Dreamcatchers
Oh, what a precious web we weave…
When first we practice to believe.
You have dreams, goals, aspirations. And you want to see them come true.
But how?
Creating the life you truly desire can be intimidating – because it involves the willingness to change, the risk of exploring different pathways and outcomes for yourself, the courage to step into the unknown, and the determination to bring imagination into reality.
You can accomplish all these things with a shift in your perspective and the right guide to see you through your journey.
It all begins with one important question.
What do YOU see when you look at a dreamcatcher?
The origin of the dreamcatcher is hard to pinpoint, but they appear likely related to the history of two native American cultures: the Ojibwe and the Lakota. These are two tribes with a similar history, and both of their cultures have origin stories based upon the web of a spider.
In Lakota culture, Iktomi gave the idea of making dreamcatchers to a man in a vision, while in Ojibwe culture, it may have come from Asibaikaashi (Spider Woman).
In both cultures, dreamcatchers protect their owners by capturing negative energy in the web and allowing good energy to pass through.
Today, dreamcatchers are as synonymous with Native American culture as fry bread. Still, the reality is that their popularity only increased among indigenous tribes as trade between tribal and western communities became more prevalent.
Even though dreamcatchers aren’t a part of most tribes’ histories, they were quickly popularized because they represent a symbol that can be widely understood by all people.
This brings up the topic of “misappropriation,” which comes from a lack of understanding and respect of a culture or its traditions, and poses a question – are some tribes misappropriating dreamcatchers if they didn’t originate in their culture? And what about for nontribal individuals who also use them?
In the case of dreamcatchers, there was appropriation long ago. Yet – in my view – in a good way for those who took the time to understand the significance and intended use of the dreamcatcher and adhered to that. By Tristan Picotte
Why do I use the image of dreamcatcher?
We each weave a web representing our own life.
Although you may not consciously realize it, every choice you make, every action you undertake influences and creates the color and texture of your life.
Your web also serves as a net. We all need a strong one.
For some time now, I’ve held strongly to a Zen saying: “Leap and the net will appear.” And yet, is it wise to leave something as important as that to pure chance?
It makes sense to work with a master weaver – someone who can help you understand the guidance of your own Asibaikaashi. That’s where I come in.
Conscious weaving
Together, we can work to expand your consciousness.
And, as you grow, you’ll learn to understand your needs and strengthen your own net – so you know how to support yourself and to pick yourself up when you fall.
That Zen saying has often given me courage and reminded me I’ve been building a web or net for myself throughout my life. Each time I overcome a challenge, I’m more able to catch myself the next time.
And you can, too.
Conscious perspective
A dreamcatcher also represents the circle of life.
Circles are powerful symbols and reminders. As long as you stay connected to your higher self, you’ll never be disconnected from spirit and from your own wisdom.
Circle energy helps you understand others and appreciate their struggles as fellow members of the greater human family.
Conscious dreaming
Finally, the dreamcatcher reminds you of your dreams.
If you believe, as the Lakota do, that dreamcatchers catch negative energy freeing the individual from that influence, I remind you that, with intention, you can unfold and realize your dreams.
Reach out. Let’s weave a master web that allows you to live the life of your dreams.
Meet Mojo
I’d like to introduce you to my dear friend and co-therapist, Mojo, our friendly Golden Retriever who joins me in the office a couple of days each week.
When Mojo joins our sessions:
He may greet you with a soft toy in his mouth while making a scrunchy face, which is his way of smiling!
He may lie at your feet while we’re talking, or he may come to you and place his head in your lap. Or he may curl up and sleep by the door.
I hope you find his presence calming and uplifting; we usually get a few friendly laughs when he’s feeling playful.
There are two other dogs belonging to a doctor working here, and you may occasionally see them lying on the floor or walking about.