such as Griffins, Unicorns, Minolaurs
1- In dream imagery, in order to draw the dreamer’s attention to certain qualities, animals may be shown as having characteristics belonging to other creatures. Archctypally, there arc many combinations which arc possible and which will give unlimited potential to the creative abilities within the dreamer (See Also: Archetypes).
The dreamer is being shown that there is Freedom from conventional principles.
2- Given the freedom to crcate, the mind can produce both the fantastic and the grotesque. Such fabulous beasts are the result of trying to reconcile these two polarities.
3- Fearsome and terrifying powers of nature arc represented in this interpretation.
The dreamer should be aware of his own ‘animalistic’ power and whether he can control it.
[1]Gives gender-specific: The unicorn has its horn representing mysticism, the griffin has the qualities of both the lion and the eagle. These representations are of the best qualities of masculinity and femininity. Only the purest of women (the virgin) can tame the unicorn and only the bravest of men can tame thegriffin.
(It is sometimes said that only the female griffin has wings, yet the griffin is also said to draw the chariot of nemesis, goddess of justice, across the sky.)
[2]Psychological / emotional perspective: Given the freedom to create, the mind can produce both the fantastic and the grotesque, particularly in dreams. There are many combinations which are possible and we, therefore, have an almost unlimited potential to use our creative abilities. By and large, the appearance of fabulous beasts is the result of trying to reconcile two apparently diverse polarities.
[3]Material aspects: In dream imagery, in order to draw the dreamer’s attention to certain qualities, fabulous beasts are shown as having dual characteristics.
The centaur represents the combination of man with beast whilst the minotaur does the reverse – that of beast with man. These combinations are intended to show that we are able to combine two basic principles.
[4](Such as centaurs, griffins, minotaurs and unicorns) fearsome and terrifying powers of nature were often previously represented as fabulous creatures. In addition, they were given animalistic qualities. Learning to control these qualities within ourselves is a large part of the spiritual development which can take place through dreams.
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