Abyss

(1) An abyss may symbolize impending danger, real or imagined. In either case the important thing is that the dream is expressing vour anxiety. Look for anything in your present life situation - at home or at work - that may have triggered off anxiety. Otherwise, and especially if this sort of dream is recurring, look inside yourself for the causes of your anxiety.

(2) A dark abyss may symbolize the unconscious. The unconscious appears to be bottomless, since no matter how deeply you delve into it there is always more depth to explore. Note the emotional ‘feel’ of the abyss in the dream. Are you entering it, or just standing fearfully on the brink? The unconscious may well be frightening because you are unfamiliar with it or because you have buried there some morally unacceptable or intolerably painful experience. However, the only way forward is to uncover those buried parts of yourself, face them, give them a proper hearing and, finally, allow them a proper place in your everyday conscious life.

(3) The dark abyss may signify death. This may be physical death or some form of psychic death. There are times when the present ego has to be dissolved to make way for the next phase in the unfolding of a fuller, more positive self.

If you are convinced that the message of your dream has to do with physical death (and you should allow yourself to lx* thus convinced only after you have seriously and thoroughly considered possible metaphorical interpretations of‘death’), do not rush to the conclusion that the dream is foretelling imminent death. Perhaps your dream is reminding you of the fact of death in order to give you a new perspective on vour life - which could be liberating.

See also Dead / Death.

The majority of primitive peoples understood abysses as various deep marine or terrestrial features. To the Celts, the abyss was found inside the mountain; in Ireland and Japan it was located at the bottom of the sea or lakes; and among the Mediterranean peoples it was beyond the horizon. Each individual has their own problems and own daily abyss (in which they occasionally fall victim to anxiety). Conflictive situations, if not addressed promptly, can become “abysmal.” Thus, this dream represents you are on the verge of something but you are afraid to take the plunge.

It is important to find out what that fear is about and why you feel so bad. When the abyss is dark it likely symbolizes your unknown Self.

If you are also anxious, you will not be pleased about what your feelings and hidden fears have to tell you. Dreams about abysses are often accompanied by vertigo. This vertigo can be physical if you are lying on the edge of the bed; emotional, when you are unable to control your feelings about others; existential, due to absence of goals that give your life meaning; or directly related to your circumstances, perhaps because you need to make a decision without knowing which option is best. In the latter case, it is advisable to take enough time and choose well, thus avoiding any type of precipitation.

Usually an abyss forecasts financial difficulties. You must be very careful with any deals being considered in the next few the days. According to ancient beliefs, this dream portends problems in love, work, or health.

It is recommended to be cautious.

(see Alley, Bridge, Cauldron, Chalice, Cliff, Hole, Sky, Space)

Standing at the edge of: Your own subconscious, things you’ve long buried, hidden talents, or other matters that often get overlooked.

The abyss goes on seeminglv forever into darkness, and can be very frightening, even as discovering your own true nature can be frightening until you take the first step.

Experiencing spontaneous inspiration for a new project, as if it comes out of nowhere. Alternatively, a limitation to be overcome.

Ancient meaning: Tlie primordial womb; a deep cavern of fertility and the gate of life through which we all pass.

Real or perceived dangers.

The size of the abyss indicates how “big” you believe the hazard to be. Alternatively, following a route that goes nowhere, or one that may eventually prove self-destructive.

A bridge appearing across: Personal, dramatic changes in lifestyle or beliefs that imply some risk.

For example, if you’re thinking of getting married, the risk might be vulnerability- or failure.

Unseen or unrealized potential. In Greek mythology, the black abyss gave birth to all cosmic matter. Similarly, in the Tarot, the Fool stands near the edge of a huge cliff before starting on his path toward enlightenment.