Red Cedar
More apocalypse, less angst
Dream analysis with whales.
I dreamed last night that I built a crazy wooden boat and went out on a calm inland sea with friends aboard (many of whom were children) – and every time I looked out into the distance I could see whales – narwhals in particular, the unicorn whales. Even though the boat was crazy-built, it was the best boat on the water – the most comfortable and seaworthy of any other boat around me. But it was the whales that have stuck with me the most since waking up – because narwhals have always struck me as quasi-magical creatures with their sleek black bodies and long single horns.
So these are powerful images – calm water, a boat, whales, children – and although I rarely engage in dream analysis, I find the temptation with such symbols too great. I should note here that I don’t believe dreams are windows onto the future, but rather the present internal state – and in this way analysis can be useful. My former therapist used to ask about my dreams often and in the re-telling of them I understood them differently.
So here are the symbols explained (interpretations taken from a couple of sites and added to by me):
- Boat: The boat is a signifier of one’s ability to cope and express emotions. I find it interesting that my dream boat was both seaworthy and self-built – which says a lot about how I perceive my own self-management skills and resilience. I piloted my boat effortlessly in the dream and many people came aboard and wished it was their boat. I obviously think pretty highly of my own emotional abilities, even though I struggle with that aspect of myself sometimes.
- Ocean: Water is an indicator of the state of emotions and feelings – the state of the water as perceived is said to represent the emotional state of the dreamer. In my dream the water was like glass, so much so that at first I mistook it for a lake (the whales tipped me off otherwise, it seemed we were in a protected bay). Calm, clear water in a dream is indicative of spirtuality and peace of mind. Certainly the “smooth sailing” metaphor comes to mind here.
- Whales: Whales are another symbol of awareness and intuition, but also can indicate a realtionship that is somewhat overwhelming. In my dream the whales were not close by and they were not large whales – mostly I just saw the intimation of them in the water – so I don’t think they represent something too big to handle. The whales were a source of excitement in the dream and happiness – so I am going to take this one from the awareness angle and as an indication that I am able to be open to information from all sides or unexpected places in order to increase my understanding of things.
- Children: Nothing in the analysis is adding up for this one because I did not relate to the children in the dream as children – if that makes sense – they were simply other friends who I interacted with on my boat. Normally children are signs of innocence and purity – but that doesn’t work in the context of this dream. I suspect this really reflects some issues that have come up in my relationship and my desire to include my partner’s child on my “boat”. This is some of what we have been processing lately and when I think of it that way it rings true.
That this dream also followed some very heavy (though reassuring) relationship discussion is a hopeful sign to me. That even though there is work to be done and things to process, people to placate and steps needed to move forward – at root I am reassured, that my belief in myself is the seaworthy boat I need to navigate this situation, and that the situation itself is one that presents me with new insight as long as I remain open to seeing into the distance. Really, the strength of my inner reserve is clear to me and I have a great deal of faith in it no matter how crazy-built it is.
11 Comments on “Dream analysis with whales.”
Leave a reply to Shawn Cancel reply
Red Cedar 
I have recurring dreams about seeing whales in freshwater lakes and rivers (not oceans). Usually orcas, but occasionally larger ones (gray whales, etc.). I’ve probably had these dreams at least 5-10 times that I can remember. Don’t have a clue what it means though…
I dream of narwhals, several times a year. Nothing specific about them, just their mere existence: their quasi-magical creature-ness. Often the dream is about me dreaming about them, waking and thinking they’re mythological, and then realizing that they aren’t, that they really do exist. At which point I’m happy. It’s a comforting dream, and I read it as indicating that things are sometimes better than I perceive them to be.
I think you’ll find that a lot of folks in your community think pretty highly of your emotional abilities!
That’s a beautiful dream.
I’ve never heard of narwhals before. When I was reading through your dream, I thought they really were mythical creatures, but then I realised from what you’re saying (and from the picture) that they ACTUALLY do exist.
They look magical. I’ve never heard of those kind of whales before. Thanks for the revelation. I must Google for more info about them.
I think it depends on who you ask (re: whether dreams are a window into the future) because I’ve had predictive dreams before – ones that have come true – bad ones, unfortunately.
But, getting back to your dream, it sounds beautiful. I felt that the makeshift boat you built signified your creative self. However, I’m not a dream interpreter (but that’s what I was thinking though).
It sounds like you figured out what your dream meant. May your dreams continue to speak and guide you.
take care…
(p.s.: Have you ever considered replicating part of your dreams through art?)
What a beautiful dream and great explanations!!! I have never heard of narwhals myself but they appeared in my dream and was so blown away when I found out they exist. Amazing creatures, mythical indeed who I think are also very intelligent and want to interact with human. Thank you for posting this great article.
Check out my dream: http://thewomenwarriors.net/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=751
Blessings,
Lilly
In response to Rob D. I have the same kind of dreams!!!!! Orcas in rivers or lakes, mostly rivers though!!! weird.
Hey Rob and Meghan, I too have dreams about seeing Whales in fresh water. I’ve recently reached the point where, when I see a Whale in my dream, I realise I am dreaming and it is the signal for me to enter a lucid state. There is somthing magical about seeing a Whale in dreams. I’m usually stading on land, near a river, lake or ocean and they are really close to me in the water- its an amazing sight!
Hi Neil – that’s fascinating. I’ve been thinking about dreams I had as a kid and an orca in a river was a recurring theme for me to realize I was dreaming and to start to lucid dream. Definitely gave me a sense of a personal spiritual feeling of joy and individuality and maybe empowerment. If I ever got a sleeve tattoo that would be it.
I get Orcas as well though they’re close and seem frighting though appear to be helping me… :S
Or like a blue whale though in an icy pit swimming in circles
Meghan and Rob and Neil – what do you think the significance of the freshwater is? Maybe your mind setting up the unique situation and bringing in a little awe and the ability to be in a lucid state?
thank you for sharing. what’s next?