his clients. How the self-care system tries to stifle that flow of life that wants to return as it represents a potential for re-experiencing overwhelming feelings.
Thanks Alyssa. Perhaps the 'renewal' side of things is that I'm getting a pretty clear picture of how my defences are at war with me going to therapy - understanding that feels like a shift is already occurring.
*What typical symbols of renewal have you experienced in dreams or fantasies?* Question: can I use active imagination [as I dont dream - I can only think of asking a tarot card to come forth?
*Were these accompanied by difficult or intense images as well?* Question: What might this look like if I utilise tarot - not sure how fantasies work.
*Which resources do you draw upon to facilitate the processes of renewal?* Question: I am not sure might you share some ideas.
- Yes, you can definitely use active imagination to uncover symbols of renewal.
- For tarot, you can do a reading around themes of renewal, such as "Where am I experiencing renewal? What is ending its cycle? What is beginning?" Fantasies refer more to spontaneous images that come in moments of daydream, relaxing, etc. It can also refer to active imagination (active fantasy). Another option is, once you pull a tarot card, sit and meditate with it, notice the images, details, etc. Use it as an anchor for active imagination, and notice if any insights, thoughts, images, words come up.
- Typical inner work modalities would be useful for helping facilitate the process of renewal, it lets us actively engage with it. Dreamwork, journaling, meditating, tarot/other divinatory tools, therapy or mentoring are some examples.
I love how you honor where you are and see resistance as a companion on the journey. I am in a pattern of resistance now and knowing it but still resisting change is a. Internal struggle of epic proportions. Your take on it gave me a lot of peace to give myself grace. Thanks for a wonderful piece!
As my dreams are full of murderous mayhem at the moment, I can't comment on symbols of renewal, but I wanted to say I appreciated your post. What resonated with me was how we can resist change and how dreams can reveal powerful defences that we would not otherwise be conscious of. I suppose if there was a small symbol of renewal in latest dream, it was that some blue and white patterned creatures appeared from the bushes, wanted to be rescued, but they couldn't be saved and we were all slaughtered. On waking, they reminded me of the blue creatures from the Avatar films, peaceful, vulnerable - and yes, perhaps a symbol of the life that wants to come through.
Those dreams sound quite heavy. I think for a time, the images of renewal are not present yet, perhaps because we are in the darker, deconstructing, nigredo-like states. What's interesting for me is that the complimentary dream themes and symbols started coming up while I was still having the difficult ones too. And as I got more curious, I could see how those difficult ones had there own subtle aspects of resistances to the renewal that was happening. Or perhaps, renewal but in ways that felt overwhelming and scary (from the dream ego's perspective). Similar to the meeting of shadow figures that cause us to run away in dreams.
Those creatures sound really interesting, otherworldly. The murderous themes remind me of what Kalsched talks about with one of his clients. How the self-care system tries to stifle that flow of life that wants to return as it represents a potential for re-experiencing overwhelming feelings.
Thanks Alyssa. Perhaps the 'renewal' side of things is that I'm getting a pretty clear picture of how my defences are at war with me going to therapy - understanding that feels like a shift is already occurring.
That's a good insight, sometimes that renewal is quite subtle, or just a small opening where before things were blocked off.
*What typical symbols of renewal have you experienced in dreams or fantasies?* Question: can I use active imagination [as I dont dream - I can only think of asking a tarot card to come forth?
*Were these accompanied by difficult or intense images as well?* Question: What might this look like if I utilise tarot - not sure how fantasies work.
*Which resources do you draw upon to facilitate the processes of renewal?* Question: I am not sure might you share some ideas.
Thank YOU
- Yes, you can definitely use active imagination to uncover symbols of renewal.
- For tarot, you can do a reading around themes of renewal, such as "Where am I experiencing renewal? What is ending its cycle? What is beginning?" Fantasies refer more to spontaneous images that come in moments of daydream, relaxing, etc. It can also refer to active imagination (active fantasy). Another option is, once you pull a tarot card, sit and meditate with it, notice the images, details, etc. Use it as an anchor for active imagination, and notice if any insights, thoughts, images, words come up.
- Typical inner work modalities would be useful for helping facilitate the process of renewal, it lets us actively engage with it. Dreamwork, journaling, meditating, tarot/other divinatory tools, therapy or mentoring are some examples.
I love how you honor where you are and see resistance as a companion on the journey. I am in a pattern of resistance now and knowing it but still resisting change is a. Internal struggle of epic proportions. Your take on it gave me a lot of peace to give myself grace. Thanks for a wonderful piece!
Thank you for reading :)