A Wiccan dream catcher is a spiritual object used in Wiccan practices to protect and enhance dream experiences. Dream catchers have long been used by various indigenous cultures as a means of protecting individuals from bad dreams and negative energies. In Wicca, dream catchers are often made with natural materials such as feathers, beads, and twine, and are imbued with specific intentions and energy. The purpose of a Wiccan dream catcher is to capture and filter out negative energies and dreams while allowing positive and enlightening messages to come through. It is believed that dreams are a portal to the spiritual realm and can hold valuable insights and guidance. By using a dream catcher, Wiccans aim to create a safe and sacred space within the dream realm.
Black Pouch Dream Catcher
Much like frybread and spirit animals totems, they have become a universally Native entity, carrying the spirit of Union amongst our people, and peace. Much like frybread and spirit animals totems, they have become a universally Native entity, carrying the spirit of Union amongst our people, and peace.
By using a dream catcher, Wiccans aim to create a safe and sacred space within the dream realm. Wiccan dream catchers are typically hung above the sleeper's bed or placed near their sleeping area. As dreams occur during the REM (rapid eye movement) stage of sleep, it is believed that the dream catcher can help regulate the flow of energy and filter out any harmful or unwanted experiences.
On Dreamcatchers//
First of all, for those of you who are reading this and don’t know me, hi hello my name is Violet, I am a Muscogee Creek Native American.
Second, I have been asked about dream catchers by many friends and strangers, so I am writing this post with my personal findings and opinions on the subject.
Origin//
•The dreamcatcher comes from the Ojibwe and Chippewa people. Traditionally, it is made from bent wood, sinew and one or two feathers. The sinew is weaved to mimick a spider’s web. In many native religions, including my own, Grandmother Spider played a huge role in the placement of the sun in the sky. Dreamcatchers were traditionally hung over children’s beds to trap their nightmares.Expansion//
•During the 60s and 70s, the making of dreamcatchers became popular with other Native tribes, such as the Pueblo, Navajo, Lakota and Cherokee peoples. But as far as I’ve seen, the Ojibwe are the only traditional creators before the ‘pan-indian’ movement.Symbolism//
•Dreamcatchers are a very popular gift among native peoples. They symbolize peace, the unity of all Natives and are often considered sweet gifts given out of love.Modernization//
•Nowadays you’ll often find them with beads, colored leather, and multiple feathers hanging from the frame. Every Native Reservation produces and sells dreamcatchers, it seems. You can buy them at almost every powwow.
•While traditionally hung above a bed frame, now they can be found as home decor and even on rear view mirror of cars. Some Natives view the dreamcatcher as the Christian equivalent of cheap plastic crosses sold at malls.
•Sadly, outside of certified Native-made stores and powwows, dreamcatchers are often made and mass produced by underpaid workers who are not Native and do not practice Medicine in Asian sweatshops. These are cheap imitations and are insulting to our history and beliefs.How it works//
•Every Native has the Medicine. It lives and comes from our Puyvfekcv, the fire within. There are specific people in each tribe, clan, and village who devote their lives to the practice and preservation of the Medicine. In my tribe, they are called the Heleshayv, the healers.
•When a Native weaves a dreamcatcher, they are honoring Grandmother Spider and requesting her aid in the banishment of unpleasant dreams. I guess one could say that it is a form of prayer, and a request for blessing. The Native uses Medicine when they create, and so too is true with the dream catcher.
•Plastic, cheap, non-native made reproductions of dreamcatchers, in my extensive experience, do not work.
•A dreamcatcher should, in my experience, be cleansed in smoke and prayer every once in a while, because the dreamcatchers duty is to trap nightmares. So when too many accumulate, where are they supposed to go? They will often escape through the center and return from whence they came.Appropriation//
•I do not recommend non-Natives owning a dreamcatcher, do to the religious and ceremonial ties to Native history that they carry. Much like frybread and spirit animals/totems, they have become a universally Native entity, carrying the spirit of Union amongst our people, and peace.
•Also, if you are not Native, regularly cleansing a dreamcatcher can be difficult, as Grandmother Spider is part of our closed traditions, as is the sacred practice of Smudging, which is often used to cleanse it.
•If you absolutely MUST have a piece of our culture, you must buy Native, or receive it from a Native as a gift. It will have no Medicine and will not work if you buy that cheap mass produced reproduction you see in gift shops. Don’t do it.
•Respect the Spirit of the Dreamcatcher. •Respect Native culture.
•Respect our wishes.
•Respect us.Thank you for reading! Mvto!
Is making your own dreamcatcher disrespectful too? I’d never but a mass made, and if I were to I’d do it at a craft shop, although I never did cos I never felt I needed or wanted one, but lately I’ve been thinking about making one with my own hands.
All parts of the authentic Native American dreamcatcher have meaning tied to the natural world. The shape of the dreamcatcher is a circle because it represents the circle of life and how forces like the sun and moon travel each day and night across the sky. The dreamcatcher web catches the bad dreams during the night and dispose of them when the day comes. As for the good dreams, the feathers act as a fluffy, pillow-like ladder that allows them to gently descend upon the sleeping person undisturbed. There is some contention when it comes to the meaning of the beads that often decorate the dreamcatcher. According to some American Indians, the beads symbolize the spider—the web weaver itself. Others believe the beads symbolize the good dreams that could not pass through the web, immortalized in the form of sacred charms.
The feathers and beads attached to the dream catcher also serve as conduits for positive energy, guiding uplifting messages into the dreamer's subconscious mind. When creating a Wiccan dream catcher, it is important to set specific intentions and infuse it with personal energy. This can be done through meditation, visualization, and focusing on the desired outcomes. Some Wiccans may also choose to include symbols, herbs, or crystals that correspond to their specific intentions or desires. Using a Wiccan dream catcher is not a guarantee of positive dreams or experiences, as dream content is highly subjective and can be influenced by various factors. However, many Wiccans find comfort and empowerment in the symbolism and ritualistic nature of dream catchers, and believe that they can serve as powerful tools in their spiritual journey. Overall, Wiccan dream catchers are an expression of the belief in the interconnectedness of the spiritual and physical realms. They offer a means of protection and guidance within the dream realm, allowing individuals to explore their subconscious mind and receive insights from the spiritual realm. Whether used for personal growth, divination, or simply as a decorative object, Wiccan dream catchers hold a special place in Wiccan practices and beliefs..
Reviews for "Exploring Different Materials for Wiccan Dream Catchers"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I recently read "Wiccan Dream Catcher" and was very disappointed. The plot was confusing and lacked depth. It seemed like the author was trying to include too many paranormal elements without fleshing them out properly. The characters were also one-dimensional and I found it hard to connect with any of them. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and wouldn't recommend this book to others.
2. Mark - 1 star - "Wiccan Dream Catcher" was a complete waste of my time. The writing style was amateurish, with awkward phrasing and repetitive descriptions. The story dragged on and I struggled to maintain interest. Furthermore, the protagonist was incredibly unlikeable, making it even harder to connect with the story. I found myself constantly questioning the logic behind the events and ultimately regretted reading this book. Save yourself the trouble and choose a different read.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Wiccan Dream Catcher" but was ultimately let down. The pacing of the story was incredibly slow and lacked suspense. The characters, especially the main one, lacked depth and development. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to immerse myself in the story. Overall, the book fell flat and did not captivate me at all. I would not recommend it to others who are looking for an engaging paranormal read.