I am in the entry way of the Akashic Record Hall. Huge 3d wood carved paintings line the walls from floor to ceiling. (These gorgeous wood carvings look very much like the last image I have posted below). I am looking closely at each piece feeling the delicacy of the process of their creation. The building morphs I have been here before, but this time it feels like the Akashic Hall specifically for art. All the art manifested in the physical and within the minds eye of all beings. Beauty! My friends Brandon and Rem have morphed into one being and appear before me... This hybrid being is carrying painting after painting through the entry way and I am completely captivated by each piece. One of the paintings captures me deeply... it is a painting of an Elephant eye. I stare deep into the eye and its starts blinking at me... coming to life. It peers into the depths of my being... merges with my consciousness. My perspective changes from me looking at the eye to becoming the eye and looking back out at I. I woke up feeling so centered in my Being. I have not dreamed of Elephant Medicine for quite a while....
The essence of the question involved here is contained in the saying of
Plotinus that the eye would not be able to see the sun if, in a manner, it were not
itself a sun. Given that the sun is the source of light and that light is symbolic of
the intelligence and of the spirit, then the process of seeing represents a spiritual
act and symbolizes understanding. Hence, the ‘divine eye’ of the Egyptians—a
determinative sign in their hieroglyphics called Wadza—denotes ‘He who feeds
the sacred fire or the intelligence of Man’ (28)—Osiris, in fact. Very interesting,
too, is the way the Egyptians defined the eye—or, rather, the circle of the iris
with the pupil as centre—as the ‘sun in the mouth’ (or the creative Word) (8). René Magritte, the surrealist painter, has illustrated this same relationship between the sun and the mouth in one of his most fascinating paintings. The possession of two eyes conveys physical normality and its spiritual equivalent, and it
follows that the third eye is symbolic of the superhuman or the divine. As for the
single eye, its significance is ambivalent: on the one hand it implies the subhuman
because it is less than two (two eyes being equated with the norm); but on the
other hand, given its location in the forehead, above the place designated for the
eyes by nature, it seems to allude to extra-human powers which are in fact—in
mythology—incarnated in the Cyclops. At the same time the eye in the forehead
is linked up with the idea of destruction, for obvious reasons in the case of the
single eye; but the same also applies when there is a third eye in the forehead, as
with Siva (or Shiva). This is explained by reference to one of the facets of the
symbolism of the number three: for if three can be said to correspond to the
active, the passive and the neutral, it can also apply to creation, conservation and
destruction. Heterotopic eyes are the spiritual equivalent of sight, that is, of
clairvoyance. (Heterotopic eyes are those which have been transferred anatomically to various parts of the body, such as the hands, wings, torso, arms, and
different parts of the head, in figures of fantastic beings, angels, deities and so on.)
When the eyes are situated in the hand, for example, by association with the
symbolism of the hand they come to denote clairvoyant action. An excessive
number of eyes has an ambivalent significance which it is important to note. In
the first place, the eyes refer to night with its myriads of stars, in the second
place, paradoxically yet necessarily, the possessor of so many eyes is left in
darkness. Furthermore, by way of corroboration, let us recall that in symbolist
theory multiplicity is always a sign of inferiority. Such ambivalences are common
in the realm of the unconscious and its projected images. Instructive in this
connexion is the example of Argus, who with all his eyes could not escape death.
The Adversary (Satan, in Hebrew) has been represented in a variety of ways,
among others, as a being with many eyes. A Tarot card in the Cabinet des Estampes
in Paris (Kh. 34d), for instance, depicts the devil as Argus with many eyes all over
his body. Another comparable symbolic device is also found commonly in demonic figures: it consists of taking some part of the body that possesses, as it
were, a certain autonomy of character or which is directly associated with a
definite function, and portraying it as a face. Multiple faces and eyes imply
disintegration or psychic decomposition—a conception which lies at the root of the demoniacal idea of rending apart (59). Finally, to come back to the pure
meaning of the eye in itself, Jung considers it to be the maternal bosom, and the
pupil its ‘child’.
(1)
Thus the great solar god becomes a child again, seeking renovation at his mother’s bosom (a symbol, for the Egyptians, of the mouth) (31).
1 The Jungian idea is expressed as a pun. ‘Niña’ means both ‘daughter’ and ‘pupil (of the eye)’. The
phrase ‘Niña de los ojos’ is like the English ‘apple of one’s eye’, which gives something of the feel of
the pun.—Translator
To dream of seeing an eye, warns you that watchful enemies are seeking the slightest chance to work injury to your business. This dream indicates to a lover, that a rival will usurp him if he is not careful.
