My spirit animal chose me in my dream last night.

[Occam's Razor]

So in the past 3 months or so, I've had a dream about an alligator.

The other night, I had a pleasant dream of an alligator communicating with me. I felt no fear, just astonishment and excitement that it was communicating with me.

I'm not sure what any of this means, or why now.

It just feels exciting I'm experiencing something like this. At the same time, It's slightly depressing because I have no one to talk to about this. I told a few friends and they looked at me like I was crazy. So I just laugh it off knowing in the back of my mind they have no idea what this life is all about and what our potential is.

It's kind of disheartening that I feel awakened and I'm watching all of my friends sleep. And I try to nudge them to wake up but they won't budge.

It really does take some courage to continue this journey because not a lot of people are receptive to the notions and ideas that don't match what they've been taught their entire life.

Sorry. I just need to vent. I'm sure someone here can relate. :o

[Lifebringer]

Oh yeah, I can, still going through it with someone who says they are awake, yet have a "if it happens it happens approach" while I'm a prepare and help others.

[sirdipswitch]

yep, know wachayamean and yer in the right place to vent. ccc.

[Kristin]

I thought you may find this interesting. There are meanings attached to the medicine of animals. Here is the meaning that I found for your spirit totem:

ALLIGATOR
Primal Energies

The Crocodile or Alligator totem contains the unbridled creative forces of the world, the fury and ferocity of Primal Energies.
It is the symbol of creation and destruction.

The Crocodile or Alligator is the keeper and protector of all knowledge.
She is the primal mother in whom all knowledge rests and waits to be born.
People with a Crocodile or Alligator totem have the opportunity to develop new wisdom but they must be careful not to be consumed by this wisdom.
Study each bit of knowledge carefully before going on to the next.

Care of the eyes is important for Crocodile or Alligator people.
Also beneficial are breathing techniques like those practiced in Yoga.

When a Crocodile or Alligator shows up look for an opportunity to touch very primal energies.
There will be an opportunity for new knowledge and wisdom…

From the Heart,
Kristin

[RunningDeer]

UPDATE: please use this link @ shamanicjourney.com (http://www.shamanicjourney.com/display-category/100-0-30/power_animals_totems_spirit_guides)

[ghostrider]

the reptile family is the most stable DNA base there is , and it is very very ancient ... We as humans when the sun bakes our skin notice it peels ...we all have a little reptile DNA in us ... We like being warm , We are wise , and you don't won't to mess with us , if we get a hold of you , there's no escape from our grip ...water is a friend and all other animals will avoid us ... slow to move but quick to strike , playing like we are asleep just to coax prey in for the kill ... Earth humans can be predators by nature , we must learn peace and harmony but, war is built in ...

[Bright Garlick]

Dear friend :

Thank you for sharing your experience. I think I may be able to offer a few suggestions that will help you apply your razor and deepen your relationship with the alligator.

Consider the alligator both as a symbol and a totemic connection to a real animal and a specific place of Earth. Try recreating a dialogue with your alligator friend this way. Recall your dream as vividly as you can or repeat it to a close friend/family member etc verbally in first person as if it is happening. Then begin speaking to different symbols within the dream, eg :
The alligator
the water
the sky
you in the dream
the voice of the alligator
the sound
a bird on a tree
the shadows etc.

Everything within the dream is a symbol you chose. Begin to ask them specific questions and let the answers guide your next questions. Come back to the alligator and ask him/her if he has a message for you or anything it wants you to know or do. Listen carefully. Ask the alligator if there is a special place (in the real world) that he wants you to know about. Ask it if it will create an image of this place and give it a name - let your mind recreate this place and then come back to your interaction. Notice when you are speaking to the alligator if any part of your body experiences sensations it does not normally experience. Enter the feeling and experience it. Ask the alligator to connect with the feeling and to talk about the feeling.

Later, if you feel comfortable visit this place and spend time there - just be careful if there are any dangers there ! Take someone if you need to and make sure you become familiar with the area.
Your spirit animal or totem could be trying to connect you to a specific energy signature or specific energy point on the planet. A place that will help you to feel whatever you need to feel. This place coudl alter you path in life or could simply provide you with rejuvination.

In addition you could create an internal world with your imagination - a world in which you have your own sacred place and in which the alligator can live. You can then interact with it in any way you wish. Try to create relationships with anything that exists in this world. Particuarly any spirit animals or animals/other entities that you feel an affinity to.

My strong advice to you is this : be careful about taking interpretations of any symbol from all outside sources. Appreciate these possibilities but don't take them too close to heart. It can mean many things to many different cultures. To Africans it's meaning maybe different in one part of the continent than another and different again to First Nations peoples. For example, your spirit animal means you now have tough skin that will protect you from hurtful words, or whatever. If you dream, of an alligator it means your penis is ready to explode etc. Ignore that rubbish. Figure out your own personal symbolism. What symbols does your mind create and what events, thoughts, experiences, influences are part of your life at that time. Create your own symbol dictionary by tracking your dreams and day dreams. Symbols have very personal meanings and it is up to you to enter upon your own path of learning and trust in your own interpretations. Don't let others tell you what things mean. Be flexible, be creative, keep an open heart and an open mind.

I have worked with many Aboriginal folks who had totemic dreams. One for example dreamt about snakes - the carpet python and an ignorant counselor kept telling her that it was about her need for a sexual partner. She worked through the relationship with python and discovered that it was trying to reconnect her to the land of her ancestors, who had long ago been driven into the missions. Their people no longer had a traditional healer among them and were scattered all across Australia. It also encouraged her to open herself to more playful and creative aspects of her personality. Since connecting with this symbol/totem by following her path without having the symbols meaning imposed upon her, she was able to deepen her life and become a wonderful healer for people who are deeply troubled. Especially her own people.

Remember you and the creator are not separate. Nor are you separate from anything else.

Enjoy the journey.

Bright. ;-)

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By the way this method of working with dreams can be used for any dream. I used it for a decade or so with my clients and in my own life and found it incredible liberating and useful.

[Occam's Razor]

Thanks to everyone for your input. I really do appreciate it. Love you guys.