I was alone and feeling my awkward unfitting in self- but not to worried about it. I was showing some one else how to join a party.
I went and sat near a group of people, that were sitting on bales of hay. We were all on the ground floor of a building and it was quite dark inside and out. The party was also outside, and I had been there to. There weren’t lots of people but I had an impression every one thought the party important or highly relevant.
I was talking to a man there. Then I could see my smell come off me like a vapour out of tiny holes in my skin,and I told him . His expression gave me the impression he thought I was from another planet, so I said “ it’s nothing”. I didn’t know what was happening, but I realised he couldn’t see what I could see.
I stood up to join the dancing and saw a rainbow coloured , circled, 5 point star at my feet, closer than a step away. It then faded , but I thought it still there, even though I couldn’t see it. ( wishful thinking?)
And then I went on with all the normal things you do at a party where every one is a stranger.

The circled 5 pointed star , I imagine is a symbol of the unity of the energies of the earth. Something to keep me grounded perhaps. Does anyone know what that symbol is called?

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Nicola,
The first line of your stated dream is most likely reflecting your true self and the wish that you could be less 'awkward unfitting in self'. The someone you were talking to is yourself.

I believe if you will look at the dream and the people in it you will see other reflections of yourself. I sense you have a fear of projecting your insecurities, perhaps more so with men. They can only see what is on the outside and not what is within.

The party is life. When you dance the dance of life you are able to see the positive. But perhaps because of your insecurities you refrain from participating as you wish {in the company of others}. You probably feel like a stranger when in groups.

The circled 5 pointed star is the symbol of the pentagram which represents the 5 elements. The circle represents wholeness. The Pythagoreans concept of the 5 elements are as follows:

ύδωρ, Hydor, water
Γαια, Gaia earth
ίδέα, Idea or ίερόν, Hieron "a divine thing"
έιλή, Heile, heat (fire)
άήρ, Aer, air

Essentially what this symbolizes in your dream is a desire for wholeness, possessing all the elements that produce a balanced psyche with a balanced world. You are probably correct in that it helps keeps you grounded. The dream may be addressing the need to change {the number 5 is often a symbol for changes} your perception of yourself and find ways to fit in with the groups and people. I get the impression you have already realized this about yourself and have started {or you are prepared to start} to make those changes.

What are your thoughts? Your follow-up to my interpretation may help clarify the dream meaning.

Gerard

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An encircled five pointed star is a pentacle. The five pointed star is a pentagram, the circle around it makes it a pentacle. The pentacle is often associated with pagans/witches, also linked to Venus.
Dreaming that you can see something that others cant may mean you are a 'seer', but in this case its smell you can see. There is a word for people who can see music in colour, but I havent heard of the same thing for smell. Perhaps you have heightened senses, or are clairsentient which makes you different (and fabulous), but could make things a little more difficult when flirting with ordinary blokes. For instance - In waking life have you ever noticed that you can sense if people are afraid or lying by the odour they give off? Cheers

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Maria provides some excellent points about senses and the pentgram. Consider that when addressing the interpretations.

Gerard

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Gerard,

Yes, you are exactly right. It is a concern of mine that I not project on to others, and men especially, my needs. I’m amazed you picked that up in the dream.

The act of showing myself how to socialise I recognise. I have always needed to do this, and that relationship is here with me again ,as I seem to be setting a for less reclusive course this year.

I was curious about the line - They can only see what is on the outside and not what is inside. (Amazing, but true on doubt. ) And in you saying that, something in me went “ohh ..so that’s why” Men ,I admit keep me guessing, so thanks for the tip.

Yes I can feel like a stranger in groups, but I often feel calm about it as in the dream I had. The locating of the “as I wish” in any situation ,is something I look for. -it is important to me. ( I don’t feel like being anybody else. )

All the themes you have talked about are v. important to me.
You also said that the party was life. No wonder every one thought it so important ! Life is, at the moment, and to get back to it -very !

