Need Help with Godzilla Dream

[sandlizard]

Here is a wierd dream I had the other night. Don't understand the full meaning of it. Maybe someone has some insight into it? Anyways, here's the dream: 'I Was driving down a street in a familiar city. Then I turned and went to this house (which was familiar, had been lived in by family members). The house was abandoned. Walked towards the back. There was a shrine behind the house (which I had made). It had figurines (idols, etc.) One image was a figurine of a middle eastern Maggi.... or an ancient Babylonian king..... The other image was of a Lizard like Godzilla or a dinosaur. I worshipped both images, and prayed to them. My family was quite upset that I was worshipping them. My brother even started fighting with me about my choices. Meanwhile the small Godzilla started moving, destroying, and eating things. He even ate the Babylonian priest-king image. My mom was really worried and took me to see a Native American shaman. He put me in a trance and performed some kind of curing ritual on me. He also told my mom that he knew what was in me, and my problems. I woke up from the trance and started asking him questions. (While asking questions we noticed a turtle trying to climb up someones pantlegs.) One question I asked was that if a parasite entered a body, was that evil? (at this point the dream shows a large worm or snake entering into a body). The shaman said yes. His answer seemed unsatisfactory to me. Then he left. Then my mom stated that he had complained to her that I wasn't doing things right. For instance I wasn't wearing my clothes on the right way. He told her that they would start dictating how I wore things and did things. I protested this course of actions to my mom, and as I protested I became aware that I was wearing my shirt on backwards. (the shirt had a picture of a chinese dragon on it, when worn backwards that picture faced behind me). I also had my shorts on backwards. ' Then the dream ended.

[zwishenzug]

Wow, that's truly a bizarre dream with lots of stuff going on in it. At first glance, I notice lots of religious content, as well as some stuff about what others expect of you and what you expect of yourself. Have you had any changes in religion/God/spirituality lately? Also, has anyone been on your case about how you live? An example might be nagging you to get a job, or complaining of the clothes you choose.

[Leo Volont]

Originally posted by sandlizard Here is a wierd dream I had the other night. Don't understand the full meaning of it. Maybe someone has some insight into it? Anyways, here's the dream: 'I Was driving down a street in a familiar city. Then I turned and went to this house (which was familiar, had been lived in by family members). The house was abandoned. Walked towards the back. There was a shrine behind the house (which I had made). It had figurines (idols, etc.) One image was a figurine of a middle eastern Maggi.... or an ancient Babylonian king..... The other image was of a Lizard like Godzilla or a dinosaur. I worshipped both images, and prayed to them. My family was quite upset that I was worshipping them. My brother even started fighting with me about my choices. Meanwhile the small Godzilla started moving, destroying, and eating things. He even ate the Babylonian priest-king image. My mom was really worried and took me to see a Native American shaman. He put me in a trance and performed some kind of curing ritual on me. He also told my mom that he knew what was in me, and my problems. I woke up from the trance and started asking him questions. (While asking questions we noticed a turtle trying to climb up someones pantlegs.) One question I asked was that if a parasite entered a body, was that evil? (at this point the dream shows a large worm or snake entering into a body). The shaman said yes. His answer seemed unsatisfactory to me. Then he left. Then my mom stated that he had complained to her that I wasn't doing things right. For instance I wasn't wearing my clothes on the right way. He told her that they would start dictating how I wore things and did things. I protested this course of actions to my mom, and as I protested I became aware that I was wearing my shirt on backwards. (the shirt had a picture of a chinese dragon on it, when worn backwards that picture faced behind me). I also had my shorts on backwards. ' Then the dream ended. The abandoned Family House shows that your Family has lost its Spiritual Connections with Heaven. Your building an altar is an effort by yourself to re-establish a link to Divinity and you take a two-tact approach. The Maggi Figure represented the Higher Religious Traditions -- Theology and the intellectually understandable Doctrines. The Godzilla was a homage to the Mysterious Divine Powers which are largely ineffable. The Godzilla Statue devouring the Maggi Statue shows that the Mysterious will prevail with you. The question of the parasite. The Way the Mystery Religions work is that one is somewhat possessed by the Divine Power, often represented as a Snake, or Serpeant. Kundalini Yoga is famous for this -- it is described as a snakelike power entity coming up the spine and through the spiritual centers. The Shaman and your mother. This indicates that your Mother will attempt to understand your Spirituality in its own terms. The Shaman is an attempt to understand your non-traditional views. and yet notice that the Godzilla and the Shaman are not of the same traditions. yes, there will be problems and misunderstandings. But everyone does seem to mean well.

