A Bit on the Dream Catcher

The Ojibwa are the first recorded people to use the dream catcher, one of the most intriguing Native American customs. Traditionally, the dream catcher is hung above the place where one sleeps in order to protect them from nightmares. When the sun descends, dreams fill the air. The center has an opening through which pleasant dreams pass and then slide down feathers to the sleeper below, while bad dreams are caught in the webbing of the catcher. Negative dreams that have been seized are destroyed by the time of the first morning sunlight. This dream filtering system, modeled around the spider web because of its similar capturing qualities, is now popular among several cultures.

The legends and designs of dream catchers do vary to some extent.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Dreams: the Oceans of Our Minds

Dreams are like oceans: vast, unknown subjects that are challenging to explore. Despite the fascinating nature of both dreaming and oceans, it seems that most people take these for granted or give up on investigating them because of their complexity. Dreams aren’t reality and we don’t live in the ocean, so why should we waste time on examining them in depth? Human curiosity should be a sufficient answer, at least it is for me, but if it isn’t (back to dreams exclusively because oceans do get more attention and this is of course a blog about dreaming) dreaming is both beneficial to the physical body, to the mind, and it is just plain intriguing!
I’ve always been interested in dreaming. Some things your subconscious whips up are just hilarious, seemingly impossible, or uncannily accurate. I have been inspired by and often confused by dreams and the science behind them is very exciting. I think they are much more important than we give them credit for, so that’s why I am starting here with this blog.
We must attempt to learn as much as we possibly can about dreaming and I hope to help with that by sharing what I find (science, interpretations, stories, even history of dreams) and discussing what I already know and have experienced with you. So welcome to The Dream Catcher!

2 comments:

  1. Love the simile you used, so true. Dreams are such mysteries. This blog is so good, can't wait to read all of your posts! :)

    is that hummus?

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! And yes, dreams are quite perplexing. I hope to clear up their mysterious qualities a bit for you with my future posts!


      get these chips away from me

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