Forest

The forest symbolizes the unconscious, anxieties, instincts, and secret passions.

If it is accompanied by a sense of peace, completeness, or exuberance, it indicates that you are self-confident and proud of your personality. But if you feel fear and anxiety, or if you get lost in the forest, it is a sign of fear, repression, and complexes. On the other hand, birds and animals found in the forest represent your instincts and emotions. Finally, if you dream of being in a dark forest and try to find the way back, it denotes that you want to take a decisive step in life.

The plot of many fairy tales like Hansel and Gretel and Snow White takes place in the forest. Like dreams, these stories symbolize the exploration of the unconscious. According to an esoteric interpretation, to get lost in a forest is an omen of alterations; to hide in it, of impending disasters; to cross it, promise of inheritance; to go for a walk in the forest, joy. A felled forest, however, is a sign of wealth.

FOREST - analysis of the dream

Ana dreamed: “I was on my way to the office, on the same streets as always, but the smoke of the city would not let me breathe and I could barely see the path I was walking over. I suddenly found myself surrounded by a lush forest. I knew that if I followed the trail I would reach my destination, so I decided to enjoy the scenery while walking confident and happy, at a medium pace. In the dream I could identify the different species of trees and flowers. Birds were coming to me with their joyous trills. I felt full of vitality. I woke up with a very nice feeling of peace, as if I had enjoyed a comfortable vacation.”

Ana had this dream two days before she was diagnosed with a chronic respiratory condition. Besides being prophetic—the smoke of the city would not let her breathe—Ana’s dream was warning her against a need for her body: healthy and fresh air. The confident and safe walk passage reflects the Ana’s strength and the fact that the problem would be easily solved. Months later she was granted a transfer to a mountain village with a very suitable climate for her health.

Dreams of being lost in a forest or group of trees tend to occur during those times when we feel lost, confused or vulnerable and are trying to find certainty. The image is symbolic shorthand for whatever you might find insecure and unsettling in waking life, but such dreams suggest that you may emerge wiser and better for the experience. A forest is often a place of testing and initiation, and always concerns coming to terms with the emotional side of yourself. In fairy tales, the dark or enchanted forest is a symbol of the soul entering the unknown and therefore has much to do with the unfamiliar, the unknown and the need to find direction. A rainforest may represent a rich source of inspiration to one person, whilst to another it may suggest apprehension and fear.

See also NATURE AND THE SEASONS; TREES.

The interpretation of a forest dream depends on the action, the circumstances of the dreamer, and other features of the dream, all of which should be correlated, but as a general guide:

If you were alone and/ or frightened, you can expect to be let down by someone on whom you rely.

If you were lost in the forest the dream signifies gain if you are in modest circumstances but loss if you are well off.

If the main feature of the dream was the green of the trees, the dream promises a release from worry; if it was the height of the trees, the prediction is of success but only after a time of trial.

A forest fire forecasts happy news.

Hiding in a forest sug- gests that some difficulty you are now undergoing will have an eventual bene- fit.

See also Fir, Foliage, etc.