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Qigong Dreaming
presentation by Christina Bjergo at the 26th Annual Conference for
the International Association for the Study of Dreams to be held in
Chicago, Illinois June 26-June 30, 2009. Go to
http://www.asdreams.org/index.htm
for additional information about the Conference and presentations. |
Serpent Symbolism in
Dreams and Myth
By Christina Bjergo
Serpents in dreams, myth and art around the world reflect the cycles
of Nature moving one forward in the evolution of consciousness.
Pagans, Mystery schools of Greece and Egypt, indigenous cultures
around the world as well as matriarchal societies throughout history
view serpents as symbols of the divine feminine of the earth and the
instinctual nature (dreambody) leading us towards enlightenment.
These traditions find the joyful expression of the body through
movement, music and embracing life provides a spiritual dimension
for connecting with one's Self through the Dreamtime. For as modern
research reveals, the body is the subconscious mind.
Serpents come in dreams, visions and other intuitive messages to
help our bodymind work through and clear our stuff. Through
listening and acting on their guidance, we release our subconscious
baggage and resolve the sense of separation within ourselves (that
we habitually reflect outwardly onto the world around us in what
Carl Jung calls projection of our shadow side). Ultimately, serpent
symbolism shows us as we are and helps us integrate our subconscious
and conscious separation so we can embrace our wholeness as well as
gain wisdom into the underlying reality of existence.
I encourage you to explore the serpent/snake/dragon images and
messages from your individual dreamscape whether in sleep or waking
life. Their guidance both sacred and profound throughout the ages
continues to move us step-by-step towards are highest potential and
to living more authentic lives. Below are some specific examples of
serpent symbolism from my individual experiences (though coming from
the collective unconscious many are similar to serpent myth and art
of many cultures) to assist you on your journey. Use as guidance
only, taking time to assess what messages the serpent has
specifically for you in your life. Hold on and enjoy the ride!
Snakes - androgynous nature having unified masculine and feminine
aspects. Snakes move like water and have an internal fire as
demonstrated by their lightening strike and fiery tongue movements.
They also reflect the celestial cycles of the moon and the ability
to shed their skin and emerge reborn. As such they are symbols of
the divine feminine, movement through seasons of the soul and a
means to work towards spiritual wisdom. Their sensitivity to
vibration makes them a good symbol of the electromagnetic spectrum
from cosmic rays to subsonic frequencies - the symphony of music
found throughout Nature that unifies us with the Universe.
Dragons - highly respected in Asia as symbols of the Tao they
represent the highest state of consciousness, enlightenment and the
authentic self. Many deities have a dragon/winged serpent aspect and
many cultures (China, Korea and Japon) believe they are descendents
of the dragons - reflecting their human potential.
Strangulation by a serpent - important to note the area of the body.
May represent an area cut off from source or electromagnetic energy
(between heaven and earth) that if not taken care of may lead to
physical symptoms. For example, I dreamed many years ago of a snake
strangling me around my neck. A few years later they found a cyst on
my thyroid and later again I developed TMD in the jaw. I have since
clearing and resolved these physical symptoms mostly through work
with vibration and sound healing. Had I worked on the dream guidance
initially, however, I could have prevented these symptoms of dis-ease.
Medusa/serpent monsters/threatening serpents - those energies of
ourselves we have hidden away in the depths of our subconscious.
They may be fears, traumas, repressed emotions, experiences, etc.
trapped within the bodymind, not having been processed or perhaps
even acknowledged. Our subconscious will bring these shadow aspects
of ourselves into awareness through the Dreamtime (sleep and waking
life) in ways to get our attention. Particularly when it is time for
our highest good to clear away and grow beyond our limitations so we
can experience greater health, emotional wellness and peace of mind.
Pay attention to any associated thoughts and feelings as can help
one process the experiences out of the individual cells of the
bodymind.
Devil serpent figures - cultural and religious fears and prejudices
seeking acknowledgement that have been picked up consciously or
subconsciously by the bodymind and need to be processed and released
so the individual can move another step beyond dualistic thinking
(separation into good or evil) and towards unification of the Self.
