While dream imagery is unique to every dreamer, there are certain symbols that are likely to have common meanings from dreamer to dreamer. Politicians, according to dream analyst, David Rivinus, whose work on dreams has spanned four decades, is one of those symbols. Rivinus, the author of the book “Always Dreaming,” says that certain symbols, while not necessarily archetypical, are so common in any given culture, that they elicit a predictable reaction.
As an example, Rivinus cites the image of ice freezing on a roadway. “For most drivers that is a negative image, one that produces a reaction of alarm and fear.” According to him, if that image were to appear in a dream, for many people it would be a sign of danger or a clue about avoidance. But Rivinus is quick to add that this would not be universally the case. “Suppose someone is a champion ice-skater who, as a youngster, learned to skate on her frozen driveway.” If the image of an icy road were to appear in the skater’s dream, it might imply something completely different—about nostalgia or other reminiscences.
According to Rivinus, the image of a politician in a dream falls into the same category. “Many of us have a sense of politicians being individuals who promise far more than they are capable of delivering,” he says. “There is an aspect of exaggeration to the things they say.” Politicians have to appear larger than life, so they tend to talk in superlatives, oversimplifying issues to make a point and to garner votes.
“The reality is far less cut-and-dried,” he says. Because of that, when the image of a politician appears in a dream, it is often about a sense of manipulation, of the dreamer trying to convince himself of something that is not quite as good as it sounds. In that sense, the image of a politician in a dream has a common symbol meaning for many dreamers.
But as with the image of a freezing road, not every dreamer will have this reaction. “A politician’s close friend or family member may see a different aspect of him—perhaps having the sense of a devoted public servant who is passionate about his beliefs.”
Dream symbols are unique to every dreamer, but many of us also share meanings. For more information, visit www.teacherofdreams.com.