Sunday, July 20, 2003		Dream Theme

Dreaming of donkeys
Vinaya K. Manhas

ANIMALS in dreams generally personify people we know in our real lives. Certain characteristics that we associate with certain people are depicted in dreams of animals that possess those characteristics.

As per Indian thought, seeing a donkey in your dreams is a lucky omen. It is a reflection of the fact that no matter how many difficulties come in the near future, however much fate be working against you, with patience, hard work and compassion you shall manage to succeed. You shall be able to alter the course of fate in your favour. If you see yourself riding on a donkey, then too it is a very lucky omen. It means that you shall prosper. But should the donkey kick you then it is an ill omen. It indicates that your enemies shall succeed in hurting you. Hearing donkeys braying in your dream is also unlucky. It spells bad tidings for someone known to you.

As per western thought, to hear a donkey bray in your dream means that your character shall be tarnished because of the actions of a foolhardy person. To see yourself riding a donkey is a prediction of journey. If you see other people riding donkeys then it means that they shall stand to make financial gains if they work hard. To be kicked by a donkey is a warning to you to mend your ways. If you don’t do so, a bad habit could cause a lot of anxiety and fears. Should you be leading a donkey by its neck then it means that you shall be in control of every situation. To see a dead donkey portrays satisfaction of desires through wrong means. If you dream of either buying a donkey or being gifted one then it means that you shall gain on your professional front and in your social life too.

Psychoanalytically speaking, when the donkey is seen as a beast of burden it is generally a representation of the mother archetype. When seen as a dumb animal being beaten and ill-treated it personifies the dreamer’s perception of the person he sees as a donkey. That person could also be the dreamer himself.

A 43-year-old man would often dream of beating a donkey mercilessly, but that donkey would not whimper or bray even once. This dream would surprise because he was never cruel to any animal and did not have any desire to be cruel towards anyone. What the dreamer did not consider was the possibility of that donkey being a representation of himself. The man probably considers himself to be the beast of burden in the family. He also probably feels that he does not get any reward or regard for the work he does.