Dream May Show What To Release, Hold On To

Dear Nancy: I am a struggling songwriter, singer and musician. My band split up after a year of intense, hard work. There was anger and hard feelings all around. Lately, I’m feeling discouraged, disappointed and cynical about music, and people in general.

- Randy

I am being held hostage inside a house. A man with a gun and five bullets takes people outside one at a time and shoots them. Beautiful and stylish people in the house block my way, trying to keep me from leaving. I get angry and push my way out the front door and into the yard. I’m hiding, but I’m in plain sight.

Then I find myself flying over my home town. I have my old oversized pillow with me and I’m holding something very important in my hand. My flight is precarious, and I know if I could release what I’m holding, my escape would be easier. As I fly, I notice how beautiful it is below. I see vineyards and gorgeous green grass.

Dear Randy: This dream seems to be a reflection of your feelings about your band’s breakup. Being held hostage may be a sign you felt helpless to change the situation.

On the phone, you said a particular band member instigated the breakup. Perhaps he’s the killer in your dream. He has five bullets; were there five band members? Do you feel this man “murdered” or destroyed the band?

All numbers have archetypal meaning. No. 5 is a symbol of change. All change brings about death of the old and birth of the new.

The beautiful and stylish people holding you hostage may symbolize the music industry or the part of yourself that wants to be recognized by important people in music. Is the desire to be successful holding you hostage in some way? How does it interfere with your creativity?

You escape the situation by flying on your old, comfortable pillow, which suggests becoming relaxed and comfortable will “bring you home” to a more creative and satisfying way of life. Flying is a symbol of rising above the situation and gaining a larger perspective.

The landscape below is green, fertile and productive. Green is the color of healing and new life. Vineyards show the fruitfulness and abundance that awaits you in this new place.

What must you release to make your transition easier? Does hanging on hold you back? Can you be more comfortable and productive by striking out on your own with your music?

This dream offers you a lot to think about. I hope I’ve given you some insight.

Tips for readers:

Dream landscapes illustrate how we feel in particular situations.

A dry desert may indicate a dried-up and parched feeling in contrast to a lush, green meadow suggesting growth and healing.

If you’re in a garden that needs attention, you might ask, “What are the ‘weeds’ in my life?” and, “How am I ignoring myself?”

Fog and darkness suggests the inability to see clearly; a storm may symbolize the releasing of built-up emotional energy.

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.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Nancy Huseby Bloom The Spokesman-Review