I have always been fascinated by dreams...
and the power they have in our lives. Now, when I dream --and especially with lucid dreaming-- I have gotten to the point where I am analyzing my dreams AS I dream them. My dreams are full of archetypal symbols...anything from climbing the side of steep cliffs in snow, to having discussions with tornados, using rainbows as bridges to walk on, and struggling through churning floodwaters rushing out to a shallow sea. I try to use visualization as I'm dreaming to actually influence the dream itself. To become a proficient lucid dreamer (to know I am dreaming while still in the dream) I attempt to use recall techniques immediately after I wake up every day. Since I have many recurring dreams and/or often dream of specific symbols, I am learning to use the symbols as clues with which to associate the awareness that I am dreaming. I often ask myself "what am I supposed to remember about talking to a tornado?" and then I can remember that I only talk to them when I'm dreaming! Also, I often have flying dreams and nightmares and I can use these unusual (and impossible!) dreams to associate the awareness that they happen only when I'm dreaming. I know that working with symbols while I'm dreaming is very exciting and is one of the most promising areas of my lucid dream research. For example, when I have nightmares, if I realize that I'm dreaming, I can ask the attackers in my nightmares to identify themselves. "Who are you?" I ask, "What do you want?" The dream character may answer me in some cryptic way or reveal something so that the dream itself may metamorphose into a related symbol or representation.

Symbol of transition. Bridges take us from one location to another, usually across an (emotional) body of water. If you dream of bridges, you may be in transition in your life. Do you successfully cross the bridge? Bridges that are very high above the ground suggest “lofty” career goals and major arenas of transition—crossing to new heights. Bridges also can symbolize the transition between life and death.

Climbing is a common metaphor symbolizing an attempt to reach new social, spiritual, or financial status in one’s life. Climbing a tree may indicate an attempt to “expand your horizons.” Climbing a ladder may reflect social or professional ambitions. (The ladder of success.) Climbing a mountain may reflect a spiritual quest, or search for eternal values. A difficult climb up a mountain reflects feelings that one’s life path, currently, is difficult. The dreamer is “climbing uphill.”