Dream Analysts: Your input please! :)

[YmirGF]

I had an very amusing dream the other night and don't quite know what to make of it, so any ideas would be very helpful.

I was alone in a new apartment. I was a very large place, but long and narrow and had a freezer that was more like a MRI machine on the outside, but obviously a freezer when you opened the door. Inside were several pieces of butter, ends of pound packs, all sitting in the frost... (it was not a "frost free" freezer) but was at least 10 feet deep by 6 feet by 4 feet, with a large door on the front.

I had just move in and had various painting strewn about the floor. I'd never seen the paintings before, but oddly, they all seemed familiar. If I had to guess, the apartment was somewhere between 1500 and 2000 square feet, all on one level. I seemed to be happy with the move and was puttering about, as one does when they move into a new place.

Suddenly, I was drawn to a window that was a bit small, say ... 4 feet wide, by 3 feet... and a large deer came up to the window. (Keep in mind that I see wild deer nearly everyday where I live, so that was not unusual. Plus they do make their rounds to my Cul-de-sac.) This deer was different though. It wasn't the ususal tawny colour, but rather, was pure white.... and as large as a horse.... (It gets better, lol.) I greeted it, as I usually do and it moved to climb in through the window, so I helped it climb through. (I should have realized I was dreaming because squeezing a full grown horse size deer through a 4x3 window ain't exactly a common occurrence.)

Anyway, once inside, I gave the big critter a hug and then went to rub off, what I thought was a small blotch of blood from the middle of its forehead. I moved my finger to the area and noticed it wasn't blood, it was a symbol... right there in the centre of the snowy forehead, with those huge black eyes gazing back at me.

As near as I can remember, the symbol was (... hell... give me a sec and I'll draw it...) like this... (don't laugh)

I mused over this image and chatted a bit with her, it was definitely a female, and then adopted the tone of, "Oh... you naughty deer, you know you shouldn't be in the house." And then pulled the deer to a door that miraculously appeared near where we were standing in the room. I opened the door, scolded her a bit more for being in the house one more time... sort of like you would say to an unruly, but delightful child, put my arm around her neck and pulled her through the door. Then I woke up.

And no, I have not done any drugs for years now.... but with dreams like this, um, who needs drugs?

In any event, I'd love to hear what some of you think. If you have any questions, feel free and I will explain a bit further.

 

[Student of X]

If I had to guess I would say it wasn't really your apartment, it was your personal unconscious mind. The paintings were probably pieces of repressed unconscious material or fragments of past lives.

The deer was an archetype of the collective unconscious in symbolic form, reaching out from the collective and into your personal unconscious. imo.

But as the dreamer yours is the only interpretation that matters.

THE WHITE ANIMALS HAVE RETURNED

 

[YmirGF]

If I had to guess I would say it wasn't really your apartment, it was your personal unconscious mind. The paintings were probably pieces of repressed unconscious material or fragments of past lives.

The deer was an archetype of the collective unconscious in symbolic form, reaching out from the collective and into your personal unconscious. imo.

But as the dreamer yours is the only interpretation that matters.

THE WHITE ANIMALS HAVE RETURNED

Thank you for the input, Student of X, but you aren't saying anything I am not already aware of. As anyone who has been around on RF for a while knows, I am hardly a "newbie" at interpreting dreams. I am already well aware of what the different aspects could mean, but I was just interested in what other meat some folks could bring to the table. Thanks again, though, for your reply.

 

[Gjallarhorn]

White is typically a symbol of purity or innocence, and this is really apparent on a deer, which typically symbolize kindness, gentleness, child-like love, etc.

The symbol looks completely meaningless to me, but calls to mind images of fruit: an apple, cherries, stuff like that. Apples mean temptation (however irritating that association is to me), life, eternal youth, and beauty. Cherries usually mean sweetness and kindness, but especially mean sexuality and loss of virginity, as well as lust.

So, in the long tradition of dream interpreters talking out their *****, perhaps your new life is being intruded upon (not menacingly, mind you) by a childhood love. It may even be whoever you lost your virginity to. Freud eat your heart out.

If not, call it a prophecy.

 

[YmirGF]

White is typically a symbol of purity or innocence, and this is really apparent on a deer, which typically symbolize kindness, gentleness, child-like love, etc.

The symbol looks completely meaningless to me, but calls to mind images of fruit: an apple, cherries, stuff like that. Apples mean temptation (however irritating that association is to me), life, eternal youth, and beauty. Cherries usually mean sweetness and kindness, but especially mean sexuality and loss of virginity, as well as lust.

