As we move towards maturity, we find that we are freer to explore parts of ourselves that may have been put on hold because of family or work responsibilities. During this stage of their life, men often explore more feminine or softer modes of being—or their anima—in their dreams. This usually occurs in their fifties or sixties, when they can relax more after having attained a level of mastery at work and children may have left the nest.
Women also feel freer to explore the world in bold new ways in this stage of their life. They often feel confident and full of energy; dreams in which the animus expresses itself or in which they find hidden rooms and valuables are not uncommon. Although the menopause marks the beginning of the second part of life rather dramatically for women, men are also subjected to reminders that time is chasing them and these may show up in dreams of being chased by a tiger or escaping a fire. Dreams of losing teeth or body parts at this stage of life may reflect a concern with aging and the loss of their youthful self. Additionally, dreams with themes of impotence or loss of fertility signal a loss of sexual power.
Dreams of loved ones who have passed away may also occur, both as an expression of grief and also as a way to help us accept our own mortality.
Dreams about getting sick or ill may also reflect the typical concerns of this stage. Alongside dreams of loss and adjustment, however, dreams at this stage of life also reflect hope and renewal; for example, dreams in which you discover hidden treasure. You may dream of a well drying up in your garden, but then discover a casket of treasure at the bottom of the well, which suggests the uncovering of hidden resources and new opportunities.
If you aren’t in this stage of life and dream of it, your dream is most likely reflecting your hunger for the wisdom, calmness and maturity that only age and experience can bring.
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