[sandlizard]

Hey guys: Thanks for the interpretations. They corresponded to mine. I also thought that the dream concerned conflict. Just wasn't sure what kind of conflict. I found the last interpretation really interesting. Was reading a Krishnamurti book before going to sleep the night before, so I the spiritual interpretation resonates. Anyways, if there is any more feedback I welcome it. Sandlizard

[ElijahJones]

This one is almost gone but I will give it a try. It seems too cluttered to me. Confused in its symbols, there is a little bit of Christian apocalypse and a little bit of indian mysticism and a little bit of Stargate SG1 in there. And at least a smigden of rebellion against norms (authority). I honestly believe that this dream was agumented by something you ate or some type of cyclic issue in your life and that whatever it means will be told to you again later in a more concise form. I also had the thought that you are wondering what is true about things spiritual, about life. You have your favorite possibilities in mind but you would be willing to listen if something powerful presented itself. I would be careful not to challenge authority to strongly, fighting against the dragon is something only the foolish try with haste. And since you insist on wearing you're clothes backwards you become an easy target for those looking to make an example. Best wishes, EJ

[zwishenzug]

Originally posted by ElijahJones ...there is a little bit of Christian apocalypse and a little bit of indian mysticism and a little bit of Stargate SG1 in there. *And at least a smigden of rebellion against norms (authority).... If I may get a little nit-picky here, norms are statistical averages. Like it is normal to be heterosexual because that is the average orientation of most people in our society. Authority, on the other hand, is a "mechanism of social control." Authority is one means that a society keeps things in order. While this doesn't change your interpretation, I thought you might like to know the difference for the future. So, to sum up, if we're talking about societal influences there are four things to consider... Rights--things to which we are entitled (life, liberty, property, etc) Roles--things we identify ourselves as (teacher, doctor, student, child, etc.) Duties--things we are required to do (pay taxes, respect rights, obey law) Mecanisms of social control--things that enforce/influence the above (courts, police, peer pressure, stereotyping, etc.)

[ElijahJones]

I'm not sure I would consider that nitpicky, but then again my statement "rebellion against norms (authority)" does not imply that the two are precisely equal or at least I did not mean to imply that. But usually when a person rebels they rebel against all symbols of authority and norms are usually percieved as somehow related to those who find their authority by obeying them. When I talk about things that are not mathematically precise I always leave room for the blurry edges. I find no value in trying to characterize society or people or nature in precise terms because something always gets left out. Anyways thanks for the comments. As with all interpretations I believe they are subjective and only meant as helps. Only the person themself knows what it really means, this is in line with freedom. This is how I differ from many here who interpret dreams from books and dogma. To me a dream is a psychological message from me to myself. Others can help but the meaning belongs to me. Regards, EJ

[sandlizard]

