1- On a purely practical level, the labyrinth appearing in dreams signifies the need to explore the hidden side of our own personality. With its many twists, turns and potential blind alleys it is a very potent representation of the human being. Within the labyrinth one meets and overcomes the difficulties in life which could impede progress.
2- Psychologically; in undertaking our own heroic journey, we must at some point go through some kind of labyrinth experience.
It is undertaken at a point when we must travel into the differing areas of our subconscious and come to terms with our fears and doubts, before confronting our own Shadow (See also: Introduction). In dreams the labyrinth can be suggested by any dream which has us exploring a scries of underground passages.
It is held by some to be an exploration of the hidden feminine.
3- Spiritually the labyrinth experience marks a watershed.
It is a symbol for the transition stage between the physical and practical world and a deeper understanding of all mankind.
The route in one type of Labyrinth is ‘unicursal’ that is, it goes by a straightforward route which covers maximum ground straight to the centre and out again.
The second type is designed with the intention to confuse, and has many blind alleys and unexpected twists. This represents spiritual progress, through having to work out the key or code. Many trials and tribulations arc met and overcome or negotiated on the path to attainment. Each individual will undertake his or her own route to the centre of his existence. [1]
If you dream of this figure, it means that you have doubts and indecision. It could be a reference to lack of experience or immaturity.
If you manage to escape the labyrinth, maybe you will resolve your problems. In the case that someone accompanies you in searching for the exit, the dream warns that you must be careful of your alliances.
If you rescue others from the labyrinth, the dream is positive and means you are in control of your life.
In mythology the labyrinth is a place of transformation where destructive tendencies of nature are overcome. A classic example of this is the myth in which Theseus and Ariadne emerge victorious from the labyrinth of the minotaur. [2]
It is a symbol for the transition stage between the physical, practical world and a deeper understanding of all mankind.
The route in one type of labyrinth is ‘unicursal’ – that is, it goes by a straightforward route, which covers maximum ground straight to the centre and out again.
The second type is designed with the intention to confuse, and has many blind alleys and unexpected twists. This can represent spiritual progress in dreams, through having to work out the key or code. Many trials and tribulations are met and overcome or negotiated on the path to attainment and the labyrinth may be a recurring image. Each individual will undertake his or her own route to the centre of his existence. [3]
A labyrinth can be found as a symbol in many spiritual and religious settings as a pattern imbedded into a floor where an individual goes on a symbolic hero’s journey. In a dream, the interpretation is the same, whether it is a freeform hidden and shadowed labyrinth or a beautiful symbol of such an inward journey. You are engaged in a deep exploration of the inner self where confusion can occur and changes of direction are imminent. [4]
If you are in a labyrinth of night or darkness, it foretells passing, but agonizing sickness and trouble.
A labyrinth of green vines and timbers, denotes unexpected happiness from what was seemingly a cause for loss and despair. In a network, or labyrinth of railroads, assures you of long and tedious journeys. Interesting people will be met, but no financial success will aid you on these journeys. [5]
(2) It may be a symbol of mother. Getting out of the labyrinth means liberation from a smothering mother-attachment.
(3) Jung described the ‘individuation’ process as a ‘labyrinth’ path, meaning that progress towards self-discovery and self-fulfilment does not follow a straight line, but involves periodic returns to earlier starting-points (for individuation). [6]
Vision: Looking at a labyrinth: you are in over your head! You have been sidetracked and have lost perspective. Stumbling around in a labyrinth: you are looking for the security of your childhood; you would do better to search for an exit from your current behavior.
Depth Psychology: In the search for self-knowledge, you have met the chaos inside you (maybe in your unconscious?). It confuses and frightens you. Look for the exit! [7]
It is undertaken at a point when we must travel into the differing areas of our subconscious and come to terms with our fears and doubts, before confronting our own shadow. [8]
It is held by some to be an exploration of the hidden feminine, whether in the sense of sophia (eternal wisdom) or the anima in men. Also consult the entries for maze and minotaur. [9]
If you dream of being in a hedge maze (a labyrinth made of trees or bushes), you will have unexpected happiness where you were expecting disappointment. [10]
If you found your way out or were not worried by the maze in your dream you can expect to solve your problems with a minimum of effort; however, if you were lost or frightened in your dream, you can expect to je frustrated by some puzzling opposition and a change of direction might be advisable. [11]
An engaged person should take warning From such a dream, for lovers will be shown up as irritable and without consideration. [13]
If the labyrinth is filled with green plants and trees then you will find happiness and love in the midst of despair. [14]
A significant aspect of this dream is the way you feel as you make your way through this maze or rite of passage. [15]
2. Searching for goals, confusion.
3. Complications in waking life, especially domestic. [16]
becoming confused in a: are trapped in a lateral play; go back.
being in a: step back until you see in perspective.
battling wild beasts: enemies feed your angry foes with rancid words.
finding the way out: your perplexities wil be happily solved.
not being able to: beware of domination by untrue friends.
maze: endless hide and seek on simple issues faced indirectly.
of such a place: fol ow the progress of chaos into consciousness.
surrounded by a: the solution is where you would never expect it. [19]