 to the "spirit of the fog" (for example), or to the
leader or spokesperson of the group. The goal is to approach the
Main Figure and establish a dialogue. If a figure appears, but is
hazy or unclear, Greenleaf suggested that the leader direct the
dreamer to move either closer or further away, whichever is necessary
to be both far enough away to feel comfortable yet close enough
to deal with the figure successfully.
If the Main Figure disappears, fades or starts to flee, we encourage the dreamer to chase it and to call on the help of acquaintances or even friendly strangers if necessary, telling the spirit, "Take me to the source of your power." A very useful "positive paradox" (3,4) is to suggest, "Take all the time you need and call on whatever help you need to get the job done. Let me know when that help has arrived." By making such a suggestion, the leader sets up a situation whereby the dreamer, by signalling the arrival of the help, also acknowledges, in effect, that there will be success in "getting the job done" (3,4). The Main Figure may try other ways to elude contact with the dreamer, such as becoming uglier and more menacing, or some similar tactic. The dreamer need only do what is logical, such as tell the figure to take off its ugly mask. If the spirit keeps presenting the same mask or keeps presenting 54
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