Blog

Flying, falling, broken teeth, birds, lost loved ones, missing a deadline...All of these are common dream motifs that you might have encountered as you wander through the sleeping realm. And if upon waking you’ve found yourself thinking “what could that mean?”, you’re certainly not alone.

Dreams are fascinating things. Scientists and mystics alike have long studied the world of dreams to see what they reveal about our subconscious selves. Some people believe that dreams can contain omens, prophecies or messages from other realms—including the afterlife. Others have the ability to consciously navigate their dreams via the practice of lucid dreaming. Many believe that dreams reveal hidden desires and fears that we’re struggling to comprehend in the waking world.

Below, we take a look at some of the most common dream symbols and what they might reveal:

Flying

Dreaming about flying can evoke a sense of liberation and independence. You might dream about flying when you are feeling trapped or restricted by a situation and need to escape. Perhaps you’ve been thinking about travelling or undertaking a big move. Dreaming of flying can also give you a sense of confidence in your own skills and abilities - after all, if you can fly, what else are you capable of achieving?

Teeth

It might sound odd if you haven’t experienced it, but many people have dreams about their teeth breaking or falling out. This type of dream indicates that you are feeling like you lack control or power in your everyday life. It can also relate to communication - without teeth, it’s harder to talk, so dreams of losing teeth might mean that you’re struggling to find your voice and communicate your opinions. It can also mean that you’re worried about your physical appearance, attractiveness, or the process of ageing.

A Place from the Past

If you dream about a significant place from your childhood or your past, this reveals something about the version of you that’s most dominant in the present moment. If it’s a place from your childhood, you are likely desiring a sense of play and imagination that you had when you were a kid. If it’s a place from your early adulthood, you might be nostalgic for that youthful sense of independence and adventure. Dreaming about past places takes us back to the past version of ourselves that inhabited that place.

Water

Water in dreams can take many forms : oceans, lakes, waterfalls, swimming pools and more. Water is a common symbol for your emotional self and inner psyche. The type of water you encounter in your dreams will indicate how you’re currently feeling emotionally. If the water is tumultuous, then you’re likely feeling emotionally unstable. If the water is calm and cleansing, then you’re probably in need of healing of some kind. Water dreams help us feel more in tune with our inner selves, which can help us in our waking lives.

A Lost Loved One

If you have a dream featuring someone you love who has passed away, it could simply mean that you’ve been thinking about that person and want to feel a sense of connection to them. The essence of that person might be exactly what you need to deal with a difficult situation - whether it’s their great sense of humour, rational wisdom, or calming presence. However, some people believe that our lost loved ones can actually visit us in our dreams. Dreams like this normally bring a sense of peace and serenity when we wake, whether they’re truly a message from the afterlife or simply a way of remembering.

Falling

Dreams about falling suggest a fear of letting go. You might be afraid to make a big decision, take a significant leap, or relinquish control of something. Dreams of falling can be frightening, but they can also sometimes evoke a similar sense of liberation that dreams of flying do. If you dream about falling, it may be a sign you need to loosen up and take more risks.

Nudity

Dreams of being nude, especially in public, indicate that you’re afraid of exposing yourself or shedding your protective armour. You might be facing a situation where you have to reveal your true self, or perhaps you have a secret you’re afraid to share. These dreams are a chance to examine whether the cloak you’re hiding under is a protection or a burden.

Babies

Dreams about babies don’t necessarily mean the obvious (that you’re going to have a baby). Rather, they’re a symbol of creative and maternal energy. They indicate that you’re in a state to create new things or to take responsibility for the things that you currently have. They reveal that you’re in a nurturing mood, which could relate to work, creativity or relationships.

Being Chased

Dreams of being chased are often distressing. They indicate that you’re feeling anxious in your waking life and feel that you’re being pursued by something. Perhaps it’s a toxic relationship, an impossible deadline, or a hang-up from your past. This kind of dream is a chance for you to examine what it is you’re running from and decide how you’re going to tackle it head on in the waking world.

Animals

Dreams featuring animals can have a multitude of meanings, depending on what the animal is and your relationship to it. If it’s an animal you’re afraid of, it signifies confronting your fears in real life. If it’s a domestic animal you care for, it suggests you’re concerned about the things you’re responsible for or need to look after. In a previous blog post, Of Feathers and Fur, we took a look at a few popular animals in the spiritual community and their significance, from cats to snakes. This might help you understand what these particular animals mean if they appear in your dreams.

Someone wise once said, "you can't learn how to read the tarot in one lifetime." Tarot reading is a complex, personal and often misunderstood practice, so it makes sense that learning it isn't a straightforward pursuit. 

