The Element Encyclopedia
by Theresa Cheung
In Greek mythology, river crossings are often associated with death or a journey into the unconscious and they may have this same association in your dreams. It takes great physical effort to row a boat or canoe, and your dream may be emphasizing how demanding your journey of personal growth is. For Freudians, a rowing boat or canoe is a phallic symbol, and the act of rowing or paddling a canoe indicates masturbation. A dream of a barge or towpath suggests heavy emotional burdens slowing your progress in life, whilst if you are swimming in your dream, this is often interpreted as representing a desire for sex or a wish to return to the safe waters of the womb.
According to Jung, swimming towards land suggests a desire for rebirth or renewal, but swimming against the tide suggests personal struggles.
