Sunday, July 22, 2001		Dream theme

Dreaming of the rain
Vinaya Katoch Manhas

WHILE sailors curse the rains, the shepherds and the farmers welcome it. Even in dreams, interpretation to this symbol varies according to the content of the dream. From dreaming of a mild drizzle to seeing dark clouds with hailstorms—the interpretation varies.

As per the Swapna Kamlakar, to see rain in your dreams when it is not accompanied by thunderstorms foretells monetary gains as Goddess Laxmi’s blessings shall shower on the dreamer. To see rain fall in your area predicts increase in comforts. To see it only fall on your house is not good. To see yourself using an umbrella to protect yourself from rain predicts the solution of an oncoming problem. Should you see blood instead of water in the rain, beware of a major calamity. Stormy rain spells misfortune and problems ahead. Should a rainbow follow a spell of rain in your dreams then be sure of your affairs taking a promising turn. Such a dream is prognostic of unusual happenings, generally of a good nature.

As per western thought, seeing yourself in a clear shower of rain denotes that pleasure will be enjoyed with the zest of youth, and prosperity shall come to you. Dreams of murky dark clouds predict grave undertakings. To see yourself escape from getting wet in the rain foretells success in your plans. To watch rain from the shelter of your house denotes that you shall possess fortune. To hear the pitter-patter of rain on your rooftop shall bring you domestic bliss. Should your roof leak and the water enters your house it means you shall derive illicit pleasures. Should the rain you dream of be murky, beware of exposure. Seeing a rainbow in your dreams predicts unconditional success.

Psychoanalytically, rain, in its simplest meaning, can stand for tears and emotional release. It is the realisation that we can let go of our feelings. For a woman, it can also suggest the sexual act. It can also have a more universal meaning in that it can denote the realisation of potential on a group level. We should be able to make use of the fertility that it brings with it. Spiritually, it symbolises divine blessings. The rainbow is the rising of the consciousness and appreciation of something ethereal. It suggests the need for a heightened sense of awareness.

Take the dream of a 33-year-old married woman, who often dreamt of a storm accompanied with rain. She would run for shelter but never find one. Suddenly, the rain would stop and she would find herself totally dry and would often see a rainbow in the sky.

Such a dream predicts the mental state of the woman. The thunder and the rain portray a troubled mind. Some problem seems to be troubling her. The running for shelter is the attempt to escape from the prevailing problem. The stopping of the rain predicts that the problems will be resolved and the rainbow symbolises the happiness which she expects once the problem is solved.