Shamanic Messages 

Lori in Toronto, Canada writes:

During the last six months, I've dreamed of shamans or elders on an Indian reservation. In the last dream, I walk into a general store and see a nice summer t-shirt with a raccoon on it. I like the t-shirt, but the raccoon -- not so much. As I look up, I see an elder or shaman pointing to me. When I look back down at the t-shirt, the black mask is missing from the raccoon. I look up again to see the elder holding up both hands and placing his index and middle fingers on his face, starting at the top of his cheekbone. He then proceeds to draw two black lines of paint down his face. They look like war paint. He points at me again, and I discover two huge owl feathers on the right side of my head. Any insight to what this dream might mean?

Hello Lori,

You're likely receiving messages from a shamanic source to accelerate your spiritual growth. It's intriguing that the raccoon lost its mask. Literally and symbolically, a mask is used as a disguise. As such, the elder might be encouraging you to remove your own mask so others can see who you really are. Or he might be revealing your ability to see through the masks of others to get to the truth. You indicated you're a Scorpio, a sign known for its ability to uncover whatever is hidden. Scorpio is also known to be secretive. Because you disliked the raccoon, which has a talent for thievery, it's possible you're striving to become more honest and direct in your approach to life.

As for the owl, I believe that's one of your "power animals" (spirit guides). When you're aligned with Spirit of Owl, you have the gift of sight in the darkness, perceiving what others fail to notice. You can use this talent in the material world, or you may be adept at illuminating the unconscious, like a psychologist, or deciphering the mysteries of unseen worlds, like a shaman. However you choose to use this gift, know that you have some powerful guides to assist you.

Sweet dreams,
Cortney

The Search for a Mystical Library 

Paula in Buenos Aires writes:

I dream I’ve just come out of a maze, which seemed like an indoor obstacle race. I sit on a bench just outside the building to watch the clear night sky. An unknown man sits next to me. I point up at some bright stars surrounding a full moon eclipse. A Phoenix that only we can see appears a second after the eclipse. It has white feathers on its body, along with orange and red feathers, all with a pearly shine. It turns into a white dove so it can come down and perch on my hand. The dove speaks, and we pet it a little.

Now I’m riding in the back of a car and then flying above the city, in search of a book that would teach me more about what I'd experienced. I see more feathery creatures of blue and red, along with tree men, gnomes and other beings. I wave at a gnome and he winks at me. I exclaim to myself, How wonderful it would be to experience this every day! I awaken before finding the book, but I believe, at least in dreams, that I've been to that library before, so I'll be there again. A boy about 9 years old either looks after those books or spends a lot of his time with them.

Hello Paula, 

You’re undergoing quite a spiritual exploration. I believe the library you’re referring to is the Akashic Records. This is a “cosmic computer” of sorts, an ethereal compilation of divine knowledge that includes all human experiences. The Akashic Records often appears in dreams and visions as a magnificent library. Like you, I tried to find this library in a dream once, but I apparently I missed the mark and wound up in an elementary school instead! 

It is believed that before you are born, your soul examines your own records to determine which experiences you’ll undergo in order to balance your karma and fulfill your destiny. You can also examine these records while in your astral body during sleep, which is what you attempted to do. 

As for the phoenix and dove, the phoenix often represents a metaphorical rebirth. This might be a foretelling of some profound changes you’re experiencing (or about to experience) that will accelerate your growth. You’re embracing the energy of the dove, which usually symbolizes peace, Christianity and/or gentleness. Mainly, I think the dream is encouraging you to experience the magic of the Universe by exploring many different spiritual philosophies and beliefs. Best of luck! 

Sweet dreams,

Cortney

Disaster on a Bridge

Susan from Los Angeles writes: 

I dream I live on a bridge -- kind of homeless -- with another female. It’s my brother, but instead of being male, he’s a heavy-set female. 

There is a natural disaster of some kind taking place - earthquake, hurricane, earth movement - whereby the bridge is broken down the middle, but we can still get to the other side. We aren’t in danger of falling, but the other side is.   

This disaster is coming in periodical moments; when it stops, we jump to the other side and bring over the supplies from the side that is going down. Again, for some reason, our side is fine. When my brother/female goes over, I yell that he is too heavy and will cause the bridge to collapse. I tell him I want to go instead, and toss him the stuff. 

I jump over, and remember tossing the useful items, like matches, cups and chairs. I start with the light items so the bridge wouldn’t go down, but I realize no matter what I toss, our side is strong. So I start tossing everything. 

In the midst of this, my ex-boyfriend comes in. He has a key. He comes to pick up something, and I try to show him how I have transferred everything from one side of the bridge to our side. As he walks by me, he’s calm, relaxed and distracted. He is too busy trying to fix something on the bridge to really pay attention to what is going on. I try to tell him not to walk on the water, because that may cause the bridge to fall, but again, he is too distracted to listen. 

Dejected, I start reorganizing my side of the bridge in an effort to spread out the weight. Before my ex-boyfriend leaves, he yells my name, winks, and says, “Bye sweetie,” in a way that lets me know he is going to be right back on the bridge. 

Hello Susan, 

In which part of your life are you performing a balancing act? It seems you’re in danger of falling off your emotional “center,” the bridge. Most likely this pertains to your home-life or family history, and perhaps romance, too. You’re also having to deal with a lot of “stuff,” which may represent your security. This may also symbolize your struggles to save what’s important, whether it’s a material possession, loved one or the foundation you’ve built. 

Your brother is a part of you, the meaning of which depends on how you feel about him. Is he reliable and strong? The heaviness may symbolize a physical or emotional burden you’re carrying. As for the ex-boyfriend, did he have a habit of ignoring your feelings and ideas? Or perhaps you’re the one who’s not paying attention to your own need and desire for love. 

In any case, your inner strength makes you safe and sound, no matter what’s happening in your outer world. 

Sweet dreams,

Cortney