nightmare about (my ex-husband) matt’s ashes. Nico (our adult child) had arranged for (my estranged adult niece)morgan (she was not actually associated in any way with matt) to get a small foil drum like Nico and others were getting. (Recurring comment about having had a sound of music von trapp kind of family… (Why? Not an actual fact regarding his family.) I was angry that when all the ashes were delivered in a large santa type bag to me, I had turned them over to nico without looking in the bag first. I regretted having not at least taken a pic of the bag contents. Sherry and Kristen (my estranged sisters) were present when i had turned over the bag to nico, but they didn’t know the contents were matt’s ashes. I decided to keep morgan’s drum, open it and take some ashes for myself, then reseal the drum and give it to morgan. Then i woke up.
Dreams about ashes, particularly those of a deceased loved one, can evoke powerful emotions related to loss, unresolved feelings, and a desire for closure. Let's delve into the various elements of your nightmare to shed light on its potential meanings.
Ashes: Ashes in dreams are often associated with the remnants of the past, bringing to light aspects of grief, end, or transformation. Your ex-husband’s ashes could symbolize unresolved feelings towards him or certain experiences you shared that still linger in your unconscious mind.
Nico (Adult Child): Having your adult child as a key figure in the dream suggests a connection to family legacy and how past relationships influence current family dynamics. It may reflect your concerns or thoughts about how your past relationship with Matt affects Nico.
Morgan (Estranged Niece) and the Drum: Morgan receiving a drum could point to feelings of estrangement and reconciliation. A drum signifies communication and expression. Giving Morgan a drum containing ashes may suggest a desire to mend or understand estrangements within your family, possibly with the past weighing heavily on these connections.
Santa-Type Bag: The large bag evokes imagery of gifts and, in this context, burdens or responsibilities. It may symbolize the overwhelming nature of your emotions regarding Matt's memory and the aspects of him you "carry" with you.
Von Trapp Family Reference: This reference to a harmonious and musically gifted family might symbolize your longing for unity and harmony within your own family. It highlights a contrast between perceived ideal family dynamics and your current or past family experiences.
Sherry and Kristen (Estranged Sisters): Their presence emphasizes themes of family estrangement and the complex web of relationships that you navigate. It may indicate latent desires to reconnect or resolve conflicts with them.
Regret and the Act of Taking Ashes: Your decision to secretly take some of Matt’s ashes before handing over the rest could signify a deep desire for personal closure or the need to hold onto something personal from the past.
Unresolved Emotions: Your dream may reflect unresolved emotions concerning your marriage to Matt, suggesting a need to process these feelings fully. The various interactions around the ashes hint at a struggle to reconcile the past with your present.
Family Dynamics and Role: There might be anxiety or reflection on your role within the broader family structure and how past patterns influence current relationships. The presence of estranged family members could signify a wish for healing or deeper communication.
Identity and Legacy: The dream speaks to your connection with family stories, legacies, and how these narratives shape your identity. There may be a part of you questioning or seeking to redefine what family means to you.
Need for Control and Closure: Your actions in the dream (taking ashes for yourself) highlight a strong desire for control over personal narratives and closure. This indicates a readiness to confront and make peace with facets of your past.
Dreams often mirror our deepest thoughts and struggles. Reflecting on these aspects can provide insight into what you're processing emotionally. Exploring these emotions consciously, possibly through journaling or speaking with someone who understands you, could be beneficial for emotional clarity and growth.