Symbolism is the key to understanding the mystifying world of the unconscious. It will develop itself in any form necessary to impress the conscious mind in hope of transmitting a message.
In my dream I find myself pedaling my ten-speed bicycle toward the office of my orthodontist. Upon arrival, I attempt to push my kickstand down so as to place my bike outside whle I'm being examined. For some reason the kickstand won't function and I am forced to lay the bicycle down on the ground.
During the second part of the dream, I enter the doctor's office where he examines my teeth. Here he makes the necessary adjustments to alter any incorrect positioning of my teeth and tightens my retainer to prevent any future relapse. After the examination, I leave the office, pick up my bicycle, and proceed homeward.
The major symbols concerning the understnding of this dream are the orthodontist, the bicycle, and the retainer. Individually each is of some literal importance but when classified as symbolic elements and then integrated, the true meaning emerges and allows the conscious mind to comprehend that which had previously been hidden.
The bicycle represents the technology associated with my own social and educational advancements. The fact that the kickstand does not operate shows there are disastrous flaws in my personality that could cause portions of my social and educational life to be misdeveloped or possibly overlooked.
The orthodontist most likely represents the institutions and laws of our courtry that guide us through the process of life. The dentist's every action is in hope of obtaining perfection and this is easily paralleled with the actions of the university I attend and the country of which I am a citizen. The university is leading me through the ropes of knowledge while society is developing my social aspects and both are analogous to the actions of the orthodontist, who is guiding my every tooth into its correct position.
The retainer is the essence of the entire symbolic structure. In relation to the orthodontist, the retainer is the only tool available to prevent the regression of an otherwise successful campaign, but for my own personal use the retainer I possess is that of the conscious mind. With the use of my mind I am able to decide which road I will follow and as I mature I'll see to it that my deviation from this path is kept to a minimum.
The message communicated by this dream is one concerning the process of life and its decision making procedures. The university can offer a thousand educational possibilities along with society's solutions to life, but only I can decide which one to choose and retain for the balance of my future.
— Paul H. Ederle
© Copyright 2002 by Robert J. R. Rockwood. All rights reserved.