Back to Dream Symbols

Dream Symbol:

Time

Carl Jung's Interpretation:

Carl Jung, the eminent Swiss psychiatrist, would likely interpret a dream about 'time' emblematically and philosophically. For him, 'time' symbolizes a deep, fundamental and universal archetype in the human psyche, the stream of our conscious reality itself. It harkens to the tension between the conscious and the unconscious mind, emphasizing life's ephemerality and the human struggle to make sense of their place within this continuum. 'Time' may also be reflective of a deep-seated anxiety towards mortality, as well as a manifestation of one's current mental state – if time is rushed, one feels rushed in real life, if time stands still, one is stuck in personal growth.

James Hillman's Interpretation:

James Hillman, an American psychologist known for his work on archetypal psychology, would likely approach the 'time' motif differently. For Hillman, 'time' would be seen not only as a personal existential symbol, also as a societal one. It may suggest the collective consciousness's shared view on the pressures of time, the concept of progress, the industrialization of time and the subsequent feeling of an ever-accelerating pace of life. 'Time' in a dream could be calling the dreamer to more fully appreciate the present moment in their waking life and perhaps to challenge contemporary society's ways of structuring and valuing time.

Classical Interpretation:

Classically, the 'time' symbol is a representation of the transient nature of human life, conditioning and change. It is often associated with moments of great change, evolution, and growth. It symbolizes a deep desire for longevity and the anxiety of an ever ticking clock. In a sense, it's the embodiment of life's fleetingness and the palpable pressure to fulfill purpose.

Ancient Greek Interpretation:

In Greek mythology, Chronos, the personification of time, is a symbol of destructive consumption, aging, wisdom, and inevitability. The Greeks held a philosophical understanding of time as linear and inescapable, their myths often teaching of human mortality and the temporal nature of beauty and power. Thus, 'time' in this context signifies the passionate revolt of life against the inevitable tide of time.

Morphology:

The morphological structure of the 'time' symbol is both elusive and fixed, rigid yet flowing. It lacks a physical form yet binds everything together, like an invisible, omnipresent net. Represents progression, direction, and sequence.

Similar Symbols

Opposite Symbols

Curious what your dreams mean? Explore other Dream Symbols