The feminine principle is embodied in the archetype of the great mother: the complete woman within whom the primary qualities of femininity manifest in harmony. Whether you are a man or a woman, take note of the female figures in your dreams—be they a person, animal, quality or object—as they carry a message from your unconscious.
If the selfless, loving mother figure appears in your dream, ask yourself if you need to develop motherly qualities within yourself.
If the dark side of motherhood appears—dominating, criticizing and devouring—ask yourself if you or someone you know has a damaging, suppressing effect on you or someone else.
If the romantic, innocent princess figure appears in your dreams ask yourself if you need to rediscover your optimism.
If the seductress appears, ask yourself if you are being warned against selfishness and immaturity.
If you dream of a wise woman or a witch, ask yourself if you are working with integrity or if you are alienating others with your selfishness.
The masculine principle is typically represented as the wise old man or father and suggests so-called masculine qualities of strength, authority and virility.
If any of the masculine archetypes appear in your dream ask yourself if it is highlighting an aspect of yourself that you need to take a closer look at.
If a father figure appears in your dreams he may simply be a role model of authority with compassion but if the ogre appears he may represent a threat of some kind to your authority. A dream that features a young, idealistic prince may be encouraging you to recapture some of your youthful optimism, while dreaming of a wastrel may be a warning that it is time to act with maturity and take on responsibility.
If a warrior appears in your dreams, this could suggest the need to take decisive action in waking life, be it to promote your aims or to make a decision.
If you dream of the high priest or his counterpart, the black magician, you need to question your motives or those of the person you feel they might represent: are they altruistic and wise, or selfish and misdirected? See also FAMILY; PEOPLE.
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