I
Ice:
1. To put ice into a drink indicates that perhaps the dreamer is spending too much time indulging in pleasures and not enough on practical matters. However, to be surrounded by ice, or to sit on it, implies comfortable living ahead that has been well earned.
2. Slipping on ice or falling through thin ice implies difficulties and obstacles ahead, while deliberately breaking through ice indicates new friendships. Remember the metaphor, "breaking the ice"?
3. Skating on ice alone indicates success ahead, but skating with a partner COULD mean that someone is sabotaging your efforts. Or it could mean a successful partnership. To judge which it is, look to other symbols in the dream.
Illness
1. Often times, dreaming of illness has been shown to be a warning of an impending illness, the nature of which is sometimes revealed in the other symbols in the dream. If the dreamer has been feeling weak, or under a lot of stress, she should consult a doctor.
2. If the dreamer has not been feeling ill, this is a symptom of something else in your life being out of kilter. Again, look to the other symbols in the dream.
3. Dreaming of others being ill is a warning of upcoming difficulties with your relationships.
Astrological parallels: Pisces, Neptune.
Tarot parallel: The Moon.
Infidelity
1. If the dreamer is the one being unfaithful, then he is dealing with feelings of guilt over an apparent betrayal.
2. If an actual lover is the one being unfaithful, then this indicates the dreamer's insecurities over the relationship. The partner may or may not actually be unfaithful, but either way the dreamer needs to deal with her feelings.
3. If an unknown figure is the one being unfaithful, then the dreamer needs to be more discriminating with regard to who she calls friend. Astrological parallel: Mars/Pluto combinations.
Tarot parallel: The Devil.
J
Jesus Christ:
Always a positive symbol, though at times it can represent a warning. 1. If you yourself are following Jesus, wearing period garb, and actually observing his work, this could be a past-life memory, especially if the dream is especially vivid. Be sure and write down every detail you remember, because the dream is actually telling you a lot about you as well as about Jesus.
2. If Jesus is speaking to you in the here and now, again, when you awaken, write down everything he says that you can remember. It could be important.
3. If you see Jesus coming out of the sky, as in the prophecies of the Rapture, some momentous event is going to make a very major and positive difference in your life.
4. If you see Jesus speaking with other Masters - such as Krishna, Buddha, and Mohammed - again, write down what you hear. This is a message that can make a big difference to your spiritual progress.
K
Key:
1. To lose keys indicates disappointments, obstacles, and setbacks, while finding keys represents discovering the perfect solution to a problem.
2. To give someone you know a key implies that you will offer assistance to that person, while giving a key to an unknown person indicates an improvement in your own circumstances. To be given a key augurs assistance from friends in positions of power.
3. To fit a key in a lock implies romantic and sexual happiness; unlocking a door indicates a breaking down of obstacles.
Killing
1. If the dreamer is killing an enemy, this implies the end of a difficult time in his life attained through his own efforts.
2. If the dreamer accidentally kills someone, caution in dealing with upcoming situations is called for.
3. Dreaming of actually being killed is a warning: Something in your life is "killing" your joie de vivre, and the situation should be rectified right away.
4. Rarely, a death. But for the most part, dreaming of killing is NOT a harbinger of death—and, of course, the dreamer's death is never shown.
Astrological parallels: Pluto, Scorpio.
Tarot parallel: Death.
Kite:
A kite flying freely and easily in clear skies indicates the attainment of your highest dreams, whether you were the one flying the kite or were simply observing. If the kite string breaks, or the wind stops dead and the kite crashes to the ground, be prepared for everything you hope for to fall through at the last minute. To find how to avoid this, look to the other symbols in the dream.
Kissing
1. A kiss from a lover, under happy circumstances, presages happiness and contentment.
2. A kiss from a stranger implies an unexpected gift.
3. An unwanted kiss indicates upcoming overtures from someone the dreamer does not like. The overtures may or may not be romantic in nature.
Knife
1. A Freudian symbol for sexual passion. See GUN.
2. A knife being used to sever anything in two implies the impending end of a relationship of any kind—business, friendship, love.
3. A rusty or dull knife implies the dreamer's lack of ability to sever a relationship that is not serving her.
4. Cutting yourself with a knife warns that situations may arise where you become your own worst enemy.
Astrological parallel: Mars.
Tarot parallel: The suit of swords.
L
Landslide/rockslide:
1. If the dreamer is witnessing the landslide as it happens, then sudden and unexpected events, which he really should be prepared for, will take him totally by surprise. The dream is warning him to be prepared. Other symbols in the dream may reveal exactly what the events will entail, and what he should do about it.
2. If the landslide has already taken place and the rocks are lying in the middle of the road, then the dreamer faces obstacles ahead that will need to be removed before he or she can move on and accomplish whatever it is that needs to be done.
Laundry:
1. If you are hanging a load of laundry out to dry, then something you prefer to keep hidden will soon become public knowledge - as in the metaphor, "airing your dirty laundry." But if you're taking your laundry down, folding it, and/or putting it away, don't worry - your secrets are safe.
2. Dreaming of actually doing your own laundry is a sign that you have made a major good impression on a friend or acquaintance, and as a result, opportunities - either business or social - will come your way.
3. Being in a laundry or dry cleaner's shop is an omen of an increased social life.
Las Vegas:
Sin City. 1. If you dream of being in a casino surrounded by gambling tables and slot machines, then you are depending too much on chance and not enough on your own efforts to steer your life in the right way. Dreaming of winning, however, is a sign that luck will play a major role in the success of a project or enterprise.
2. If you are watching a Las Vegas stage show, then something important in your life has less reality than glitz and glitter.
3. Driving on the Las Vegas strip indicates that you are approaching a time of your life when you will be concentrating more on having fun than on serious endeavors. Whether this is appropriate or not depends on other symbols in the dream.
Library
An ancient symbol for knowledge. Almost always a positive omen, particularly for those involved in scholarly, creative, or artistic pursuits.
Astrological parallel: Gemini, Sagittarius.
Tarot parallel: The suit of Wands.
Lightning:
A very positive omen implying a major stroke of good luck coming your way in the near future. Even if the lightning was accompanied by rain and thunder, it is still a positive omen, but positive events will be preceded by a period of anxiety.
Lizard:
1. If you see a lizard among a group of people, then there is a false friend nearby who would betray you in a moment if it suited his or her ends.
2. In Native American mythology, the lizard is the dreamer. Dreaming of a lizard, therefore, is a sign that this dream is important and reveals a lot about where you're coming from, where you're going, and how best to get there. In order to get this information, look to the other symbols in the dream.
Lost
1. If the dreamer is lost, there is a department in his life in which he has "lost his way." Look to other symbols in the dream to judge which department this is. If in the dream he finds his way, all should be well. But if he awakens before he finds himself, he should probably seek outside help with regard to the matter in question.
2. If an object is lost, or a beloved friend or pet, the dreamer needs to assess what that object or being, and the loss thereof, means to him. For example: A dream of losing one's wallet could mean fear of financial loss. Look to other symbols in the dream to find ways to avoid what one fears.
Astrological parallels: Neptune, Pisces.
Tarot parallel: The Moon.
Love:
1. If the dream involves happiness in love, then happiness and contentment lie ahead.
2. If the dream involves an illicit or forbidden love, the dreamer is hiding things—perhaps even from herself.
3. If the dream is of observing the love between two other people, this portends the consummation of some of the dreamer's own hopes and wishes.
4. If the dream involves choosing between two rival lovers, the dreamer faces a difficult choice.
Astrological parallel: Venus.
Tarot parallel: The Lovers.
Lying:
1. If the dreamer is the one telling the lie, then he or she needs to beware of setbacks generated by his or her own foolish actions. Caution in all departments of life is definitely called for.
2. If someone else told the lie, however, it is a dream of contrary: success and good fortune lie ahead.
3. Dreaming of lying to authority figures, or in court, indicates that honesty is definitely going to be the best policy for some time: Do NOT lie to anyone!
4. If someone else lies to authority figures, however, it is a sign that you will benefit from someone else's mistakes - and soon.
M
Marriage
1. If the dreamer is getting married, and is happy about it, either a wedding or another type of much-desired contract or agreement is indicated.
2. If the dreamer is marrying someone whom she does NOT want to marry, then she may be headed for a task that she'd rather not perform. 3. If the dreamer is a guest at someone else's wedding, the success of a long-term goal may depend on others.
Astrological parallel: Venus, Jupiter, Libra, Sagittarius.
Tarot parallels: The Empress, Justice.
Mask
1. If you are wearing the mask, this is a warning not to reveal too much of yourself in a specific situation. Look to other symbols in the dream to discern what sort of situation this is.
2. If someone you know is wearing the mask, that person is keeping something from you. If the wearer of the mask is a stranger, and male, then there is intellectual knowledge out there that you don't have but should be aware of. If the stranger is female, you're not in touch with your emotions and should be.
Maze/labyrinth:
A portent of uncertain times ahead, when you literally won't know if you're coming or going. If the dreamer found his or her way out and wasn't particularly concerned about it, then whatever problems you face will be set right and you can get on with your life. But if the dreamer was frightened, panicked, and kept running into dead ends, then the dream is telling him or her that it's vital to calm down, try to relax, and face whatever appears to be stopping him from doing what he wants. A change of direction is likely to be necessary.
Moon
An astrological symbol relating to the emotions. If the Moon is full and bright, much happiness and success lie ahead. If the Moon is new or in the crescent phase, you may not be aware of your own feelings with regard to specific circumstances. A Moon partly or fully obscured by clouds hints at outside matters affecting feelings that you're currently unaware of, yet still need to deal with.
Mother (see Father)
Again, this is a symbol that is highly personalized, and needs to be considered in light of the dynamics of your relationship with your mother. If your relationship with your mother is or was good, you can expect happy times ahead. But if it was strained, someone may try to coerce you into doing something by pointing out things that he or she has done for you.
Astrological parallels: The Moon (mother).
Tarot parallels: The Empress.
Mouse:
1. In British mythology, the mouse is usually portrayed as weak and timid, but blessed with compensatory traits of intelligence, compassion, and resourcefulness. Dreaming of a mouse, therefore, portends a situation in which the dreamer will be able to turn a weakness into a strength, a disadvantage into an advantage - and thus escape any negative consequences.
2. Being frightened by a mouse signifies social embarrassment coming up, and if the dreamer wants to avoid it, he or she can look to other symbols in the dream.
3. Mice scurrying around freely, wreaking havoc in their surroundings, indicate family squabbles ahead.
4. Seeing a mouse being chased by a cat is a warning not to let others interfere in your affairs.
N
Naked
1. If the dreamer is naked and alone, the dream concerns freedom and lack of inhibition.
2. If the dreamer is naked in public, then he fears that some of his deepest secrets will be exposed.
Astrological parallel: Uranus.
Tarot parallel: The Moon.
New York City:
The "hub of the world." 1. To be alone in New York City without any friends or companions is symbolic of being totally on your own. Whatever projects or enterprises you're facing right now are likely to have to be done almost entirely on your own.
2. The bright lights of New York City at night, especially if they blink on and off, symbolize an encouraging message that the solution to a problem you've been wrestling with will come to you in a bolt of inspiration.
3. Dreaming of hearing any of the vast number of songs about New York City represents reassurance that a cherished goal or project of yours will indeed manifest - with a lot of work.
Night
1. A dream of a clear, starry night, with a full moon, is an omen of positive things to come. A dark, cloudy night with no moon represents the dreamer's fears. Look to other symbols in the dream to discern what the fears are.
2. If in the dream the night is hindering the dreamer, he should expect obstacles and delays in something dear to him.
Astrological and Tarot parallel: The Moon.
Nose
A symbol with many possible meanings, depending on the perception of the dreamer.
1. If you dream of a well-shaped and well-defined nose, something that has been obscured will suddenly become clear to you—"as plain as the nose on your face."
2. A long, thin, perhaps twitching nose is a warning that someone around you is "nosing" into your affairs—"sticking their nose where it doesn't belong."
3. A stuffed-up nose indicates obstacles and blockages, but blowing your nose signifies that obstacles will be overcome.
4. A nosebleed indicates financial trouble ahead, and also is a warning not to lend anyone any money right now—or they'll "bleed you dry."
