CIRCLE

According to Jungian theory, the circle is the perfect expression of infinity, continuity and connection; the circle represents the ideal self, within which the psyche’s various opposing elements have achieved perfect balance. It has no beginning and no end, with no turns or corners in between. This perfect geometric shape symbolizes the center and perfection of the self in all its wholeness. It is a concept inherent in the Eastern yin-yang symbol, in which the white active masculine yang principle is united in symmetrical equality with the black yin force of passiveness and femininity.

If you find yourself in the middle of a circle in your dream, it can represent your self or your spirit. Alternatively, the middle may also indicate conflict between opposites or the feeling of being involved, protected or in the middle of something. For Freud, the circle represented the vagina; for Jung, it was an archetypal symbol of the whole psyche, as opposed to the body, which was symbolized by the square. When someone has made the transition through all aspects of life and has returned to their beginning, we say that they have come ’full circle’. Family groups are referred to as the ’family circle’, whilst social groups are sometimes called a ’circle of friends’ or a ’community circle’. When the apparent solution to a problem in a series of events creates a new problem and increases the difficulty of solving the original problem, it may be called a ’vicious circle’ or ’vicious cycle’.

To determine the meaning of your dream circle, round, sphere or ball, look at the symbols and events connected with it, as there is a wealth of often conflicting possible interpretations to consider. For example, if you are traveling round in a circle, you may be progressing toward wholeness or running around uselessly chasing your tail! If the circle is smooth, it suggests harmony and centeredness; but if it is irregular, it may suggest the dull round of routine.

Jewelry is given in many cultures to express emotion and rings, bracelets and necklaces are usually circular. In many societies, marriage and lifelong commitment are symbolized by exchanging rings. Did someone you desire give you a ring in your dream? Perhaps there’s a chance for the relationship, or maybe it is just wishful thinking.

If you dream of a broken necklace or bracelet, you may fear that a relationship will break and come to an abrupt end; you may, however, feel that it is time for a connection to come to a conclusion.

Circles also contain and restrict. For instance, a new pupil is outside the group until she settles in and is accepted at her new school; dog collars allow an animal to be restrained. In some pagan traditions, a circle of intent is cast to contain positive energy and protect against negative energy. Was your dream circle keeping something out or keeping you in? You may feel a need for protection, or you may feel trapped by a relationship or situation. Knots begin with circles and usually contain several. Perhaps something is knotted up? As well as suggesting the potential for unity, wholeness and perfection, circles also represent eternity or the cycle of life because they have no beginning or end, as well as security and protection because they enclose. The fact that the sun is circular means that if it appears in your dream, it may be signaling masculine, active energy or even the life force itself. Don’t forget, though, that circles also possess feminine connotations due to their resemblance to eggs.

With so many possible interpretations, it can often be difficult to decide what a dream circle may have been suggesting but considering the context of your dream, along with your waking circumstances, should help you with the interpretation. Bear in mind that it is always worth considering whether the appearance of circles was telling you to work on harmonizing conflicting elements of your inner self in order to achieve contentment and serenity. For example, if you dreamed of dropping a round plate and it smashed, your dream may have been portraying your rebellious nature and your need to exercise greater self control.

In dreams, round balls tend to represent the interaction between two people, as in ’throwing the ball’ or ’the ball is in your court’. They may also be a symbol of your need to get someone’s attention. Ball games suggest challenge and competition in the game of life, but may also be associated with aggression or sex, as in a man’s balls. As the center of a circle is the point from which everything starts, if you dreamed of a target enclosed in a circle, was your unconscious telling you to aim for psychic wholeness? A circle with a dot in the center can signify balance and centeredness. It can also represent woman. A sphere shares much of the symbolism of a circle, and indicates perfection and completion of all possibilities; it can, however, also evoke a spherical object such as a breast or testicle, and therefore have a sexual association.

See Ball, Wreath.

A symbol of wholeness, a magic defense against danger: whatever takes place within the circle has special meaning. Ghosts and demons always move in a straight line, meaning that the circle and everything that is round provides protection.

The saying is that the devil sits in the corners and cant stay in round places. Circles and everything round always means wholeness.

In ancient Greece, the circle symbolized immortality with no beginning or end, as in Ring. In alchemy, the stone of wisdom (lapis) is always depicted as being round.

According to Jung, the circle (archetype of the man- dala) is pointing out that you are on the path of being initiated into yourself. Jung considered the circle to be the primary vision, the oldest symbol of mankind, and also the wheel of the sun.

In a few rare cases, the circle also has negative meaning: the endlessness of the circle can indicate monotony and constant repetition. Freud properly characterized neurosis as a need to perform a certain behavior again and again. This going-around-in-circles may be addressed here and he a hint that the “vicious circle” must he broken for the sake of happiness.

(see Abyss, Balloon, Basket, Bowl, Cauldron, Chalice, Coins, Satellite Dish, Zero)

Wholeness, totality, centering. Halos, for example, symbolize spiritual wholeness and focus (see Light).

Freudian: A vaginal emblem or symbol of femininity due to its shape.

Equality and unity.

The round table of King Arthur’s court gave everyone an equal voice and symbolized the solidarity of Britain.

Protected or sacred space. In the first century B.C.E., magicians were sometimes called “circle drawers” because ritual magic uses this emblem to contain power. Similarly, % fairy ring safeguards its residents from mortals.

Going around in circles: Being trapped in progressively worse cycles, outmoded ideas, or a static lifestyle with little achievement.

A circle with a point in the center is a type of mandala emblem representing personal wholeness, order, harmony, and healing.

God or divine influences and protection. There is a Hindu saying that God is an unbroken circle without a circumference, being nowhere and everywhere.