I began the dream with a sort of meta-awareness that I was dreaming, as I remember being very excited to be having a sex dream. It wasn't quite lucidity, as I felt very swept along by the dream and not able to control it, but I was aware I was dreaming. I'm going through a divorce right now and haven't been able to think about anyone but my wife that way, and that's really painful. So I was pretty psyched - desire without angst! I was with my high-school girlfriend again, and as the clothes start flying off I asked her in my most bewitching tone "What do you want me to do?" She replied, equally intently "I want to lock you up in a birdcage." Well, okay. So she did, and I swing on the perch, and she gives me another sultry look - "How do you want me to get you out?" Well, obviously - "You must gather orange juice and carrots. Bring them to the east and offer them to the sun. In your deepest voice, plead with it to set me free." Obligingly, she went to the fridge to get orange foods. Her great-grandfather walked in and began to chat with us as if I'm not in a birdcage. He headed out the front door with a chipper "God bless you!" and I woke up.

Background information that might be useful : have been with my partner 7 years, married for 5. She wanted an open relationship, which I wasn't quite comfortable with, but I tried, preferring an uncomfortable compromise to losing her. Lies and secrecy ensued. High school girlfriend is still a close friend, has been pretty supportive through this time. My usual method for interpreting my dreams is to start by imagining all characters in dreams as aspects of myself : in that sense some of this is clear, I've been subsuming my own desires in a relationship, trapped. The rising sun, freedom, all pretty obvious stuff, but this dream just keeps sticking with me and I feel like there are some important lessons here I'm missing. Any feedback is appreciated.