DreamCast: Devilish Encounter

Lisa in Trappe, Maryland writes:

Hi Cortney,

I can’t thank you enough for being here for me to share an experience I had about three weeks ago. It was absolutely, the most horrifying, baffling and unsettling dream I have ever had. First, let me say that nothing drastic is going on in my life at the moment. Rather, I have been feeling quite happy, before and after the dream. Although I do not recall the exact context, in my dream I am confronted by the Devil! I remember having a conversation with two persons – one seems nice and the other person or thing is Satan himself. What I recall vividly is the Devil offering to show me a picture of him, and I can still see the image in my mind of this ugly, terrifying, distorted, beast-like image. I acknowledge the picture and the “thing” that is showing it to me. Then I abruptly wake up, horrified.

I am very bothered by this dream and have not told anybody about it. I am too embarrassed.  I am a single-mother of a wonderful 10 year-old boy. I am a spiritual person and love my God. Please help me with this.

Hello Lisa,

Congratulations, you’ve just encountered both the positive and negative parts of your psyche, as symbolized by the two people you were conversing with. This is a very positive step in your personal growth. And no, I don’t believe your negative “shadow” self is on par with the Devil! The fact that it was represented by the ultimate evil being reveals how you feel about your faults and foibles. Everyone has a dark side. The question is, can you love yourself, faults and all? Acceptance of one’s faults is the first step in resolving troubling personal issues.

What’s especially interesting is that this dream came to you when you were content with your life. It’s like this part of you stood up and said, “Here I am, don’t forget about me!” Perhaps the lack of stress in your life will enable you to work through some emotional issues at a deeper level. So don’t feel dismayed at having dreamt of the Devil. Instead, give yourself credit for having had such a meaningful dream, and the courage to analyze it.

Sweet dreams, Cortney