Dreaming of the seasons can carry many layers of meaning and wisdom. It can symbolize the “seasons of life” in the human developmental cycle: Spring for birthing and infancy; Summer for youth; to the maturity of Autumn; and into Winter as a time for the elders and death; then on to rebirth and back again.
Seasons as Guides
Seasons can also reflect the time of day or what actions are needed to take (or not take) depending on the dream’s call.
I had a seasonal dream I titled “The Northern Silence” right before I made the decision to attend John F. Kennedy University for my graduate studies in dream research and counseling psychology.
I dreamed I was going on a hike called the Northern Silence. It was the greatest hike on earth. It was way up north—perhaps Canada or Alaska? —and there was much snow around so everything was still and silent. It was evening, dusk, and I was on a path but felt like I was a man. I was a young man on a journey, camping out in the wilderness. It was wonderful.
The Northern Silence was certainly a ‘big dream’ not only because of the timing –but also the numinous quality– of it. The landscape evoked an intense spiritual presence: It was clearly wintertime and all the trees, earth, Nature were blanketed by snow. In the dream, I was struck by the stillness, the utter silence all around me. It felt sacred, like I was in a holy place.
So what hidden meanings and seasonal wisdom did this dream hold?
Winter in Childhood
I have not experienced the wonder of thick, fresh fallen snow since I was a teenager. In my youth, I lived outside of New York City where winter days like this were not the norm but considered special. The kind of snowstorm that stops traffic and creates a world so surreal and quiet, it feels otherworldly.
I reveled in these moments as a child because it took me out of my routine of regular activities. I didn’t have to go to school or do homework but rather could appreciate the more natural world around me.
Winter as Potential Growth Unseen
The winter season is also a time for deep, inner reflection. A period for silence, stillness, and hibernation right before rejuvenation and new growth of Spring. This time of life is so necessary for healing and is a beautiful reminder to slow down and stay in the moment.
And to trust in the process
Most of the growth is happening in the earth, unseen. Especially since I live in a place that doesn’t have these extreme winters, the dream is a good indicator to be reminded of this natural cycle of life.
A Winter’s Tale: Releasing Old Wounds
Winter is also a time for letting go of old pains, memories and habits that no longer serve anymore. The “evening” time period in the dream only amplifies this message. This is a time for healing old wounds in order to let in new experiences.
Winter’s Lessons
Looking back, I realized I needed this dream to calm me down so I could open my eyes to new possibilities. Although the decision to go back to school and literally ‘follow my dreams’ did cause some “psychic’ upheaval and stress in my life, it was this place of stillness that kept me going.
The landscape itself was particularly magical, especially since it was dusk, and the purple colors of the sky were reflected on the landscape so brilliantly white, it looked like daytime. Though it was dark (the future) the dream assured me this journey will certainly be illuminated in the near future.
In the dream, I called the hike the Northern Silence, the greatest hike on earth. I am in awe of this name because it is clearly a symbol of my own spiritual journey to be more still and present in my path. I knew this was the greatest hike on earth with fruitful opportunities up ahead and all I needed was to trust in the silence. My inner Self was clearly calling to me.
Have you had a dream about the seasons?
What wisdom did the dream hold for you?
Please share as a comment below.
Hi there,
Nice topic! The other week I had three dreams of snow in a row. Recurring dream and meaningful? You may thinks so, but this dream had no emotional significance (or insignificance to it).
In all three events my blanket had slid off of the bed, and I was cold.
Also, it was winter, and the week after we had some snow in reality.
Happy new year,
Nicoline
Thanks Nicoline…certainly our personal environment/landscapes plays a big role in dreams. I can also appreciate the humor of the blanket sliding off of you! I have also incorporated outside stimulus in my dreams many times but I’d also be curious about the content of your dreams, too. 🙂 Thanks for posting!
Interesting tale. I like your interpretation of it. Winter always brings more inward contemplation to me. It also brings seasonal depression which I fight off with meditation and self hypnosis. It’s a perfect still that turns my thoughts to ancestors, friends and family lost. It’s a way to contemplate my own death. All of these themes enter my dreams. Most of the dreams I have in winter settings are always accompanied by either someone dead, or a perfect stillness as you describe.
My favorite winter dreams? Florida.
Thank you for sharing,
Lonnie
Thank you for sharing, Lonnie. I especially appreciated your comment about stillness, the importance of reflecting on our ancestors and friends who have passed and certainly death itself. Our society does not hold these subjects very well and winter can be an ideal time to honor the natural cycles of life and death.
I looked back through my dream records just now, and was surprised to see how many dreams were snow related. Of course, I DO live in Canada. This year we have had little snow, but sometimes we have lots. No wonder I dream of snow.
I loved that you tracked your dreams, Alice. I would be curious to see if you find connections with your snow-themed dreams. Thanks for sharing!
I had a period of time, about 1-2 years ago, where I dreamed often of snow; cold northern places like Alaska or Minnesota, etc.; or simply heading “north” in an indefinite way. At the time I wondered why this theme was coming up so often in my dreams. Looking back, I see that I was in a time of personal “death,” my emotions were “frozen,” and I was in a season where I had to wait for my personal life power to do its work underground, (until it finally burst forth and manifested dramatic changes later, but I didn’t know that at the time.) It was a time of suffering, but perhaps my dreams were telling me to look to the wisdom of the northern lands– they know that winter has a transformative healing purpose, and spring is on the way.
I truly resonated with your post, Sleeping Realities. I especially appreciated your comment “look to the wisdom of the northern lands…” I have done ancestral research and have found some familial connections with Nordic tribes and indigenous wisdom with my dreams and waking life events/transitions. Truly healing and good medicine there. Thank you for posting!