I had a dream I was somewhere different. Some different world. I dont know if I was seeing things through MY own eyes, because even I looked different. I think I had blonde highlights in my short brown curly hair. I have long black curly hair. I looked a little, and I mean a little, bit like Jasmine Cephas Jones. In any case, I was in this neighborhood with this cool, retro looking tall red-bricked apartment building with a silver shed-cover-thingie at the bottom. I kept scouting around this building, giddy and grinning, looking for someone who I knew instantly was someone I had a crush on and wanted to date. Anyway, I kept calling for him from downstairs, and he wouldnt answer, or he would barely answer, and eventually, because I was so determined, I scaled the building to where I thought/or instantly somehow knew he lived. When I got to his alleged apartment, I found the wide window already open, and him already watching me. OH also, there was some sort of plague? I'm not sure. There were VISIBLE microbe looking particles in the air and nobody knew the effects yet and stuff. I was in a crowd before I got here, I dont know exactly what all that's about cuz my memory is failing me already BUT in any case! He was looking at me with this surprised, embarrassed look. His face was red, and I seemed to take that as encouragement. So I aid hello asked him a few things he didnt answer, and once he got over the shock, he became shy. But I think he was happy that I climbed to see him – or honored at the very least. In any case, at some point, I ask him his name. And he says something inaudible the first two times, then the third time he says his name, but it sounded foreign – French. I tried to mimic the sound but he never confirmed if I got it right at all. He told me i wasnt supposed to be there, that we don't know each other enough to be talking like that, and I said "so lets get to know each other then" and that's why I asked him his name. I was bolder than I had ever known myself to be in those moments with him. We talk for some time, then his two cats which I had seen earlier and giggled at because for some reason I thought they were a mirror of us, strolled into his apartment. Anyway! I ask him about them and he tells me their names which I no longer remember and at some point, I was tired of balancing on this like horizontal pole and landing against his window for support so I dont fall, so I said "is it even safe to be our here during this pandemic?" And he says "well come in then." And I counted it as a triumph. Once I was inside, I saw how small his apartment was. He had a kitchen directly in front of the window, then his bed under it, which looked like a sleeping bag or an inflatable mattress or an especially low bed. Then he had a little book thingy... an alcove? Anyway, to the right of the wide window I climbed in through. There was a window and a little bench like thing in that nook, which the cats had started ehm... "fighting" under. I went to close that window because of the pandemic and for fear it would affect us and come into the house or something and caught them "following nature's command", but then one of the cats got really angry and started meowing for help. I dont know how I knew she was asking for help, but I just knew. Oh! Also the guys is blond and fair skinned and thin. He's not the kinda guy you'd see where I am from. In any case! I asked him if we should do something and he basically said "nah", so I ignored it for a minute. Then I got too angsty and stopped it myself, then went on to yell at him for not doing something sooner. All the while I kept telling myself in my head not to do that, not to yell, not to ruin a good thing, but I didnt listen. Anyway to make a long story short, he got so mad at my yelling, he somehow started a fire, and next thing I know, the silver shed thingy downstairs directly under his apartment has been swallowed up in flames. The next few minutes are just me frantically trying to do something to fix this. The man disappears from this point on, or from my memory at least, and I pick uo a fire extinguisher to fix everything. There's a fire in the hall too somehow. I keep trying to get people out. I think I recognise some of these people, but not from my real life. They're people that the me in my dreams knows. Maybe I live in that apartment complex, I dont know. But anyway, I put some fires out, then something starts spazzing ans spitting and I know thats not something my extinguisher can put out so I run for it and try to get as many people as I can out. Someone yells dont go outside, so I dont. I take them to the reception area in the complex, and I have them wait there, and thats where my memories end. I dont know if anyone came to save us. And I dont know where the man or his cats went off to.
This is an intriguing dream, rich in symbolism and potential meanings. Let's break it down:
Altered Self-Identity: You began the dream seeing yourself with different physical traits, suggesting an exploration of identity or a desire to change something about how you perceive yourself. Blonde highlights in your hair might symbolize a longing for attention, excitement, or a new phase in your life. The comparison to Jasmine Cephas Jones, a talented actress, may reflect aspirations or qualities you admire.
Exploration of a Different World: Being in an alternate neighborhood with a distinct, retro building could signify a desire for change or exploring new circumstances. The building's structure is significant, often representing ambitions, aspirations, or a life stage you're curious about.
Pursuit and Connection: Searching and climbing to reach someone you have a crush on symbolizes a pursuit of connection or intimacy. You were bold and determined, perhaps reflecting a real-life desire to break out of your comfort zone romantically or socially.
The Plague: The presence of a visible plague suggests underlying anxiety about health, change, or the unknown future. Pandemics often symbolize uncontrollable change or fear of isolation.
Interpersonal Dynamics: The interactions with the man you liked reveal dynamics of insecurity and pursuit. His initial embarrassment turning into shyness might mirror common relationship dynamics where both parties are unsure how to proceed. The conversation about a foreign-sounding name suggests unfamiliarity or the thrill of exploring new terrains emotionally or culturally.
Symbolism of Cats: Cats are known for their independence and mystery. They might reflect hidden aspects of your personality or the complexities in the romantic interaction.
Conflict and Confrontation: Yelling at him over the cats and then starting a fire can signify internal fears of self-sabotage or concerns about destructive tendencies in relationships.
Fire as Transformation: Fire is a powerful symbol. It represents destruction, but also transformation and rebirth. The emergency could allude to feeling overwhelmed by situations in life needing immediate attention or change.
Act of Salvation: Your attempt to rescue people and put out the fire hints at a heroic side, an endeavor to set things right, indicating your real-life urge to solve problems or help those around you.
Unresolved Ending: The open ending and disconnection from the man and the cats might represent uncertainties or unresolved issues in life that you are working through.
This dream indicates a period of self-exploration, recognition of internal fears, and a need for connection, adventure, and resolution. It suggests you may be on the cusp of personal change, looking to balance your fears with desires for establishing meaningful, perhaps romantic, connections while addressing anxieties about change or the unknown in your life.