Need a little dream help

[Behind the Aegis]

I usually am pretty good at interpreting dreams, even using "insight" to interpret (not just traditional meanings). However, I also feel sometimes it is better to have an outsider look at a dream, or element of a dream to help with deciphering it. So, here is the issue.

I have dreams that have elevators in them. When I get in the elevator, it starts out OK, then it speeds up (as it is falling), then the entire car starts to rotate!!! The elevator car spins around (very slowly) as it continues to drop. It has come to the point that I am terrified of elevators in my dreams. The elevator drops below the first floor and I almost always end up in some substrata of the building. Sometimes there is another person with me, sometimes a group, sometimes, just me! I always have to crawl out of the elevator once it has stopped. On a few occasions, others in the car with me are killed, but more often than not, everyone is just "shaken up." Once I am out, the dream continues and the fear all but vanishes.

So what kind of madness is this?

[hvn_nbr_2]

1. I'll step up with a thought or two

Well, my approach to dreamwork uses the maxim, "Only the dreamer can say for sure," so I mostly ask questions or toss out ideas and possibilities to see if anything clicks with the dreamer.

Do elevators have any particular meaning to you? Do you use elevators often, or did you ever at any time in your life?

What kinds of things happen when the dreams continue after you're out of the elevator? That might shed some light. Also what, if anything, happens before the elevator in the dreams?

When there are other people in the elevator, are they anyone you know in real life, or do they remind you of or have characteristics of anyone you know?

In connection with "only the dreamer can say for sure," often if someone suggests meanings or significances, the dreamer immediately has a sudden recognition of something or a feeling of connection without any specific recognition if the suggestion is "on," and just no real reaction if the suggestion is completely off. A reaction of strong rejection of the idea along with some emotion about it may indicate something to look at here. So keep this paragraph in mind as you read my suggestions in the next couple paragraphs.

I'd guess that since the dreams are repeating, there's something trying to get your attention or tell you something.

Often basements or underground parts of buildings can relate to your subconscious. It's possible that the elevator symbolizes some way of delving into your subconscious. Do you meditate, or do therapy, or do anything similar that might be opening toward some unconscious awareness? (Elevator imagery is often used in going into meditation or hypnosis, and similar motion is used in doing shamanic journeys.)

It's possible that the fear you experience indicates fear that you have of discovering what's beneath your current conscious awareness, and that the spinning elevator indicates a disorienting affect of going into that awareness. It could mean you have to re-orient some thinking to get to the awareness that is trying to come out. But since you always survive and the fear mostly vanishes, it could mean that once you get to that awareness, you'll realize that the fear was not well-founded; there really wasn't anything to be afraid of. BTW, all my talk of subconscious awareness coming out could be about some repressed memory but is much more likely to be just some self-awareness or self-recognition thing or seeing something that you never realized before or seeing something in a new way.

Does your screen name "Behind the Aegis" indicate some connection with Athena? If so, there could be some relationship with one of the mythological stories about Athena. Didn't she assist the one (Perseus?) who went into the underground labyrinth to slay some monster and used a string to find the way back out? Does that story connect in any way?

[Behind the Aegis]

2. Elevators

I have no real connection to elevators. I don't use any now because I am still unemployed and live in a small town. As a matter of fact, the last time I was on an elevator was well over a year ago, perhaps, longer. I used to work in a high-rise building, so I used the elevators often, but I was never afraid of them, even the few times I got trapped in them.

As for what happens before and after the elevator incidents, it really depends on the dream. It is not as if the elevator pops up in odd places. If the dream is taking place in a building, I will get in the elevator and it shoots to the basement. If I want to get anywhere in the building, I have to take the stairs. I was even in a glass elevator that was outside the building, and it did the same damn thing! I was watching as the elevator bore into the pavement and through the earth.

Often basements or underground parts of buildings can relate to your subconscious. It's possible that the elevator symbolizes some way of delving into your subconscious. Do you meditate, or do therapy, or do anything similar that might be opening toward some unconscious awareness? (Elevator imagery is often used in going into meditation or hypnosis, and similar motion is used in doing shamanic journeys.) I knew the part about basements and such, but I was unaware of the elevator symbolism! THAT makes sense! I TRY to meditate, etc., but it is always very chaotic! I can't ever get my mind to slow down, it just spins around! I think I am understanding why I am dreaming about spinning elevators! Here's my take on it now...I have limited "abilities" in the psychic realm. I have been told by a number of people that I need to tap into my subconscious because I have much potential still unused. Since I have been without work, I spend most of the time by myself and my pets (except when my partner is home). My 'abilities' are becoming a little more honed. I do have a fear that if I were to tap into the subconscious I will become overwhelmed (or worse, there won't be anything else there). I have been having these dreams since I was little, they became stronger in college, then there was a few years off, then they started again.

