I dreamt that I was inside a library, and talking with one of my friends & one of his friends, while we were play-testing my WWII war game, and during the game, one of them asked “why run on a counter system and currency for game balance, instead of only allowing a fixed number of unit cards per turn?” To which I began to explain that it was for pacing purposes, so that way people can build up their armies faster using currency flow as working in conjunction with the manufacturing efficiency system to form an effective soft limit on units, whilst still maintaining a hard limit on tech cards/specific actions. To prove my point, I then created an alternate format on the spot using pokemon TCG card placement/action rules in regards to per turn limits, to which they then went off to go play with. I then began to draw new cards and tweak the stats of existing ones for balancing purposes, as they were gone. I was like that until nightfall, until they came back to me and said “you’re right, fixed card limit fucking sucks. You made the right call.” I smiled in triumph, replying to them “I told ya so… just because I’m a lady doesn’t mean I can’t design a wargame, after all…,” as I got up from the table and went to exit the library for a smoke. As I got closer to the door, however, a white light began to consume me. I then woke up, instantly jolting awake in my bed. I awoke in a grumpy mood today, having a massive headache and feeling super thirsty. My hormones might also be outta whack too, but I can’t exactly tell.
Your dream, rich in detail and layered meaning, invites an exploration of themes related to creativity, validation, gender dynamics, and personal struggle. Let's break down the components for a more comprehensive understanding.
Setting: The Library
The library symbolizes knowledge, learning, and the unconscious mind. It represents a place where your ideas can grow, and where creativity is nurtured. It signals a gathering of thoughts and skills, and may indicate that you are currently seeking or consolidating knowledge that can help you in your waking life. It could also reflect feelings of being in a safe space, exploring ideas with friends.
Characters: Your Friends
Your friends in the dream can represent different aspects of yourself or your social circle. Engaging with them signifies collaboration, the exchange of ideas, and the need for shared validation among peers. The conversation about your game reflects not just team play but also an openness to feedback and a desire for approval.
The Game Mechanics
The discussion about game design indicates a reflective process in how you perceive balance and structure—not just in the game you are creating but in your own life as well. The counter system and currency may symbolize your understanding of how to manage resources, be they time, energy, or emotional investments. This can point toward a desire for control in your life's pacing, and your call for a system that allows for growth and flexibility shows your inclination towards innovation.
Creating an alternate format on the spot reflects adaptability and spontaneous creativity. It highlights your problem-solving skills but may also point to pressures you feel to justify your ideas or to prove their worth. This desire to balance your creations can also reflect a deeper struggle in your waking life to balance responsibility (like work or relationships) with personal aspiration.
Triumph and Gender Dynamics
Your triumphant response—“just because I’m a lady doesn’t mean I can’t design a wargame”—sheds light on the challenges you might be facing related to gender. This statement reflects a confrontation with stereotypes—asserting your capabilities and challenging societal norms. It’s empowerment and highlights your defiance against any barriers, external or internal, you may be facing.
The Transition to Exit
As you approach the exit, consumed by light, it might symbolize a transition or transformation in your life. Light often signifies enlightenment, awareness, or even the threshold of a new beginning. However, feeling consumed may suggest apprehension about embarking on this new path or phase. It could also reflect the intensity of your current emotional state, signaling a thirst for clarity or freedom.
Waking Up
Your waking feelings of grumpiness, a headache, and thirst could signify that there is a physical manifestation of emotional or mental strain you're currently experiencing. Your hormones being "outta whack" can add another layer of complexity, suggesting that internal biological factors might be exacerbating your mood and mental clarity.
Conclusion
Overall, this dream captures a moment of creative collaboration while highlighting personal growth and self-recognition. It emphasizes your desire for validation in your pursuits while offering profound insights into how you perceive responsibilities and personal identity challenges. Consider reflecting on the ways you can further assert your voice in both creative areas and everyday situations, while also allowing yourself grace during periods of uncertainty. Addressing the physical sensations you experienced upon waking might help to clear your mind and foster a more positive outlook as you navigate your day.