5. Dreaming of a large or swollen nose, however, is a portent of prosperity.
Numbers:
1. Dreaming of seeing specific numbers requires referring to the meaning of those numbers in numerology. When you dream of numbers, write them down as quickly as you can. This involves seeing a house with a number on it, a calendar with a date circled, a license plate number, or any kind of number where you can see the figures clearly. Space here does not permit revealing all the ins and outs of the meanings of numbers, but here are the meanings in a nutshell: 1 - leadership; 2 - diplomacy; 3 - vision; 4 - accomplishment; 5 - adventure; 6 - teaching; 7 - investigation; 8 - problem solving; 9 - healing. Remember that in numerology, if you see a number of more than one digit, such as 326, you add up the digits, as in 3 + 2 + 6 = 11, then 1 + 1 = 2. Then you look to the meaning of the final number, in this case, "2."
2. To dream of numbers that you can't remember after you awaken indicates that confusion and uncertainty lie ahead, and it's important for you to get your details in order - or, your priorities set and in motion.
O
Ocean
Life. One of the few universal symbols. An active ocean, teeming with life, with high waves and crashing surf, implies that life will soon become much busier. A calm ocean: A peaceful life. A stormy sea: Trouble ahead. The need to be prepared.
Astrological parallel: Cancer.
Tarot parallel: The suit of cups.
Office
1. A familiar office: Safety and security, as much emotional security as job or financial security.
2. A strange office full of strange people: If the dreamer feels comfortable, new friends are in his immediate future. If the dreamer feels lost and out of place, then he should take a good long look at his current circumstances—work, love, friendships—and see if they are serving him.
Astrological parallel: Taurus.
Tarot parallel: The suit of pentacles.
Orange
Message from a great Master. Metaphysical or spiritual knowledge.
P
Painting
Painting of any kind indicates that the dreamer is about to embark on a project very important to him or her. Discerning the circumstances of that project, and the details, are dependent on other symbols in the dream.
1. Dreaming of a house being painted indicates that information previously kept from you will soon come to light.
2. If you dream of being an artist and painting a picture that is beautiful and happy, then you have the power to create whatever circumstances you want the most in life. A dark, foreboding painting, however, indicates a pessimistic outlook on life, and therapy might be of great assistance.
3. If you watch while someone else paints a picture, you may have the feeling of being on the outside looking in and need to take control of your life—again, depending on the atmosphere, circumstances, and other symbols in the dream.
Paralyzed
1. A sense of inability to act in a given situation, usually with regard to love. If the paralysis was total, then the dream may fear taking a certain action. It could be whether or not to declare his love, propose marriage, or break up. If the paralysis was only partial, sexual inhibitions could be the problem.
2. The dreamer may feel inhibited or blocked from moving ahead with plans for major changes in her life due to circumstances beyond her control.
Astrological parallel: Saturn.
Tarot parallels: The Pope, or Hierophant.
Paris:
The "City of Lights." If you, in fact, live in Paris, the location of the dream has little meaning, but if you don't, it's quite significant. 1. Paris has for two millennia been considered a major center of culture and enlightenment for the entire Western world. To dream of being in Paris, strolling through the Louvre or the Musée d'Orsay or attending the Opéra, therefore, indicates a time of learning, cultural appreciation. Visiting the great Cathedrals such as Nôtre Dame or Sacre Coeur implies spiritual progress.
2. Paris is also considered one of the happiest cities in the world. Dreaming of visiting the clubs or artistes of Montmartre or the Latin Quarter indicates an increased social life and happy times ahead.
Parents
Dreaming of a father symbolizes authority and discipline, while a dream of a mother symbolize love and protection—depending, of course, on how the dreamer felt about his or her parents. If the parents are still living, perhaps you need to contact them. If the parents have passed on, then they could be bringing you an important message. Dreaming of one's parents is perhaps the most subjective dream symbol of all. The dreamer's relationships with his or her parents, as well as the other symbols in the dream, need to be considered before a workable interpretation can be found.
Astrological parallels: Saturn (father) and the Moon (mother).
Tarot parallels: The Emperor, The Empress.
Penis:
1. Dreaming of a huge, erect, and disembodied penis is an ancient religious symbol for the Creator, like the Shiva lingam of Hinduism - and thus represents creative power, particularly male creative power.
2. Viewing a naked man whom you actually know in waking life hints that someone you know is going to reveal all to you - perhaps more than you want to hear.
3. If you're a woman dreaming of making love to a man, there is a guy out there who would like very much to get closer to you.
4. If you are a straight man dreaming of being in bed with another man, this doesn't necessarily mean that you're changing your sexual preference, but it does mean that you could very soon find yourself doing something that you're not normally inclined to do.
Pink
Love. Compassion. The attainment of a dream.
Politician:
1. Discussing politics with someone of your own gender is an omen of success ahead. However, if the politician in your dream was of the opposite sex, you might be better off changing your course of action, because the present one will lead to nothing. What changes you should make are indicated by other symbols in the dream.
2. Dreaming of a politician - any politician, even one you like - making a speech in which he or she makes idealistic promises is another sign that you should change direction, as your plans won't work out if you continue on the course you're on now.
Pregnant/Pregnancy
1. New life; creativity; new enterprises.
2. Revelation and inspiration;
3. The coming of spring; something new happening at the coming of spring.
Astrological parallel: Cancer, Pisces, Aries.
Tarot parallel: The Empress.
Purple
Spirituality; status in one's own circle. Increased social life, or the desire for same.
Friday, September 09, 2005
Dreams... Interpretation Q-Z
R
Rabbit:
1. In British mythology, a symbol of fertility, fecundity, and sexual pleasure. The ancient British fertility goddess Oestre, from whose name we get our word Easter, had a pet hare that laid its egg every Spring Equinox so that life would spread throughout the world. Dreaming of a rabbit, therefore, especially one that is affectionate and at ease with you, can be a sign of love and domestic happiness ahead.
2. Dreaming of many rabbits is a sign of new responsibilities - but not unwelcome ones. A new and wonderful opportunity will come your way - but you'll enjoy the work required to accomplish it instead of viewing it as a chore.
3. In Native American mythology, Rabbit is a symbol of needless fear. Therefore, dreaming of a rabbit that is afraid of you means that something in your life is troubling you now - and that your fears are groundless.
Rain
1. If the rain is a gentle one, and especially if rainbows are present, this is a positive symbol, foreshadowing the coming of a peaceful interlude and much happiness.
2. If the rain is heavy, this indicates a change in the dreamer's financial fortunes. Depending on his circumstances, it could be a windfall or a major setback.
3. A major thunderstorm with thunder and lightning indicates a sudden and unexpected increase in wealth, possibly through a legacy.
Astrological parallel: Venus.
Tarot parallel: The Wheel of Fortune.
Rainbow
Always a positive symbol. No matter what the rest of the dream implies, if the dream ends with a rainbow, particularly if you find the pot of gold, the dream is a portent of the end of all your troubles followed by much happiness.
Rat:
1. Dreaming of a black or brown rat is a sign of illness or treachery ahead. In European tradition, rats are associated with theft of foodstuffs and the spread of disease, and therefore seeing brown or black rats running free is a warning to see your doctor and to be careful whom you trust.
2. Seeing brown or black rats in cages, however, is a sign that small irritations in your life will be dealt with. Catching a rat in a trap indicates freedom from worry and a release of tension.
3. White rats, on the other hand, are a sign of protection from beneficent forces or entities around you.
Reading
1. A dream of reading a book augurs the collection of knowledge and the resulting progress in whatever department of life the dreamer is concentrating on now.
2. Dreaming of getting a psychic reading indicates an important message. It's important to write these dreams down, as the first thing dreamers usually forget are what's said in the dream.
Red
Good news. Passion. Anger. A warning to control your temper.
Astrological parallel: Aries.
Religious Icon:
1. If the icon featured a portrait of a saint or other religious figure, find out what tradition is associated with that person. For example, if the saint was St. Christopher, then you may be on your way to taking a long journey. If the saint was St. Jude, something wonderful and totally unexpected will happen. If the portrait was of the Virgin Mary, someone will intercede for you in a disagreement and put it to an end.
2. Icons in general seem to bring a message that coming changes in your life, however stressful they may be, are beneficial and can be dealt with fairly easily.
Robber, Robbery (see Stealing)
1. If the dreamer is concerned about safety, security, and financial affairs, this dream could reflect those fears. Whether the fear—that someone in some way is going to rip you off—is real or not depends on the circumstances and other symbols in the dream.
2. If the dreamer is looking for love, this could represent a warning: The dreamer could meet and fall for someone fascinating, but who has an agenda of his or her own and could end up breaking the dreamer's heart.
Running (away from something)
Something in the dreamer's life is difficult to face, and the dreamer would rather run away from it than face it. If such a situation is not readily recognized by the dreamer, looking to the other symbols in the dream should give the answer.
Astrological parallel: Pisces.
S
Skin
1. The meaning of a dream of human skin varies with its condition. If you dream of smooth, beautiful, healthy skin, it foreshadows romantic happiness. If you dream of blotchy or pimply skin, however, it indicates romantic trouble ahead. Peeling skin represents a sloughing off of the old in order to make way for the new.
2. Animal skins are a symbol of death, colored by the nature of the animal. For instance, rabbits represent fear, and if you dream of a rabbit skin that indicates that some of your fears are going to disappear. Dreaming of an ox, however, indicates a loss of strength and stamina. To dream of a coat or stole made of animal skins is a symbol of exploiting the vulnerable for the sake of one's own gain.
Sky
Sunny skies denote happiness and prosperity, while cloudy or stormy skies foretell trouble ahead, perhaps family quarrels. The day sky represents the ability to see clearly, while the night sky hints at things hidden from view. The night sky, however, can also represent comfort and security. A sky full of stars, like sunny skies, is an omen of hope, and great opportunities lie ahead.
Sexuality/Sex
1. If the sexual encounter is with someone the dreamer loves and desires, and who reciprocates his or her feelings, then happy times with that person lie ahead. If the encounter is with someone whose feelings the dreamer isn't sure of, it could mean the same, but it could also be nothing more than a wish-fulfillment dream. Look to other symbols in the dream in order to discern its true meaning.
2. If the encounter is an unpleasant one with either a stranger or someone whom the dreamer does NOT like, the dreamer is trying to avoid a distasteful choice or confrontation that perhaps should actually be faced.
3. If the encounter is a pleasant one with a partner that the dreamer does not know, then the dreamer is about to gain something that he's been wanting for a long time. Again, to ascertain what it is, look to other symbols in the dream.
Astrological parallels: Venus, Mars, Taurus, Scorpio.
Tarot parallel: The Lovers.
Smell:
1. Dreaming of a smell often implies an actual physical sensation. Your nose may be picking up an odor that really exists. It's important to be aware of this, especially if the smell is that of smoke or gas. Try to condition yourself to wake up whenever an ominous odor appears in a dream.
2. If this isn't the case, dreaming of pleasant odors such as flowers, the salt air, or good food cooking symbolizes good times ahead, usually associated with whatever is giving off the odor. See Flowers, Beach, Coffee, etc.
3. Dreaming of unpleasant odors is a sign that something is being kept from you - as in the old saying, "I smell a rat."
Snake
1. An ancient symbol of transmutation. The dreamer will soon undergo a vast inner change that will be reflected in her outer life. If the dream is a positive and uplifting one, then good times are ahead. If the dream is a scary one, the times ahead may still be good ones, but the dreamer needs to be very careful of pitfalls along the way.
2. An even more ancient symbol for the Great Goddess. If the dreamer is a woman, then she will soon come into realization of her power as a woman. If the dreamer is a man, especially if he is single, a very powerful and exciting woman will soon come into his life—though she may not be a potential love partner.
Astrological parallels: Scorpio, Pluto.
Tarot parallels: The Tower, The Empress.
Snow:
1. Dreaming of snow is for the most part a very hopeful symbol. Dreaming of a storm, or of deep snowdrifts, implies that hard work lies ahead, but the rewards will be worth it.