The link you made from the word pentagram was excellent !!
I had this dream just before the new year (yes- a party and an old friendship) and wanted to look at it again, as it seems I began to change direction from about then.
The pentangle can relate to health ( I yearn for it !) The quest for wisdom (wouldn’t mind picking up a bit- a means to an end though) and faith ( I’m going to need it )
I especially liked the reference to it being the gateway from “here” to “there” , and then from “there” to “here”. I am returning to meditation more wholeheartedly , and I can feel that yen to be back among the people (select people) too. …not sure about the smell though !?? Risky in social settings

My thanks

Maria, I’ve got to go , speak with you tomorrow.

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Nicola,
There is nothing I appreciate more than knowing I was able to help in understand your dream, and yourself. The fact that you were able to recognize the associations from my interpretation as they apply to your life show that you have given thought to the possibilities instead of dismissing them like so many do. Awareness is most essential to knowing where you are and where you want to go in life. The party is much more fun when there is an awareness of your place and what motivates you. Instead of being a 'shadow' of the party you will be able to participate in all the festivities. Thanks for your follow-up, you have added to the knowledge of how dreams function. If you have other dreams where you need assistance we are always here to help.

Gerard

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Gerard,
I could relate to your interpretation. I thought it a very good one.
Now, that “being a ‘shadow’ of the party" is a very interesting angle ! I’ll be thinking about that one, too.

I have read many other dream discussions on this site, and they have all seemed to be very constructive dialogues.
I think it is surprising what lingers with us, when we seem to be rejecting something said. Often we are just stepping back, refining our ideas and arguments, to come at it again at a later date.
I suspect, really ,that you cannot tell what hits home and what doesn’t .Not on a site like this. Things said can take time to settle, time to resurface, and “I reckon”( that’s in my broadest Aussie accent) the dismissing of ideas (and efforts?) happens less than it feels.

Discussing my dreams on this site has worked for me, so I am sure to do it again sometime.
With my thanks, Nicola

This site does handle differing opinions and argument , fairly well…doesn’t it ?

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Hi Maria,
The link Gerard made for PENTANGLE, says the Wiccans use it to symbolise faith, or their faith.
In the dream it is at the place I stand, or just in front , as in a small step in front of me, could it mean that the sense of being connected to the earth ,or ’grounded’ is an act of faith ? Anyone ? Does that sound about right?

The rainbow colour means???
It’s not my thing, though perhaps I am more hippie at heart, I just don’t have the colour sense of one.
However, I have since been invited to stay for a couple of months with friends near Nimbin. (a hippie town if ever there was one- in Australia, I mean)

Being clairsentient sounds fascinating , but I’m not. I have an acute sense of smell, but it’s nothing fancy.
But off on a tangent, smell is a very personal thing. Like a finger print ,only more complex, and from a much deeper place within us.
And the way it was leaving my body, has since given me the impression of a kind of death. Like something I read in The Tibetan Book Of Death And Dying , I think. I could be being romantic about this , but that’s the way I’ve been thinking lately.
And lately too , my usual way of thinking about the past is slipping away. These thoughts that have resided in my body, have started to fade away. I see no point to them. This is a very essential thing for me.

Glad you brought up the smell thing,….Nicola

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Nicola,
It is the input of the dreamer, after an interpretation is given, that does the most in determining what a dream is trying to address. Those like yourself who continue the dialog after the interpretation most often can determine the dream's intent. There are times when I or one of the contributors will give an excellent interpretation, even see into a dream and provide uncanny insights, but it is most often the dreamer who provides the final note to the dream. It would be really great if there were more people like yourself who will take the time to continue the dialog. We all learn from each dream and we all become teachers as well as students when the process is carried to its conclusion. I appreciate your co-operation and your insights. And I hope you will stop by from time to time to participate and provide your thoughts. You are more tuned to the 'psychic' world of dreams than you might imagine.

The Dream Forum has become a place of dialog, and sometimes disagreements. But over all the contributors are on the same page when it comes to understanding dreams. And that page is primarily from Carl Jung's philosophies. Although we do not dismiss other approaches {Freudian sexuality is always something we have to consider} to the dream it is Jung's approach that provides the most insights. Whereas most other methods can do a good job of understanding a dream, they fall far short of what Jung has provided. I believe the reason for that is his studies into mythology and religion, alchemy and other neo-sciences that are often dismissed as foolishness. I am not a big proponent of astrology but there are lessons to be learned from such beliefs that add to our understanding of the psyche. I look at the study of dreams as one aspect of the understanding of the psyche. It is a much wider field of study and it involves almost all of the human and natural sciences. Of course it takes a lot of time and effort to give to such interests. We at the Forum all have that interest, and have seen the relationship from them to our own lives. If it fits then it must be true.