So, in the long tradition of dream interpreters talking out their *****, perhaps your new life is being intruded upon (not menacingly, mind you) by a childhood love. It may even be whoever you lost your virginity to. Freud eat your heart out.

If not, call it a prophecy.

That's quite good, Gjallarhorn. One thing I didn't mention, but meant to when I was writing this up was that there was a sequence like it was straight out of "Mr. Ed" prior to the deer climbing through the window. It was all so matter-of-fact. As well, the dream had an inherent delight about it. Everything was new and exciting, with some thing neat to view at every turn. I woke up feeling quite pleasant and chuckling over the deer sequence. (Then looked out the nearest window to see if I have a 4 legged peeping Tom about.)

 

[Reptillian]

A lot of square, box, and cube symbolism, even the red symbol itself...which reminds me of a television with marshmallow rabbit ears. The MRI is significant too since it often is associated with feelings of claustrophobia in patients. The freezer is where things are locked away in stasis. Perhaps you're feeling trapped stagnant or boxed in lately? The deer may represent a perceived large pure source of freedom from the outside world.

 

[Zoe Doidge]

Hmm, let's see what I can remember!

I was alone in a new apartment. I was a very large place, but long and narrow and had a freezer that was more like a MRI machine on the outside, but obviously a freezer when you opened the door. Inside were several pieces of butter, ends of pound packs, all sitting in the frost... (it was not a "frost free" freezer) but was at least 10 feet deep by 6 feet by 4 feet, with a large door on the front.

I had just move in and had various painting strewn about the floor. I'd never seen the paintings before, but oddly, they all seemed familiar. If I had to guess, the apartment was somewhere between 1500 and 2000 square feet, all on one level. I seemed to be happy with the move and was puttering about, as one does when they move into a new place.

You have a bit of a contrast here, with the food being nicely organized and the paintings just lying on the floor. Butter is seen as an indulgence (and I imagine pound packs in this context would be too), whereas paintings are supposed to be how we imagine things. Can't really say any more about them since I don't know what was on them, but the fact that they're scattered around could be representative of how you picture things, or simply of something you've been meaning to organize but haven't gotten around to.

Suddenly, I was drawn to a window that was a bit small, say ... 4 feet wide, by 3 feet... and a large deer came up to the window. (Keep in mind that I see wild deer nearly everyday where I live, so that was not unusual. Plus they do make their rounds to my Cul-de-sac.) This deer was different though. It wasn't the ususal tawny colour, but rather, was pure white.... and as large as a horse.... (It gets better, lol.) I greeted it, as I usually do and it moved to climb in through the window, so I helped it climb through. (I should have realized I was dreaming because squeezing a full grown horse size deer through a 4x3 window ain't exactly a common occurrence.)

Anyway, once inside, I gave the big critter a hug and then went to rub off, what I thought was a small blotch of blood from the middle of its forehead. I moved my finger to the area and noticed it wasn't blood, it was a symbol... right there in the centre of the snowy forehead, with those huge black eyes gazing back at me.

As near as I can remember, the symbol was (... hell... give me a sec and I'll draw it...) like this... (don't laugh)

I mused over this image and chatted a bit with her, it was definitely a female, and then adopted the tone of, "Oh... you naughty deer, you know you shouldn't be in the house." And then pulled the deer to a door that miraculously appeared near where we were standing in the room. I opened the door, scolded her a bit more for being in the house one more time... sort of like you would say to an unruly, but delightful child, put my arm around her neck and pulled her through the door. Then I woke up.

And no, I have not done any drugs for years now.... but with dreams like this, um, who needs drugs?

In any event, I'd love to hear what some of you think. If you have any questions, feel free and I will explain a bit further.

A deer tends to represent compassion and kindness, and white is obviously purity. Being bigger than regular deer could be a bit of a warning about arrogance or excess, especially regarding the attributes a white deer represents. That’s something which you might have realised at least subconsciously since you went on to lead the deer out of your house.

So keeping in mind I really have no idea what kind of person you are or anything, I’d say maybe your subconscious mind is worried that you’re indulging too much in spiritual stuff (for want of a better term) while not taking care of the material.

 

[YmirGF]

A lot of square, box, and cube symbolism, even the red symbol itself...which reminds me of a television with marshmallow rabbit ears. The MRI is significant too since it often is associated with feelings of claustrophobia in patients. The freezer is where things are locked away in stasis. Perhaps you're feeling trapped stagnant or boxed in lately? The deer may represent a perceived large pure source of freedom from the outside world.