Many of our customers at Dragonspace are new to the world of tarot and are interested in learning the basics. We've written some previous blog posts about tarot, such as Introduction to Tarot and Oracle and Five Misconceptions About Tarot. These will give you some insight into what tarot reading is all about, and also what it isn't all about.

Once you understand the basic concept of tarot reading and the structure of the traditional deck, you'll probably want to start experimenting with some popular spreads. Spreads are the arrangement of tarot cards into a particular sequence. Each card's positioning in the sequence will relate to an element of the situation you want insight into, leading to a likely outcome or answer.

Below, we've laid four common tarot spreads to help you get started.

SINGLE CARD

This is the simplest 'spread' of all, and is a good way of familiarising yourself with the individual cards. Simply draw a single card intuitively from the deck, preferably at the beginning of your day. This card will help inform your action, direction and focus for the day. You might choose to place the card on your desk, in your pocket, or at your altar if you have one. You could even keep a running journal of the cards you pull recording their meanings and how they end up informing your day.

PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE

This three-card spread works when you or your querent (the person you're reading for) has a particular situation they want clarity or guidance on. Three cards are drawn from the deck and laid down in a straight line.

Card 1 - relates to the past events or actions that have led to your current situation.
Card 2 - relates to the present situation.
Card 3 - relates to the possible future outcomes of the situation.

The symbols and archetypes that crop up in the past and present cards may help you to better understand the situation and how you have arrived at it, which will inform your future direction. This is the practical way in which tarot can be used to influence your future, without getting into the murky realms of outright fortune-telling. 

SIMPLE CROSS

This 'simple cross' four-card spread can be used for a number of situations, but is effective when a specific decision needs to be made - e.g. a job offer or a big move.

Card 1 - relates to the opportunities and chances available to you at this moment - can also be seen as the "pros" card
Card 2 - relates to the question at hand.
Card 3 - relates to the potential challenges and obstacles that you might need to face - can also be seen as the "cons" card.
Card 4 - relates to the the answer to the question.

Like most tarot spreads, this isn't designed to give a definitive 'yes or no' answer, but will help you to dig deeper into the situation and examine all angles.

CELTIC CROSS

This spread might look complicated, but is a popular spread that you'll probably end up favouring once you get familiar with it. This is a spread to use when you're dealing with a complex challenge or decision in your (or the querent's) life, which you need to examine in depth.

Note: while the general layout of the Celtic Cross spread is universal, different tarot readers might favour a slightly different arrangement or approach. This one outlined here is one of the common arrangements, but is not the only one. You'll come to find the arrangement and interpretations you're comfortable with once you're more familiar with the spread.

THE CROSS

Card 1 - relates to the querent herself or himself.
Card 2 - relates to the situation or challenge the querent is facing.
Card 3 - relates to the future possibilities and potential outcome based on the querent's innermost thoughts and feelings - note, this is different than the 'most likely outcome' signified by Card 10. Card 3 relates to what the querent believes might happen, which can be different to what will likely actually happen.
Card 4 - relates to the distant past and deep-rooted circumstances that have laid the foundation for the situation.
Card 5 - relates to the immediate future events that will take place very soon.
Card 6 - relates to the immediate past circumstances that have influenced the situation, which are starting to recede.

THE STAFF

Card 7 - relates to internal influences - the emotions, thoughts and opinions inside the querent's mind that are affecting the situation.
Card 8 - relates to external influences and environment - this may be family, job, community or otherwise.
Card 9 - relates to the querent's overall hopes and fears in life - these are often larger and more universal than the present situation, but will be of influence.
Card 10 - represents the most likely outcome of the situation based on the current course of action.

Card number 3 and card number 10 should be considered together once the full reading has taken place. Card number 3 represents the outcome the querent is expecting and personally projecting onto the future - whether that's positive or negative. Card number 10 represents the most likely actual outcome based on the whole picture. Sometimes these two cards will be harmony, and sometimes they will be in conflict. This will determine whether the querent's expectations align with their current course of action, and whether they need to stick with their current path or deviate from it.

 These are a few of the most common tarot spreads, though there are many others out there - you might even end up inventing your own spread that works best for you. Tarot is all about intuition and personal experience, and its an exciting path to be on. Let us know in the comments if you favour a particular spread, or if there are other tarot topics you'd like us to cover in the blog!

View All Our Tarot Decks 

Photo: Map of Westeros, c. Tunghoe

Well, the final episode ever of Game of Thrones has arrived. But don’t worry - this post doesn't contain spoilers! Regardless of what you think of this season’s turn of events, it can’t be denied that the cultural impact of HBO’s fantasy series has been huge. Discussions about the Seven Kingdoms have dominated cafes and water coolers since the show’s first episode aired back in 2011, and even before then, George R.R. Martin’s books were widely beloved amongst fantasy fans.

