Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.
The Chinese, in their solar rites, utilize a tablet of red jade, which they
call Chang; it symbolizes the Element of fire (39). In Egyptian hieroglyphics, fire
is also related to the solar-symbolism of the flame, and associated in particular
with the concepts of life and health (deriving from the idea of body-heat). It is
also allied with the concept of superiority and control (19), showing that the
symbol had by this time developed into an expression of spiritual energy. The
alchemists retained in particular the Heraclitean notion of fire as ‘the agent of
transmutation’, since all things derive from, and return to, fire. It is the seed which
is reproduced in each successive life (and is thereby linked with the libido and
fecundity) (57). In this sense as a mediator between forms which vanish and
forms in creation, fire is, like water, a symbol of transformation and regeneration.
For most primitives, fire was a demiurge emanating from the sun, whose earthly
representative it was; hence it is related on the one hand with the ray of light and
the lightning (35), and, on the other, with gold. Frazer lists many rites in which
torches, bonfires, burning embers and even ashes are considered capable of stimulating the growth of the cornfields and the well-being of man and of animals.
However, anthropological research has furnished two explanations of the firefestival (as it persists today in the Valencian bonfires on the night of St. John,
fireworks and the illuminated Christmas tree): on the one hand, there is the
opinion of Wilhelm Mannhardt, to the effect that it is imitative magic purporting
to assure the supply of light and heat from the sun, and, on the other, the view of
Eugene Mogk and Edward Westermarck that it has as its aim the purification or
destruction of the forces of evil (21); however, these two hypotheses are not opposing but complementary. The triumphant power and the vitality of the
sun—by analogy, the spirit of the shining Origin—is tantamount to victory over
the power of evil (the forces of darkness); purification is the necessary sacrificial
means of achieving the sun’s triumph. Marius Schneider, however, distinguishes
between two kinds of fire, depending upon their direction (or their function): fire
as in the axis fire-earth (representing eroticism, solar heat and physical energy),
and fire of the axis fire-air (linked with mysticism, purification or sublimation,
and spiritual energy). There is an exact parallel here with the ambivalent symbolism of the sword (denoting both physical destruction and determination of spirit)
(50). Fire, in consequence, is an image of energy which may be found at the level
of animal passion as well as on the plane of spiritual strength (56). The Heraclitean
idea of fire as the agent of destruction and regeneration is reproduced in the Indian
Puranas and in the Apocalypse (27). Gaston Bachelard recalls the alchemists’
concept of fire as ‘an Element which operates in the centre of all things’, as a
unifying and stabilizing factor. Paracelsus demonstrated the parallel between fire
and life, pointing out that both must feed upon other lives in order to keep alive.
To steal fire like Prometheus, or to give oneself up to fire like Empedocles, are
two concepts which point to the basic dualism of the human predicament. The
middle way lies in the comfortable solution of simply making material use of the
benefits of fire. But fire is ultra-life. It embraces both good (vital heat) and bad
(destruction and conflagration). It implies the desire to annihilate time and to
bring all things to their end. Fire is the archetypal image of phenomena in themselves (1). To pass through fire is symbolic of transcending the human condition,
according to Eliade in Myths, Dreams and Mysteries (London, 1960).
Depending on the context of your dream, to see fire in your dream can symbolize destruction, passion, desire, illumination, purification, transformation, enlightenment, or anger. It may suggest that something old is passing and something new is entering into your life. Your thoughts and views are changing. In particular, if the fire is under control or contained in one area, then it is a metaphor of your own internal fire and inner transformation. The dream may be a metaphor for someone who is "fiery". It represents your drive, motivation, and creative energy. Alternatively, the dream may be warning you of your dangerous or risky activities. You are literally "playing with fire".
To dream that you are being burned by fire, indicates that your temper is getting out of control. Some issue or situation is burning you up inside.
To dream that a house is on fire, indicates that you need to undergo some transformation. If you have recurring dreams of your family house on fire, then it suggests that you are still not ready for the change or that you are fighting against the change. Alternatively, it highlights passion and the love of those around you.
