1- Traditionally, the mermaid or merman belongs to the sea as well as being able lo exist on land. This symbolically represents an ability to be deeply emotional and also entirely practical. Until these two separate parts are properly integrated, the human being cannot fully exist in either realm.
2- Mermaids and mermen arc feminine and masculine representations of the link between the darker forccs which we do not necessarily understand and the conscious self. Many stories exist of the human’s attempt to mate or link with these creatures of the sea. Most end in hurt and distress for one party or the other. This is an example of how difficult it is to integrate the two sides of our nature.
3- Each individual must bring about integration between the spiritual self and the emotional self before there can be wholeness.
[1]Psychological / emotional perspective: Mermaids and mermen are feminine and masculine representations of the link between the darker forces – which we do not necessarily understand – and the conscious self. In dreams the mermaid epitomizes how difficult it is to integrate the two sides of our nature. This lack of integration can result in capriciousness.
The merman, however, is said to be less ‘intrigued’ by humans so, therefore, represents unification, but in a way that is more isolated.
[2]Gives gender-specific: Many stories exist of the human’s attempt to mate or link with these creatures of the sea, though the merman is less fascinated than his counterpart by humans. Most attempts end in hurt and distress for one party or the other and men’s dreams of such a creature of fantasy in particular can reflect this. Women’s dreams may contain an element of coming to terms with her own capriciousness.
[3]Material aspects: Traditionally, the mermaid or merman belongs to the sea as well as being able to exist on land. This symbolically represents an ability to be deeply emotional and also entirely practical. Until these two separate parts are properly integrated, the human being cannot fully exist in either the emotional or practical realms.
[4]A mermaid or merman is a double symbol of our instinctual life because (1) a merperson is half animal, and (2) a merperson is at home in the water, a potent symbol of the unconscious. So a dream communication from a mermaid or merman is a message from a deeper part of ourselves.
[5]The link between the deep forces of the unconscious and the waking self.
The unconscious image or idealised sense of womanhood (mermaid) or manhood (merman); love of one’s image of someone rather than the reality of them as a human being.
[6]The mermaid and merman symbolize the ability to integrate the spiritual aspects of the personality with the emotional. In being part fish and part human, they also symbolize the evolutionary journey from pure instinct to wisdom.
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