SPIRITS

also see Ghost

At its very basic level, we all have fears and feelings about death, and the appearance of Spirit helps us to come to terms with these. It will depend on the dreamer’s own personal belief system as to whether he or she feels they are actual spirits or not.

When spirits appear in dreams, their function may be to help us through various states of transition. While we cope with everyday fears, there are many unconscious memories and feelings which can surface unexpectedly. When we are conscious of a kindly or helpful spirit we arc aware that we can move on. When we sec the spirits of dead people we usually need reassurance.

During spiritual development, our perceptions widen from the ordinary everyday to other aspects and dimensions of knowledge that have become available to us. Whether these arc aspects of our own personality or of the spirit realm is immaterial, since ultimately their function is to help the dreamer progress.

The spiritual self has access to the Collective Unconscious in its entirety.

You feel you are being haunted or berated by someone who has died. There may be feelings of terror, guilt, resentment or abandonment. These dreams may occur when you feel guilty or responsible for a death, or anxious about a situation. Although they are quite rare, these can be among the most uncomfortable dreams we can ever have. The flip side to such dreams is a dream in which we are being guided by the dead or a spirit or angel. These usually occur during times of active grief, which can last years. Visits from a deceased loved one may give you the feeling that they are OK, or inspire you to change your life. In either case, there may be a feeling of hope and comfort. A spirit guide is one more knowledgeable than the self; dream interaction with such a teacher indicates a desire and need for communication and rapport with the deepest part of your mind and being.

Feelings or intuitions about the dead or death; fears concerning one’s own unconscious memories or feelings; in­tuitions arising from one’s own mind and awareness, as it exists beyond the preconceptions and boundaries of prejudice or fear. Idioms: be with someone in spirit; high/low spirits, public spirit; spirit away; spirit is willing.

See ghosts.

See also devil under archetypes; masturbation; sex while asleep.