Thanks for the interpretations. I think you are all on the right track with your insights about the theme of conflict in the dream. That’s where there is some ‘objectivity’ within the interpretations. To help with the interpretations I think I should discuss more about the possible conflicts that could be reflected in the dream. 1) I am agnostic though I was raised in a Christian setting. 2) I have traveled to Asia and have a degree. I am interested in spirituality although mine may be slightly subjective. It may include cross-cultural elements. 3) I currently work at a school on a reservation in an isolated area. I live in a town outside the reservation that is ‘christian.’ 4) During the summer I am trying to work at summer jobs, but also want time for inward reflection, reading, contemplating, and writing. When I had the dream I was working long hours with little time for myself. So there was a conflict with my desire for inward reflection. Am not working those long hours this week so maybe that conflict is over. So there is a lot of material there for conflict. Whether that is what the dream was concerned about is still up in the air. Am interested in the methods of analysis that you are using. Is it Jungian? Why couldn’t a Freudian analyze the reptile figures as representing more primal needs? Why are they being analyzed as representing spiritual needs? Just curious? Anyhow, whatever the specific nature of the conflict is, I think you are right about the dream representing some kind of conflict with the social forces around me. I am still contemplating this dream myself. It was bizarre, and had a lot of content that was a hodgepodge of different images. It was like a New Age dream, even though I am not a big fan of New Ageism. I don’t see much connection with SG 1. I do not watch that show. I think instead, it would have more connection with Native American, and Asian images versus Christian Western images. Although I am still confused about all of the reptilian forms (Godzilla, and the worm snake) in the dream. I am still confused about all the content. So do welcome feedback. Thanks

[ElijahJones]

Maybe it will help to lay out one paradigm of interpretation. 1) The dream symbols are symbol you have chosen so you know what they mean. In this case ask yourself why you recognized them look deep at it. look shallow at it. How might the lizard images be connected to your current circumstances? Might they be symbols that have meaning to you? Where they came from is not as impoartnat as what you think of them and the dream is you telling yourself about something or it means nothignat all. 2) The dream is sometype of communion wiht a higher plain. Someone else is trying to tell you something. In this case you should consult dream books and other sources until you find that person who knows who the hell is trying to talk to you and what language they like to speak. The first one accounts for 99.999 percent of all dreams in my opinion and experience. So tell us where did you first learn about the symbols? What do you think of snakes? Was it a special snake? Why was it special? When did you first learn about these creatues? Who taught you? Did you like them? What was happening in your life at the time? Keep exploring the possibilities until you feel something resonates or give up on it. If it is you saying something important to yourself you'll say it again in a new dream (usually). If it is someone else they must know you did not understand it. Perhaps they will also say it again. Either way it is a damn cool experience is'nt it? Regards, EJ

[sandlizard]

Hmm: I am not sure of all of the symbolic overtones of the reptile figures. The turtle is pretty symbolic in Native American culture. I think there is a myth about earth being on a turtles back. Dragons are really symbolic in Asia. They usually are powerful and bring good things. One of my students was born in the year of the dragon and was really interested in it, and Asian myth (even though he is Native American). So before school was out I helped him find information about the dragon. I do have a t-shirt with a chinese dragon on it. It is green and the dragon is centered in it in orange. That was the t-shirt I was wearing in the dream. The (dream) shrine figure was a dinosaur (possibly a dragon)..... Maybe Godzilla(?) The snake (parasite) probably has overtones of the Eden myth. I like the interpretation of the shaman, Babylonian priest-king, and family symbolizing society. I think the best interpretation so far is one in which the reptile forms are in conflict with the social images. Still not sure of all of the symbolism of the reptile forms. Guess I will just have to wait it out and see....

[ElijahJones]

Now you seem to me to be someone who sort of feels that all religion is really more important as a cultural identity thing than any kind of statement of absolute truth. You are a little aloof and can be witty in your stand offishness. Sorry I had to take a stab in the dark. It'll work out for you, one way or another. Are there any areas in your life where you are considering or are standing against norms or other issues. Perhaps you feel you see a way to help the Native Americans and neither the elders nor the government are listening. it shard to say, I know that indians toady ahve the highest rates of suicide in the US. I feel horibble for the plight of Native Americans. If you want to keep throwing things back and forth on this I will keep coming back? Its sort of a trial and error thing, after a while though you can develop your own internal dream dictionary of sorts where things have clearer meanings for you. That is you know what you mean when you use certain symbols, its really amazing, because as smart as you are your subconscsious is still holding back insights that are even more amazing. EJ

