SHADOW

The shadow is, first of all, that which is invisible.

If it becomes visible in your dream, a very important step toward increasing awareness has been taken.

You are beginning to become consciously aware of your “dark side.” The reason for the shadow in a dream is a sign that you are in the process of becoming aware of your Self. So, there is no reason to fear your shadow or try to avoid it.

The shadow is usually connected to the past or the future: old injuries are casting their shadow onto today’s behavior and emotions, and creating fear for the yet unborn reality of the future. Coming to terms with the shadow is necessary in order to understand life here and now. It brings intensity, wealth, and imagination to life.

If you are standing in somebody’s shadow, or are put into a shadow by somebody, this refers to low self- esteem. You have an inferiority complex—want to appear to be more than you are, want to be more accepted.

The shadow follows us but is not easily seen; it also provides protection.

Jung sees the shadow as an underdeveloped structure in people.

The shadow is one of the original definitions of the soul.

The chieftain of some Polynesian tribes loses his mana (power), if somebody steps on his shadow. In southern European countries midday was considered the ghost hour, because the shadow would then be its smallest and retreat. Behind this superstition was the fear that the shadow would disappear altogether and with it the soul and its relationship to the earth.

Generally, shadows are associated with the dark and malignant. For some psychologists they represent what is hidden in the subconscious, what you do not want to be. It probably comes from emotions and aspects that you have rejected within yourself. It recommends trying to bring to light everything that is hidden. This way, you will see that it is not so difficult to overcome. However, the interpretation of this dream is complex because, despite what has been said, the shadow of a tree could be a positive image that generates relief and protection for the dreamer. In this case, it is a dream of compensation before an adverse circumstance. Other dream symbols and the context in which it develops provide clues as to how it can be correctly interpreted.

Many superstitions believe that the shadow is part of the human soul. Stepping on it or throwing rocks on it is a sign of bad luck and the possibility of causing harm to someone.

If it is about one’s own shadow, you should be cautious.

(Under the sun, in the dark, or otherwise.) In a dream, a shadow represents changes affectingone’s life in the world and his elevation or abasement.

A shadow in a dream also means guidance, repentance, true monotheism and contemplating the Maker and His creation.

If one moves but does not see his shadow moving in a dream, it means abrogating the laws, discarding what is permissible, adopting what is unlawful, death, becoming motionless, or losing one’s senses.

The same interpretation applies if one’s shadow disappears under the sunlight, or under the moonlight, or in the night lights, or if his reflection disappears from the water surface, or from any shiny surface.

If one sees his shadow dancing in a dream, it means falsehood, lies, stealing people’s money, shifting one’s faith according to one’s personal interests, or that he criticize the conduct of God’s Prophet, upon whom be peace. Dancing one’s shadow over a carpet in a dream means invoking evil spirits, speaking their words after being possessed by them, and it means trials, temptations and evil.

(Also see Shade)