Dreamwork & Symbolism

Listening to the Language of the Soul
Why Dreams Matter
Dreams are the bridge between the conscious and the unconscious—a direct message from the deeper Self. They reveal what we often ignore, fear, or don’t yet understand. As Carl Jung said,
     “The dream is a little hidden door in the innermost and most secret recesses of the soul.”

Throughout history, dreams have guided individuals, shaped destinies, and carried divine messages. The Bible is filled with examples of dreams acting as warnings or revelations, while fairy tales and myths show how dreams can guide the hero toward their purpose.

Joseph, the son of Jacob, interpreted Pharaoh’s dream of seven fat cows and seven lean cows, revealing a prophecy of abundance followed by famine. His wisdom saved an entire kingdom.

In Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, Princess Aurora is lured by a dream-like trance into pricking her finger on the spinning wheel, fulfilling a prophecy. But the curse is also the catalyst for her rebirth—transformation comes only after a deep slumber, much like our own process of awakening.

Dreams aren’t just stories—they are psychological events, calling us toward growth, healing, and individuation.
How to Understand Your Dreams
1. Recording Your Dreams
The first step to dreamwork is remembering your dreams. Keep a notebook or a notes app by your bed. When you wake up, write down:
     • What happened in the dream? (Even fragments matter.)
     • How did you feel? (Emotions hold meaning.)
     • Were there any symbols, figures, or places that stood out?
Jung believed that dreams compensate for what is missing in our conscious life. If we are out of balance, the dream will point to it—often dramatically.
For example, if you see a powerful storm approaching, it may represent a repressed emotional conflict that is ready to surface. If you dream of being lost in a castle, your psyche may be telling you that you are wandering through layers of your own unconscious, much like Belle in Beauty and the Beast, unlocking parts of herself as she explores the castle.
2. Recognizing Symbolism
Dreams speak in symbols, not logic. Instead of taking them literally, ask yourself:
     • What does this symbol mean to me personally?
     • Where have I seen this symbol in mythology, religion, or culture?
     • What emotions does it bring up?
Jung saw symbols as the language of the unconscious, forming what he called the “compensatory function” of dreams—they balance what the ego ignores.
If you dream of a snake, what does it mean? In The Jungle Book, Kaa the snake represents deception, but in biblical stories, the serpent is both the tempter in Eden and a symbol of wisdom in Moses’ staff. Snakes shed their skin, symbolizing transformation—they might indicate deep change happening within you.
Similarly, in The Lion King, Simba dreams of his father appearing in the sky, reminding him of his true identity. This mirrors the biblical story of Moses at the burning bush, where divine wisdom calls him back to his destiny.
Both scenes depict a visitation from the Self, the deeper, guiding force within us.
3. The Shadow in Dreams
One of the most important aspects of dreamwork is understanding the Shadow—the part of ourselves we repress or deny.
     “One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious.” —Carl Jung

The Shadow often appears in dreams as a villain, a monster, or someone we fear.
In Beauty and the Beast, the Beast is not just a monstrous figure—he is the Shadow of the prince, representing his repressed self. Belle must face him, just as we must face what is hidden within us.

Biblically, Jacob wrestles with an angel in the night, refusing to let go until he is blessed. By confronting his Shadow, he is given a new name—Israel, meaning “one who struggles with God.” His identity is transformed through this encounter.

If a dark figure appears in your dreams, don’t run. Instead, ask:
• What part of me does this figure represent?
• What am I afraid to acknowledge in myself?
• What might happen if I faced this directly?


The Shadow carries untapped power and potential—it is only frightening until we integrate it.


4. Dreams as a Call to Transformation
Many dream symbols represent where we are in our own transformation process. In alchemy, this journey follows stages of death, purification, awakening, and rebirth—a process we see in many Disney stories.
In The Little Mermaid, Ariel dreams of a world beyond the sea—but to reach it, she must sacrifice her voice, much like the biblical story of Jonah, who must be swallowed by the great fish before he can be reborn.
Jung called this phase Nigredo—the blackening, where the old self must dissolve before something new can emerge.
     “The greatest and most important problems of life are all fundamentally insoluble. They can never be solved but only  
     outgrown.” —Carl Jung

Our old ways must die for something new to be born. If you dream of fire, destruction, or falling, you may be in this deep transformational stage.
Later, Ariel reclaims her voice, fully embodying her true self. This mirrors Rubedo—the final stage of alchemy, where transformation is complete, just as Simba’s return to Pride Rock symbolizes the full integration of his identity.
If you dream of crossing a bridge, finding a key, or seeing light, you may be entering a stage of awakening and integration.
5. When Dreams Speak to the Future
Jung observed that some dreams are prophetic—not in a mystical sense, but because the unconscious sees further ahead than the conscious mind.
In Frozen 2, Elsa follows a mystical call in her dreams, leading her toward the truth of her origins. This is similar to the biblical story of Joseph’s dream, where he sees his family bowing to him long before it becomes reality.
The unconscious knows what is coming before we do.
If a dream feels powerful, strange, or deeply moving, don’t ignore it. Ask:
     • What is this dream trying to show me?
     • Where in my life am I resisting this calling?
     • How can I prepare for what’s ahead?
Final Thoughts: The Journey of the Dreamer
Dreams are not just nighttime stories—they are invitations to inner growth, healing, and discovery.
Jung believed that dreams are a dialogue with the Self, guiding us toward wholeness. In Disney films and biblical stories alike, dreams act as the compass of the soul, leading heroes toward their true path.
So the next time you wake from a dream, pay attention. The unconscious is always speaking—will you listen?
What’s Next?
• Want to go deeper? Try a 30-Day Dream Journaling Challenge (coming soon!).
• Interested in Disney & Jungian Archetypes? Stay tuned for upcoming articles.
• Have a dream you want help interpreting? Join our community discussion (coming soon!).
What are your dreams telling you? The journey begins within.