Oh thank you, yes, very interesting, I am the one also doing the examining of the choices, not just being examined. Although, to arrive at the correct choices, you need to do both, I would think.

Maybe the row of college style seats mean the row of choices for new study or even retraining. Or maybe they are the barrier I have to climb over. Right now I am enjoying a respite from 30 years in a job in a heavily male-dominated part of a university (and heavily male dominated research discipline nation-wide) in which I was subjected to pervasive, mostly low level but sometimes high level, unaccountable hostility which became completely explicit at the end, necessitating my early retirement, despite having some champions. Endless seemingly dark-hearted hostility really messes with your mind and your social way of being. It forces you to not be yourself, and in order to recover, to dig deep. Hence the bat, who lives in the deep.

I love how the symbols are so two sided. Bats are a horror trope, but also can navigate extraordinarily, in pitch darkness. This bat is saying, see me for who I am, not something horrible but a warm blooded animal needing comforting. Also, snuggling up against my neck is maybe pointing to something needing voicing.

Thank you for helping me in my thinking through this dream!!

Age & Gender & Location {Required}: 63, UK

Have You Posted Before? Date of Last Post {Use Search and Your Post Name to Help Find Last Post} Yes, but years ago now.

How Did You Find the Dream Forum? Have know about this site for some years, so can’t remember

Elizabeth,
I apologize for not responding sooner. As for the two sides of dream symbols that is common. Personal associations can have a lot to do with the meaning/applications but there are usually set meaning to most symbols. Rebirth and annoyances may be what your bat best symbolizes with an greater emphasis on rebirth {negative past to positive possibilities}. The bat in your dream took on a positive role. The exam likely has to do with examining your choices for the future. And as you stated you are being examined, internally {by yourself}. Inner examinations is the core of finding truths within life and yourself. Jung points to the creative aspects as being the thing that is most fulfilling in life, doing what you like doing most. Perhaps fate has given you an opportunity to explore that aspect.

Jerry

Age & Gender & Location {Required}: 70 Altoona, Fl