To dream of brown eyes, denotes deceit and perfidy.
To see blue eyes, denotes weakness in carrying out any intention.
To see gray eyes, denotes a love of flattery for the owner.
To dream of losing an eye, or that the eyes are sore, denotes trouble.
To see a one-eyed man, denotes that you will be threatened with loss and trouble, beside which all others will appear insignificant.
Seeing your own eyes in your dream, represents enlightenment, knowledge, comprehension, understanding, and intellectual awareness. Unconscious thoughts may be coming onto the surface. The left eye is symbolic of the moon, while the right eye represents the sun. It may also be a pun on "I" or the self. If you dream that your eyes have turned inside your head and you can now see the inside of your head, then it symbolizes insight and something that you need to be aware of. This dream may be literally telling you that you need to look within yourself. Trust your intuition and instincts. Dreaming that you have something in your eye, represents obstacles in your path. Alternatively, it may represent your critical view and how you tend to see faults in others. Dreaming that you have one eye indicates your refusal to accept another viewpoint. It suggests that you are one-sided in your ways of thinking. Dreaming that you have a third eye, symbolizes inner vision and insight. You need to start looking within yourself. Dreaming that your eyes are injured or closed, suggests your refusal to see the truth about something or the avoidance of intimacy. You may be expressing feelings of hurt, pain or sympathy. Dreaming that you have crossed eyes indicates that you are not seeing straight with regards to some situation. You may be getting your facts mixed up.
Elephant-symbolism is somewhat complex for it embraces certain
secondary implications of a mythic character. In the broadest and universal sense,
it is a symbol of strength and of the power of the libido (42). Indian tradition has
it that elephants are the caryatids of the universe. In processions, they are the
bearers of kings and queens. It is interesting to note that, because of their rounded
shape and grey colour, they are regarded as symbols of clouds. By a twist of
magic thought, there arose first the belief that the elephant can create clouds and
then the mythic postulate of winged elephants. A mountain-top or a cloud, elephant-like in outline, could represent an axis of the universe (60), and this idea—
clearly primitive in origin—is probably what lies behind the use of the elephant
in the Middle Ages as an emblem of wisdom (49), of moderation, of eternity, and
also of pity (8).
To see an elephant in your dream, indicates that you need to be more patient or more understanding of others. Or perhaps there is a memory that you are holding on to for too long. You need to let go of the past. The elephant is also a symbol of power, strength, faithfulness and intellect. Alternatively, the elephant's introverted personality may be a reflection of your own personality. In particular, if you see a white elephant, then it symbolizes royalty.
To dream that you are riding an elephant, indicates that you are in control of your unconscious and aspects that you were once afraid of.
To dream that you are afraid of the elephant, suggests that there is an enormous problem that you are afraid to confront.
To dream that you are an elephant, suggests that you need to make your opinions and views known. You need to be more vocal and voice your ideas. Express yourself. Alternatively, dreaming that you are an elephant may be reflective of your conservative views. The elephant is the symbol of the United States Republican party. Perhaps you are sharing the same views as the Republican party.
To dream of riding an elephant, denotes that you will possess wealth of the most solid character, and honors which you will wear with dignity. You will rule absolutely in all lines of your business affairs and your word will be law in the home.
To see many elephants, denotes tremendous prosperity. One lone elephant, signifies you will live in a small but solid way.
To dream of feeding one, denotes that you will elevate yourself in your community by your kindness to those occupying places below you.
Good health, success, strength, prosperity, intelligence.
Seeing an elephant in your dream, suggests that you either need to be more patient and understanding of others. The elephant is also a symbol of power, strength, and intellect. Alternatively, as a creature with an introverted nature, the elephant may thus be depicting your own personality. Dreaming that you are riding an elephant indicates that you are in control of your unconscious and aspects that you once were afraid of.
Elephant Meanings and Symbolic Thoughts about the Elephant
Symbolic elephant meaning deals primarily with strength, honor, stability and patience, among other attributes.
To the Hindu way of thought, the elephant is found in the form of Ganesha who is the god of luck, fortune, protection and is a blessing upon all new projects. Ganesha in all his magnificently vibrant elephant glory, is intent on bulldozing obstacles on your behalf (funnily, male elephants are termed "bulls").
In many western cultures, the elephant meaning pertains to:
Reliability
Dignity
Power
Royalty
Pride
In Christian symbolism the elephant is an icon of temperance, patience, and chastity.