That's actually very good, Reptilian. It is true that we have been trapped in the house, surround by the majestic gardens since the onset of winter. It is almost time to get back outside and get to work. It's still rather cold in the morning and the dew is still very heavy... so give it another week or two. My guess is that the dream is about cabin fever, lol and the renewal of spring.

 

[dawny0826]

I see transition or change. Whether a reflection on the past or a look upon present or future changes, I see this one as a glimpse on changes and reaction to it. I see the deer as a manifestation of yourself. If the symbology didn't exist on her foreward, I would think differently, but as there is symbology there on that forehead, she's the part of you that represents struggle.

I see your dream as a reassurance.

 

[Student of X]

Thank you for the input, Student of X, but you aren't saying anything I am not already aware of. As anyone who has been around on RF for a while knows, I am hardly a "newbie" at interpreting dreams. I am already well aware of what the different aspects could mean, but I was just interested in what other meat some folks could bring to the table. Thanks again, though, for your reply.

mm-hmm

 

[YmirGF]

I see transition or change. Whether a reflection on the past or a look upon present or future changes, I see this one as a glimpse on changes and reaction to it. I see the deer as a manifestation of yourself. If the symbology didn't exist on her forward, I would think differently, but as there is symbology there on that forehead, she's the part of you that represents struggle.

I see your dream as a reassurance.

Very good, Dawn. From my perspective, the dream IS about renewal, indeed and is very positive.

I will let the cat out of the bag, however, you see, I already know what the dream means to me. I am just very curious how others will interpret it. In some ways, I AM grading your answers, LOL. A bit arrogant, perhaps, but nonetheless, true.

That said, so far, I very much like many of the answers. Keep 'em coming though. It is a very unusual dream and contains much rich symbolism. I thought it would be a perfect one to dissect in a public format without revealing too much about my personality.

 

[4consideration]

I think that the dreamer is the best interpretter of their own dream symbols, so with that disclaimer out of the way, here are my thoughts.

I would interpret the apartment to be some new place of conscious dwelling -- perhaps some new ideas or a new perspective -- very spacious and certainly adequate (and good in general, a nice place to be.) However, I would interpret the long and narrow aspect of it to perhaps indicate some level of narrowness of path, or narrow-mindedness that might be present -- with some possible sticking point -- a big "freezer" -- like something that might keep you stuck on an issue. Since you describe the freezer as looking like an MRI machine, I would wonder if it might have something to do with information gathering, seeing in-depth, looking for a cause of a problem (or however you might interpret the function of an MRI machine.) Or, perhaps the issue may be related in some way to a scientific/technology type of idea.

It seems that your "freezer" was old even if it appeared new (perhaps an old belief that was "inherited" in some way) if it does not include a self-defrost function (I would interpret like a self-regulator.) The items in the freezer seem to be left-over items. It does not seem that you stocked the freezer for yourself, so perhaps there is a small amount of clearing out someone else's "leftover" pieces. I would take a look to see if there may be some old, inherited beliefs that you may not realize was left behind in your own thinking (or may have accepted without examining) that may not actually belong to you or be capable of providing you with adequate sustenance -- not really like something bad, just not really yours, and not adequate to "fill" you.

The symbol on the deer interests me. I can't say that I immediately got a specific impression about the symbol, but I notice that it appears to be a symbol that includes a mirror-image of itself -- it is balanced. I see that as a good symbol. If you subscribe to the idea about right brained/left brained thinking, I see it may indicate balanced thinking. Or, I could see it as balancing the male/female aspects of a person, too. (Especially since the deer was known by you to be a female.)

Overall, it seems that the dream may be about balancing out some things within yourself. It has a pleasant feel, as though balancing is what is occurring, or has occurred.

I noticed that not only did you welcome the deer, but you actually helped it to come in -- yet you (playfully) recognized that it was not appropriate for it to stay in the house, and forgot, overlooked, or did not take responsibility for having participated in helping it to come in. Maybe there is something that it would benefit you to see what part you played in it. (And, taking a light-hearted, playful approach to it seems appropriate.) I don't see it as being a huge issue, just some issue where you may have overlooked your role. As soon as you realize what is really appropriate for you now, I would expect the way (the "miraculous" appearance of the door) to present itself.

