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Dream Symbol:

Sunglasses

Carl Jung's Interpretation:

In the realm of Jung's analytic psychology, sunglasses typically represent a shield or barrier between the conscious self and the outside world. Symbolically, they represent a need or attempt to 'filter out' the 'light of truth or reality' which is too intense for the individual's ego to handle. A longing for safety, the sunglasses in the dreamscape suggest a defense mechanism that helps the dreamer maintain their conscious self-identity by blocking out any threatening, unconscious, or unfamiliar parts of their psyche. This often correlates to Jung's conception of the Shadow element, the unknown or less understood facets of one's personality.

James Hillman's Interpretation:

Sunglasses, from Hillman's archetypal psychology viewpoint, are perhaps not just a shield, but a lens though which the dreamer perceives or interprets their reality - coloured and distorted by personal subjectivity and notions. What this tint may symbolise could vary greatly depending upon the context and the individual. Hillman might argue that the sunglasses are a mediator between the Self and the World, delineating a relationship of 'seeing and being seen.' The relation of the outer/inner world pertains to Hillman's ideations on the soul-making process.

Classical Interpretation:

As per traditional dream analysis, sunglasses symbolically refer to protection and style. The former often points to a sense of insecurity or vulnerability that necessitates safeguards. The latter, indicative of an individual's outward persona or image, may suggest a persona created to match societal expectation or personal ambition.

Ancient Greek Interpretation:

The Greeks did not have a direct symbolic interpretation for sunglasses. However, with respect to Greek symbolism, the act of seeing or not seeing played a vital role. Like Oedipus, who blinded himself symbolically representing the avoidance of truth, sunglasses could be seen as a tool to avoid truths too harsh to confront.

Morphology:

The two components - sun and glasses - take us to the space where the harsh illumination of the sun (truth, clarity, revelation) is softened or kept at bay by the glasses (protection, filter, mask). Together they shape the symbol of evasion or elusion, but perhaps also of survival and adaptability in light too bright to endure.

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