Inner Council Helps Interpret Dreams The Native American way has a long tradition of honoring dreams and their power. Their teachings show us that each dream has a gift, an insight that can be applied to our daily waking lives. To have a dream and not pay attention to its message is to dishonor dreams. One of the innovative approaches for understanding our dreams offered by Native American teachings is shared in Dreaming with the Wheel: How to Interpret Your Dreams Using the Medicine Wheel, by Sun Bear, Wabun Wind and Shawnodese (Fireside Books, 1994). It describes meditation on the Medicine Wheel and the Inner Council. The Medicine Wheel has been a central part of the Native American heritage. It allows proper respect and attention to be paid to the four directions and the power each direction brings. The wheel is usually created by forming two circles (an inner and outer) with stones, then placing something sacred (a special stone, piece of wood, etc.) at the north, south, east and west boundaries of the circle. The circle also represents Mother Earth. By utilizing the structure of the Medicine Wheel, through meditation we can access the wisdom found within this archetypal symbol. As some forms of meditation use breathing to cleanse, the Native American way is to " smudge." The smoke from burning sage and cedar is used to brush away any tensions, distractions, and unnecessary energy. As Catholics use the rosary and repetitive prayers, the Native Americans use the steady beat of drumming and rattles to calm and center themselves. Once you feel peaceful, you visualize the Medicine Wheel in front of you and walk to the center of the circle. Honor those who have gone before, who walk beside you, and those yet to come, in order to symbolically call upon the wisdom of all ages. Review the dream, including all details, feelings, and impressions. Then invite members of the imaginal Inner Council to step forward and share their impressions. In the Native American tradition, the Inner Council consists of both male and female beings who together represent each of the four stages of human development. There is "the Child from the East" (whom we might think of as the male and female " inner child" ), "the Adolescent from the South" (compared to our teen-age exploration, rebellion, and creativity), " the Adult from the West" (corresponding to the maturity, focus, and responsibility of the adult who lives in the work world), and "the Elder from the North" (equal to the "old crone" and "wizard" archetypal energy). Ask each of these eight Council members for his or her unique perspective. Ask them not only for advice on the dream, but for a gift utilizing the wisdom found within the dream—that is, how that wisdom might apply to waking life. Allow ample time for each Council member to share with you in the form of visual images, sounds, feelings, words, or songs. If you have questions or need clarification, ask. Whatever the method of communication, trust that you are intuitively open and accepting of their wisdom. When each member has shared and the process feels complete, thank them all for coming and know that you can access their wisdom at any time. In your imagination, allow them to walk away from you, then leave the center of the circle before returning to the outside everyday life. If you try using this Inner Council process, you may find that it aids in listening to the wisdom in your dreams. Dreams come not to judge, but to teach, inspire, uplift, guide, and assist. If we pay them our respect, they will pay us great dividends. (Digest by Rosemary Watts-Dreyer, Atlantic University.) |