The Art of Catching Dreams

One of my young clients — Matthew — recently handcrafted a dreamcatcher for me, thoughtfully adorning it with crystal beads and a feather.

© 2012 Laurie Buchanan

According to Native American lore, our nighttime dreams are sent by sacred spirits as messages. The openings in the web-like pattern allow good dreams to reach us, while the strands of the web trap bad dreams, only to disappear with the first light of dawn.

The materials used to make dreamcatchers have a special meaning:

  • Scattered beads throughout the web represent good dreams caught throughout the night.
  • Essential for life, a feather represents breath or air.

“Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.” — Chief Seattle

What was the last dream you caught?

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