2. Snow in the springtime is an attention-getter, emphasizing that something wonderful and surprising, usually financial gain, is just over the horizon
3. Respectively, snow in summer, autumn, and winter indicate success in business, unexpected happiness, and minor difficulties in a situation that nonetheless ends well.
4. Snow on mountaintops augurs good news - and the relief such news brings.
Speaking:
1. If someone is speaking to you, make sure you write down what he or she is saying immediately upon awakening. Even if what's being said is cryptic, or seems to make no sense, it is a message from your Higher Self and needs to be heeded. If the message is in fact rather mysterious, look to other symbols in the dream to see what it actually means. If the speaker is male, then the message from your Higher Self is being filtered through your intellect, and if female, through your supportive mind (emotions and intuition).
2. If someone is speaking to you and yet you don't hear what he or she is saying, then there is some sort of situation in your life that you don't understand, and which you need to understand. Again, for the actual message, look to other symbols in the dream.
3. If you are the one doing the speaking, this is a dream of contrary. Again, it's a message from your Higher Self that you need to understand. If you are giving the message to others, the message is designed not only for you, but for those close to you as well. See 1. and 2. above.
4. If you dream that you or someone else is giving a speech, this is a harbinger of increased social and professional status.
Spaceship
If you are riding in a spaceship, you are destined to travel far and accomplish great things. If you dream of seeing a spaceship, this indicates visitors coming from far away. Dreaming of a UFO acting strangely is a warning that events lie ahead that will require caution, clear-headedness, and stealth.
Spider
1. An ancient symbol for weaving, and thus for creativity. The dreamer may be going through a rough time in life, and need to find a creative solution to resolve the situation. Dreaming of a spider can be reassuring: You have it in you to find the solution.
2. If the spider seems threatening, or the web too intricate, the message is that you are complicating things unnecessarily and need to simplify your life.
3. If you are an artist of any kind, Spider heralds a rush of creative activity that could point you in a new career direction. 4. A sign of strength and resiliency. Whatever hard times the dreamer is going through now, she has what it takes to get through them.
Astrological parallels: Venus, Pluto.
Tarot parallels: The Magician, Strength.
Sports (see Ball)
1. If you are playing at a team sport, busy times working with other people lie ahead. Whether or not your team wins or loses indicates your level of success. Losing the game, however, does NOT mean failure. It only indicates delays.
2. If you are watching a team playing a team sport, you may feel isolated from the others around you—being on the "outside looking in." Courage may be necessary for you to join with your community.
3. Participating in an individual event, such as in golf, tennis, swimming or track indicates a strong desire to improve yourself and your circumstances.
Stairs
1. If the dreamer is climbing the stairs, then he is "on his way to the top." If the staircase is bright and cheery, the climb to the top will be easy and pleasant. But if the staircase is dark and frightening, the dreamer may have to face some unpleasant situations before he gets to where he wants to be.
2. If the dreamer is descending the staircase, and the staircase is a pleasant one, then he may soon complete a difficult task and be able to relax for awhile. But if the staircase is dark and gloomy, or the dreamer is falling down the stairs, then the dreamer may be in danger of being "on his way down." Look to other symbols in the dream to judge how this can be prevented.
3. If someone known to the dreamer is either climbing or descending the staircase, depending on whether the dreamer is at the top or the bottom, that person is either rising or descending to meet the dreamer.
4. If an unknown male figure is either climbing or descending the staircase, then the dreamer's intellect will be challenged in some way. If it's an unknown female figure, then emotional matters will either rise to a major turning point, or fall to a level of normalcy.
Astrological parallels: Saturn, Uranus, Pluto.
Tarot parallel: The Wheel of Fortune.
Star:
1) Like The Star card in the Tarot deck, dreaming of a single bright, shining star is a sign that even if things seem bad, there is still hope, and that your desires and destiny will be fulfilled, possibly through the efforts of a friend.
2. If the dream displays a clear sky full of many bright stars, great success lies ahead, but if the stars are pale or obscured by clouds, there will be a period of poverty before you finally attain your goals.
3. A star between the horns of the New Moon indicates that an influential person, probably a woman, will appear on the scene and assist you in attaining your dearest dream.
4. A shooting or falling star implies success after a period of great effort.
Stealing (see Robber)
1. If the dreamer is the one doing the stealing, this is a warning of financial troubles ahead and a need to be frugal, no matter how well you seem to be doing now. Dreaming of getting caught stealing, however, is a dream of contrary and implies good luck.
2. If someone steals from you, then someone is trying to encroach on your territory in some way, and perhaps to take full credit for something you've accomplished. See Robber.
Stomach:
1. The solar plexus chakra, which rules your power center, is located in the abdomen. Therefore, a dream of pain in this region is probably due to the activation of this chakra - and therefore is a dream of contrary. Even though you're feeling pain, the associated chakra activity is increasing your level of power - physical, mental and spiritual - and thus is a harbinger of success and good fortune lying ahead.
2. Dreaming of the actual organ of digestion is very likely a pun. If in the dream you're feeling sick at your stomach, look to other symbols in the dream to see what is going on in your life that you "can't stomach." If you dream of eating and feel that your stomach is full to bursting, perhaps you've been taking on more responsibilities than you should and need to delegate a few.
3. Dreaming of exposing your abdomen in any way, even if it only involves wearing a bikini, is a sign of treachery ahead. Be careful whom you confide in.
Street:
1. Dreaming of a familiar street, particularly if it's one you haven't been to for a long time, implies feelings of nostalgia, of wanting to return to scenes from your past, perhaps to regather your resources. If you're not consciously aware of the reason for this, look to other symbols in the dream.
2. A dream of unfamiliar streets indicates that travel is ahead, either actual physical travel or exploring new fields of endeavor.
3. Curving streets indicate happy surprises right around the corner.
4. Dark streets indicate that you are uncertain of what lies ahead for you, and that you're very insecure about the outcome of certain situations. Other symbols in the dream, however, may shed light on what you need to know.
5. Walking down a very long street is an admonition to be patient. You'll attain whatever goals you're currently working toward, but not for quite some time.
Superhero/heroine:
1. A male superhero represents a super intellect; thus to dream of seeing Superman, Batman, Spiderman, or whoever indicates that your mind is particularly sharp right now, and if there is a project you're working on that requires a quick, agile, and insightful intellect, this is the time to concentrate primarily on it. Female superheroes such as Wonder Woman or Supergirl indicate a heightened supportive mind - and thus the dreamer's intuition is operating at a very high level. Therefore at this time the dreamer should definitely believe in his or her hunches and go with them - no matter what the intellect tells you.
2. If the dreamer encounters both male and female superheroes, then both faculties of his mind are especially sharp right now. Use your intellect, but when in doubt, follow your heart.
3. If the superhero or heroine is flying, or performing a rescue, then your mental and/or intuitive faculties will save you from an uncomfortable situation.
Strangulation/lack of air/trouble breathing
The dreamer is standing in her own way, either consciously or unconsciously keeping herself from attaining her own dreams due to fear, which can manifest as extreme caution. Look to other symbols in the dream to judge how the dreamer can release herself from that fear.
Astrological parallel: Saturn.
Tarot parallel: The Devil.
Sun
An astrological symbol depending very much on the circumstances and other symbols in the dream.
1. The Sun is the giver of life, and therefore dreaming of a bright Sun high in the sky is an omen that you will soon be able to live the kind of life you want. See Sky.
2. A Sun obscured by clouds implies that your current prospects are uncertain right now, and you may need to reevaluate your situation and make some adjustments.
3. The rising Sun represents beginnings and the setting Sun endings. Whether the beginnings or endings are positive depends on the circumstances (especially the weather) and the other symbols in the dream.
Swimming
1. Leisurely swimming, such as at a beach, in a lake, or in a pool, implies good fortune and easy living ahead, unless the weather is bad, in which case danger could result from doing the wrong thing at the wrong place at the wrong time.
2. Swimming toward the shore indicates getting to where you want to go, but only with a lot of hard work. How difficult that will be depends on the circumstances (especially the weather) and the other symbols in the dream.
3. Swimming for your life in a storm warns of great difficulties ahead. If you reach the shore, or if there is a star or lighthouse guiding your way, you will prevail.
4. Swimming in a meet implies an inner drive to improve yourself. See Sports.
T
Taste:
The dream significance of taste is actually pretty straightforward. If you dream of tasting something sweet, then you can take heart - life will be sweet. Eating highly spiced foods is an omen of romantic passion lying ahead, while foul or rotten-tasting foods indicate that someone around you is spreading rumors or otherwise working against you. Bitter or salty tastes indicate disappointments.
Teeth
1. False or disembodied teeth portend the breakdown of an important relationship in the dreamer's life—not necessarily a romantic one.
2. If the dreamer dreams of aching teeth, this could be a warning of future health problems, possibly involving the teeth but not necessarily. White and beautiful teeth, on the contrary, portend health and happiness.
3. Broken or decayed teeth imply the need for repair in some department of the dreamer's life. Look to other symbols in the dream to judge which one.
4. Dreaming of brushing your teeth implies making major and positive changes in your life.
Astrological parallel: Saturn.
Telephone
1. Telephone calls from a specific person, living or dead, implies a telepathic message from that person. If the person is living, the dreamer should hear from him or her within a very short time.
2. If the dreamer is making a phone call, she wants to tell someone something but is holding back out of fear.
3. A telephone that is not being used indicates that the dreamer is holding back from making a contact that needs to be made.
Astrological parallel: Mercury/Uranus combinations.
Tarot parallel: The suit of wands.
Tongue:
1. A dream of actually holding onto your tongue with your hand, or with your teeth, is an admonition that you could be tempted to reveal too much, and it's time to "hold your tongue."
2. To see someone sticking their tongue out at you is a dream of contrary; you are more highly respected then you think.
3. To dream of licking or tasting food depends on the nature of the food involved. See Taste.
4. If the dreamer sees a snake with its tongue flickering in and out, someone in his aura "speaks with a forked tongue," or, in other words, isn't being totally up front with him.
5. To see an animal panting with its tongue hanging out indicates that the dreamer has been moving too fast, working "hot and heavy," and needs to stop and take time out.
6. Dreaming of the tongue of a shoe implies that there are issues going on with you now that you don't really understand, and thus you should reserve any comments about them until you do.
Tornado
1. Vast life changes, for better or for worse, are looming in the near future. Whether the changes are for better or worse can be deduced from other symbols in the dream.
2. A surprise is coming—a surprise so unexpected and outrageous that the dreamer will be "blown away".
Astrological parallel: Uranus, Pluto.
Tarot parallel: The Tower.
Tower:
1. To dream of being alone in a tower is a sign that the dreamer is NOT in touch with certain circumstances or issues in his life, and needs to understand them thoroughly before taking any action - as in the metaphor, "ivory tower."
2. To see a tower against the sky implies true love and friendship either coming soon or already present in the dreamer's life.
3. To see a tower crumbling and falling implies upset and perhaps even disaster ahead, like The Tower card in the Tarot deck. To discern how to avert or deal with whatever is coming, look to other symbols in the dream.
4. Climbing a winding staircase within a tower indicates that you will have to travel a long way before you reach your most cherished goals.
Trapeze:
A symbol of a strong desire for freedom - to come as close as a human being possibly can to flying on his own, whether the dreamer is actually on the trapeze or watching someone else perform. If the dreamer successfully performs a routine on a trapeze, the dreamer will experience the freedom he desires, but if he falls and crashes, he'll very likely fail due to his own shortcomings. If he falls and lands in a safety net, he'll succeed in spite of his shortcomings. Other symbols in the dream can reveal how the dreamer can avoid failure.
V
Vagina:
1. If the dreamer is a woman, and she dreams of pain or itching in the vaginal area, her Higher Self may be advising her to see a gynecologist. This could also be a warning to be very careful about anyone with whom she's considering becoming sexually involved - and also to be discreet, for her reputation could be threatened.
2. If the dreamer is a man and dreams of looking upon a woman's vagina, this could represent an appearance of the ancient patriarchal fear of "the toothed vagina," indicating a dread of being trapped in a relationship he doesn't want. If he is dating someone at the time, he may need to reconsider the relationship.
Violin:
1. If the sound is pleasant to the dreamer, the dream symbolizes love, friendship, and an increased social life. If the dreamer is particularly fond of violin music, this could imply a lifting of the spirits, as well as divine inspiration.
