Went to sleep after talking to Carmen about Cats. My dream surrounded a walk in the woods with Amy on the RNS campus towards the trail near the staff housing. On the walk she remarked that she wanted to understand why I liked it here in case we had enough money to come back and buy a place one day. I explained that I wasn't sure but recently there was a draw to that place again. As we walked, specially near the top of the field she remarked about three horses within 50m or so of her. They were a white color and for one reason or another I made the comment that they were wild. I presume this came from their lack of saddles. We came down the trail with the trees being taller than I remember. It wasn't long until I noticed an owl. Not my favorite, but a great horned owl in the trees. I thought it was cool and continued onwards remarking about a tattoo. After seeing at least one more. I saw a cat in the tree next and noticed that the owls kept flying closer to the cat in the tree. I realized quickly that the owls were after the cat which I thought looked like Marvin but actually could have been either him or thomas. I told Amy to grab him and she climbed the tree and got him safely. Having realized our walk was done we turned to leave carrying the cat and almost sheltering it from the owls to protect it. I believe at some point my empty hands were replaced with a gun to do so. I woke up after this, but upon doing so connected the owls not just with a predatory animal but with a symbol of death. The white horses I believe since there were three symbolized the animals I'd lost (Tazzy, Sasha and Rocker) and their purity of spirit. As to why RNS, I couldn't say but as of late I've felt a calling back to there and the local area. The reason for Amy and I is likely similar to the RNS reason. Feeling a connection to the area I believe she was there for that reason but also being indigenous.
Your dream is rich with symbolism and reflects both personal experiences and deeper unconscious themes. Let's break down the components to understand what they may signify.
The woods often symbolize a journey into the subconscious. This setting can reflect a journey of self-discovery or exploration of your feelings, thoughts, and memories. The presence of Amy suggests companionship or partnership in this exploration, indicating that you may value shared experiences and emotional connections as you navigate through your inner landscape.
The mention of the RNS campus and the desire for a potential return signifies a longing for a place associated with positive memories or significant experiences. It might represent a period in your life that holds comfort, stability, or potential. Your conversation with Amy about returning "if you had enough money" suggests desires not just for place but rooted in shared dreams and future possibilities.
White horses can symbolize purity, freedom, and strength, while the fact that they are perceived as wild indicates untamed aspects of your desires or aspects of your life that have not been fully explored. The mention of three horses resonates with the concept of trinity, possibly reflecting the three beloved pets you have lost. This connection may indicate a quest for healing or understanding around these losses, allowing you to acknowledge their purity of spirit.
Owls are often seen as symbols of wisdom, intuition, and awareness, but they also have a dual association with death or change. Seeing the owl might suggest that you are currently facing significant transitions in your life, or perhaps there are hidden insights you are yet to uncover. Its aggressive behavior towards the cat might indicate feelings of threat or protection for those you love or things you hold dear.
The cat's presence in the tree, perceived as Marvin or Thomas, symbolizes a sense of vulnerability or the need for protection, mirroring the connection you have with your pets. The action of Amy climbing the tree and bringing the cat down emphasizes themes of guardianship and support in your relationships. It suggests that you are protective of those close to you, and that mutual care is a central theme in your connections.
The transformation of your empty hands into one with a gun reflects a potential shift from vulnerability to a position of power or defense. This may indicate feelings of needing to protect those you love against external threats, symbolizing a shift from passive observation to active engagement. It could represent the inner conflict regarding how to address perceived dangers in your life or relationships.
Overall, this dream is a beautiful tapestry woven from themes of nostalgia, love, loss, and protection. The journey through the woods signifies a deeper exploration of these themes and your values. The connections to the RNS campus and your time with Amy suggest a yearning for groundedness and partnership. The symbolism of the animals—particularly the horses, owl, and cat—highlights the balance between freedom and responsibility, wisdom and vulnerability.
This dream provides a canvas for reflection on your relationships and your past, inviting you to consider how the experiences of loss, protection, and home might continue to shape your identity and desires moving forward. Embrace this exploration as you create a path towards understanding and healing.