Abstract

Joy

A wide, uncaused gladness — the moment when the internal weather lifts past explanation.

Joy in a dream is the dream's image of a wide gladness that does not have to be earned by an event. Joy is not the same as pleasure; pleasure is a response to a stimulus, joy is a state. The dream brings joy when something in your life — a recovery, a return, a moment of seeing — has lifted the internal weather above its usual level. Joy felt and allowed to take up room is the dream affirming that the lift is real and deserves to be lived in. Joy quickly suppressed or apologised for is the dream noting that you have a rule against your own gladness, and the rule is older than the moment.

Related symbols

A dream within a dream

Awareness doubling on itself — the dream pointing at its own structure.

Ambition

A held intention to reach a higher level — a forward orientation that directs the use of one's energy.

Anger

A hot energetic response to a boundary violated — a signal that something not okay has happened.

Anticipation

The forward lean toward a coming event — present time coloured by what is expected next.

Autumn

Harvest and letting go — the phase that is fruitful and falling at once.

Awe

The response to something larger than the self — humility produced by accurate perception of scale.

Disclaimer: For entertainment and self-reflection only. Not a substitute for professional advice.