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awareness it embodies. Remember, however, that symbols from the unconscious have
the power of
fascination, so be careful to retain an attitude of discernment
when listening to what they say.
The second approach to dialogue involves having two or more symbols from the same dream speak with one another. Here is an opportunity to learn about the functional relationship between different psychological energies. There are usually many combinations within a dream, and which one you choose depends upon what you sense to be important or potentially fruitful. Conflict between symbols in a dream often means an opportunity for healing, to replace conflict with harmony, to reconcile an internal struggle between, for example, apparently opposed energies. In our dream example, the situation between the deer and the wolf provides an opportunity to resolve conflict. To get started, simply tune in to each symbol and let it express its viewpoint on the situation portrayed in the dream: Deer: You wanton wolf, how horrible of you to lie in ambush for me, to want to do me harm. Wolf: Delicious deer, it is simply my nature to hunt for food and to snatch whatever tempts me. Deer: We are so different. I am innocent, quiet and shy, while you are mean and aggressive. Wolf: Perhaps, but if I eat you, then some of you will be in me. Deer: It's hard to imagine your wanting some of my qualities. Wolf: Everyone loves a deer, but who loves the wolf? Deer: I'm not so popular when I sneak into a garden to eat the lettuce. Wolf: But no one would shoot you for that, or leave traps around to catch you. It's our contrast that angers me, for you seem so innocent compared to me, and I seem too despicable compared to you. I'm really not such a bad sort. The dialogue between symbols sometimes can go on and on without apparent effect. It may be useful to pause for a moment of reflective writing, to become aware of the significance of the dialogue. Afterwards, the dialogue may continue on another level: In the dialogue between the deer and the wolf, I recognize a conflict I have between innocence and power. The wolf seems hurt because everyone hates him. This makes me think that part of my aversion to expressing power is that I don't want to be disliked by others. So I hide behind an image of innocence. But perhaps the wolf's power could bring out the stag in the deer. The deer's innocence might restore the wolf's aggression to a natural instinct for assertion and less one of revenge. Me: Hey, you two, wolf and deer, perhaps you have something to offer one another and need not fight. Deer, can you find nothing to admire in the wolf? Deer: I do like the way the wolf can walk in the open without fear of attack. I admire his courage. Wolf: I admire the kinship that the deer enjoys with the other animals in the forest. Sometimes a wolf's life is so lonely; I have only the moon to share my song. 85
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