As a Chinese symbol, the elephant is considered a symbol of:
happiness
longevity
good luck
Some Asian cultures also believe the elephant is a cosmic creature, and carries the world upon it?s back (much like the tortoise does in some tribal Native American myths).
As a dream animal, elephants come into our dreams it is a message that we are able to deal with any obstacle we are faced with at this time. Dream elephants represent power, sovereignty, stability, and stead-fastness. If you dream that you are riding an elephant this suggests you have a tendancy to be the leader of the family, and others are heavily depending on you. If you dream of elephants in a circus this suggests you have a cavalier attitude about a situation in your life and you may want to invest more attention to it.
We gather more symbolic meaning of elephant by observing it in nature. Specifically, the elephant is considered a symbol of responsibility because it takes great care and responsibility of its offspring as well as their elders.
The elephant also has immense determination and loyalty - always standing up for others and always defending members of the group in its natural habitat.
Elephants also express advanced sensitivity and social connection, particularly during time of death - they travel to a specific place upon their death - fulfilling personal responsibility - even at the end of their days.
The sense of smell is very important and is a symbol for the importance of learning discernment. Also, elephants show great affection and loyalty. Those with this power animal will be given the opportunity to establish powerful family ties by caring for the young, the elderly and the sick.
Wisdom and power, strength, warrior, excellent memory, poor eyesight, relies on smell (higher form of discrimination), aroma therapy may help clear of ills and ease tensions, reclaim family ideals and strengthen the connection with family members and shows how to care for the young and the elderly. Are you applying your wisdom to help others at this time? Are you discerning and aware? Maybe it is time for a family outing to ease the tensions and stresses of everyday life? Elephant can teach this balance of family and occupation.
To dream that you are painting your house, indicates that you will experience success in a new project. You may even be promoted to a coveted position. You may be expressing your creativity. Alternatively, the dream indicates that you are covering up something. If someone else is painting your house, then it suggests that someone close to you is hiding something from you. Also consider the color of the paint to determine any additional significance. For example, red colored paint may imply painting the town red and releasing pent up excitement.
To dream that paint has gotten on your clothes, signifies that you are too easily offended by criticism about you.
To see a painting in your dream, represents creativity and your need for self-expression. The painting is symbolic of your intuition and inner realizations.
To dream that you are painting a picture, indicates that you need to express your creative side more.
Dreaming that you are painting your house means that you will find much success in a new project and that you will be promoted to a coveted position. You may be expressing your creativity. Alternatively, it may also mean your are covering up something. Consider the color of the paint to determine any additional significance. For example, red colored paint may imply painting the town red and releasing your pent up excitement. Dreaming that paint has gotten on your clothes means that you are too easily offended by criticism about you. Seeing a painting in your dream, represents your need for self-expression. The painting is symbolic of your intuition and inner realizations.
Painting something in your dream is a sign of how you express yourself. What are you painting? The image that you are painting may have an important meaning.
If you are painting a large picture, you may need to see the "big picture" in regard to a situation. If you are painting a miniature, you may need to pay more attention to details. If you are painting a nature scene, you may need to get outside more.
Looking at a painting in a dream can indicate that you are starting to pay attention to new ways of thinking. If you are examining the painting closely, it can be a sign that you need to look at the details of a situation that is taking place in your life.
To dream that you are in a hall, represents your ability to share and get along with others. If the hall is empty, then it symbolizes the unexplored and untapped aspects of your character. Consider the activity that is taking place in the hall and the people that were there.
A mother-symbol (31). Burnt wood signifies wisdom and death (50).
The magic and fertilizing propensities of the wood burnt in sacrificial rites are
supposed to be transmitted to the ashes and the charcoal. Cremation is regarded
as a return to the ‘seed’-state; this has given rise to many rites and folklore
customs, related in turn to fire-symbolism (17).
To dream of wood, suggests that you are feeling dead and emotionless inside. Your behavior is too automated. You are not fully thinking things through. Alternatively, the dream may be a pun on "getting wood" or sexual arousal.
To dream that you are carving or shaping a piece of wood, indicates a power-giving act or creative gesture. You are molding or shaping the course of your own life. Alternatively, the carved wood symbolizes spirituality and vital energy.
Dreaming of wood, suggests that you are feeling dead inside and emotionless. You may be behaving automatically and just going along with the flow. Or you may be acting out without fully thinking things through. Dreaming that you are carving or shaping a piece of wood indicates a power-giving, creative act/gesture. Alternatively, the wood may also symbolize spirituality and vital energy.