Nightmares as Allies
Of course, it’s reasonable to resist nightmares and to ignore their frightening images and messages in the light of ordinary consciousness. But, what if it really is true that Dreams, all dreams, “come in the service of our health and wholeness, not necessarily our comfort and convenience”? This is what Jeremy Taylor, one of my dreamwork teachers often said.
The Quest for authentic wholeness will bring us face to face with nightmares – waking and Dreaming. Hold the possibility that nightmares, struggles, challenges and pain can be creative allies and opportunities. Our nightmares act as pain receptors for our psyche, telling us when it’s time to make a change. They catalyze us towards higher consciousness. They wake us up from blissful ignorance. They give us clues about what is needed.
So, have a care for what you cast away due to fear or disgust. It may serve you to be aware of nightmarish images/events/situations and in that awareness, cultivate boundaries for engaging new structures of understanding and tools for protection. You are not a victim of circumstance.
As Rilke says, “Being here is so much.” It is good for us to look to sources of wise guidance and support wherever they may be found. When we listen to our nightmares as guides and not hide from them, we are less likely to let fear falsely rule our life and direct our destiny. We are more likely to live fully, trusting in our own nature and intuitive guidance, breaking free from the limitations of the rational mind and imprints of indoctrination.
When you remember a nightmare (from waking and sleeping life), you have the ability to work with the events and symbols in a conscious and creative way, integrating the messages for your transformation and growth. Next time you have a nightmare, see if the Dream entities are bearers of your greatest untouched and unseen potential. What lies coiled and unrecognized within you, lurking in the shadows? What actions can you take to awaken to that power within and all around you?
Join me this Sunday, October 4 @ 4pm PDT for a Saged Premium Class, Dream Magic! I’ll teach you a ritual for working with nightmares, as well as other rituals for magnifying the power of your dreams. If you aren’t a Saged premium member yet, download the app and join us for daily inspiration and magic HERE!
