Odd dream.

In this dream, I was walking from one spot to another, intent on getting something done.  I began walking past a very large statue of a mountain and a giant flag planted on top of it.  It was a memorial to the Battle of Iwo Jima of World War II, but not the traditional one that Americans are familiar with.  This was a more contemporary version of the same memorial.  The shape of the mountain was outlined in metal girders in the same fashion as the Eiffel Tower.  A very long, steep metal ladder in the same material started from the ground and went all the way to the flag pole planted on top of the mountain. In this way, the flag could be raised every day.  An authority stopped me and told me, “You must raise the flag today.”  I was a little surprised but put my hands on the ladder to do as I was told.  The authority told me, “You only have to do it today.” I knew once I was done I could continue on with what I had originally been doing. I began to climb the very steep ladder.  It seemed dangerous, and the authority told me, “Don’t worry, I will help you all the way.”  This was a relief.  I thought to myself, “Why don’t they just use an outdoor flag so that no one has to raise it and lower it everyday?”

SIGNIFICANT SYMBOLS:

STATUE/MONUMENT-the desire to make immortal and unchanging a thought, a dream, a wish, an emotion or a person. Corresponds to that which has been raised upon a platform, for all to see.

FLAG-corresponds to national or international affairs. Acceptance or involvement in a particular group or set of ideas.

IWO JIMA-raising of the flag on Iwo Jima is a symbol of a terrible battle fought and won at great cost for the greater good.  It also symbolized unity for the American people during the time of a long and costly war.

WORLD WAR II-associated with an aggressive or hostile situation. Could indicate an inner stuggle.

LADDER-that which allows one to overcome a situation, an obstacle, or an experience. Climbing a ladder symbolizes achievement by taking one step at a time, growing in ability and experience, success, or the process of spiritual evolution.

There has been a general acceptance or involvement in a particular group or set of ideas (flag) that has been raised up for all to see (monument). This involves a battle fought and won at great personal cost for the greater good (Iwo Jima) in an aggressive or hostile situation or within as an inner struggle (World War II).  Everyone at some point is called upon to overcome a difficult situation, an obstacle or an experience (Iwo Jima monument) and in so doing exhibit specific ideas in the process (raising the flag).

In this dream, I am told that it is my turn to do this. I am also told that it will not be my permanent condition but a once in a lifetime situation.  The situation, obstacle or experience can be overcome by taking one step at a time, or one rung at time, until the event is accomplished (climbing the ladder).  I am told that I will have help in doing this, which is a relief.  My practical mind wants to know why an individual must struggle with particular situations when it appears there are easy ways to avoid them if one set their mind to it (using outdoor flag).

I am not looking forward to this.  I am assuming this has to do with my job but it could be something else. But at least I know, once it is over, I won’t have to do it again.