Hammer

Symbol: The hammer indicates trying to accomplish something by force. With more sensitivity you would have reached your goal long ago—and done so without difficulty (that is particularly true for men!).

Vision: Somebody showing you a hammer: you are absolutely correct, but are forced to defend your position. Working furiously with a hammer: you are very angry right now, but you can manage the present situation.

Depth Psychology: The hammer is a symbol of power and influence. In a man’s dream it is often a sign of thoughtless insistence on having sexual needs met.

The dream is always a warning to curb negative attitudes.

The hammer is the tool of the blacksmith and is equipped with a mystical power of creation. To dream of this tool means that, although it is a great sacrifice, you are working enough to achieve your goals. The hammer, then, can be interpreted as a symbol of constancy in work. In addition, it is related to virility, authority, and strength. For Freud, the act of hammering a nail symbolized the sexual act.

The Teutonic god Thor, controller of time and crops, carried a hammer that, after throwing it, returned to his hand. In this sense, the hammer represents power and spiritual strength.

(see Nails, Tools)

Stamina and courage during times of conflict. In Teutonic tradition, this was an emblem of Thor, the god of war and thunder, whom warriors called upon for strength.

Building or repairing something, often the self or a relationship (see Nails).

Tempering a situation through diligence, as a smith carefully tempers metal (sec Forge).

Making, or wishing to make, an ardent point (e.g., “hammering it home”).

The desire for security; knowing that everything you have built is going to hold together.