Thanks again for your lively input and continue dialog. I believe from your words you have gained value insights to your own world and you have definitely added to knowledge of understanding the dream world. We look forward to your next visit.

twat twam asi,

Gerard

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Hi Nicola,

Some thoughts Re: pentacles & rainbows.

In the dream the pentacle was just in front of you- And when it faded into the earth you could still sense it. Perhaps you have a faith in earth religions? Perhaps in the future you might "step into the circle" if you like? From my perspective the rainbow colours in that context could represent the rainbow serpent- an aboriginal dreamtime story; or perhaps unity & diversity, as a rainbow is all colours separately and together in harmony-- Also you mentioned Nimbin later on-Plenty of rainbow coloured tie-dyed t-shirts up there! Happy travels.

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Gerard,

I take your point. Against the clear and heartfelt questing nature of what you are describing, my appraisal of the less dedicated and less appreciative, does seem limp.
I am glad I have brought to the site something of what you envision for it.
And thank you for your encouragement.

May the art be with you,
Nicola

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Maria,
Thanks! "a rainbow is all colours seperatly and together in harmony" sounds good, and I'm hoping this is what it means.
I doubt I will suddenly become religious- though I do find religions interesting.
I wonder, if as I say "these are not my colours", then that may be the point. Its not something I usually identify with.
Thanks for your extra thorghts on the subject, Nicola

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Nicola,
Ah Yes! Twat twam asi. Thou 'art' that, I am that. What makes us truly whole in this sorrowful life {the first Buddhist saying is' life is full of sorrow'} is the muse. Art, poetry, creativity. Along those senses we posses beyond the norm we can actually realize. 'Seeing smell' appropriately states those possibilities. If one sense is not available our other senses compensate. For you and I there is an awareness of those possibilities. If we can't appreciate them in our waking lives we surely can in our dreams. Rainbows are not just by happen stance. They appear for a reason, and always a colorful, and meaningful one at that.

Gerard

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Gerard,
That is beautifully put! By relating ‘Seeing smell’ to creativity seems perfect. So too ,“if one sense is not available our other senses will compensate.” ( So descriptive in dreams.)
So I will sit with these ideas, but I think i'm starting to get it.
And you’ve given the rainbow colours a bit of substance here -so I take heart.
Your interpretation is greatly appreciated and continues to give me a lot to think on, Nicola

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Nicola,
Having once been religious and now having cast aside that religion I am much more a spiritual person that I could have ever been if I had stayed with any religion. My true colors are spirituality, inwardly directed.

I think you make a good observation about your 'colors' and religion. Your psyche intuitively recognizes that religion has little value but spirituality is most meaningful. Colors are in my mind are symbolically related to the 'muse', our creativity. Religion frowns on self expression outside the outer possibilities {God is outside us}. Spirituality is totally inward focused. Colors are natural, and so is spirituality. For me that means a focus on our inner abilities, our creative life. Jung points to the creative/spiritual aspect that supplies true balance and wholeness to life. Your rainbow seems not be in any religion but very much spiritual. I think you can take real comfort in that since it is what nature requires of humans to live a truly fruitful, and colorful life.

It is like the old TV screen prior to the invention of color. Grey and black tones, the unconscious, giving way to a progressive psyche which is full of color which the conscious life naturally recognizes.

Gerard

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Gerard,
Yes, subscribing to a religion, has never been my “ drum beat”. Easier, to get away with, in a fairly non religious country like Australia.
The “affirmations” thing too, is like a religion here, (only without the stories or the depth) This continual patting yourself on the back ,or insisting on stuff! It doesn’t inquire into the matters of self or soul, but always asks things of it Insisting on words like “abundance” continually, it talks over the top of anything it wants to drown out. (I wouldn't talk like that to a friend.)And nothing quite as bueatiful could come from it as "Thou art that , I am that"...Some "wheels" don't need reinventing.