The painting seems to me to be an indication of the beauty (art) in keeping some of the old and familiar (thoughts/ideas/beliefs/ways of being) with you to decorate your life -- even if you really see it in a new way, and haven't quite yet decided what of it you want to "hang on your walls."

 

[YmirGF]

I think that the dreamer is the best interpretter of their own dream symbols, so with that disclaimer out of the way, here are my thoughts.

I would interpret the apartment to be some new place of conscious dwelling -- perhaps some new ideas or a new perspective -- very spacious and certainly adequate (and good in general, a nice place to be.) However, I would interpret the long and narrow aspect of it to perhaps indicate some level of narrowness of path, or narrow-mindedness that might be present -- with some possible sticking point -- a big "freezer" -- like something that might keep you stuck on an issue. Since you describe the freezer as looking like an MRI machine, I would wonder if it might have something to do with information gathering, seeing in-depth, looking for a cause of a problem (or however you might interpret the function of an MRI machine.) Or, perhaps the issue may be related in some way to a scientific/technology type of idea.

It seems that your "freezer" was old even if it appeared new (perhaps an old belief that was "inherited" in some way) if it does not include a self-defrost function (I would interpret like a self-regulator.) The items in the freezer seem to be left-over items. It does not seem that you stocked the freezer for yourself, so perhaps there is a small amount of clearing out someone else's "leftover" pieces. I would take a look to see if there may be some old, inherited beliefs that you may not realize was left behind in your own thinking (or may have accepted without examining) that may not actually belong to you or be capable of providing you with adequate sustenance -- not really like something bad, just not really yours, and not adequate to "fill" you.

The symbol on the deer interests me. I can't say that I immediately got a specific impression about the symbol, but I notice that it appears to be a symbol that includes a mirror-image of itself -- it is balanced. I see that as a good symbol. If you subscribe to the idea about right brained/left brained thinking, I see it may indicate balanced thinking. Or, I could see it as balancing the male/female aspects of a person, too. (Especially since the deer was known by you to be a female.)

Overall, it seems that the dream may be about balancing out some things within yourself. It has a pleasant feel, as though balancing is what is occurring, or has occurred.

I noticed that not only did you welcome the deer, but you actually helped it to come in -- yet you (playfully) recognized that it was not appropriate for it to stay in the house, and forgot, overlooked, or did not take responsibility for having participated in helping it to come in. Maybe there is something that it would benefit you to see what part you played in it. (And, taking a light-hearted, playful approach to it seems appropriate.) I don't see it as being a huge issue, just some issue where you may have overlooked your role. As soon as you realize what is really appropriate for you now, I would expect the way (the "miraculous" appearance of the door) to present itself.

The painting seems to me to be an indication of the beauty (art) in keeping some of the old and familiar (thoughts/ideas/beliefs/ways of being) with you to decorate your life -- even if you really see it in a new way, and haven't quite yet decided what of it you want to "hang on your walls."

Outstanding analysis, though I think perhaps you are fixating on the MRI aspect a bit much. It was only said to give the idea of what this huge thing looked like, sort of. I did like the breakdown on the bits of butter. Very tight. Thanks.

 

[4consideration]

Outstanding analysis, though I think perhaps you are fixating on the MRI aspect a bit much. It was only said to give the idea of what this huge thing looked like, sort of. I did like the breakdown on the bits of butter. Very tight. Thanks.

Thanks. I think it is important with dream analysis for the interpretation of symbols to remain rather flexible.

I didn't really see the MRI as obviously being that significant, but not knowing what it might mean to you, was simply putting out there several possibilities that occurred to me -- since you described it as appearing more like something else than the typical image of a freezer that one might expect to see in an apartment.

 

[CynthiaCypher]

The deer is a messenger. Typically in Celtic mythology, the white deer is a messenger from the gods.

 

[CynthiaCypher]

And the symbol you drew sort of looks like a Celtic shield knot

 

[Willamena]

Dude! The symbol is obviously two Christmas presents, and that means... the deer is Rudolph!

Easy.

 

[zenzero]

Friend Paul,

Personally never bothered about dreams or their interpretations as dreams are dreams. MIND DELUSIONS.
Like to sometimes make logos and used the same symbol to represent AB in small letters except the two closed loops on top.
Love & rgds

 

[Gjallarhorn]

This is starting to feel like an elaborate Rorschach inkblot.

 

[YmirGF]

This is starting to feel like an elaborate Rorschach inkblot.

A fitting definition of a dream, to be sure.