The basic idea behind Jungian dream theory is that dreams reveal more than they conceal. They are a natural expression of our imagination and use mythic narratives.

Dreams are doing the work of integrating our conscious and unconscious lives; the process of individuation.

Individuation is the mind’s quest for wholeness, the quality of applied wisdom that separates elders from grumpy old men.

Archetypes are the universal energies of every Human who is not only in conflict with Society but also with him or her Self.

The archetypal images that come through dreams may be derived from different organs and thought centers in the body, and as such represent evolutionary drives.

The quicker we can balance all these ancient needs, the more productively we can live.

Certain dream symbols possess the same universal meaning for all men and women, the phenomenon called the collective unconscious.

Dreams are personal, personal experiences that often touch on universal themes and symbols.

These symbols are believed to occur in every culture throughout history. Seven such symbols are referred to as the major archetypal characters:

The Persona is the image you present to the World in your waking life. It is your public mask. In the dream World, the persona is represented by the Self. The Self may or may not resemble you physically or may or may not behave as you would.

The Shadow is the rejected and repressed aspects of yourself. It is the part of yourself that you do not want the World to see because it is ugly or unappealing.

It symbolizes weakness, fear, or anger. In dreams, this figure is represented by a stalker, murderer, a bully, or pursuer.

It can be a frightening figure or even a close friend or relative. Their appearance often makes you angry or leaves you scared. They force you to confront things that you don’t want to see or hear.

The Anima / Animus is the female and male aspects of yourself. Everyone possess both feminine and masculine qualities.

In dreams, the Anima appears as a highly feminized figure, while the animus appears as a hyper masculine form.

These dream imageries appear depending on how well you are able to integrate the feminine and masculine qualities within yourself.

They serve as a reminder that you must learn to acknowledge or express your masculine (be more assertive) or feminine side (be more emotional).

The Divine Child is your true self in its purest form. It not only symbolizes your innocence, your sense of vulnerability, and your helplessness, but it represents your aspirations and full potential. You are open to all possibilities.

The Wise Old Man / Woman is the helper in your dreams. Represented by a teacher, father, doctor, priest or some other unknown authority figure, they serve to offer guidance and words of wisdom.

The Great Mother is the nurturer. The Great Mother appears in your dreams as your own mother, grandmother, or other nurturing figure. She provides you with positive reassurance.

Negatively, they may be depicted as a witch or old bag lady in which case they can be associated with seduction, dominance and death.

The Trickster, as the name implies, plays jokes to keep you from taking yourself too seriously. The Trickster may appear in your dream when you have overreach or misjudge a situation.

The Trickster often makes you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed, sometimes mocking you or exposing you to your vulnerabilities.