The dream has come together for me in this way:
Firstly, the extra discussion on colour helped me put it’s significance in the “picture” as well. As you say the rainbow colours are natural. And natural within us. And in a rainbow, they seem quite magical . There’s a sticker you find on cars here, and more, the further north you go, that say “MAGIC HAPPENS” . So if it “happens”, then it is not something we do, but something we witness. …if we are in the right place ,at the right time.
The pentangle is therefore where I’m going. Being a symbol closely related to the earth, ( and therefore the body) , health, and that wonderful expression ….. As a door from "here" to "there", and from "there" to "here".

Here’s the story it relates to.
20 years ago I was struggling with illness and such pain, my walk had become a shuffle, and too, it was intensely painful to eat .I was thin ,and lived with constant nightmares- in fear. It was my psyche ( I think this is the right term to use here, or would it be shadow? Nor does it matter what it is called!) that rose up and bade me listen after not having lived in my body- after having abandoned it ,along with my feelings -from a very young age. So I went eventually, and lived in a hut in the bush for over a year. I talked to only one person ( a therapist- no one else could have handled it!) and did little but meditate and I did so to counter my demons.
This process worked in many ways, even though some of my illness still continued. After time I made my way back to mainstream life.
Other illnesses have developed since ,and I have tried and exhausted all medical and natural therapies to get better. Difficult to describe the exhaustion these days, I do not keep up with daily tasks. I’m getting worse .
I’m a mum too - a job I just love, and don’t want to give up. He’s the 7 year old “snake charmer” whose not keen on getting qualifications. A real delight. I’ve mentioned him before on one of Edwina’s posts.

So the story continues, my meditation has been half-hearted over the years since, and it needs to seriously develop!, and take up a lot more waking hours! It’s the only thing that’s really worked.
That’s the pentangle. The rainbow colours- you have given them integrity in my "book", Gerard,... a natural expression of sun (light & warmth), on water (tears & our body is what% water).And that's metophoricaly what I'd be doing in meditation.
The smell (that signature that comes from the depths of us) Seeing it rise out of me, or from me- at a guess, is an experience of aspects of my identity as they are released. You know, as what we identify with ,alters with meditation. What I identify with needs to shift for me to get better.

The way you described creativity as an act, like seeing smell, was a perfect haunting explanation.I have often thorght that the practise of meditation is an art in it's self. And as I don't have particular words or sayings," may the art be with you" was the best I could come up with, to wish you well.(Sounding like Star Wars was something I noticed after- but left it , because it was fun, and related to the Campbell theme)

In the dream all this happens on the ground floor, ( I often correlate the floors with the energy of charkas ) ,so this is where I move from. In the dream I began talking with a man at the party. His response was natural- bewilderment, when I began describing what I was seeing. And there is no need to do that , it isn't his realm. I could just say what it is I need , or am going to do (like I'm doing now). He may have been able to respond to that , what do you think Gerard? (We don't always need to ask men to talk about them selves, do we?[does not require an answer])

The dream happened just before New Year, when I had been thinking about the year ahead. I’m glad I had another look at it.
And it has been a pleasure to discuss these things with you. Thanks for your time & efforts.
Nicola

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Forgot to mention a main theme.
I am fine in the company of others. I am quite social and even considered gragarious ( though quite unable to spell) The "every one is a stranger", and he thought "i was an alien", had to do with my attempts at forming friendships with men in the past year or so.
Most of my friends say it's impossible.
Being single(and needing to stay that way)I miss men.
And theres some I'd like to be friends with.But it's been misunderstood I think. So I feel a bit like an alien. And a stranger because I don't get what everyone else seems to.

Nicola

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Nicola,
Yours is such an inspiring story. Overcoming adversity in ways that modern science/society frowns upon but is advocated by many 'old age' philosophies. Your going out and living in the bush reminds me of two tales. One is in modern day Japan where there is the opportunity to venture on a journey by spending a month in isolation on a mountain with little food or water. The psychological affects are profound. Those who dare take the adventure return completely changed, transformed, renewed and spiritually centered.

