White Snake May Be a Sign of Healing

Dear Cynthia: My mother, who has cancer, has a dream every other night of a white snake with a pink tongue that eats a chicken. Could you share anything on this?

--INTERESTED READER

Dear Reader: A snake can represent a number of things in the language of dreams. One very promising interpretation, under the circumstances you describe, is that of a healing. Because the snake sheds its skin periodically, it is associated with renewal and rebirth. In China, snake amulets, embroidered on pieces of cloth, were worn by children for protection against illness. Native Americans associate the snake with transformation. And the caduceus is the medical emblem made up of a staff with one or two snakes coiled around it. Snakes are also associated with wisdom, cunning and temptation.

White represents purity and protection and is the color of the blood cells needed to fight cancer cells. Pink is innocence. The tongue of the snake may represent the language it “speaks.” In this case, purity of heart.

“Chicken” is slang for someone who lacks courage. Perhaps an editorial comment from your mother’s subconscious. Apparently, she sees the cancer as weak and lacking courage, like a chicken. And she sees her treatment as wise, cunning and healing, like a snake. A patient’s attitude is thought to be extremely important to the success of any treatment. Your mother’s dream seems encouraging.

*

Dear Cynthia: Why does my husband of 29 years dream about me (usually getting lost or separated from him in a public place), yet I rarely dream about him or any family member? I am far more likely to dream about work colleagues or situations in which I only recognize myself, not people close to me. Why this difference?

--LINNEA BUCHER

Dear Linnea: Your husband may be dreaming of you and you may also represent all women to him! You could be a symbol of the characteristics he sees in you. And it is possible that he worries about protecting you. You, on the other hand, may not have any particular stress where your husband is concerned. You may then dream of those you do have a conflict or situation with.

*

Cynthia Richmond is the author of “Dream Power, How to Use Your Night Dreams to Change Your Life” (Simon & Schuster, 2000). Fax your dreams to Cynthia Richmond at (818) 783-3267 or e-mail them to in.your.dreams@worldnet.att.net. Please include your hometown and a daytime phone number. “In Your Dreams” appears every Tuesday and should be read for entertainment purposes only.