Can also be a symbol of the ego trying to thwart our spiritual
growth and development. Checking in with one's intuitive center, the
heart, can help in assessing. Note additional dreams for clues in
what it reflects and how to proceed.
Chased by serpents - as hidden aspects of ourselves move into
consciousness there is sometimes uncertainty or tentativeness until
our psyche becomes comfortable with these newer energies awaiting
expression.
Snakebite, swallowed or eaten by serpents - symbol of initiation.
Many rituals and ceremonies of various cultures from different time
eras reflect the initiations of the soul, which is ultimately an
inward experience through connection with the collective
unconscious. Serpents and dragons are frequently found at the
entrances to temples and sacred sanctuaries throughout Asia and
Egypt (nagas, dragons and cobras), places for spiritual
enlightenment and awakening - in the dreamstate this could be
reflected by the opening of windows and doors leading into Nature as
we unlock hidden aspects of ourselves. The beginning of a kundalini
awakening is also often marked by dreams of snakebites and/or the
lighting of ceremonial fire in the dreamscape. Being bitten on our
Achilles Tendon - reflecting a vulnerability or opportunity for
growth.
Feeding/nourishing/caring for/gifts to serpents - we are moving
towards acceptance of new energies of ourselves we are integrating.
Could reflect our overall increased connection with our bodies and
their innate wisdom through mindfulness, meditation, qigong,
movement, dance, yoga, spontaneous expression, dreamwork, etc.
Serpents coming out vagina/head/flowers - vagina is a symbol for
divine feminine/goddess energies and the womb/tomb cycles of life.
It is also the lower aspect of the body connecting us with the earth
energies and our subconscious/instinctive selves. This is the lower
point where yin and yang of the microcosmic orbit unify and as is a
potent place for transforming stuck energies in the bodymind. Can
also represent new creative energies we are birthing (often
following clearing of obstacles from the psyche). Serpents coming
out the head may be symbolic of wisdom gained and the more refined
heavenly energies and/or the masculine aspect of God. Head and
flowers link us to heavenly energies and etheric spiritual
dimensions or cosmic rays. The channel linking these locations is
the Central Channel in Chinese Inner Traditions and the Spine in
India Tantrism. See Blood and Serpents for more details.
Kissing/Sex/Marriage Serpents - kissing, sex and marriage all
represent connection and unification of energies of the Self and
often specifically symbolize our sensuous Nature. Kissing and sex
are particularly linked to sexual creative energies we either
embrace or wish to express. This energy is store in the pelvic area
or lower dan tian in Chinese Medicine. Marriage represents balance
of male and female aspects and is a union of the heart where
energies of body/earth and mind/heavens unite to the oneness of
Spirit.
Ascending Serpents - breakthrough, ascension of yang energy upward.
This upward flow is often along the spine, tree, pole, stone, or
caduceus. Sometimes there are two serpents ascending intertwined
around empty space - can be anything from galaxies spinning to
intercellular DNA. The spine in Chinese Medicine is the Governing
Vessel or seat of the yang/masculine energy of the body. Sometimes
reflects an individuals opening to higher vibrational frequencies.
This often occurs for me during meditation or after some bodymind
clearing has occurred. As a symbol for yang may alternatively
reflect an outward, expressive aspect of the Self being symbolized.
Descending Serpents - energy moving into manifestation. In the body
this might be represented as energy, water or serpents. Sometimes
this descending serpent energy cascades down from the tongue. Images
of Female Chinese Shamans, Hindu Kali Goddess and She Who Watches
all emphasize the image of the tongue sticking out or the mouth
itself as this is the beginning of the Conception Vessel of the body
which governs the feminine/yin of the body. These powerful female
figures bring down the rains as blessings from heaven. The
Conception Vessel moves downward along the front centerline of the
body to the perineum between the legs. This is also the downward
half of the Taiji symbol and the microcosmic orbit of the body
practiced in movement meditation of various qigong forms from China.
Manifestation is movement down in frequency. As a symbol for yin,
may also suggest the inward more reflective aspect of the Self being
symbolized.