[sandlizard]

Well, I wouldn’t say I’m super-intelligent, or else I would have this thing figured out and wouldn’t be asking for dream advice then, would I? I am basically a stranger so there is lots of stuff that is going on that you all don’t know about, and I doubt this site has the means, nor do I have the will for a thorough public psychoanalysis of me. However, I do think that there are absolutes in religion…… But, are archetypal symbols absolutes or are they culturally specific? For instance, I was looking up the symbol of the turtle on another website and it insinuated that the turtle had something to do with fertility. Now earth (Native American interpretation) and fertility (Euro-American interpretation) possibly may have similarities….. but then again…..? Then the dragon is viewed positively in Asian culture and negatively in Euro-American culture. Plus even within Euro-American culture there are the Freudian sexual innuendo interpretations versus the Jungian collective unconscious interpretations. So that’s where it gets all fuzzy….. especially with the snake…. Does it represent kundalini energy or something more primal? Since that’s all fuzzy….. the personal interpretation seems to be the best….. but within my personal repertoire of dream images there seems to be a mix of cross-cultural elements which are being weaved together into some sort of personal dream story. Again, obviously the main theme is conflict. The nature of the conflict is a little more vague. In a previous reply I discussed the conflict with summer jobs and my desire for contemplation time. There probably are bigger conflicts looming, or else why would I want personal contemplation time? One overarching conflict is what do I want to do with my life? I kinda fell into this present job. I grew up in a rural area near here. Then I went to college in the city and traveled to other countries in Asia. When I came back to America I lived in the city. Then I lost my job and couldn’t find another one during our recent recession and conflict in the Middle East. I moved back to rural America and found this job here. This will be the third year that I am doing this. I wouldn’t mind living in the city or even traveling again….. It’s not that exciting here. (I live in a small town off the reservation and commute to work there) And yeah, there are problems on the reservation… And I am not much of a hero to be the problem solver. So, I’ve been looking around, and interviewing….. But it seems like all the forces are keeping me here. My parents like it because I live close to them (after all when I was traveling, I didn’t get to see them for 2 years at a time). Plus, they think I am doing something good. Some of the friends I’ve made in the area don’t want to see me go either. Plus the jobs I have applied for are all turning me down so it’s half way through the summer and it’s looking like I am going to be around here for another year. Plus, I am not getting rich, and I don’t have a family or kids of my own……. Basically, it doesn’t seem like I am going anywhere….. Maybe it’s the beginning of a mid-life crises or something….. Anyways, there is one big conflict with the world, society, whatever you want to call it…………. Then there is the matter of my spirituality. I consider myself spiritual but agnostic, and maybe a little disillusioned…. Obviously, I’m kind of a weird bird for a rural area. There aren’t any Buddhist temples or anything here. You have only two choices, Christianity, or the tribal spirituality……. Which I like, but which also has to do with tribal identity, and I don’t want to be a New Age shaman……. So, to sum up I would say I consider myself to have a transcultural spirituality with some christian overtones…… I also would say I have a transcultural identity….. That is again in conflict with the world…. That most likely is one of the other over arching conflicts which this dream could represent. One more comment. I do think there is a spiritual dimension…… However, I am probably a little disillusioned with how it is utilized. I don’t think spirituality should be used as some sort of national or cultural identification…. We would all be better off that way…… But, like everything else we use it as a form of identity………… Well, I didn’t mean to get so lengthy, and add so many personal details…… But I think I’ve almost explained this dream….. Maybe someone still has insights though…… For instance, is the dream communicating some higher plan? Do the reptile figures represent some deeper conflict? Or is it just indicative of the personal conflicts which I am presently thinking about? It will probably make sense in time.