2. If the sound was discordant, marred by broken strings, the dreamer can expect petty quarrels to break out in his or her social circle.
Visitor:
1. If the visitor is unknown to the dreamer, then this is a happy portent of new friends and a busy social life. If the visitor is known, good news through a friend should be on the horizon.
2. To dream of visiting someone under ominous circumstances is a warning to beware of those who might spread rumors and gossip about you. But to be a visitor in a happy and well-kept home augurs moving on to bigger and better things.
3. To have someone come to visit you means that someone will be bringing news. Whether or not it's good news or bad news depends on other symbols in the dream.
Volcano
1. A dormant volcano indicates something that seems calm and peaceful but is ready to explode and make a lot of waves. This could indicate the temper of a friend or family member, or of a boss or supervisor.
2. An erupting volcano indicates a situation that has been ignored for a long time and finally can be held back no longer. Depending on the other symbols in the dream, however, this can also be a dream of contrary: Something wonderful that you've almost given up on will finally happen for you.
W
Water (see Ocean)
1. If the dreamer is drinking water, this is a symbol for enjoying life. If the dreamer is at presently in bad circumstances, dreaming of drinking water implies that good times are ahead.
2. Clear, calm water portends happiness, while river rapids or crashing surf implies rough times on the horizon.
3. A waterfall, particularly if there is also a rainbow in the dream, indicates success, happiness, and wealth coming into the dreamer's life.
Astrological parallel: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces.
Tarot parallel: The suit of cups.
Weapon (see Gun, Knife)
1. Using a weapon of any kind in a competent and confident manner implies aggressiveness in pursuing one's goals. Using a weapon clumsily is a sign that the dreamer doubts his ability to attain his goals.
2. Being threatened by a weapon hints that the dreamer feels that everyone is against him. Whether or not that is true, and if true, what the solution is, can be deduced from other symbols in the dream.
Astrological parallel: Mars.
Tarot parallel: The suit of swords.
White
Purity. Success well earned.
Whispering
A sign that the Universe is trying to convey important information to the dreamer, but that the dreamer is either too afraid or too distracted to hear it. The content of the message can be deduced from other symbols in the dream, or from various signs and portents in the dreamer's waking life.
Wind
The wind represents movement, and the type of movement involved is dictated by the circumstances.
1. Dreaming of being out in a cold, blustery wind implies having to take action under adverse circumstances.
2. Dreaming of a calm, gentle wind that caresses your face is reassurance that you are surrounded by people who deeply love and care for you. A brisk, steady breeze portends success in business enterprises.
3. Being caught up in an extreme form of wind such as a cyclone or tornado is a warning to get your affairs in order now if you don't want to have a lot of trouble later.
Window
1. A general symbol for the need to see through something that is clouding the dreamer's life.
2. A broken window hints at a change in the dreamer's living circumstances.
3. The state or type of the window is an important clue. Open windows are a sign of welcome; closed windows a sign of cut-off communications. Bay windows are a sign of success and good fortune, while storm windows indicate trouble ahead.
Astrological parallels: Neptune, Pisces.
Witch
1. If the dreamer is a woman, dreaming of a witch could represent her own senex, or that part of her psyche that is older and wiser. Thus any message that she receives from the witch is important, and should be written down immediately upon awakening.
2. If the dreamer is a man, he needs to take a good, long, honest look at his attitude toward women. He may be caught up in the notion that all women are out to get him.
3. If the witch is friendly in the dream, whether the dreamer is a man or a woman, it augurs an increased social life.
4. If the witch is the ominous Halloween figure, rough times in romance lie ahead.
Writing
1. Dreams of writing letters can mean the need to get in touch with people whom you haven't spoken with in awhile.
2. Dreams of writing novels, plays or stories indicate that there is a creative streak in you that needs an outlet. Many great authors have received inspiration from their dreams.
3. To dream of writing and not knowing what you're writing is a warning that you may be inadvertently communicating messages to others that they are misinterpreting in an insulting way.
Y
Yelling/Shouting
1. If the dreamer is shouting to someone, it represents a desperate need to reach that person. If the "someone" is unknown to the dreamer, the dreamer needs to seek information from someone as yet unknown—as phoning up a librarian to find out if the library has a certain book.
2. If someone is shouting at the dreamer, if the dreamer knows that person, then he has been shutting out vital communications from that person. If the shouter is unknown to the dreamer, then there is information that the dreamer needs to seek out.
Astrological parallels: Mercury, Mars.
Yellow
Intellect. A problem or puzzle to be solved. Possible setbacks.
Astrological parallels: Gemini. Also, for Gold: Leo.
Z
Zoo
1. If the animals were happy, then dreaming of a zoo portends travels in distant places. If children were with you, whatever you want to accomplish in those places will be successful.
2. If the animals were upset or agitated, then your view of the world is a bit jaded right now. You're viewing the world as a crazy, violent place, where no one is safe - as in the metaphor, "this place is a zoo."
Rabbit:
1. In British mythology, a symbol of fertility, fecundity, and sexual pleasure. The ancient British fertility goddess Oestre, from whose name we get our word Easter, had a pet hare that laid its egg every Spring Equinox so that life would spread throughout the world. Dreaming of a rabbit, therefore, especially one that is affectionate and at ease with you, can be a sign of love and domestic happiness ahead.
2. Dreaming of many rabbits is a sign of new responsibilities - but not unwelcome ones. A new and wonderful opportunity will come your way - but you'll enjoy the work required to accomplish it instead of viewing it as a chore.
3. In Native American mythology, Rabbit is a symbol of needless fear. Therefore, dreaming of a rabbit that is afraid of you means that something in your life is troubling you now - and that your fears are groundless.
Rain
1. If the rain is a gentle one, and especially if rainbows are present, this is a positive symbol, foreshadowing the coming of a peaceful interlude and much happiness.
2. If the rain is heavy, this indicates a change in the dreamer's financial fortunes. Depending on his circumstances, it could be a windfall or a major setback.
3. A major thunderstorm with thunder and lightning indicates a sudden and unexpected increase in wealth, possibly through a legacy.
Astrological parallel: Venus.
Tarot parallel: The Wheel of Fortune.
Rainbow
Always a positive symbol. No matter what the rest of the dream implies, if the dream ends with a rainbow, particularly if you find the pot of gold, the dream is a portent of the end of all your troubles followed by much happiness.
Rat:
1. Dreaming of a black or brown rat is a sign of illness or treachery ahead. In European tradition, rats are associated with theft of foodstuffs and the spread of disease, and therefore seeing brown or black rats running free is a warning to see your doctor and to be careful whom you trust.
2. Seeing brown or black rats in cages, however, is a sign that small irritations in your life will be dealt with. Catching a rat in a trap indicates freedom from worry and a release of tension.
3. White rats, on the other hand, are a sign of protection from beneficent forces or entities around you.
Reading
1. A dream of reading a book augurs the collection of knowledge and the resulting progress in whatever department of life the dreamer is concentrating on now.
2. Dreaming of getting a psychic reading indicates an important message. It's important to write these dreams down, as the first thing dreamers usually forget are what's said in the dream.
Red
Good news. Passion. Anger. A warning to control your temper.
Astrological parallel: Aries.
Religious Icon:
1. If the icon featured a portrait of a saint or other religious figure, find out what tradition is associated with that person. For example, if the saint was St. Christopher, then you may be on your way to taking a long journey. If the saint was St. Jude, something wonderful and totally unexpected will happen. If the portrait was of the Virgin Mary, someone will intercede for you in a disagreement and put it to an end.
2. Icons in general seem to bring a message that coming changes in your life, however stressful they may be, are beneficial and can be dealt with fairly easily.
Robber, Robbery (see Stealing)
1. If the dreamer is concerned about safety, security, and financial affairs, this dream could reflect those fears. Whether the fear—that someone in some way is going to rip you off—is real or not depends on the circumstances and other symbols in the dream.
2. If the dreamer is looking for love, this could represent a warning: The dreamer could meet and fall for someone fascinating, but who has an agenda of his or her own and could end up breaking the dreamer's heart.
Running (away from something)
Something in the dreamer's life is difficult to face, and the dreamer would rather run away from it than face it. If such a situation is not readily recognized by the dreamer, looking to the other symbols in the dream should give the answer.
Astrological parallel: Pisces.
S
Skin
1. The meaning of a dream of human skin varies with its condition. If you dream of smooth, beautiful, healthy skin, it foreshadows romantic happiness. If you dream of blotchy or pimply skin, however, it indicates romantic trouble ahead. Peeling skin represents a sloughing off of the old in order to make way for the new.
2. Animal skins are a symbol of death, colored by the nature of the animal. For instance, rabbits represent fear, and if you dream of a rabbit skin that indicates that some of your fears are going to disappear. Dreaming of an ox, however, indicates a loss of strength and stamina. To dream of a coat or stole made of animal skins is a symbol of exploiting the vulnerable for the sake of one's own gain.
Sky
Sunny skies denote happiness and prosperity, while cloudy or stormy skies foretell trouble ahead, perhaps family quarrels. The day sky represents the ability to see clearly, while the night sky hints at things hidden from view. The night sky, however, can also represent comfort and security. A sky full of stars, like sunny skies, is an omen of hope, and great opportunities lie ahead.
Sexuality/Sex
1. If the sexual encounter is with someone the dreamer loves and desires, and who reciprocates his or her feelings, then happy times with that person lie ahead. If the encounter is with someone whose feelings the dreamer isn't sure of, it could mean the same, but it could also be nothing more than a wish-fulfillment dream. Look to other symbols in the dream in order to discern its true meaning.
2. If the encounter is an unpleasant one with either a stranger or someone whom the dreamer does NOT like, the dreamer is trying to avoid a distasteful choice or confrontation that perhaps should actually be faced.
3. If the encounter is a pleasant one with a partner that the dreamer does not know, then the dreamer is about to gain something that he's been wanting for a long time. Again, to ascertain what it is, look to other symbols in the dream.
Astrological parallels: Venus, Mars, Taurus, Scorpio.
Tarot parallel: The Lovers.
Smell:
1. Dreaming of a smell often implies an actual physical sensation. Your nose may be picking up an odor that really exists. It's important to be aware of this, especially if the smell is that of smoke or gas. Try to condition yourself to wake up whenever an ominous odor appears in a dream.
2. If this isn't the case, dreaming of pleasant odors such as flowers, the salt air, or good food cooking symbolizes good times ahead, usually associated with whatever is giving off the odor. See Flowers, Beach, Coffee, etc.
3. Dreaming of unpleasant odors is a sign that something is being kept from you - as in the old saying, "I smell a rat."
Snake
1. An ancient symbol of transmutation. The dreamer will soon undergo a vast inner change that will be reflected in her outer life. If the dream is a positive and uplifting one, then good times are ahead. If the dream is a scary one, the times ahead may still be good ones, but the dreamer needs to be very careful of pitfalls along the way.
2. An even more ancient symbol for the Great Goddess. If the dreamer is a woman, then she will soon come into realization of her power as a woman. If the dreamer is a man, especially if he is single, a very powerful and exciting woman will soon come into his life—though she may not be a potential love partner.
Astrological parallels: Scorpio, Pluto.
Tarot parallels: The Tower, The Empress.
Snow:
1. Dreaming of snow is for the most part a very hopeful symbol. Dreaming of a storm, or of deep snowdrifts, implies that hard work lies ahead, but the rewards will be worth it.
2. Snow in the springtime is an attention-getter, emphasizing that something wonderful and surprising, usually financial gain, is just over the horizon
3. Respectively, snow in summer, autumn, and winter indicate success in business, unexpected happiness, and minor difficulties in a situation that nonetheless ends well.
4. Snow on mountaintops augurs good news - and the relief such news brings.
Speaking:
1. If someone is speaking to you, make sure you write down what he or she is saying immediately upon awakening. Even if what's being said is cryptic, or seems to make no sense, it is a message from your Higher Self and needs to be heeded. If the message is in fact rather mysterious, look to other symbols in the dream to see what it actually means. If the speaker is male, then the message from your Higher Self is being filtered through your intellect, and if female, through your supportive mind (emotions and intuition).
