Interpreting the symbolism of certain places gives us an insight into our own ‘inner landscape’.
A place which becomes fertile or lighter in the course of the dream indicates that an aspect that the dreamer has not previously appreciated - or has found unpleasant - is now developing possibilities and potentials, possibly for spiritual development. Dreary, unfriendly places, or tranquil favourable landscapes may well refer to the dreamer’s subjective view of the world.
The country where the dream takes place may have certain resonances for the dreamer.
For example; America for most people will signify a rather brash, commercially oriented culture, England tends to be seen as inhibited and dutiful, while France will represent the temperamental masculine, and so on. Countryside The countryside can suggest a particular mood or feeling, especially of freedom. Composite scenes consisting of many images recognisable to the dreamer are usually drawing attention to particular qualities, ideals and moods which all enhance the information content of the dream, may have particular associations for the dreamer, or have been included because of frequently encountered associations.
The dreamer’s birthplace represents a secure space.
A bright and sunny place suggests fun and liveliness, whereas a dark, shadowy, murky scene signifies despondency and gloom. Darkened places can represent the unconscious.
A familiar place will often take us back to childhood or a time of learning and a particularly beautiful place may allow us to fantasise so that we can make more use of creative visualisation. Jungles connect with the labyrinth and ways of understanding our sexuality.
A placc which feels oppressive has been a sanctuary, but is no longer.
A sheltered place offers pcace and security. Unknown places indicate aspects of ourselves of which we are not aware. This can lead to a place that seems familiar and yet we do not know which signifies a situation we arc continually re-running in our lives. Wide-open spaces offer us freedom of movement.
An unfamiliar place will signify new aspects of the personality which have not yet become fully conscious.
3- In the sense that a place suggests a ‘spot’, places appearing in dreams allow us to orientate ourselves in order to make the best use of information we arc given.