Serpent connection with the tongue - the tongue is also where the
feminine/yin and masculine/yang energies unify. It is therefore a
potent location for transformation with the voice helping clear
lower vibrational energies or trapped energies previously
unexpressed. I often have dreams of this sort when going through a
death-rebirth clearing cycle of my own psyche. See Descending
Serpents for additional information.
Spirals/Swirling mist - spirals are metaphors for serpents in dream
symbology. The Chong qi in Chinese inner traditions is described as
the whirling emptiness (reflective of the tao) uniting heaven and
earth. The coiled serpent later became what known as the kundalini
in India. As energies/cosnciousness awaken one might see them coming
out of closed dark spaces such as drawers, garages and such - a
symbolic coming out of the closet. Working to activate the Chong qi
in the Chong Channel in qigong activates the Ascending and
Descending energies or serpents of the microcosmic orbit of the
body. See Ascending Serpents I upward, Descending Serpents if
downward.
Serpent Tunnels - people with near death experiences and visions of
higher frequency often report experiences of traveling in and
through long tunnels. These tunnels are the mythical Amenti of the
Underworld. Ultimately they lead us to Spirit or the integrated
Psyche. Spirit/God is often represented as spirals in indigenous
cultural artwork as well as in dreamtime. I often see as revolving
spirals of energy or a womb like shape characterizing the timeless
eternal oneness for those willing to do the inner alchemical work
necessary to break down karma, ego, limited thought patterns and
separation. The sepent tunnels can also be an individual experience
of Jacob's Ladder from the Bible, a means of uniting heaven and
earth to experience the dimension of angels and other divine beings.
Ouroborus - serpent eating it's own tail in shape of a circle.
Movement along the cycles of life (spiral) and union of feminine/yin
and masculine/yang leading to the eternal oneness or state of
enlightenment. The serpent is an androgynous animal balancing both
male/yang/conscious and female/yin/subconscious energies. Within is
the whirling emptiness or oneness reflecting the Tao or the return
to one's authentic Nature. The inner aspect of the ouroborus circle
reflects the holy spirit in early Christian traditions, the eye of
Ra in some of the ancient Egyptian stories. This is the
Superconscious and like the holy spirit is often depicted as a dove
or other winged bird.
Serpents Underground - earth telluric energies called leylines or
dragon lines that support the evolution of human consciousness and
as such have been the building sites of sacred temples around the
world. These sites commonly have unusual radiation and magnetic
fluctuations. The building of pyramids and megaliths are believed to
be a means to tap into and utilize these earth energies (comparable
to energy channels or meridians of the body) for spiritual growth
and spiritual messages. Dreams of serpents sleeping underground
maybe dormant energies awaiting expression. Coming out of the earth
would reflect their being newly wakened. Could also represent the
emerging of the serpent within the individual such as in a kundalini
awakening.
Winged Beings/Dragons/Serpents - just as birds were said to evolve
from reptiles, there is a progression from activating the
instinctual self of the lower body (lower frequency) to moving
upward towards strengthening and clearing the upper dan tian located
in the center of the head (higher frequency) and activating the
spiritual energies often represented as birds and winged beings. As
we clear our karma/issues from the body we open ourselves to
accessing these higher vibrational energies related to air/wind. In
qigong our main focus is to strengthen and clear the body through
the lower dan tian so like a tree we have the root system to support
tremendous upward growth. Note that while often appealing, pursuing
spiritual growth without working on one's stuff can potentially
create a condition of imbalance and exacerbate physical and
emotional health concerns. As Carl Jung said, you work down to go
up. See Dragons.
Moving Water - represents serpents and life force energy in motion.
Descending from above and collecting within a bowl, vase or cup
represents our instinctual side, sexual/creative energies
strengthening and storing in our bodies or more specifically within
our pelvic area in the lower dan tian. The upward movement of water
from a container usually reflective of the upward awakening
potential energies also known as kundalini or chong qi.
Rainbows - The Rainbow Serpent is the primary deity of the
Aboriginal Dreamtime of Australia. Rainbows connect heaven and
earth, the shamanic three worlds and symbolically ourselves. They
reflect the electromagnetic spectrum, including the visible spectrum
of rainbow colors. Aboriginal artwork often shows rainbow serpent
connecting heaven and earth particularly when demonstrating harmony
between humans and Nature.