2. If someone is speaking to you and yet you don't hear what he or she is saying, then there is some sort of situation in your life that you don't understand, and which you need to understand. Again, for the actual message, look to other symbols in the dream.
3. If you are the one doing the speaking, this is a dream of contrary. Again, it's a message from your Higher Self that you need to understand. If you are giving the message to others, the message is designed not only for you, but for those close to you as well. See 1. and 2. above.
4. If you dream that you or someone else is giving a speech, this is a harbinger of increased social and professional status.
Spaceship
If you are riding in a spaceship, you are destined to travel far and accomplish great things. If you dream of seeing a spaceship, this indicates visitors coming from far away. Dreaming of a UFO acting strangely is a warning that events lie ahead that will require caution, clear-headedness, and stealth.
Spider
1. An ancient symbol for weaving, and thus for creativity. The dreamer may be going through a rough time in life, and need to find a creative solution to resolve the situation. Dreaming of a spider can be reassuring: You have it in you to find the solution.
2. If the spider seems threatening, or the web too intricate, the message is that you are complicating things unnecessarily and need to simplify your life.
3. If you are an artist of any kind, Spider heralds a rush of creative activity that could point you in a new career direction. 4. A sign of strength and resiliency. Whatever hard times the dreamer is going through now, she has what it takes to get through them.
Astrological parallels: Venus, Pluto.
Tarot parallels: The Magician, Strength.
Sports (see Ball)
1. If you are playing at a team sport, busy times working with other people lie ahead. Whether or not your team wins or loses indicates your level of success. Losing the game, however, does NOT mean failure. It only indicates delays.
2. If you are watching a team playing a team sport, you may feel isolated from the others around you—being on the "outside looking in." Courage may be necessary for you to join with your community.
3. Participating in an individual event, such as in golf, tennis, swimming or track indicates a strong desire to improve yourself and your circumstances.
Stairs
1. If the dreamer is climbing the stairs, then he is "on his way to the top." If the staircase is bright and cheery, the climb to the top will be easy and pleasant. But if the staircase is dark and frightening, the dreamer may have to face some unpleasant situations before he gets to where he wants to be.
2. If the dreamer is descending the staircase, and the staircase is a pleasant one, then he may soon complete a difficult task and be able to relax for awhile. But if the staircase is dark and gloomy, or the dreamer is falling down the stairs, then the dreamer may be in danger of being "on his way down." Look to other symbols in the dream to judge how this can be prevented.
3. If someone known to the dreamer is either climbing or descending the staircase, depending on whether the dreamer is at the top or the bottom, that person is either rising or descending to meet the dreamer.
4. If an unknown male figure is either climbing or descending the staircase, then the dreamer's intellect will be challenged in some way. If it's an unknown female figure, then emotional matters will either rise to a major turning point, or fall to a level of normalcy.
Astrological parallels: Saturn, Uranus, Pluto.
Tarot parallel: The Wheel of Fortune.
Star:
1) Like The Star card in the Tarot deck, dreaming of a single bright, shining star is a sign that even if things seem bad, there is still hope, and that your desires and destiny will be fulfilled, possibly through the efforts of a friend.
2. If the dream displays a clear sky full of many bright stars, great success lies ahead, but if the stars are pale or obscured by clouds, there will be a period of poverty before you finally attain your goals.
3. A star between the horns of the New Moon indicates that an influential person, probably a woman, will appear on the scene and assist you in attaining your dearest dream.
4. A shooting or falling star implies success after a period of great effort.
Stealing (see Robber)
1. If the dreamer is the one doing the stealing, this is a warning of financial troubles ahead and a need to be frugal, no matter how well you seem to be doing now. Dreaming of getting caught stealing, however, is a dream of contrary and implies good luck.
2. If someone steals from you, then someone is trying to encroach on your territory in some way, and perhaps to take full credit for something you've accomplished. See Robber.
Stomach:
1. The solar plexus chakra, which rules your power center, is located in the abdomen. Therefore, a dream of pain in this region is probably due to the activation of this chakra - and therefore is a dream of contrary. Even though you're feeling pain, the associated chakra activity is increasing your level of power - physical, mental and spiritual - and thus is a harbinger of success and good fortune lying ahead.
2. Dreaming of the actual organ of digestion is very likely a pun. If in the dream you're feeling sick at your stomach, look to other symbols in the dream to see what is going on in your life that you "can't stomach." If you dream of eating and feel that your stomach is full to bursting, perhaps you've been taking on more responsibilities than you should and need to delegate a few.
3. Dreaming of exposing your abdomen in any way, even if it only involves wearing a bikini, is a sign of treachery ahead. Be careful whom you confide in.
Street:
1. Dreaming of a familiar street, particularly if it's one you haven't been to for a long time, implies feelings of nostalgia, of wanting to return to scenes from your past, perhaps to regather your resources. If you're not consciously aware of the reason for this, look to other symbols in the dream.
2. A dream of unfamiliar streets indicates that travel is ahead, either actual physical travel or exploring new fields of endeavor.
3. Curving streets indicate happy surprises right around the corner.
4. Dark streets indicate that you are uncertain of what lies ahead for you, and that you're very insecure about the outcome of certain situations. Other symbols in the dream, however, may shed light on what you need to know.
5. Walking down a very long street is an admonition to be patient. You'll attain whatever goals you're currently working toward, but not for quite some time.
Superhero/heroine:
1. A male superhero represents a super intellect; thus to dream of seeing Superman, Batman, Spiderman, or whoever indicates that your mind is particularly sharp right now, and if there is a project you're working on that requires a quick, agile, and insightful intellect, this is the time to concentrate primarily on it. Female superheroes such as Wonder Woman or Supergirl indicate a heightened supportive mind - and thus the dreamer's intuition is operating at a very high level. Therefore at this time the dreamer should definitely believe in his or her hunches and go with them - no matter what the intellect tells you.
2. If the dreamer encounters both male and female superheroes, then both faculties of his mind are especially sharp right now. Use your intellect, but when in doubt, follow your heart.
3. If the superhero or heroine is flying, or performing a rescue, then your mental and/or intuitive faculties will save you from an uncomfortable situation.
Strangulation/lack of air/trouble breathing
The dreamer is standing in her own way, either consciously or unconsciously keeping herself from attaining her own dreams due to fear, which can manifest as extreme caution. Look to other symbols in the dream to judge how the dreamer can release herself from that fear.
Astrological parallel: Saturn.
Tarot parallel: The Devil.
Sun
An astrological symbol depending very much on the circumstances and other symbols in the dream.
1. The Sun is the giver of life, and therefore dreaming of a bright Sun high in the sky is an omen that you will soon be able to live the kind of life you want. See Sky.
2. A Sun obscured by clouds implies that your current prospects are uncertain right now, and you may need to reevaluate your situation and make some adjustments.
3. The rising Sun represents beginnings and the setting Sun endings. Whether the beginnings or endings are positive depends on the circumstances (especially the weather) and the other symbols in the dream.
Swimming
1. Leisurely swimming, such as at a beach, in a lake, or in a pool, implies good fortune and easy living ahead, unless the weather is bad, in which case danger could result from doing the wrong thing at the wrong place at the wrong time.
2. Swimming toward the shore indicates getting to where you want to go, but only with a lot of hard work. How difficult that will be depends on the circumstances (especially the weather) and the other symbols in the dream.
3. Swimming for your life in a storm warns of great difficulties ahead. If you reach the shore, or if there is a star or lighthouse guiding your way, you will prevail.
4. Swimming in a meet implies an inner drive to improve yourself. See Sports.
T
Taste:
The dream significance of taste is actually pretty straightforward. If you dream of tasting something sweet, then you can take heart - life will be sweet. Eating highly spiced foods is an omen of romantic passion lying ahead, while foul or rotten-tasting foods indicate that someone around you is spreading rumors or otherwise working against you. Bitter or salty tastes indicate disappointments.
Teeth
1. False or disembodied teeth portend the breakdown of an important relationship in the dreamer's life—not necessarily a romantic one.
2. If the dreamer dreams of aching teeth, this could be a warning of future health problems, possibly involving the teeth but not necessarily. White and beautiful teeth, on the contrary, portend health and happiness.
3. Broken or decayed teeth imply the need for repair in some department of the dreamer's life. Look to other symbols in the dream to judge which one.
4. Dreaming of brushing your teeth implies making major and positive changes in your life.
Astrological parallel: Saturn.
Telephone
1. Telephone calls from a specific person, living or dead, implies a telepathic message from that person. If the person is living, the dreamer should hear from him or her within a very short time.
2. If the dreamer is making a phone call, she wants to tell someone something but is holding back out of fear.
3. A telephone that is not being used indicates that the dreamer is holding back from making a contact that needs to be made.
Astrological parallel: Mercury/Uranus combinations.
Tarot parallel: The suit of wands.
Tongue:
1. A dream of actually holding onto your tongue with your hand, or with your teeth, is an admonition that you could be tempted to reveal too much, and it's time to "hold your tongue."
2. To see someone sticking their tongue out at you is a dream of contrary; you are more highly respected then you think.
3. To dream of licking or tasting food depends on the nature of the food involved. See Taste.
4. If the dreamer sees a snake with its tongue flickering in and out, someone in his aura "speaks with a forked tongue," or, in other words, isn't being totally up front with him.
5. To see an animal panting with its tongue hanging out indicates that the dreamer has been moving too fast, working "hot and heavy," and needs to stop and take time out.
6. Dreaming of the tongue of a shoe implies that there are issues going on with you now that you don't really understand, and thus you should reserve any comments about them until you do.
Tornado
1. Vast life changes, for better or for worse, are looming in the near future. Whether the changes are for better or worse can be deduced from other symbols in the dream.
2. A surprise is coming—a surprise so unexpected and outrageous that the dreamer will be "blown away".
Astrological parallel: Uranus, Pluto.
Tarot parallel: The Tower.
Tower:
1. To dream of being alone in a tower is a sign that the dreamer is NOT in touch with certain circumstances or issues in his life, and needs to understand them thoroughly before taking any action - as in the metaphor, "ivory tower."
2. To see a tower against the sky implies true love and friendship either coming soon or already present in the dreamer's life.
3. To see a tower crumbling and falling implies upset and perhaps even disaster ahead, like The Tower card in the Tarot deck. To discern how to avert or deal with whatever is coming, look to other symbols in the dream.
4. Climbing a winding staircase within a tower indicates that you will have to travel a long way before you reach your most cherished goals.
Trapeze:
A symbol of a strong desire for freedom - to come as close as a human being possibly can to flying on his own, whether the dreamer is actually on the trapeze or watching someone else perform. If the dreamer successfully performs a routine on a trapeze, the dreamer will experience the freedom he desires, but if he falls and crashes, he'll very likely fail due to his own shortcomings. If he falls and lands in a safety net, he'll succeed in spite of his shortcomings. Other symbols in the dream can reveal how the dreamer can avoid failure.
V
Vagina:
1. If the dreamer is a woman, and she dreams of pain or itching in the vaginal area, her Higher Self may be advising her to see a gynecologist. This could also be a warning to be very careful about anyone with whom she's considering becoming sexually involved - and also to be discreet, for her reputation could be threatened.
2. If the dreamer is a man and dreams of looking upon a woman's vagina, this could represent an appearance of the ancient patriarchal fear of "the toothed vagina," indicating a dread of being trapped in a relationship he doesn't want. If he is dating someone at the time, he may need to reconsider the relationship.
Violin:
1. If the sound is pleasant to the dreamer, the dream symbolizes love, friendship, and an increased social life. If the dreamer is particularly fond of violin music, this could imply a lifting of the spirits, as well as divine inspiration.
2. If the sound was discordant, marred by broken strings, the dreamer can expect petty quarrels to break out in his or her social circle.
Visitor:
1. If the visitor is unknown to the dreamer, then this is a happy portent of new friends and a busy social life. If the visitor is known, good news through a friend should be on the horizon.
2. To dream of visiting someone under ominous circumstances is a warning to beware of those who might spread rumors and gossip about you. But to be a visitor in a happy and well-kept home augurs moving on to bigger and better things.
3. To have someone come to visit you means that someone will be bringing news. Whether or not it's good news or bad news depends on other symbols in the dream.