[ElijahJones]

Originally posted by sandlizard So, to sum up I would say I consider myself to have a transcultural spirituality with some christian overtones…… I also would say I have a transcultural identity….. That is again in conflict with the world…. That most likely is one of the other over arching conflicts which this dream could represent. * One more comment. I do think there is a spiritual dimension…… However, I am probably a little disillusioned with how it is utilized. I don’t think spirituality should be used as some sort of national or cultural identification…. We would all be better off that way…… But, like everything else we use it as a form of identity………… * Well, I didn’t mean to get so lengthy, and add so many personal details…… But I think I’ve almost explained this dream….. * Maybe someone still has insights though…… For instance, is the dream communicating some higher plan? Do the reptile figures represent some deeper conflict? Or is it just indicative of the personal conflicts which I am presently thinking about? *It will probably make sense in time. Ok good, On the psychoanalysis issue no on ehere that I am aware of is credentialed counselor or degreed professional in psychology etc. So there is sort of fine line that is walked in that the disclaimer should read "DV makes no claims that anything we say will help you and takes no responsiblility for your choice in taking anyone's advice. The moderators are not responsible for member statements in any way, legal or otherwise, every member bares full responsibility for their posts...etc." On that note lets keep going. So you admit that the symbols are in your dream because you have studied or looked into in some way the various traditions that might use them. Whether Freud or Jung or Christina or Shaman...who knows? Is there a deeper level of dream symbolism. I don;t know, I am currently initiating a study via an anonymous survey of DVers to look at the archetype of tornadoes. Personally I think all dreams are messages from you to yourself. I am agnostic (look at my signature) but that is not really a belief in the spiritual as muchas an admission that I cannot prove God does not exist. Neither am I trying, if I see some claim of the supernatural I like to try and investigate it rigorously but usually these things remain outside the realm of scientific proof. Now back to you, you are probably right that by looking at your current estimation of your life you explained the dream. What else could it mean? Are you hoping for a message from the divine about which way to go, why you seem to be sitting there? Very often when people have thesee dreams it is during times of searching for a reason a purpose for life. Many people I have seen then spend years on a quest to find the spiritual dimension to life and many again turn later and are dissapointed after they examine carefully various religions and find that something is still missing. So the question I would like to ask is, are you content with a dream life that is totally controlled by your subsconscious or do you desire a dream life that is connected to some higher or lower plane? I think this will determine whether you find meaning and direction in your present circumstances and it is a conclusion that only you can reach. Are there only two paths? Can a person begin to investigate lucid dreaming while still remaining agnostic? I dont know, sometime sI have had dreams that reflect very deeply my time spent as afundamentalist Christian. In fact my first LD went like this. I jumped up out of my body and was standing in our bedroom. I looked around and it was dark. Then through a gaping whole in the wall I saw a light over the horizon and it was a peaceful blue glow. I decided to step out towards it and then I woke up. Now in my mind and in the stories of many who have had NDE's that was not a light I wanted to get to, that was the other side. To many Lder's is was a reflection of how my subconscious world is shaped by my past. Well as I said I hope you will stick around and enjoy the forum. There are alot of interesting people here we would be glad to have you be among them. I hope your conundrum leads to a direction you are happy with. EJ

[sandlizard]

Yeah, I know what you mean. I am not interested in public psycho-analysis and realize that this is not the place. So just want to stick to the theme and the symbolism even though it's kinda difficult due to the fact that dreams are subjective. I do want to thank you for your efforts at analyzing this dream. I think it's heading towards the end of it's analysis. On another matter I am really interested in what you have to say about tornadoes as archetypes. I had a tornado dream a couple months ago and decided to keep a personal dream journal as a result of that dream. The present Godzilla dream actually represents a part of a series of dreams I had after the tornado dream. Actually I think I am going to post the tornado dream in a new thread, and if you want you can see what you think of that. It's all been kinda wierd. Especially the fact that I've had some coincidences or synchronicities that have corresponded with my dreams, especially the tornado dream. Anyways, am going to start a new thread on the tornado dream and see what you think of that.