Music/Sound/Vibration - Human audible sound is another aspect of the
electromagnetic scale. Snakes are very sensitive to sound and
vibration. Sound and vibration are also powerful healing modalities
(serpents are associated with healing) that can unlock and release
discordant lower vibrational energies within the body. This has been
a powerful way that I have personally cleared a lot of my own
internal obstacles. I recently am dreaming about music and sound as
a means to help other people with their healing as well.
Blood and Serpents- Blood, particularly menstrual blood is symbolic
of the cycles of life and the vital life force energy associated
with birth and rebirth after death/purification/letting go. In
Chinese theory it is the Central Channel going through the middle of
the body (from top of head to perineum) that is androgenous and
between the yin and yang meridians (Conception Vessel and Governing
Vessel respectively). The Central Channel or Chong Vessel is called
the Sea Blood. It is considered the primary energy meridian of the
body for healing as it goes through and nourishes the three internal
treasures (dan tians in pelvis, chest and head) as well as the
primary yin and yang vessels of the body. As such it can also be
viewed as the central staff of the Greek and Egyptian caduceus. I
have had dreams of red snakes coming out of and healing open wounds
for example or of indigenous women purifying themselves through the
flow of menstrual blood. Red ochre, as an artistic symbol for blood
has been used in many sacred ceremonies in cultures around the globe
to represent rebirth and eternal life. Dreams of spiritual
indigenous body or sand painting could also be reflecting these
kundalini energies as well as our innate ancestral connection.
Serpent Masters - spiritual masters such as Jesus, Shiva, Buddha,
Kwon Yin and many others all have associations with serpents. Their
mastery came from successfully connecting and integrating their
bodymind to overcome separation and fears and be the ultimate
reality of oneness beyond duality. I discovered this after a
succession of dreams with Jesus telling me the serpent was an aspect
of himself. Other cultural deities followed. Serpent Masters may
present themselves in dreams to teach or offer guidance. They
ultimately reflect the divine within each of us and support us on
our journey around the cycle of life. Dreams of Yahweh, God, Allah,
White Buffalo Woman, etc. are all a reflection of source yet from a
different cultural perspective.
Serpent Colors - maybe reflective of chakra color or other
archetypal color associations. Additional color association is as
follows:
Black: coming from subconscious or the yin/feminine aspect of
serpent wisdom
Red: Kundalini/life force energy/blood as symbol of activation and
rebirth
White: purification, cutting away old or reflection of Spirit/Shen
in the center of the head
Whitish Blue: color of pearl the treasure of the dragon, connection
with ascension energies.
If you have a serpent dream you would like to share feel free to
contact Christina directly.
---------------
Dream Alchemy Analysis
I believe all dreams are
beneficial helping move the dreamer towards greater health,
happiness & wholeness through symbolic messages. To better
understand the universal symbols and messages of dreams a
confidential Asian symbolism and dream alchemy analysis can be
ordered through paypal for $20 at the link below. Please send an
email following payment with a written description of a dream to
cbjergo@msn.com. Include in the
dream description the items that seem most relevant, thoughts
about how the dream relates to your life at the time of the dream
(challenges facing) and any emotional content (things liked and
didn't like about the dream as well as feelings such as fear, anger,
etc.). Asian symbolism and dream alchemy analysis to include simple
exercises and recommendations to help integrate dream messages into
one's life as appropriate.
Easy online payment...
Just fill in the amount...
Recommended books for
individual dream interpretation:
Where People Fly and Water Runs Uphill by Jeremy Taylor
The Woman's Dictionary of Symbols and Sacred Objects by Barbara G.
Walker
The Woman's Encyclopedia of Myth and Secrets by Barbara G. Walker
The Element Encyclopedia of Secret Signs and Symbols by Adele
Nozedar
Animal - Speak: The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great &
Small by Ted Andrews
Animal - Wise: The Spirit Language and Signs of Nature by Ted
Andrews
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