Time To Look For Another Job

Dear Nancy: I was having trouble at work when I had this dream. My boss, who is going through a divorce, has become belligerent and controlling. Because of this, I’m feeling it’s time for me to change jobs. Can you make any sense of this dream? Ellen

I’m at work. I look out the window and see a group of monkeys with long tails and big green eyes sitting on stumps of wood. They enter the house screeching. I’m frightened, but realize they are screeching because of the large collars around their necks. I attempt to remove the collars, but my boss screams at me to tighten them. The monkeys screech louder and try to bite and scratch my boss. I finally remove one collar, and all but one monkey runs from the house. I’m holding that monkey in my arms, and it asks, “Can I go along?”

Dear Ellen: Animals are one of the most important symbols in dreams. They usually represent our own natural instincts, so it’s important to note if they are healthy and happy, or hurt and troubled.

Monkeys are lighthearted, playful and mischievous.

When we spoke, you said your boss has you “on a short leash.” She doesn’t want to let you take the time off work to which you are entitled. You’re frustrated and angry, like the monkeys in your dream.

When your boss “tightens the collar” on you and becomes more controlling, do you want to lash out at her, metaphorically biting and scratching?

The monkeys’ screeching is so loud in your dream that you’re frightened and concerned for them. You absolutely cannot ignore this situation and want to alleviate their suffering by removing their collars.

I agree that unless you and your boss resolve your differences, it’s time to look for another job, Ellen. This job has obviously become intolerable, and your natural instincts for play and lightheartedness will suffer.

Tips for readers: What animals show up in your dreams? Are they wild or domestic?

Domestic animals (cats and dogs) can represent the everyday instinctual parts of ourselves, such as the instinct to nurture our family. But what do wild animals (tigers, wolves, bears) represent?

Unless you have had a personal relationship or experience with these wild animals, you can assume they are in your dream to call attention to the health and well-being of your natural instincts: survival, assertiveness, sexuality, creativity and power, all symbolized by wild creatures.

Are you running from the animal in your dream? Perhaps you’re running from your own power and strength, preferring instead to remain dependent and ineffective.

Is the animal in a cage or restrained in some way? Ask how you may be holding back from expressing yourself naturally. If the animal is starving or wounded, it’s important to see the part of your life that feels deprived, empty or hurt. How can you nurture and heal yourself, bringing your spirit back into wholeness?

If your dream animal is healthy and strong, know it is reflecting your own healthy state of being.

This column is intended as entertainment. But psychologists who work with clients’ dreams say that dreams can hold a tremendous amount of significance; a particularly disturbing or repetitive dream may indicate the need to see a therapist.

, DataTimes MEMO: Nancy Huseby Bloom has studied dreams for 18 years. Dreams may be sent to her c/o The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615, or fax, (509) 459-5098. Please send a short summary of the circumstances in your life and include your name, address and phone number. Nancy conducts dream groups on a regular basis. For information, call 455-3450.