The Dream Book of Self-Knowledge

Metal

  • a metal structure: see Structure.
  • scrap metal: once we deem something to be scrap in a dream it is then repressed and an unnecessary part of our thoughts that we no longer intend to deal with; yet owing to its metal essence, this symbolic content of the mind can be transformed.
  • seeking metal deposits, mining metal: this image symbolizes the attempt to find and transform relationships.
  • melting metals: symbolizes the process in which concentration and acts (fire) transform the solid structure of metals (rigid relations) into liquid, thereby allowing for emotions to enter the process of forming new relations.
  • cutting metals with gas: with concentration and acts (arc welding), spiritual thinking can transform the solid structure of metals (stiff relationships) into liquid; this enables one to proceed to forming new relationships and ending old ones; if dead bodies appear around this work it is a very positive sign for the dreamer, since part of his ego is dying (as dream personifications of people).
  • metal casting: pouring molten metal into molds symbolizes the process in which concentration and acts (fire) transform the solid structure of metals (rigid relations) into liquid, thereby allowing for emotions to enter the process of forming new relations (the castings).
  • metal machining: this is synonymous in the unconscious and in dreams with concentration, through which a cultivated person (the final product) is created from a raw, egotistical individual (casting or raw material).
  • feared metal birds: a cluttered mind and overly rational thinking can bring about a painful clash of different currents of thought (such a dream should be an emphatic warning for everyone); the similarity with the flock of Stymphalian birds*82 in Greek mythology is no coincidence (see Hero archetype).
  • fearfully ridding oneself of anything metal: a negative image that stops for the time being a highly effective transformation of the mind's content (the allegorical melting of metals or other transformation of metals is not possible).
  • attraction or repulsion of a metal: see Magnet.
  • unlike objects made from other materials, strength, hardness and stability is emphasized with metal objects and the attraction for human senses is emphasized with shiny metal objects: a silvery shine relates to the female component of the soul (anima) and a golden shine relates to the male component of the soul (animus); the shape of the objects is also crucial since it corresponds to the mind's content (see individual shapes).
  • dwarves or elves in connection with metals: represent one of the many elementary forces of matter.
  • metal heating and later melting for no apparent reason: the start of the inner transformation of one's being (see Self archetype).
  • seeing or having metal body parts: the unconscious uses this image to warn the dreamer against acting like a robot – only on instructions from above – and thus against life on autopilot*44 (see the Attentiveness archetype).
  • metal parts of electrical equipment, wires, cables: see Electricity.
  • chemical dissolution of metals: an allegory of inner transformation in which this dream image is very similar to alchemy (see Alchemist archetype).
  • repeated alchemical purification of metals of modern zone melting*77: an allegory of patient work on one's character.
  • transforming ordinary metal into gold using the philosopher's stone: symbolically stands above all acts and is also the first and last act; represents the path to unity and enlightenment since the owner of the philosopher's stone, in addition to the transformation of elements, is himself transformed into a new immortal existence since he is in unity with the entire universe.