In my dream I approached myself, in my early teens hanging out in my old childhood place and a pasture of a giant cherry tree sitted in the nook of it as I approached. She was busy drawing away on a picture as I approached. I greeted her warmly with a hello. She was a bit shy but seemed to greet me warmly and quietly but not unreceptive to me being there. I began the conversation with her telling her I would like to understand her more. She flushed a bit and said that would be okay. She went back to doodling and drawing and then handed me the picture. The drawing was of her myself and our horse standing in a river and she held him in a hug around his neck. The whole drawing was done in pencil, giving the drawing a bit of a sad or ominous tone. Her face in the picture is hidden by her wet hair. And you can't tell if she's crying or if it's just water droplets running down her cheek.
This dream carries a rich tapestry of symbolism and emotion, reflecting your inner feelings about your past, your childhood self, and possibly some unresolved aspects of your identity. Here’s a detailed interpretation of the key elements in your dream:
The act of approaching your younger self indicates a longing for connection with your past. You might be exploring feelings of nostalgia, reflecting on who you were at that age, and how those experiences shaped who you are today. This part of the dream suggests that you may be seeking to understand or reconcile aspects of yourself that you have outgrown but still hold significance.
Trees often symbolize growth, life, and stability. A cherry tree specifically can represent ideas of beauty, renewal, and fleeting moments, as cherry blossoms bloom vibrantly yet briefly. The tree’s presence in your dream highlights a foundational aspect of your childhood — it may represent a place of comfort, creativity, or play. The size of the tree suggests that your memories and experiences from this time have substantial influence on your current self.
Artistic expression in dreams often serves as a powerful representation of emotions and thoughts. The act of your younger self drawing can symbolize creativity and the exploration of feelings that may be difficult to articulate verbally. The drawing itself, particularly the scene of you, your childhood self, and the horse, encapsulates a significant aspect of your life journey. The horse can symbolize freedom, passion, and companionship, suggesting that these traits were integral to your identity during your formative years.
Rivers in dreams are frequently associated with emotions and the flow of life. They can represent transitions, changes, or a current emotional state. The setting of the river signifies that you may be navigating your feelings, possibly moving from one phase of life to another. The imagery of hugging the horse while in the water may indicate a desire to nurture and embrace parts of yourself that are intertwined with your emotions and experiences.
The ambiguity of your younger self’s expression—whether she is crying or simply wet from the water—speaks to the complexities of emotions you may be processing. This could suggest unresolved feelings or a blend of joy and sorrow, reflecting on the bittersweet nature of growing up. It emphasizes how memories of childhood, while often cherished, can also evoke sadness upon reflection on lost innocence, dreams, or unfulfilled potential.
Your dream appears to be a reflective journey, inviting you to engage with your past and acknowledge the innocence, creativity, and emotions that shaped your identity. This meeting with your younger self symbolizes a chance for introspection, healing, and acceptance. It encourages you to embrace and integrate those qualities you’ve perhaps set aside or undervalued in yourself as an adult.
Consider revisiting the feelings associated with your childhood and exploring how they connect to your current experiences. This dream serves as a gentle reminder to keep that childlike curiosity and creativity alive as you navigate your ongoing journey.