Does your screen name "Behind the Aegis" indicate some connection with Athena? If so, there could be some relationship with one of the mythological stories about Athena. Didn't she assist the one (Perseus?) who went into the underground labyrinth to slay some monster and used a string to find the way back out? Does that story connect in any way? Am I connected to Athena?! Heehee! In a word...YES! She is my favorite deity. I practice neo-Hellenistic paganism. I have statues of Athena (or pictures) in almost every room in the house! I never thought about a connection that way. However, you confused two stories. Perseus is the one killed the Gorgon, Medusa, with the help of Athena. The other one, about the underground labyrinth, is Theseus, who killed the Minotaur. I will have to look over my myths again, as Athena is known for contacting mortals via dreams, instead of visions or apparitions, like other gods.

I really appreciate your input! I usually can tear through a dream, but that one element was giving me fits.

[hvn_nbr_2]

3. Elevators, meditation, Athena

I TRY to meditate, etc., but it is always very chaotic! I can't ever get my mind to slow down, it just spins around!

There are several things you might try for that problem.

First, as you start to meditate, visualize placing all your worries, cares, thoughts, etc in a bag/box/chest or whatever and leave them outside your meditation space, and visualize turning away from them and going to meditation. You can note that they'll be waiting for you right there when you're done, if you still want them.

Second, you could try what hypnotists call "utilization." The hypnotist (or you leading your own meditation) utilizes whatever form resistance is taking, by using it to help induce the trance (or your deeper meditation). Resistance is actually good, if you utilize it properly. For example, if a person keeps getting itchy and scratching every time they start to relax, the hypnotist might say something like, "Yes, go ahead and scratch. Notice that as you scratch the itch, you become more comfortable as the itch is gone, more able to relax. Yes, you're more comfortable and relaxed now. Every time you scratch an itch, you become even more comfortable, more relaxed." When you notice your mind spinning on something, you could say to yourself something like, "My mind, I see you're spinning on that issue again. It's all right, that's important to you, and you don't have to work on it all the time. In fact, you can relax and take a break from it. Remember, we put that in the chest by the door for awhile. Let's put it back there now. It will be there when it's time. There's plenty of time for that later." Eventually you'll learn to just notice it and let it go. That's what meditation teachers always tell you to do, but it isn't always that easy.

Third, you might try "mindfulness" (vipassana) meditation. I don't know much about that kind, but my understanding is that basically you watch the content of your mind moment to moment as it happens. So it doesn't really matter if your mind is racing and spinning. You just watch it race and spin and notice what's happening. Sooner or later, it will slow down and relax.

Am I connected to Athena?! Heehee! In a word...YES! She is my favorite deity. I practice neo-Hellenistic paganism.

She is also my favorite deity, but I haven't really studied her a lot. I focus on her a lot in meditation, and she sometimes gives me things that aren't typically associated with her, such as healing. I wouldn't say that I practice neo-Hellenistic paganism so much as I just relate to the Greek tradition. I found a book called "Practical Greek Magick" in a used bookstore once, and I've picked a few things out of it to work with. I was getting fairly proficient with using Hades's invisibility helmet for awhile when I was practicing with it but haven't been doing much with that recently. I tend to be unintentionally invisible way too much, so I guess I had a head start on doing it deliberately.

My second favorite diety is Dionysus, which makes for an odd pair with Athena. I've recently been getting a connection with Hermes and somewhat even with Zeus too. Zeus is a bit of a surprise because he seems to have taken an interest in me for some reason.

[Behind the Aegis]

4. You are just full of answers!

I will try the "mindfulness" meditation. That seems more up my alley. If I try, to leave my problems in a box, I will spend time worrying about them. And the second one, well...let's just say if I am allowed to "go with it" then I get distracted and if I am challenged, I tend to battle. So, I will opt for number 3 and see how that goes.

Glad to meet another Athena fan. There are a couple more here at DU as well. You helped me with the elevators, so let me offer a little insight about the Greek gods (from my perspective). If Athena is offering healing, that is something very BIG. She and Zeus are the only gods who can breathe life into mortals. There are a few stories about her healing others of giving the "breath of life." I also have "Practical Greek Magick" and I recently acquired another book by Murray Hope, which is out of print. Greek magick books are very hard to come by, so if you find one get it! You may never see it again!

Dionysus has a strong connection with mortals, since his mother was one. It is also believed his myths gave rise to the Jesus story, along with Osiris. Hermes is communication and may be who is linking you to Zeus. If you feel Zeus has taken a shine to you, you are very fortunate. He is not an easy god to contact, and he often cares little for mortals (except females and an occasional male). If Zeus is involved, a political career may be upcoming.

I have a connection to Athena, Hecate (patroness of witches), sometimes, Pan, an unknown god/dess. I have invoked Khaos once...that was a RUSH! I am interested in other gods as well. I try to learn about a variety, but the Greek ones are special to me. It would be interesting to have a Greek thread to see who else is out there and who they are in contact with. Here is a GREAT site on Greek gods! Greek Gods galore!

[Matariki]

6. yes! start The Greek thread - in the pagan section n/t

[hvn_nbr_2]

7. You beat me to that suggestion

That group is called "Ancient Wisdom and Pagan Spirituality". It's been pretty slow over there lately.

The Greek gods site looks like a pretty good source.

I'm off to Pantheacon for most of this long weekend.

[bliss_eternal]

5. Well it looks like you've received a response

that resonates with you! Yay!

I opened this thread to see if you still may be seeking help with this. So glad that someone offered someething that 'clicked.' :)