To dream that you put out a fire, signifies that you will overcome your obstacles in your life through much work and effort. If you are setting a fire to something or even to yourself, then it indicates that you are undergoing some great distress. You are at the brink of desperation and want to destroy something or some aspect of yourself.
Fire is favorable to the dreamer if he does not get burned. It brings continued prosperity to seamen and voyagers, as well as to those on land.
To dream of seeing your home burning, denotes a loving companion, obedient children, and careful servants.
For a business man to dream that his store is burning, and he is looking on, foretells a great rush in business and profitable results.
To dream that he is fighting fire and does not get burned, denotes that he will be much worked and worried as to the conduct of his business. To see the ruins of his store after a fire, forebodes ill luck. He will be almost ready to give up the effort of amassing a handsome fortune and a brilliant business record as useless, but some unforeseen good fortune will bear him up again.
If you dream of kindling a fire, you may expect many pleasant surprises.
You will have distant friends to visit.
To see a large conflagration, denotes to sailors a profitable and safe voyage. To men of literary affairs, advancement and honors; to business people, unlimited success.
Health and great happiness, kind relations and warm friends.
Depending on the context of your dream, to see fire in your dream can symbolizes destruction, passion, desire, illumination, transformation, enlightenment, or anger. It may suggest that something old is passing and something new is entering your life. Your thoughts and views are changing. In particular, if the fire is under control or contained in one area, it is a metaphor of your own internal fire and inner transformation. It also represents your drive and motivation. Dreaming of that you are being burned by fire indicates that your temper is getting out of control. Some issue or situation is burning you up inside. Dreaming that a house is on fire means passion and loving companions. Dreaming that you put out a fire means that you will overcome your obstacles in your life through much work and effort.
This is a very complex symbol that can have both negative and positive connotations. When interpreting this dream, you need to consider all of its details and your emotional responses in the dream. Fire can be a deeply spiritual symbol representing transformation and enlightenment. On the other hand, it could represent danger, anger, passion, pain or fear. A warm fireplace can symbolize happiness and security. Is the fire in your dream destroying something or simply warming you? Are you currently engaging in negative behaviors, or are you knowingly making wrong (or destructive) choices? Are you putting out fires in your dream? Your unconscious mind may be warning you and at the same time encouraging you to alter those things in your life that may be hurtful and dangerous.
Given that water is the symbol of communication between the formal and
the informal, the element of transition between different cycles, yielding by
nature, and also related to the ideas of material, earthly fecundity and the Heraclitean
‘death of the soul’, it follows that ice represents principally two things: first, the
change induced in water by the cold—that is, the ‘congelation’ of its symbolic
significance; and, secondly, the stultification of the potentialities of water. Hence
ice has been defined as the rigid dividing-line between consciousness and the
unconscious (or between any other dynamic levels) (56). Although the negative
sense is predominant, it is not lacking in a positive sense in so far as the solidification is tantamount to toughness, and the coldness implies resistance to all that
is inferior; in this latter sense it corresponds to Nietzsche’s freezing and ‘hostile’
air of mountain-peaks.
To see ice in your dream, suggests that you are lacking a flow of ideas and thoughts. You are not seeing any progress in your life. Alternatively, you may be feeling emotionally paralyzed or rigid. You need to let your feelings be known.
To dream that you are walking on ice, indicates that you are standing on shaky or instable ground. You need to proceed with caution in some matter or situation. Alternatively, the dream also suggests that you are taking risks that you shouldn't be taking.
To dream that you slip on ice, symbolizes your insecurities and self-esteem issues. There may also be an obstacle ahead for you.
To dream that you fall through ice, suggests that your emotions are threatening to come crashing through.
To dream of ice, betokens much distress, and evil-minded persons will seek to injure you in your best work.
To see ice floating in a stream of clear water, denotes that your happiness will be interrupted by ill-tempered and jealous friends.
To dream that you walk on ice, you risk much solid comfort and respect for evanescent joys.
For a young woman to walk on ice, is a warning that only a thin veil hides her from shame.
To see icicles on the eaves of houses, denotes misery and want of comfort.
Ill health is foreboded.
To see icicles on the fence, denotes suffering bodily and mentally.