Volcano
1. A dormant volcano indicates something that seems calm and peaceful but is ready to explode and make a lot of waves. This could indicate the temper of a friend or family member, or of a boss or supervisor.
2. An erupting volcano indicates a situation that has been ignored for a long time and finally can be held back no longer. Depending on the other symbols in the dream, however, this can also be a dream of contrary: Something wonderful that you've almost given up on will finally happen for you.
W
Water (see Ocean)
1. If the dreamer is drinking water, this is a symbol for enjoying life. If the dreamer is at presently in bad circumstances, dreaming of drinking water implies that good times are ahead.
2. Clear, calm water portends happiness, while river rapids or crashing surf implies rough times on the horizon.
3. A waterfall, particularly if there is also a rainbow in the dream, indicates success, happiness, and wealth coming into the dreamer's life.
Astrological parallel: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces.
Tarot parallel: The suit of cups.
Weapon (see Gun, Knife)
1. Using a weapon of any kind in a competent and confident manner implies aggressiveness in pursuing one's goals. Using a weapon clumsily is a sign that the dreamer doubts his ability to attain his goals.
2. Being threatened by a weapon hints that the dreamer feels that everyone is against him. Whether or not that is true, and if true, what the solution is, can be deduced from other symbols in the dream.
Astrological parallel: Mars.
Tarot parallel: The suit of swords.
White
Purity. Success well earned.
Whispering
A sign that the Universe is trying to convey important information to the dreamer, but that the dreamer is either too afraid or too distracted to hear it. The content of the message can be deduced from other symbols in the dream, or from various signs and portents in the dreamer's waking life.
Wind
The wind represents movement, and the type of movement involved is dictated by the circumstances.
1. Dreaming of being out in a cold, blustery wind implies having to take action under adverse circumstances.
2. Dreaming of a calm, gentle wind that caresses your face is reassurance that you are surrounded by people who deeply love and care for you. A brisk, steady breeze portends success in business enterprises.
3. Being caught up in an extreme form of wind such as a cyclone or tornado is a warning to get your affairs in order now if you don't want to have a lot of trouble later.
Window
1. A general symbol for the need to see through something that is clouding the dreamer's life.
2. A broken window hints at a change in the dreamer's living circumstances.
3. The state or type of the window is an important clue. Open windows are a sign of welcome; closed windows a sign of cut-off communications. Bay windows are a sign of success and good fortune, while storm windows indicate trouble ahead.
Astrological parallels: Neptune, Pisces.
Witch
1. If the dreamer is a woman, dreaming of a witch could represent her own senex, or that part of her psyche that is older and wiser. Thus any message that she receives from the witch is important, and should be written down immediately upon awakening.
2. If the dreamer is a man, he needs to take a good, long, honest look at his attitude toward women. He may be caught up in the notion that all women are out to get him.
3. If the witch is friendly in the dream, whether the dreamer is a man or a woman, it augurs an increased social life.
4. If the witch is the ominous Halloween figure, rough times in romance lie ahead.
Writing
1. Dreams of writing letters can mean the need to get in touch with people whom you haven't spoken with in awhile.
2. Dreams of writing novels, plays or stories indicate that there is a creative streak in you that needs an outlet. Many great authors have received inspiration from their dreams.
3. To dream of writing and not knowing what you're writing is a warning that you may be inadvertently communicating messages to others that they are misinterpreting in an insulting way.
Y
Yelling/Shouting
1. If the dreamer is shouting to someone, it represents a desperate need to reach that person. If the "someone" is unknown to the dreamer, the dreamer needs to seek information from someone as yet unknown—as phoning up a librarian to find out if the library has a certain book.
2. If someone is shouting at the dreamer, if the dreamer knows that person, then he has been shutting out vital communications from that person. If the shouter is unknown to the dreamer, then there is information that the dreamer needs to seek out.
Astrological parallels: Mercury, Mars.
Yellow
Intellect. A problem or puzzle to be solved. Possible setbacks.
Astrological parallels: Gemini. Also, for Gold: Leo.
Z
Zoo
1. If the animals were happy, then dreaming of a zoo portends travels in distant places. If children were with you, whatever you want to accomplish in those places will be successful.
2. If the animals were upset or agitated, then your view of the world is a bit jaded right now. You're viewing the world as a crazy, violent place, where no one is safe - as in the metaphor, "this place is a zoo."
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Coming in out of the cold: Cold fusion
Science & Space csmonitor.com
posted June 06, 2005
Coming in out of the cold: Cold fusion, for real
By Michelle Thaller
PASADENA, CALIF. – For the last few years, mentioning cold fusion around scientists (myself included) has been a little like mentioning Bigfoot or UFO sightings.
After the 1989 announcement of fusion in a bottle, so to speak, and the subsequent retraction, the whole idea of cold fusion seemed a bit beyond the pale. But that's all about to change.
A very reputable, very careful group of scientists at the University of Los Angeles (Brian Naranjo, Jim Gimzewski, Seth Putterman) has initiated a fusion reaction using a laboratory device that's not much bigger than a breadbox, and works at roughly room temperature. This time, it looks like the real thing.
Before going into their specific experiment, it's probably a good idea to define exactly what nuclear fusion is, and why we're so interested in understanding the process. This also gives me an excuse to talk about how things work deep inside the nuclei of atoms, a topic near and dear to most astronomers (more on that later).
Simply put, nuclear fusion means ramming protons and neutrons together so hard that they stick, and form a single, larger nucleus. When this happens with small nuclei (like hydrogen, which has only one proton or helium, which has two), you get a lot of energy out of the reaction. This specific reaction, fusing two hydrogen nuclei together to get helium, famously powers our sun (good), as well as hydrogen bombs (bad).
Fusion is a tremendous source of energy; the reason we're not using it to meet our everyday energy needs is that it's very hard to get a fusion reaction going. The reason is simple: protons don't want to get close to other protons.
Do you remember learning about electricity in high school? I sure do - I dreaded it whenever that topic came around. I had a series of well-meaning science teachers that thought it would be fun for everyone to hold hands and feel a mild electric shock pass their arms. Every time my fists clenched and jerked and I had nothing consciously do with it, my stomach turned.
In addition, I have long, fine hair, and was often made a victim of the Van de Graf generator - the little metal ball with a rubber belt inside it that creates enough static electricity to make your hair stand on end. Yeesh.
Anyway, hopefully you remember the lesson that two objects having different electrical charges (positive and negative) attract one another, while those with the same charge repel. It's a basic law of electricity, and it definitely holds true when two protons try to get close together. Protons have positive charges, and they repel each other. Somehow, in order for fusion to work, you've got to overcome this repulsive electrical force and get the things to stick together.
Here's where an amazing and mysterious force comes in that, although we don't think about it in our day-to-day lives, literally holds our matter together. There are four universal forces of nature, two of which you're probably familiar with: gravity and electromagnetism.
But there are two other forces that really only come in to play inside atomic nuclei: the strong and weak nuclear forces (and yes, the strong force is the stronger of the two, the weak is weaker. Scientists really have a way with names, dont they?) I'm going to focus on the strong force, as that's the one responsible for nuclear fusion.
The strong force is an attractive force between protons and neutrons - it wants to stick them together. If the strong force had its way, the entire universe would be one big super-dense ball of protons and neutrons, one big atomic nucleus, in fact.
Fortunately, the strong force only becomes strong at very small scales: about one millionth billionth of a meter. Yes, that's 0.000000000000001 meters. Any farther away, and the strong force loses its grip. But if you can get protons and neutrons that close together, the strong force becomes stronger than any other force in nature, including electricity.
That's important- all protons have the same charge, so they'd like to fly away from each other. But if you can get them close together, inside the volume of an atomic nucleus, the strong force will bind them together.
The whole trick with fusion is you've got to get protons close enough together for the strong force to overcome their electrical repulsion and merge them together into a nucleus. The sun does this pretty much by brute force. The sun has over 300,000 times the mass of the Earth, which means there's a lot of gravity weighing down on its core.
That pressure gets the sun's internal temperature up to several millions of degrees, which means that particles inside the sun's core are flying around at huge velocities. Everything is moving around so fast that protons sometimes get slammed together before their charges have a chance to repel. The strong force takes hold, and a new atom (helium) is born.
In this process, some of the mass of the protons is converted into energy, powering the sun and producing the light that will eventually reach the Earth as sunlight.
Scientists have gotten fusion to occur in the laboratory before, but for the most part, they've tried to mimic conditions inside the sun by whipping hydrogen gas up to extreme temperatures or slamming atoms together in particle accelerators. Both of those options require huge energies and gigantic equipment, not the sort of stuff easily available to build a generator. Is there any way of getting protons close enough together for fusion to occur that doesnt require the energy output of a large city to make it happen?
The answer, it turns out, is yes.
Instead of using high temperatures and incredible densities to ram protons together, the scientists at UCLA cleverly used the structure of an unusual crystal.
Crystals are fascinating things; the atoms inside are all lined up in a tightly ordered lattice, which creates the beautiful structure we associate with crystals. Sometimes those orderly atoms create neat side-effects, like piezoelectricity, which is the effect of creating an electrical charge in a crystal by compressing it. Stressing the bonds between the atoms of some crystals causes electrons to build up on one side, creating a charge difference over the body of the crystal. Other crystals do this when you heat or cool them; these are called pyroelectric crystals.
The new cold fusion experiment went something like this: scientists inserted a small pyroelectric crystal (lithium tantalite) inside a chamber filled with hydrogen. Warming the crystal by about 100 degrees (from -30 F to 45F) produced a huge electrical field of about 100,000 volts across the small crystal.
The tip of a metal wire was inserted near the crystal, which concentrated the charge to a single, powerful point. Remember, hydrogen nuclei have a positive charge, so they feel the force of an electric field, and this one packed quite a wallop! The huge electric field sent the nuclei careening away, smacking into other hydrogen nuclei on their way out. Instead of using intense heat or pressure to get nuclei close enough together to fuse, this new experiment used a very powerful electric field to slam atoms together.
Unlike some previous claims of room-temperature fusion, this one makes intuitive sense: its just another way to get atoms close enough together for the strong force to take over and do the rest. Once the reaction got going, the scientists observed not only the production of helium nuclei, but other tell-tale signs of fusion such as free neutrons and high energy radiation.
This experiment has been repeated successfully and other scientists have reviewed the results: it looks like the real thing this time.
For the time being, don't expect fusion to become a readily available energy option. The current cold fusion apparatus still takes much more energy to start up than you get back out, and it may never end up breaking even. In the mean time, the crystal-fusion device might be used as a compact source of neutrons and X-rays, something that could turn out to be useful making small scanning machines. But it really may not be long until we have the first nuclear fusion-powered devices in common use.
So cold fusion is back, perhaps to stay. After many fits and starts, its finally time for everyday fusion to come in out of the cold.
posted June 06, 2005
Coming in out of the cold: Cold fusion, for real
By Michelle Thaller
PASADENA, CALIF. – For the last few years, mentioning cold fusion around scientists (myself included) has been a little like mentioning Bigfoot or UFO sightings.
After the 1989 announcement of fusion in a bottle, so to speak, and the subsequent retraction, the whole idea of cold fusion seemed a bit beyond the pale. But that's all about to change.
A very reputable, very careful group of scientists at the University of Los Angeles (Brian Naranjo, Jim Gimzewski, Seth Putterman) has initiated a fusion reaction using a laboratory device that's not much bigger than a breadbox, and works at roughly room temperature. This time, it looks like the real thing.
Before going into their specific experiment, it's probably a good idea to define exactly what nuclear fusion is, and why we're so interested in understanding the process. This also gives me an excuse to talk about how things work deep inside the nuclei of atoms, a topic near and dear to most astronomers (more on that later).
Simply put, nuclear fusion means ramming protons and neutrons together so hard that they stick, and form a single, larger nucleus. When this happens with small nuclei (like hydrogen, which has only one proton or helium, which has two), you get a lot of energy out of the reaction. This specific reaction, fusing two hydrogen nuclei together to get helium, famously powers our sun (good), as well as hydrogen bombs (bad).
