Dream Symbol:
Flying
Carl Jung's Interpretation:
From the perspective of Carl Jung, flying in dreams represents one's spiritual evolution to higher consciousness. He believed dreams as manifestations of the collective unconscious and symbols like flying often stand for individuation process, or psyche's pursuit of wholeness. It can also mean an escape from the restraints of mundane life or an outburst of unconscious liberated material that yearns to fly high. It's analogous to rising above the problems of everyday human existence. The personal unconscious may be relating flying to a yearning for freedom or liberation from certain psychosocial constraints.
James Hillman's Interpretation:
According to James Hillman, the flying dream may be indicative of an acorn's urge to oak. He viewed dreams as holding a metaphorical lens to our psyche. Each dream symbol, consequently, holds a specific image that mirrors our individual natures and soul's calling. Here, flying is interpreted as an ontological pull to reach our fullest potential or the acorn within us vying to become an oak. He would posit that the dreamer need not be grounded by literal interpretations but explore the imaginative realm where flying fosters a bridge between mundane and divine aspirations.
Classical Interpretation:
Classically, flying has been associated with ambition, freedom, elevation, and inspiration. It is often seen as a sign of independence or achievement, portraying the dreamer's aspiration to rise above their current status or attain a broader perspective.
Ancient Greek Interpretation:
In Greek mythology, flying is tied to escaping an earthbound existence and reaching the divine. Humans trying to fly usually symbolises hubris, such as in the tale of Icarus and Daedalus. While Daedalus made wings to escape the labyrinth, Icarus in his over-ambition flew too close to the sun, thereby leading to his fall. This mirrors a warning against over-reaching one's limits, while also attributing to the concept of higher wisdom and spirituality.
Morphology:
The dream symbol's morphology of 'flying' is quite fluid. It can take various forms depending on the mood, context, and characters in the dream. It could range from free soaring flight, flight with wings, floating, or even chaotic uncontrolled flight.
Similar Symbols
- soaring
- floating
- skydiving
- ascending
Opposite Symbols
- falling
- sinking
- grounded
- descending
Curious what your dreams mean? Explore other Dream Symbols