The T walking down the steps is the active, fairly adventurous person Bernard sees himself as; the man following—a fnend—is a man Bernard knows who has sexual difficulties, and represents Bernard’s own sexual hesitations; the psychiatrist is Bernard’s therapeutic skill used in his own life, the male client is Bernard’s difficult feelings when dealing with groups of peo- pie—the public—which he is trying to expose’ or get to know and transform.
Generally, a man depicts an aspect of self—even in a woman’s dream—depending on the activity and character of the man in the dream. Any indication whatsoever in the dream gives a clue to what aspect of self. In the example, the character of the friend, the role of the psychiatrist and the feelings of the client indicate which aspects of Bernard s character are being dealt with. Therefore a man trying to rape a woman would be her fears about sex; a homosexual would depict those feelings; a businessman, one’s work or business abilities; a loving man, one’s feelings about love, and so on.
Older man: father or one’s accumulated experience and wisdom; perhaps even wisdom from the unconscious if man is white haired or holy. Wild, ape, half animal man: urges which have not yet been integrated and socialised, usually pertaining to sexuality in today’s social attitudes or natural social feelings at odds with present attitudes.
Man in woman’s dream: in general, a woman’s ability to question conventional behaviour and social habits; her strength to look with insight into her own life and change it thereby—but not her feeling values, emotions and intuitions, her creative or business ability in the world, and power to be competitive and challenging, her defence against just knowing’ out of the power of her emotions and inbuilt prejudices. Man she knows or loves: feelings, worries about relationship. Dreaming the man is looking at other women or leaving is usually fears about same. Two men: might be a triangle.
Idioms: man to man; be a man; front man; hit man; make a man of; odd man out; right hand man.
See also: family; woman; and other entries pertaining to particular roles or age. [1]
A man in a dream can identify the shadow for a man, and the animus for a woman.
An older man (if the man is white-haired or holy) can represent the innate wisdom we all have. Such a person can also signify the father in dreams. When a large man appears in our dreams we are usually appreciating the strengths, certainties and protection that our basic beliefs give us.
A man in a woman’s dream signifies the more logical side of her nature. She has, or can develop, all the aspects of the masculine that enable her to function with success in the external world.
If the man is one she knows or loves she may be trying to understand her relationship with him.
An unknown man is generally that part of the dreamer’s personality that is not recognized. In a woman’s dream it is the masculine side of herself, and in a man’s dream it is the self. [2]
(1) A male figure may be a symbol of your self; wholeness, completeness; the inner self that represents the ground-plan of your individual psyche. (For Jung on ‘the Self).
(2) On the other hand, it may stand for one half of the whole, woman symbolizing the other half of human wholeness, which is a union of opposites. The male half of the psyche comprises consciousness, reflection, rational intellect, ‘head1 rather than ‘heart’, competitiveness and aggressiveness, analysis and discrimination, purposive activity (rather than passivity or receptiveness), ambition, getting and achieving.
If, however, the figure is in a meditative posture, like a Buddha or
Shiva figure, it represents passivity and detachment. (In Hindu tradition the god’s Shakti — female partner - represents activity, all the energy and process of Nature; the god represents the still centre of the turning wheel.) See also Hermaphrodite, Woman.
(3) In a woman’s dream, a male figure may represent her animus or her father. In a man’s dream the figure may represent his alter-ego or shadow-self; or the Wise Old Man. (For animus, see Brother / Sister, sections (4)-(6); for shadow) See also Wise Old Man / Woman. [3]
The men in your dream may include family members or total strangers. You may dream about your father, son, husband, or friend and should interpret the dream according to its details.
A man, particularly the father figure, may represent collective consciousness and the traditional human spirit. He is the Yang and his energy, when mobilized, creates the earthly realities. Depending on the details of the dream, the masculine figure could be interpreted as the Creator or Destroyer. At times, women dream about men that are strangers to them. These men may represent the women’s unconscious psychic energy. Carl Jung called the stranger in a woman’s dream the “animus.” He represents autonomous, unconscious energy and he plays a vital role in obtaining a deeper understanding of self. At times, a strange and ominous man in men’s dreams could represent their “shadow” or their negativity and darker sides of personality.
If a large man appears it suggests that your beliefs have more strength and certainty than you realize. A woman dreaming of a man suggests the more logical side of her nature.
If you know the man in your dream, then you may be trying to work out the nature of your relationship with him. If, however, you do not know the man, then the image represents the masculine part of your personality that you do not recognize.