The other is from Joseph Campbell and his tale of Native American boys who are taken into the forest and isolated for long lengths of time, also with little food or water. These boys are destined to become shamans. Again there is the profound psychological affect that transform the person.

Your story in the bush is so reminiscent of the two tales above. I dare say there are similar stories in Aboriginal myths. It is the ultimate 'inward journey', a cleansing of the soul, and often the body. If there are miracles to be had in this world they can be found in such isolation tales as these. And the experience you endured in the bush country.

"May the art be with you". Beautiful, and so true. Campbell's exaltation is to follow your bliss, that thing in life that truly makes a person whole. And most often that bliss is found in the creative aspect. For any of us who has taken the journey inward there are two aspects of the psyche that venture out from that experience. One is spiritual. The other is creative. Your comparison to Star Wars is right on because the exaltation of Obi Wan to Luke Skywalker 'may the force be with you' is based on a spiritual aspect, which in Campbell's thinking {and my own} is from the same part of the psyche {right side of the brain} as is the creative. Whereas in life materials things tend only to satisfy for a short while, our creative soul fulfills the bliss we seek in life. My own journey, and the creation of Myths-Dreams-Symbols, is an example of how the soul's journey is life's true adventure.

You are abundantly correct when you state in your dream 'it isn't his realm'. You move away from the controlling masculine aspect to one of total submission to the feminine. I often compare the personality of God with its controlling, vengeful, warring aspects to that of Jesus who was totally immersed in the feminine {loving, compassionate, giving}. When one ventures inward they do find God. They find within them self
the equivalent of Jesus, or the Buddha, the spiritual Self, beyond religious dogma. It is a psychological journey. And there is no faster way to discovering within oneself the spiritual as when you place yourself in total isolation from the outer world.

Now that you have confided your deepest pain, the illness that you are constantly working to overcome, we can only meditate and pray that you find new resources within yourself to overcome the new afflictions you must endure. Living with pain is part of growing old and your story is an inspiration for us all. Thanks for that inspiration, and being an example for us all. You are a hero in your own life and when we look upon ourselves as being just that, the sacrifice we make can and will inspire others. My prayer for you is 'may the force be with you' and may the 'art of thou' continue to inspire.

Gerard

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Nicola,
Something I forgot to mention is your 7 year old son. I know from experience the love of a child is the most cherish love there could ever be. Even greater than Amour {A love affair, especially an illicit one}. There is no greater sacrifice than that of a mother who gives of herself to her child. She is a heroine of mythic proportions. She is the giver of life, and the provider of life. Man is so useless in compariosn.

Gerard

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Forgot to mention a main theme.
I am quite social generally, even considered gragarious sometimes (though often unable to spell)
The "every one is a stranger" and " he thorght I was an alien", has to do with my feelings these days,as I have attempted to become friends with some men and it's all been misunderstood. And so feel like an alien.
Most of my friends will tell me it's not possible.
I think I'm begining to get it.
I am single(and need to stay that way)and I miss the company of men as friends.(much easier when I was married)
that's all, Nicola

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Gerard
It's true, but what a burden for a child,to be his mothers "only" joy.It's quite a responsibility, even when not said.You can't hide anything from kids.
I want my boy to know proper loving adult relationships.Sexual or not. (And I would like to know them too)
But I am quite off the track -I have to get well , for starters.
Thanks thats a lovely thorght, but I am no mythical creature.
with great regard,Nicola

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Gerard,
I was at the computer late last night . Not really with it! . So I hadn’t noticed your big post only the smaller one ,which I then answered-- and not very well or very clearly either.

Thank you for aligning my troubles with such fine stories. And for talking of the value in doing things this way. Yes ,acceptance is the essence to cultivate in this relationship with myself .

My son has given and taught me more about love than any one I’ve known. He is such a gift, and it is an honour to be a mum. So my determination is even stronger than if I were alone. Most parents feel the ease of sacrificing there own needs for that of a child, this is THE gift of parenthood. -To know of something you value more than one’s self. …It’s something I’d like to keep experiencing.

I am looking forward to this year. Going north to friends to begin with. They plan to spend time with my son, and I will have the time to establish my meditation practice .

Prayers gratefully accepted, Nicola

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