Fusion is a tremendous source of energy; the reason we're not using it to meet our everyday energy needs is that it's very hard to get a fusion reaction going. The reason is simple: protons don't want to get close to other protons.
Do you remember learning about electricity in high school? I sure do - I dreaded it whenever that topic came around. I had a series of well-meaning science teachers that thought it would be fun for everyone to hold hands and feel a mild electric shock pass their arms. Every time my fists clenched and jerked and I had nothing consciously do with it, my stomach turned.
In addition, I have long, fine hair, and was often made a victim of the Van de Graf generator - the little metal ball with a rubber belt inside it that creates enough static electricity to make your hair stand on end. Yeesh.
Anyway, hopefully you remember the lesson that two objects having different electrical charges (positive and negative) attract one another, while those with the same charge repel. It's a basic law of electricity, and it definitely holds true when two protons try to get close together. Protons have positive charges, and they repel each other. Somehow, in order for fusion to work, you've got to overcome this repulsive electrical force and get the things to stick together.
Here's where an amazing and mysterious force comes in that, although we don't think about it in our day-to-day lives, literally holds our matter together. There are four universal forces of nature, two of which you're probably familiar with: gravity and electromagnetism.
But there are two other forces that really only come in to play inside atomic nuclei: the strong and weak nuclear forces (and yes, the strong force is the stronger of the two, the weak is weaker. Scientists really have a way with names, dont they?) I'm going to focus on the strong force, as that's the one responsible for nuclear fusion.
The strong force is an attractive force between protons and neutrons - it wants to stick them together. If the strong force had its way, the entire universe would be one big super-dense ball of protons and neutrons, one big atomic nucleus, in fact.
Fortunately, the strong force only becomes strong at very small scales: about one millionth billionth of a meter. Yes, that's 0.000000000000001 meters. Any farther away, and the strong force loses its grip. But if you can get protons and neutrons that close together, the strong force becomes stronger than any other force in nature, including electricity.
That's important- all protons have the same charge, so they'd like to fly away from each other. But if you can get them close together, inside the volume of an atomic nucleus, the strong force will bind them together.
The whole trick with fusion is you've got to get protons close enough together for the strong force to overcome their electrical repulsion and merge them together into a nucleus. The sun does this pretty much by brute force. The sun has over 300,000 times the mass of the Earth, which means there's a lot of gravity weighing down on its core.
That pressure gets the sun's internal temperature up to several millions of degrees, which means that particles inside the sun's core are flying around at huge velocities. Everything is moving around so fast that protons sometimes get slammed together before their charges have a chance to repel. The strong force takes hold, and a new atom (helium) is born.
In this process, some of the mass of the protons is converted into energy, powering the sun and producing the light that will eventually reach the Earth as sunlight.
Scientists have gotten fusion to occur in the laboratory before, but for the most part, they've tried to mimic conditions inside the sun by whipping hydrogen gas up to extreme temperatures or slamming atoms together in particle accelerators. Both of those options require huge energies and gigantic equipment, not the sort of stuff easily available to build a generator. Is there any way of getting protons close enough together for fusion to occur that doesnt require the energy output of a large city to make it happen?
The answer, it turns out, is yes.
Instead of using high temperatures and incredible densities to ram protons together, the scientists at UCLA cleverly used the structure of an unusual crystal.
Crystals are fascinating things; the atoms inside are all lined up in a tightly ordered lattice, which creates the beautiful structure we associate with crystals. Sometimes those orderly atoms create neat side-effects, like piezoelectricity, which is the effect of creating an electrical charge in a crystal by compressing it. Stressing the bonds between the atoms of some crystals causes electrons to build up on one side, creating a charge difference over the body of the crystal. Other crystals do this when you heat or cool them; these are called pyroelectric crystals.
The new cold fusion experiment went something like this: scientists inserted a small pyroelectric crystal (lithium tantalite) inside a chamber filled with hydrogen. Warming the crystal by about 100 degrees (from -30 F to 45F) produced a huge electrical field of about 100,000 volts across the small crystal.
The tip of a metal wire was inserted near the crystal, which concentrated the charge to a single, powerful point. Remember, hydrogen nuclei have a positive charge, so they feel the force of an electric field, and this one packed quite a wallop! The huge electric field sent the nuclei careening away, smacking into other hydrogen nuclei on their way out. Instead of using intense heat or pressure to get nuclei close enough together to fuse, this new experiment used a very powerful electric field to slam atoms together.
Unlike some previous claims of room-temperature fusion, this one makes intuitive sense: its just another way to get atoms close enough together for the strong force to take over and do the rest. Once the reaction got going, the scientists observed not only the production of helium nuclei, but other tell-tale signs of fusion such as free neutrons and high energy radiation.
This experiment has been repeated successfully and other scientists have reviewed the results: it looks like the real thing this time.
For the time being, don't expect fusion to become a readily available energy option. The current cold fusion apparatus still takes much more energy to start up than you get back out, and it may never end up breaking even. In the mean time, the crystal-fusion device might be used as a compact source of neutrons and X-rays, something that could turn out to be useful making small scanning machines. But it really may not be long until we have the first nuclear fusion-powered devices in common use.
So cold fusion is back, perhaps to stay. After many fits and starts, its finally time for everyday fusion to come in out of the cold.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Hitting the Economy
By Robert J. Samuelson
Newsweek Sept. 12, 2005 issue - We're getting a painful lesson in economic geography. What Wall Street is to money, or Hollywood is to entertainment, the Gulf Coast is to energy. It's a vast assemblage of refineries, production platforms, storage tanks and pipelines—and the petroleum engineers, energy consultants and roustabouts who make them run. Consider the concentration of energy activity. Oil production in the Gulf of Mexico accounts for nearly 30 percent of the U.S. total. Natural-gas production is roughly 20 percent. About 60 percent of the nation's oil imports arrive at Gulf ports. Nearly half of all U.S. oil refineries are there. Katrina hit this immense system hard. The shock wave to the U.S. and world economies—which could vary from a temporary run-up in prices to a full-blown global recession—depends on how quickly America's energy-industrial complex repairs itself.
No one knows the answer to that, because damage assessments of closed refineries and crippled production platforms and pipelines are still spotty. In 2004, Hurricane Ivan dislodged undersea pipelines connecting production platforms with the coast. "Some pipelines moved half a mile," says Jim Osten of Global Insight. "It was as much as six months before the most damaged got back into production." Nor is it clear how quickly the Port of New Orleans will resume anything like normal operations. "I'm getting reports of weeks or longer," says Aaron Ellis of the American Association of Port Authorities. Port officials haven't been able to inspect fully shipping channels and docks, because "they've been involved with search and rescue."
As Katrina approached, hundreds of the Gulf's production platforms were evacuated, shutting down 95 percent of its oil production and 88 percent of its natural-gas output. Refineries representing an eighth of the U.S. total either halted or cut their runs. Energy prices jumped immediately, and most economists expect them to stay up. In parts of the South, gasoline rose to nearly $6 a gallon. Nationally, gasoline prices "have to be over $3 a gallon for the rest of the year to bring supply and demand into balance" by slowing consumption, says Lawrence Goldstein of the Petroleum Industry Research Foundation. He thinks that some refineries won't come back for months. President Bush decided to release crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the nation's 700 million-barrel stockpile; but the immediate problem was the refinery outages and the resulting gasoline shortages.
At a minimum, this will hit consumers' pocketbooks—and perhaps their confidence. Before Katrina, Goldstein estimated that consumers' annual fuel bills this year would average about $250 more for gasoline and $400 more for home heating oil and natural gas than in 2004. Now he reckons those amounts will go up 30 percent to 75 percent. Costlier energy could adversely affect consumer spending, corporate profits and inflation—or all three. "We could be reaching a tipping point on consumer psychology, especially when people get their home heating bills," says Mark Zandi of Economy.com. "Those will be big."
Still, few economists are predicting a recession. Zandi says he's tentatively shaved his forecast for second-half growth from 4 percent to 3.5 percent. On the whole, the U.S. economy has stood up well to shocks. In the three months following September 11, it actually pulled out of a brief recession. The housing boom remains strong; the government reported last week that home prices rose 13.4 percent in the past year, the largest increase in more than 25 years. The 4.9 percent unemployment rate is the lowest since August 2001. The Federal Reserve, which has been raising overnight interest rates since June 2004, might decide to call a halt later this year. "The run-up in energy prices, in terms of the negative effect on the economy, can be a substitute for rate hikes," says economist Stuart Hoffman of PNC Financial Services.
Even the direct effects of Katrina aren't entirely clear. Airlines will inevitably suffer from higher jet-fuel prices, and tourism to the Gulf Coast will plummet. But the impact on agriculture, aside from higher fuel prices, may be slight. In 2004, Gulf ports handled 22 percent of U.S. wheat exports, 71 percent of corn exports and 65 percent of soybean exports, according to the Agriculture Department. By themselves, the figures imply a nasty bottleneck for U.S. exports and global food supplies. The good news is that the big grain movements don't occur until late fall, after the harvests, and, by that time, Gulf ports may be working again. Finally, the rebuilding of devastated areas could actually boost the economy in late 2005 and 2006.
What clouds all forecasts is the precarious state of the world oil market. Even before Katrina, it was operating on a razor's edge. In the 1990s, global oil demand increased sluggishly, with annual increases averaging about 1.4 million barrels a day (mbd), according to economist Mary Novak of Global Insight. Then in 2003 and 2004, global demand—led by China—exploded, adding about 5mbd over two years. This exhausted most spare worldwide crude production capacity, she says. The resulting pressures pushed world prices from about $25 a barrel in 2002 to near $40 in 2004 and now to almost $70. Global refining capacity likewise failed to keep pace; it's increased only 700,000 barrels a day over the same period, says Goldstein.
Something similar has happened in natural gas. "American production has been pretty much flat," says Jonathan Cogan of the Energy Information Administration. Demand is rising, and imports (from Canada or as liquefied natural gas) haven't filled the gap. Price pressures have intensified. In 2002, wholesale natural-gas prices averaged about $3.50 per thousand cubic feet. Just before Katrina, they were $9.86; last week they rose to more than $12.50.
These developments have profoundly altered global energy markets. "You have always had problems of pipelines going out, refinery explosions or weather-related disruptions," says Goldstein. But the system had ample spare capacity to produce more crude oil, refine more finished fuels or store them both. A supply shortfall in one part of the system could be made up in another. The resulting price changes were typically small, a couple of cents a gallon or less.
"Today when things go wrong, you don't have these cushions," he says. It's possible to balance supply and demand only through price changes. Because fuels are so essential to most people and companies, the needed increases must be steep. Buyers don't quickly cut their consumption. Indeed, the fear of shortages could make things worse by inspiring people to fill up more often, says Goldstein.
It is this remorseless logic—the old law of supply and demand—that poses the greatest peril for the American and world economies. The most obvious danger is that there will be other disruptions that compound today's scarcities: another damaging hurricane; a terrorist act in the Middle East; a politically inspired production cut (from, say, Iran); political unrest in a major supplier (say, Nigeria); an unplanned pipeline or refinery outage.
One way or another, the effects will ripple around the world. High prices and tight supplies are already expected to attract fuel to the United States from the rest of the world. If oil prices reach $100 a barrel, the United States would come close to a recession, according to a projection by Global Insight. The same depressing influences would also be felt in Europe, Japan and China, which are all major oil importers. Katrina might then perversely become the instrument by which oil prices collapse, because—being too high—they overwhelmed the world economy.
© 2005 Newsweek, Inc.
Newsweek Sept. 12, 2005 issue - We're getting a painful lesson in economic geography. What Wall Street is to money, or Hollywood is to entertainment, the Gulf Coast is to energy. It's a vast assemblage of refineries, production platforms, storage tanks and pipelines—and the petroleum engineers, energy consultants and roustabouts who make them run. Consider the concentration of energy activity. Oil production in the Gulf of Mexico accounts for nearly 30 percent of the U.S. total. Natural-gas production is roughly 20 percent. About 60 percent of the nation's oil imports arrive at Gulf ports. Nearly half of all U.S. oil refineries are there. Katrina hit this immense system hard. The shock wave to the U.S. and world economies—which could vary from a temporary run-up in prices to a full-blown global recession—depends on how quickly America's energy-industrial complex repairs itself.
