GURU

1- A guru appearing in a dream is a representation of the wisdom of the unconscious. As that wisdom becomes available we often bring it through to conscious knowledge by the figure of the Wise Old Man (See Introduction).

2- Psychologically we all need a symbol for a father or authority figure and this is one such representation. In searching for knowledge of a specific sort, we need an external figure with whom to relate. In Eastern religions, this is the guru who performs the same function as the priest in Western religion.

3- For many of us, God is too remote for us to be able to have a personal relationship with him.

A guru therefore becomes the personification of all wisdom made available to us through his perception. He will assist us to access our own inate wisdom.

If a guru appears in your dream, this indicates your connection with the whole of life, with collective wisdom or the collective unconscious. A guru is not concerned with the material world but with the realization of your eternal nature and life as it connects with the whole. Thus the guru in dreams will usually guide you towards greater self understanding, a deeper relationship with himself or herself, and instruct you in any necessary disciplines of mind and body. There will, where necessary, be a gradual unfolding to you of the inner meanings of ancient scriptures.

If you reach a stage in your dreams in which you become the guru, this suggests spiritual transformation of the most powerful and dramatic kind.

The guru can represent our higher self and our innate wisdom. In dreams, she often takes a religious form—like Buddha, Shiva, or a saint—or appears in a long-bearded old man body, a priest, a prophet, a magician, or a king. She can also take a female figure (Mother Earth or a goddess). For example, the Virgin Mary is the oneiric symbol of supreme compassion and love for fellow beings. Dreams of this type announce your life opens up to a great spiritual opportunity.

Traditions such as the ones of Tibetan Buddhists, Hindus, or Native Americans believe that our inner guide is someone who communicates with us through dreams. This guide may come from our own being or some areas of our spirit.