Cellar Symbolizes Subconscious Mind
Dear Nancy: I have had this recurring dream for quite a few years. I wake up from it with my heart pounding. Is this a common form of dream anxiety? - Clara
A full-grown male lion is roaming in my cellar. The animal comes close to me, rubbing against my leg, and I feel fear building up inside of me. I realize I can’t keep the lion because I can’t take care of it. I try to call the police or animal control. I wake up in a panic.
Dear Clara: Your dream takes place in a cellar, often a symbol for the subconscious mind. Cellars and basements are underground or hidden, so dreams that portray our subconscious thoughts, feelings and values often take place here.
Is there an aspect of your personality that you prefer to keep hidden from others, maybe even yourself? Could it be a part of you that is powerful, stealthy and wise?
Your lion seems to be friendly, brushing up against your leg. Even so, you are fearful. Are you afraid of your own power? Do you tend to keep your forceful energy under control?
As an archetypal symbol, the lion combines tremendous energy with serene self-control. It’s effortlessly masterful and needs no reassurance of its strength. In Jungian psychology, the lion’s appearance in dreams signifies that the dreamer’s psyche and spirit is ready for a breakthrough, a new force in the personality that is stronger and more capable of overcoming the challenges of life.
Try a method of dreamwork called Dream Re-Entry. Sit quietly, and in your mind go back into the dream. See yourself with the lion. When it brushes up against your leg, instead of recoiling in fear, reach down and stroke its fur. Befriend the lion and its power. Talk to it and let it speak to you. Ask what it wants, what it needs. When you fell comfortable with it, perhaps you will want to bring it out of the cellar and into the upper part of your home.
Even though you do this only in your mind, new strengths and capabilities will be integrated within you. This is a powerful dream, Clara. I hope you will accept the invitation of the lion.
Tips: Animals in dreams often represent aspects of the dreamer and usually our own natural instincts.
It’s always important to note if the animal is caged or free, healthy or hurt, content or distressed. These conditions frequently clarify our own deeper feelings about ourselves and our lives.
Dream animals can also represent people we know. There are times when others remind us of kittens, snakes, wolves, etc. Saving a wolf in a dream may illustrate the need to save the wild and natural part of the dreamer. But it also brings to mind the wolf as predator or “the wolf in sheep’s clothing.” Are you befriending or caring for someone who may eventually turn on you?
Perhaps the animal is exhibiting traits or habits that you don’t want to cultivate. In this case, the dream may be a warning to watch your own behavior or attitudes.
Remember, only you know the true meaning of your dreams. My role is to question and suggest which will hopefully lead you to find your own truth.