No one knows the answer to that, because damage assessments of closed refineries and crippled production platforms and pipelines are still spotty. In 2004, Hurricane Ivan dislodged undersea pipelines connecting production platforms with the coast. "Some pipelines moved half a mile," says Jim Osten of Global Insight. "It was as much as six months before the most damaged got back into production." Nor is it clear how quickly the Port of New Orleans will resume anything like normal operations. "I'm getting reports of weeks or longer," says Aaron Ellis of the American Association of Port Authorities. Port officials haven't been able to inspect fully shipping channels and docks, because "they've been involved with search and rescue."
As Katrina approached, hundreds of the Gulf's production platforms were evacuated, shutting down 95 percent of its oil production and 88 percent of its natural-gas output. Refineries representing an eighth of the U.S. total either halted or cut their runs. Energy prices jumped immediately, and most economists expect them to stay up. In parts of the South, gasoline rose to nearly $6 a gallon. Nationally, gasoline prices "have to be over $3 a gallon for the rest of the year to bring supply and demand into balance" by slowing consumption, says Lawrence Goldstein of the Petroleum Industry Research Foundation. He thinks that some refineries won't come back for months. President Bush decided to release crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the nation's 700 million-barrel stockpile; but the immediate problem was the refinery outages and the resulting gasoline shortages.
At a minimum, this will hit consumers' pocketbooks—and perhaps their confidence. Before Katrina, Goldstein estimated that consumers' annual fuel bills this year would average about $250 more for gasoline and $400 more for home heating oil and natural gas than in 2004. Now he reckons those amounts will go up 30 percent to 75 percent. Costlier energy could adversely affect consumer spending, corporate profits and inflation—or all three. "We could be reaching a tipping point on consumer psychology, especially when people get their home heating bills," says Mark Zandi of Economy.com. "Those will be big."
Still, few economists are predicting a recession. Zandi says he's tentatively shaved his forecast for second-half growth from 4 percent to 3.5 percent. On the whole, the U.S. economy has stood up well to shocks. In the three months following September 11, it actually pulled out of a brief recession. The housing boom remains strong; the government reported last week that home prices rose 13.4 percent in the past year, the largest increase in more than 25 years. The 4.9 percent unemployment rate is the lowest since August 2001. The Federal Reserve, which has been raising overnight interest rates since June 2004, might decide to call a halt later this year. "The run-up in energy prices, in terms of the negative effect on the economy, can be a substitute for rate hikes," says economist Stuart Hoffman of PNC Financial Services.
Even the direct effects of Katrina aren't entirely clear. Airlines will inevitably suffer from higher jet-fuel prices, and tourism to the Gulf Coast will plummet. But the impact on agriculture, aside from higher fuel prices, may be slight. In 2004, Gulf ports handled 22 percent of U.S. wheat exports, 71 percent of corn exports and 65 percent of soybean exports, according to the Agriculture Department. By themselves, the figures imply a nasty bottleneck for U.S. exports and global food supplies. The good news is that the big grain movements don't occur until late fall, after the harvests, and, by that time, Gulf ports may be working again. Finally, the rebuilding of devastated areas could actually boost the economy in late 2005 and 2006.
What clouds all forecasts is the precarious state of the world oil market. Even before Katrina, it was operating on a razor's edge. In the 1990s, global oil demand increased sluggishly, with annual increases averaging about 1.4 million barrels a day (mbd), according to economist Mary Novak of Global Insight. Then in 2003 and 2004, global demand—led by China—exploded, adding about 5mbd over two years. This exhausted most spare worldwide crude production capacity, she says. The resulting pressures pushed world prices from about $25 a barrel in 2002 to near $40 in 2004 and now to almost $70. Global refining capacity likewise failed to keep pace; it's increased only 700,000 barrels a day over the same period, says Goldstein.
Something similar has happened in natural gas. "American production has been pretty much flat," says Jonathan Cogan of the Energy Information Administration. Demand is rising, and imports (from Canada or as liquefied natural gas) haven't filled the gap. Price pressures have intensified. In 2002, wholesale natural-gas prices averaged about $3.50 per thousand cubic feet. Just before Katrina, they were $9.86; last week they rose to more than $12.50.
These developments have profoundly altered global energy markets. "You have always had problems of pipelines going out, refinery explosions or weather-related disruptions," says Goldstein. But the system had ample spare capacity to produce more crude oil, refine more finished fuels or store them both. A supply shortfall in one part of the system could be made up in another. The resulting price changes were typically small, a couple of cents a gallon or less.
"Today when things go wrong, you don't have these cushions," he says. It's possible to balance supply and demand only through price changes. Because fuels are so essential to most people and companies, the needed increases must be steep. Buyers don't quickly cut their consumption. Indeed, the fear of shortages could make things worse by inspiring people to fill up more often, says Goldstein.
It is this remorseless logic—the old law of supply and demand—that poses the greatest peril for the American and world economies. The most obvious danger is that there will be other disruptions that compound today's scarcities: another damaging hurricane; a terrorist act in the Middle East; a politically inspired production cut (from, say, Iran); political unrest in a major supplier (say, Nigeria); an unplanned pipeline or refinery outage.
One way or another, the effects will ripple around the world. High prices and tight supplies are already expected to attract fuel to the United States from the rest of the world. If oil prices reach $100 a barrel, the United States would come close to a recession, according to a projection by Global Insight. The same depressing influences would also be felt in Europe, Japan and China, which are all major oil importers. Katrina might then perversely become the instrument by which oil prices collapse, because—being too high—they overwhelmed the world economy.
© 2005 Newsweek, Inc.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Oil Price is sky rocketing...
Oil Price is sky rocketing...
Here is a Tip from Tricia
Tricia's book of revelationTricia credits a close friend she made during that desperate time with helping her change her financial philosophy. "This woman has a lot more money than I do," she says, "and at first I was jealous and resentful."Then she began to realize that the reason her friend had more money wasn't because she was born rich but because she saved constantly and only spent her money on what was truly essential. Slowly, over the last three years, Tricia began a new financial life. It hasn't been easy, but realizing she wanted more out of life than the treadmill of debt and struggle has kept her moving forward.Here are some of the ways she manages to keep body, soul and family together on $553 a week, net pay, including child support.Tricia's tips
· Think different. "A big thing that's changed over the last two years is the way I think of shopping and purchases. I used to be more impulsive. I've learned to ask myself: 'Why do you need to buy that? Why does my kid need that?' Give me a reason to spend the money. I've really learned the difference between necessities and luxuries."
· Use technology to your advantage. "I've been using money software for years," she says. She also uses a spreadsheet to monitor spending on certain items, from one month or week to the next. "I don't think I'd have this much control without software."
· Plan ahead. Tricia uses the computer to map out all her fixed expenses (utilities, phone, mortgage) for the entire year. "That way, I see immediately when I spend on extras."
· Live a balanced life. "I balance my checkbook daily. Some people might think that was crazy, but it forces me to see the numbers every day. If you make so many purchases during the week, it's too easy to say, 'I can't believe I spent all that money!'"
· Pay off debt weekly. Tricia has about $4,000 in credit-card debt on two cards. In addition to making the monthly minimum payment, she sends an additional payment each week. "Another good strategy is to add whatever interest you were charged that month to your minimums. Every little bit helps."
· Bank that tax refund. As she has for the last few years, Tricia is taking her $3,600 refund and putting it in the bank. "I know I could pay off my credit cards faster if I used that, but this is what covers all the unexpected expenses during the year."
· Rely on the kindness of friends. When Tricia was trying to master these new habits, a friend suggested he could create an "escrow account" for her. She put extra money (like the refund) into that account -- and could only access the cash if she discussed it first with her money buddy. "That made it harder to ask for, so I only spent that money when I absolutely had to -- for heating oil or for something one of my kids needed."Smart shopping; facing reality
· Never pay full price. "Clearance is my favorite word," Tricia jokes. Her other trick for finding high-quality items at low prices: consignment shops. Now her daughter is a fan, too.
· Give up your fantasies. "One thing that contributed to my 'turning point' was reading a book, 'Women Who Think Too Much.' Something stuck with me. Many women are just waiting to be rescued. I wanted to be taken care of, but I'm the only one who can do that."
· Wait before you shop. When Tricia knows she needs shampoo or groceries, she resists the urge to go shopping. "I have only (so) much budgeted for groceries. So when we get close to that amount, rather than go to the store, I say: 'What's in the freezer?'" Although she paid for her son's gas while he was in technical school, she gave him the same strict instructions: "You can spend X per week on gas. When that runs out, you don't drive."
· Scale back the services. Because her house is in a rural location, Tricia has to pay for basic cable. But she took the long-distance service off her land line. "We never used it, and yet there were always these little charges on the bill."
· Bargain for everything. To help out her two oldest children, Tricia struck a deal with the cell-phone company: three phones for $100 a month. Now she's trying to see if she can get a three-way discount on student loans: two for her college-age kids and one for her while she completes a BA.Passing along what you learn
· Teach your children well. Tricia has no problem explaining the financial facts of life to her kids. Now that her oldest is done with technical school, "we've had several conversations about the fact that I won't be paying for his phone or his car anymore."
· Keep learning. "Educate yourself," Tricia says. "Read anything you can that might help you stick to a plan." A favorite quote she read recently: "Squirrels end up with millions because they put the nuts away, not because they make lots of nuts."
· Never pass up a freebie. "I love Nascar racing, so I work at the track when they race nearby. I raise money for our high-school band, and best of all, I can enjoy an experience that would otherwise cost $50 or more. My boss offered me tickets to see our local Triple-A minor league baseball team -- and it's through our local public broadcasting company. We will have VIP seats and be fed. What a great way to spend time with my children!"
Monday, August 29, 2005
Chickenhawks
chickenhawks
In today's "War Room," Salon.com editorial fellow Aaron Kinney responds to conservatives' self-righteousness about being called "chickenhawks." (For those who don't know, "chickenhawk" is a term used to describe those who relentlessly push war but who do all they can to avoid service in wars, or in the military at all, themselves.) Kinney reasonably responds to the objections of chickenhawks like Jonah Goldberg of the NATIONAL REVIEW who argue that this sort of name-calling is undemocratic and undermines the ethical, responsible, respectful kind of public discussion they value so highly.I especially like how Kinney sticks to a reasoned argument and avoids talking about the elephant in the room: the utter absurdity of conservatives whining about how unfair ad hominem attacks, especially regarding military matters, are. Draft-dodger Clinton, Max Cleland the friend of Osama and Saddam, Gore who was "only" an Army reporter during Vietnam, Kerry the Swift Boat liar, Ann Coulter's bizarre recent statement about how New Yorkers would immediately surrender if, in some unforseeable event, they were attacked by terrorists... it'd be comical if it didn't, for reasons I still can't fathom, work on voters.Check out the Chickenhawk Database here and a larger list of "Who served?" here.
Link
In today's "War Room," Salon.com editorial fellow Aaron Kinney responds to conservatives' self-righteousness about being called "chickenhawks." (For those who don't know, "chickenhawk" is a term used to describe those who relentlessly push war but who do all they can to avoid service in wars, or in the military at all, themselves.) Kinney reasonably responds to the objections of chickenhawks like Jonah Goldberg of the NATIONAL REVIEW who argue that this sort of name-calling is undemocratic and undermines the ethical, responsible, respectful kind of public discussion they value so highly.I especially like how Kinney sticks to a reasoned argument and avoids talking about the elephant in the room: the utter absurdity of conservatives whining about how unfair ad hominem attacks, especially regarding military matters, are. Draft-dodger Clinton, Max Cleland the friend of Osama and Saddam, Gore who was "only" an Army reporter during Vietnam, Kerry the Swift Boat liar, Ann Coulter's bizarre recent statement about how New Yorkers would immediately surrender if, in some unforseeable event, they were attacked by terrorists... it'd be comical if it didn't, for reasons I still can't fathom, work on voters.Check out the Chickenhawk Database here and a larger list of "Who served?" here.
Link
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
First Posting
Hello
So cool picture!
Summer is almost gone,
This picture remind me
When I was kid, stuck my fingers into the freezing cold bronze door knob...
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