If the man is handsome, he represents action, conviction and assertiveness and other heroic archetype qualities. [5]
A fat man in a woman’s dream: a certain man is worshiping the ground you walk on. Seeing a young man; discomfort and stress in the near future. Men seeing a man without a head: you are acting without thinking and need to change that quickly. Women dreaming about men means they have secret sexual desires.
A man dreaming about women means he is in conflict with himself—it is time for some soul-searching.
Depth Psychology: In women’s dreams a man usually stands for her secret, erotic, and sexual desires. In men’s dreams, a woman stands for how he sees and judges himself. [6]
If the man is handsome, everything will go well, you may even become rich.
If he is very ugly, you should be cautious because you could have problems with your friendships. [7]
If the man is known to you, then this dream may be focusing on how you perceive the particular man.
If you are a woman and dream that you are in the arms of a man, this implies that you are acknowledging your masculine traits. Perhaps you are longing to have a meaningful partnership and this is the type of man you desire.
To see an old man in your dream symbolizes intelligence and the ability to offer absolution to those you have transgressed. [8]
If the man in your dream is known to you, then the dream may reflect your feelings, hopes or concerns about him.
If you dream of being embraced by a man you don’t done, this suggests that you are accepting and welcoming the stronger, more assertive side of your personality . It may also highlight your desires to be in a relationship and your image of the ideal man.
To see an old man in your dream, represents wisdom or forgiveness. [9]
If he is misshapen and sour-visaged, you will meet disappointments and many perplexities will involve you.
For a woman to dream of a handsome man, she is likely to have distinction offered her.
If he is ugly, she will experience trouble through some one whom she considers a friend. [10]
A characteristic that stood out about the man (such as strength, humor, or intelligence).
Stereotypical masculine characteristics, personality traits, interests, abilities, etc.
For more clues, consider the context of the man and your feelings about him.
See also: Male, Person You Know, Person Unknown [11]
To dream of a strange man augurs well for family affairs, but the meaning is modified to some extent by the details of his appearance (if you were aware of them) and his actions (if any), so these factors should be considered.
If you dream of a man you know, then consider the qualities he represents and who he means to you.
A strange man in a man’s dream always means his own unknown side, the shadow.
An older man represents the father figure in dreams of men as well as women, or he may represent the dreamer himself.
A naked man means openness. [14]
2. Demonic messenger;
3. Evil motive;
4. A kind stranger can be an angel or Jesus;
5. Son of Man; humanity of Jesus; Heb. 13:2; 2:14-16.
• Old Man
1. Carnality;
2. Wisdom;
• Tax man
1. The Devourer,
• Meter Man
1. Measuring the strength of the Spirit. [15]
accosted by a, being: wil be scorned by others for too much mental work.
amorous, being an: be careful of relationships with others; stay platonic.
Cain, dreaming of: retrace footsteps, then tread a different path.
carried by a, being: wil have anxious days because of il ness and dependence.
child, with his: your riches from within can’t help but be imitated.
conquest of a wealthy: avoid rivals and play the real game.
fat, a: bad ventures in worshipping the wrong idol.
gentleman, an invitation from a: his courtly manners may rub off on you.
meeting a: forget inferiority and jealousy; confront your admiration.
Greek god Bacchus, dreaming of: are worshipping the wrong talents in yourself.
handsome, a: big satisfaction and joy through rich possessions and richness given.
haughty proud, a: one who loves you secretly wil not succumb to your mistreatment.
horrible-looking, a: cannot be a friend to yourself.
man dreaming of an unknown man: improvement in own business, glory and honor.
prominent, talking with a: an abundance of possibilities to explore.
speech by a, hearing a: dishonor in speech because the audience can’t hear it rational y.
short, a: have an adaptable commonsense nature.
strong, a: beware of cheating on the part of your mate.
kicking sand in your eyes: aims have been dashed by the competition.
tall, a: boundless wealth; are setting your sights too high.
young, a: the contrast of ages causes discomfort to others, not you.
being complimented by a girl: your prosperity should not take advantage of a peer’s feelings. [18]
If he takes something valuable or cherished from the person having the dream, it means the opposite, and one will receive from such a man what he wishes for in wakefulness. Ifhe takes a shirt or a rope in the dream, it means that he will accept a promise from the person seeing the dream.
If he takes a child away from him, it means enmity between the two. As explained under ‘Human being’ p. 217, seeing the children ofAdam in a dream is an exalted thing in general. Each category of people conveys a different interpretation.
The category of rulers and judges in a dream means courts.
The category of government authorities represents fear. Soldiers mean travels. Craftsmen in a dream mean profits, or they could represent their respective trades. Women in a dream signify temptation, while pious people represent devotion.
(See also: Human beingrMankind) [19]