There’s something about epic fantasy tales that has the capacity to captivate the world over. Perhaps it’s the fact that they’re often inspired by myths and legends that stretch way back in history—Celtic lore, Arthurian legend, Greek mythology, Arabian tales and more. Perhaps it’s the universal concepts they explore - good vs. evil, power and politics, romance and adventure. Whatever the reason, Game of Thrones certainly wasn’t the first fantasy franchise to bewitch the world, and nor will it be the last.

Here at Dragonspace, we love these pop cultural tales just as much as we love old mythology and ancient legend. From King's Landing to the Shire, here are some selected treasures we've got in store from our favourite fantasy worlds. 

The Game of Thrones Collection

A Feast of Ice and Fire: The Official Companion Cookbook

You’ll probably be missing the world of Westeros, so why not throw a commiseration feast, using the Official Companion Cookbook from the series? This unique cookbook is endorsed by George R.R. Martin himself, and features recipes like the comfort foods of the frozen North and medieval delicacies of King’s Landing. Not only is this a wonderful way to connect with the worlds of the books, it’s an intriguing look into well-researched cultural fare from throughout history. Sounds delicious!

The Canterbury Goblet

This beautiful pewter goblet is the same make as as featured throughout Game of Thrones, clutched in the hands of some of your favourite characters. The A.E. Williams family have been making pewter since 1779, so you can be assured this is a well-crafted and unique piece. Perfect for a glass of mead or blood-red wine!

Hand of the King Wax Seal Kit

With no modern technology in Westeros, important messages must be sent via tightly-sealed scroll. Play the part of the all-important Hand of the King with your very own wax seal in the official design. Whether you’re sending fate-deciding secrets, or simply catching up with a friend overseas, this traditional seal-and-scroll kit will make you feel like you live in another world, if only for a little while!

The Harry Potter Collection

The Unofficial Guide to Crafting the World of Harry Potter

This is the perfect idea for the creative Harry Potter fan. From jewellry to homewares, this bewitching book contains 30 unique craft ideas inspired by the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Examples of crafts found in the book include Butterbeer lip balm, Golden Snitch necklaces and Pygmy Puff bath fizzies. Who needs a visit to Diagon Alley when you can make your own treasures?

Harry Potter Mini-Kits

These adorable mini-kits are the ideal gift idea for Potterheads that won’t break the bank. Whether it’s colouring, stickering or prop replicas, these compact kits are a lovely little token of the magic of the wizarding world - including the new world of the Fantastic Beasts film series! Golden Snitches, Bowtruckles, Hogwarts castles, wands and more - these are sure to delight.

Harry Potter: A History of Magic

Unless you've recently been to London, chances are you haven’t been able to visit the Harry Potter: A History of Magic exhibition at the British Library. But never fear - this beautiful book is the official companion to the exhibition, containing all the collection's wonders in paper form. The collection not only includes artefacts from the franchise - such as old manuscripts, sketches and more - but is a fascinating look at the real-life history and mythology that inspired J.K. Rowling. Whether you’re a die-hard Harry Potter fan or simply a mythology geek or bibliophile, you’ll find something to appreciate in this fascinating tome.

The Lord of The Rings Collection

Elven Ring of Power

Before the Iron Throne, there were the Rings of Power from Tolkien’s fantasy world of Middle-earth. This Elven version is a bit less sinister than the One Ring - it’s inscribed with the sentence "To encircle all without beginning or end" in Tolkien’s beautiful Elvish language. Made from sterling silver with a smooth thick set, this is a meaningful and lasting trinket for all Lord of the Rings fans.

Lord of the Rings Character Swords

Tolkien’s tales of Middle-earth are filled with danger and battle, so weapons are integral to the stories. Here’s your chance to wield the blades of Tolkien’s heros, from Arwen’s elegant sword Hadhafang to Legolas’s awesome fighting knives and Frodo's dainty but fierce Sting. With no orcs to fight in the real world, these decorative swords and daggers are sure to impress when displayed in pride of place on your walls.

David Day’s Tolkien Companion Books

David Day is a Tolkien scholar who has dedicated years to intricately understanding the world of Middle-earth. His Tolkien companion books - The Battles of Tolkien, The Heroes of Tolkien, An Atlas of Tolkien, and A Dictionary of Tolkien - explore different layers of Tolkien’s world, accompanied by insightful commentary by David. With vivid flexibound covers, these books are a beautiful addition to any Tolkien fan’s library.

The richness of well-imagined fantasy worlds means that we can spend years and years exploring them and never get bored! Hopefully some of these tomes and treasures help feed your appetite for more Westeros, Middle-earth and wizardry.

VIEW OUR POP CULTURE COLLECTION HERE
including Dungeons & Dragons and the Dark Crystal products!