Interpreting Symbolism in Dreams and Meditation

Symbolism and visions or visitations during dreams and/or meditation can be confusing. If we keep in mind that what we experience should be interpreted rather than simply seen, a whole new world of understanding our subconscious and our connection to the Divine opens up.

The Meditation

The best way to help in understanding the symbolism in dreams and meditation is to walk through a real life example. If you follow me on social media, you will recall a recent post where I described the experience detailed below.

I had just push-mowed our lawn and my muscles were aching, so I decided to sit in the hot tub for a bit. I floated in the warm, still water and practiced yogic breathing to calm my body and mind. I then started the jets, got into my favorite meditation seat, and dropped my focus from my wandering mind and racing thoughts to my heart center, and just breathed. If a thought popped up, I allowed the current in the water carry it away. Once I was tapped in, the show began almost immediately.

My meditations always begin with simple specks or swirls of light in different colors, but predominantly purple and yellow. Once that starts, I know Spirit is present. This time, the colors were purple, yellow, ocean blue, and red with the occasional shadow thrown in. The swirling lines and specks combined to form a wing, then a pair of wings, then a bird - a dove. The dove almost instantly shape-shifted into a bat. (You know, the screechy, vampire kind...) The bat flew toward me and coasted by, just over my forehead. Startled me a bit when that happened. Spirit grabbed my attention, for sure. And for good reason...

In my mind, I looked to my right and saw a Light Being floating, hovering. Humanoid in form, they had long flowing, glowing white and golden robes that seemed to sway in a soft breeze. The Being did not have a face or any other discernible features. They opened their arms to me, then wrapped their arms around themselves in a hug and, in my mind, I sensed the Being telling me that the hug was for me. Then I felt the embrace - warm, comforting, safe, protected - pure, unconditional love. When the hug released, a male figure, who was very tall and opposing with broad shoulders, dark clothing, and a dark cloud hanging about his midsection, came into view. I recognized this man as a representation of my fear- cumulative fear, all the fears I've ever had and all that are to come. I looked Fear straight in his eyes and said, "I'm not afraid anymore. Be gone." After repeating this three times, he slipped off into the shadows.

I then looked to the left in my mind. The shapes, lines, swirls, and specks all reappeared. This time, they came together in the shape of an eye. I recognized this eye as my Authentic Self. I looked mySelf in the eye and said, "I love You, because You are Me, and I love mySelf." The eye then faded and the colors came back again, but this time, they turned a cool white-blue color and formed a flame - the kind of flame one might see on a heating element of a gas grill. I recognized this flame as the Holy Fire Reiki flame. I repeated, in my mind, "Holy Fire", three times. On the third, the jets of the hot tub shut off and jolted me back to the physical world.

Wow, right!? There is so much information here. Let's dive in.

Interpreting the Message

In the physical world, for most, the Divine speaks in symbols rather than spoken word. The clairaudient may actually hear spoken word.

It's likely that you are already familiar with a few symbols. A coin on the ground, a cardinal, a feather - these are symbols that most recognize as a sign from a loved one that has passed. In the Ethereal realm, the symbols are more subtle in nature while being impactful enough to grab your attention. Messages are usually delivered by people, animals, or symbols that are easily recognized and understood.

The first step is identifying what stood out, what grabbed your attention. Write it down. You will recognize patterns when you re-read the experience. This practice also keeps your human mind honest and prevents us from adding more or forgetting details.

For this example, the patterns I identify are colors, animals, the number "3", and the human eye/looking directly into the eyes. The outlier is my lovely Light Being, which was so poignant I don't think I'll ever forget every detail of them.

Colors

Purple, yellow, ocean blue, and red. All of these colors are within the primary chakra system.

• Purple - associated with the 6th chakra- the Third Eye, our intuition, wisdom, and seeing beyond the physical world

• Yellow - associated with the 3rd chakra- the Solar Plexus, our self esteem, will power, and identity

• Blue - associated with the 5th chakra- the Throat, our voice, our Truth

• Red - associated with the 1st chakra- the Root, our connection to the Earth, primal needs, security, safety

Animals

In this mediation, I saw a dove and a bat. My primary resources for interpretation of animals are a couple of books by Ted Andrews - Animal Speak and Animal-Wise. While these books are geared toward identifying your animal totems, the interpretations are universal. Indigenous and other cultural and religious references are explained, as well as how the behavior(s) of the animal translate to guidance for the human experience.

Mr. Andrews has this to say about dove medicine and bat medicine:

• Dove medicine - Feminine energies of peace, maternity, and prophecy. "The Dove's song is the most distinctive characteristic. The voice of the dove is the rain song. Out of it's mourning, it invokes new waters of life...Although it's song is heard throughout the day, it seems more distinct at dawn and dusk. These are the "Between Times" - a time in which there is a thinning of the veils between the physical and spiritual, the past and the future...The song of this totem tells you to mourn what has passed, but awaken to the promise of the future."

• Bat medicine - Transition and Initiation. "Look beyond the immediate and limited circumstances. There can be no death without there also being rebirth. Everything reflects the Divine. Remember that fear and death is a choosing to block or go against the Divine energies that are yours by right of inheritance. Rebirth and life are found by choosing to follow the flow within...A new beginning that brings promise and power after the changes.

Numbers

Numerology has a wealth of guidance and wisdom. I am an admitted novice in this area, so I lean on one particular website most often - Angel Numbers - Joanne Sacred Scribes. She has this to say about the number 3:

• Angel number 3 is an indication that your angels are trying to get your attention. The angels and Ascended Masters want you to follow your intuition and inner-wisdom so that you are able to take appropriate actions at this time. Use your creative skills and abilities to manifest your desires and enhance your life and that of others. The angels encourage you to follow your life path and soul mission with optimism and enthusiasm.

The Human Eye

I do not have a single resource for interpreting these types of messages. I use search engines, AI apps, lean on my like-minded souls, and trust my own intuition. I found a couple of things that resonate. That reminds me... when you search for these things on the internet, remember this- only "keep" what resonates, let the rest fall away.

The first interpretation is that staring deeply into someone's eyes can represent intimacy, a desire for a deeper connection, or a need for honesty. The second is that an "All Knowing Eye" is often linked to spiritual awakening or higher consciousness.

My Beautiful Light Being

I used an AI app for this one because there was so much information returned in the search engine. I find that AI helps to summarize what is "out there". To be safe, I always check the links provided in the answer for validity and accuracy.

The summary stated that encountering a Light Being who embraces you during meditation signifies unconditional love, divine protection, and deep soul healing. It is a powerful affirmation that you are being guided, supported, and loved by the universe, your guides, or higher cosmic energies. The core spiritual meanings are divine reassurance, vibrational alignment, emotional healing, and heart chakra activation. The identity of the Being could be your own higher self, one of your spirit guides, or one of the Ascended Masters. It's message is to trust your path, integrate through rest and meditation, and journal the details of each meditation session.

The Final Interpretation

The colors I see are the chakras that are activated during the session. This meditation poured out of each of those centers. Getting my self-esteem and identity back after finally choosing Me again, speaking my Truth, feeling safe and secure in my connection with the Divine.

Spirit's message is clear. By allowing the past to fall away and die, a future that follows the flow of my soul's purpose is born. Trust my connection to the Divine and do not be afraid to fulfill my soul's mission. I am ready to move forward in every imaginable way.

My soul's purpose and mission go hand in hand - teach unconditional, real, whole love -- who we really are -- through the healing power of Reiki.

Dream. Create. Be.

Be Love.

Namaste,

Chris