In this dream there are a series of quickfire segments. 1 It is like there are a group of us who have survived an apocalypse. We aren’t raggedly dressed however, appear quite functional, but we are hungry. We are walking down a street with many deserted buildings, not all houses, looking for food. The road we are on is not destroyed. I see a kitten. It has a very round large head disproportionate to the size of its small body. Its fur is in tufts, not even, but in chunks. It is a dull colour. I reach out my hand to befriend it as I sense it is lonely. It comes to me very friendly and then latched onto my hand in a ball tearing and trying to bite my hand. I shake it violently to get it off. The group says can we eat it. I say yes you can eat cat. They say let’s look on Wiki to see how to prepare it. I say it is easy to dress a cat and while they stand and watch I dress the kitten, tailing out its guts and skinning the uneven fur from it. The group is in awe at my knowledge of such a simple practice. My last act is to cut off its tail, very straight and erect and then take off its very large round head. 2 I am then transferred to what I think is the first landing party in Australia. I am an onlooker as a group of British soldiers shoot an animal. They have muskets and are dressed as colonial soldiers, triangle hat, long coats etc. The animal they shoot falls from the sky it is very large. It lands on its paws, its head face down. I know it is a Koala bear and race to it confused as to how big it is for a Koala bear and wondering why they shot it. I pull it up to reveal its face. The soldiers step back startled and all together say it is a bear, I say a Koala bear. 3 I then find myself with a group of survivors. We appear to be shipwrecked. A large old sailing ship is our home. It is not wrecked, it has sails up but is on dry land. We sleep in it for shelter. There is a group of us not happy with the decisions of the governing body. I say that we can leave then, we just walk away. Those complaing say we can’t do that the governing group will get upset. I say that we can wait until night as they will be off and we can leave. They agree, however it is only me and my female partner who leave. We are then walking through strange land. I say we have to respect the traditions of the people otherwise it could be dangerous. We take a path through some hilly country. As we are walking down 4 of the traditional owners chase after us. We are walking not scared, my partner says what shall we do. I reply nothing, we are alright just keep walking, we don’t need to run. The 4 traditional owners are all painted in white ochre that has patterns with very straight lines. All have a different pattern. They grab us and tell us to come back you can’t do this. We keep walking, they are grabbing and pulling us. Out of nowhere 2 traditional people, a man and a woman, come walking towards us. They are not painted up and the other 4 seem to not like them. I say to my partner follow my lead and I go and grab the male, trying to cuddle him. I am aware that this will confuse the traditional people. They run away and me and my partner keep walking. I say that this group is so fearful of anything that they thing is different, in this case homosexuality and my partner says but you’re not like that and I say I know but the idea scared them away and that we must do things differently to be able to be safe. 4. I am then in a group with my partner, my partner is a different partner than who I was walking with, in fact she is an old girlfriend from a time long ago in my real life. We are with a group of other people. We are at a dance. She starts dancing with someone who I have no respect for. She looks over to try and get my attention. I keep reading a book unconcerned by her actions. Others say look at what she is doing. I say that it is fine it doesn’t upset me and keep reading. 5 I then find myself as an administrator of a school. I have 2 trainees who are not fitting in but I have a responsibility to train them. An important day is coming for them but I must go on a journey to Perth Western Australia. It is about 400kms away from where me and the trainees are. I just cannot work out how I can avoid the trip and be present for the trainees on this important day for them. I am somewhat confused and look at a series of logistical solutions but none of them solve the conundrum.
This dream presents a rich tapestry of various segments, each reflecting distinct themes and emotions as well as interconnected narratives. Let's interpret each segment in terms of its symbolism and underlying messages.
The scenario of surviving an apocalypse often reflects a sense of resilience and the struggle for survival in your waking life. The group is functional yet hungry, indicating a shared sense of lack or unfulfillment among peers. The appearance of the kitten, particularly its disproportionate features, symbolizes vulnerability and perhaps an unfulfilled aspect of yourself or a connection to innocent desires. Your act of reaching out for friendship may signify a yearning for connection or affection, but the kitten's aggressive response could indicate feelings of betrayal or unexpected hostility in relationships or situations you are encountering.
The group's thoughts towards eating the cat point towards a pragmatic, survivalist mentality and may represent how desperation can lead to moral compromises in the face of adversity. Your actions in dressing the kitten, particularly your knowledge in doing so, suggest a readiness to face uncomfortable truths and an ability to adapt, reinforcing themes of survival and practicality. The violent act of decapitating the kitten may feel shocking and hints at a symbolic shedding of innocence or an aspect of yourself needing to be sacrificed for survival or growth.
This segment contrasts past and present with a historical reference to colonization. The koala bear symbolizes innocence and the natural world, while the British soldiers represent authoritarian control and violence. Your confusion over the size of the koala reflects an internal conflict about perception versus reality—how society often distorts natural aspects for personal gain. This scene evokes the theme of loss—of identity, tradition, and natural innocence—likely paralleling feelings of dislocation in your life or society at large.
Shifting to a shipwreck scenario evokes feelings of being adrift or lost. The sailing ship symbolizes exploration and adventure but also suggests a sense of being confined or stranded, potentially reflecting aspects of your life where you feel trapped or lacking direction. Discontent among the group signifies discord, perhaps mirroring personal conflicts in your waking life regarding authority or decision-making. Your willingness to walk away from a governing body that you found unsatisfactory highlights a desire for autonomy and the courage to pursue one's own path—reflecting a growing awareness of the power to make choices in your life.
The encounter with the traditional owners symbolizes cultural differences and societal fears regarding the unknown or the 'other.' By expressing yourself differently, you challenge conventional ideas and foster a sense of safety through understanding rather than fear, signifying your desire to promote acceptance and inclusion.
In a social setting with your ex-girlfriend, feelings indicating unresolved issues with past relationships arise. Her dancing with someone you disapprove of suggests jealousy or feelings of vulnerability. Your indifference while reading a book implies an emotional detachment, perhaps indicating a desire not to confront your feelings surrounding relationships—worthy of exploration in your waking life. This reflects the tension between caring and the desire to appear unaffected, showcasing the complexities of emotional connections and their implications for self-perception.
The final segment explores feelings of responsibility and duty. Your two trainees may represent aspects of yourself that feel unaligned or unsupported, suggesting inner conflicts. The looming trip to Perth indicates a potential departure from obligations or the pressure of balancing personal and professional commitments. Your confusion in seeking logistical solutions may signify pressures in your waking life—perhaps a conflict between responsibilities and personal aspirations. This part encapsulates the struggle of managing expectations, both from yourself and from others, while seeking ways to fulfill these duties responsibly.
Across these segments, your dream reflects themes of survival, identity, responsibility, and a quest for understanding various social dynamics. The distinct scenes embody emotional challenges, conflicts with authority, and the quest for acceptance in a diverse and changing world. The dream serves as a profound exploration of your subconscious, urging you to confront these themes head-on and encouraging you to reflect on your agency and connections with others. The varied partners signify the search for identity in relationships, while the challenges in roles suggest a complex navigation of duties amidst personal growth. Embrace these insights to foster clarity and navigate the paths ahead.