So the other day (Southern for some time in the indeterminate but not terribly distant past), I was driving home and saw this hawk inexplicably standing in a neighbor's yard. I got a photo with my phone, but had to go back with my camera to see that the hawk was grounded because it was guarding its kill, a poor bunny.
One form of dream interpretation is to see each character in a dream as some aspect of yourself. But why limit yourself to material in your unconscious life? Meaning-makers that we humans are, we tend to see symbolism in events around us. I took this photo just prior to my blog hiatus. In fact, it served as a prodding for me to get some clarity for myself. This is how I'm choosing to interpret this serendipitous sighting: The rabbit is the less certain part of me, fearful of taking risks because of the potential harm and easily taken advantage of. Don't get me wrong - I love rabbits. They are soft and cute and I don't even begrudge them filching squash from my garden. But models of strength, they are not. Hawks, on the other hand, are my personal totem animal. Whenever I need a reminder of my own strength, I see one. nd what I needed in my life right now is to let the fearless part of me take over. I'm grateful to this hawk who waited obligingly while I drove home, got my camera, and returned. I needed it brought to my attention that sometimes I need to subdue my own fears and stand my ground.
Okay, can I just tell you how MUCH I enjoyed reading this post?
ReplyDelete"One form of dream interpretation is to see each character in a dream as some aspect of yourself. But why limit yourself to material in your unconscious life?"
I TOTALLY agree with you! I believe in dreams and their symbolism, but like you, why must we limit ourselves our unconscious life, because if we're conscious enough (like you are), symbolism can come during our waking moments as well.
I love the way you interpreted this experience for yourself by seeing the hawk and rabbit, as representing aspects of yourself and what you were going through at that time.
I once had a session with an American Indian Shaman, who told me that I had three totem animals in my life. A horse, an eagle, and a gecko. And after explaining to me what each one of these animals symbolized, I knew he was dead on right, because all three were definitely a reflection of the various aspects of my personality at that time.
Again, great post. Really enjoyed it!
X
I'm so glad you did! Someone on this blog (years ago) accused me of doing too much navel gazing, but it's how I think about things.
DeleteI first started noticing hawks with my first pregnancy, and they've been my animal ever since!
Standing one's ground can be one of the hardest things to do. I'm so glad you found your symbol of strenght when you needed it most.
ReplyDeletePS Following your blog now!! I can't believe I wasn't before!
It can, but I am always glad when I do.
DeleteAnd no problem - I am way behind on clicking the follow button on blogs I've found more recently. I need to do that soon.
i was just petting a rabbit tonight at the pets store...i think life can def throw a symbol or two in our way...or maybe we are already thinking about it and the symbol come to validate our inner feelings...
ReplyDeleteI don't know that I care which direction it happens. Either way, it's a good thing!
DeleteI totally agree that symbolic meanings can be found in both dreaming and waking life. Sometimes it seems the universe just wants to give us a nudge in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful for the nudges.
DeleteOne of my greatest fears was that I would stand my ground at the wrong time and come off looking like an idiot. Having been an idiot a lot, it doesn't bother me quite so much now.
ReplyDeleteThat hawk was amazingly obliging.
I never mind looking like an idiot - I'm okay with that!
DeleteAnd yes, it was. It did watch me intently (like a hawk - haha) when I stopped to get photos.
I absolutely love the picture of the hawk. Hawks are my animals too for a different reason. The day after my mom died over 6 years ago, I was working at home, crying, missing my mom (she lived a long life died at 85), and I heard a sound; my desk was right by a window. I looked out it and on the fence was a hawk. I had to take a double look because it was the middle of the city we lived in and I thought at first it was the crows that were all around, but it was a hawk. I figured God sent me that hawk to let me know he was with me and sharing my grief about my mom. Now I see them as reminders of God's love for me. There are particular times I see them when I need that reminder of his love.
ReplyDeletegreat picture of it!!!!!!
betty
Thanks! And your story illustrates exactly what I mean about humans being meaning-makers - we each interpret things in a way that makes sense and is powerful for us personally. So, I'm more than happy to share my totem animal with you!
DeleteWell analyzed; indeed, symbolism is dreams made external. I like knowing the hawk is your totem animal. What a sharp, noble, intelligent animal, which suits you perfectly. I'm glad this tableau made clear some thinking in your personal life.
ReplyDeleteI love them, and I do see them everywhere - perched on my porch rail, flying by carrying a snake, striding through my yard. I just can't be unhappy when I see one.
DeleteAmazing that it was still there when you got back with the camera. Welcome back!
ReplyDeleteIt was pretty serious about that rabbit! And thank you.
DeleteHe looks like a statue! I must not be that deep because I can't say I've seen symbolism in anything but a book. But I enjoyed your interpretation.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's because I'm a shrink? I live in the land of metaphor.
DeleteLooks like the new door is well and truly open and the other side ready and willing to be explored.
ReplyDeleteSo long as the hawk hasn't turned back into a rabbit to be swallowed in one gulp, everything should be fine.
Have fun.
With any luck, I'll find balance between those two aspects of me.
DeleteI do agree about every character in a dream being some aspect of yourself. And every object as well, come to that (Fritz Perls, I think?). I like the idea of a hawk inspiring strength when you need it. I guess we all have some mental image that gives us strength in a crisis.
ReplyDeleteThat first pic is curious. When I first looked at it, I thought it was a toddler. Then I realised the toddler was far too small!
Yes, every object, too. All parts of a dream are you in some way.
DeleteWhen I first saw the hawk, I thought it was one of those painted cement garden statues.
I have a Raven that sits in the bare tree outside my front window in the winter, looking bleakly at me. I refuse his offer to contemplate what he means. Now if that hawk needs a recipe for that rabbit, I've got a couple. He'll need to filch a bottle of burgundy and some mushrooms for the sauce.
ReplyDeleteI think hawks eat rabbit tartare. Maybe the Raven is hoping to be brought into your warm home?
DeleteWe have hawks flying around all the time along with owls at night. With our hillside they have a feast of things to find however with smaller dogs I do fear them. Glad you had the reminder your strength just when you needed it!
ReplyDeleteI hear the owls in my yard at night. I like pretty much all the raptors.
DeleteIt's so true how some things just speak to us when we most need it.
ReplyDeleteWhen you are ready to listen!
DeleteHawks have been special to me since I was in the 4th grade. Even hawks miss their targets sometimes because those weak little bunnies do not want caught and have a way of darting into a hole so fast... so if at first you don't succeed...
ReplyDeleteYes, they are indeed persistant as well.
DeleteThe hawk sounds and looks like a tremendous totem for you! What a wonderful time to see one.
ReplyDeleteI think the insecurities of life are too hard for most humans to cope with without trying to make some sense and find some pattern. I identify particularly with the Wandering Albatross which seems strange since I am so grounded in place:) But then, I have a whole table of creatures who represent different aspects of my character: camel, bear, parrot, toad, frog, dolphin, and a flaxen haired scandinavian warrior girl!!!!!
I am expecting the men in white coats any minute;)