To see them on trees, despondent hopes will grow gloomier.
To see them on evergreens, a bright future will be overcast with the shadow of doubtful honors.
To dream that you make ice, you will make a failure of your life through egotism and selfishness.
Eating ice, foretells sickness. If you drink ice-water, you will bring ill health from dissipation.
Bathing in ice-water, anticipated pleasures will be interrupted with an unforeseen event.
Seeing ice in your dream, suggests that you are lacking a flow of ideas and thoughts. You are not seeing in progress in your life. Alternatively, you may be feeling emotionally paralyzed or rigid. You need to let your feelings be known. Dreaming that you are walking on ice indicates that you are standing on shaky or instable ground. You are taking risks that you shouldn't be taking. Fear and caution are also implied. Dreaming that you fall through ice, suggests that your emotions are threatening to come crashing through.
Ice, or water in the solid form, is associated with the emotions and the unconsciousness. Dreaming about ice suggests that you may have some emotions or denied psychological issues that are not readily accessible to you. These feelings may be negative. (I.e. fear and anxiety about death or sexual frigidity) Things that are frozen are generally not usable and they do not change or grow. This dream may be pointing to feelings or thoughts that are inaccessible to you or to that part of you that is inaccessible to others. Superstition based dream interpretation books tell us that sitting on ice in your dreams is a dream of the contrary. It indicates that you may have a life of comfort and prosperity.
To dream that you are asking for a favor, indicates you need to let go of your pride and seek help when you need it. Alternatively, the dream may be a pun on something or someone that you are "favoring."
To dream that you are granting a favor, represents your compassion and your consideration of others.
To dream that you ask favors of anyone, denotes that you will enjoy abundance, and that you will not especially need anything.
To grant favors, means a loss
Dreaming that you ask favors of anyone means that you will enjoy abundance. Dreaming that you grant favors means a loss.
The traditional symbols of destruction are always ambivalent,
whether we take the thirteenth mystery of the Tarot, the twelfth sign of the
Zodiac (Pisces), the symbolism of water or fire, or of any form of sacrifice. Every
ending is a beginning, just as every beginning contains an end; this is the essential
idea of the symbols of mystic ‘Inversion’ which Schneider has subjected to such
careful study. All this, then, should be borne in mind when we read such observations as the following by Rudolf Steiner (taken from La Philosophie de la Liberté):
‘To transform being into an infinitely superior non-being, that is the aim of the
creation of the world. The process of the universe is a perpetual combat . . . which
will end only with the annihilation of all existence. The moral life of man, then,
consists in taking part in universal destruction.’ This ‘destruction’—like the
alchemic process—concerns only phenomena, or what is separate in space (the
disjunct or the remote) and in time (the transitory). This is why Steiner entitled
a collection of his poems Destruction or Love.
To dream about mass destruction, suggests that there is some chaos occurring in your life. Things may not be going the way you want it to. Perhaps the choices you are making are self-destructive.
Dreaming about mass destruction, suggests that there is some chaos occurring in your life. Things may not be going the way you want it to. Perhaps the choices your are making are self-destructive.
To dream about hate, indicates repressed aggression and your fear of confrontations. On the other hand, you may forcing your views and opinions onto others. Consider the symbolism of other elements in the dream to find out what is it that you really hate.
To dream that you hate a person, denotes that if you are not careful you will do the party an inadvertent injury or a spiteful action will bring business loss and worry.
If you are hated for unjust causes, you will find sincere and obliging friends, and your associations will be most pleasant. Otherwise, the dream forebodes ill.
Dreaming about hate indicates repressed aggression and your fear of confrontations. On the other hand, you may forcing your views and opinions onto others. Consider the symbolism of other elements in the dream to find out what is it that you really hate.
To dream that you are holding something, suggests that you are trying to control or manipulate this object. Consider the significance and symbolism of this object. Holding may also signify protection, responsibility, or possession.
To dream of an end to something, represents an achievement or goal that has been reached. It may also mean that the bad times are coming to an end. Or perhaps your time is running out and you need to come to a decision about some issue. The end of something also signals the beginning of something new.