For our last unit of the term, we were assigned to build our own dream catcher, write an explanation of the dream-catcher, and its symbolization. The purpose of this action project was to help us become aware of our emotions and take a journey in our own psyche. I have been intrigued by my journey into the structure of my own psyche, the unconscious.
My filter
A dream-catcher is a handmade object based on a willow hoop, on which is woven a loose net or web. Dream-catchers were used in Native American culture as a protective charms (Wikipedia). The original web dream-catcher of the Ojibwa was intended to teach natural wisdom, and eventually to protect children. Woven by their grandmothers and grandfathers, dream-catchers were hung above the cradles of children, giving the infants beautiful dreams and protecting them from negative ones (Dream-catchers).
The Ojibwa also believed that the dream-catcher was given to them by Iktomi, the Spider. The web in the center of the dream-catcher would allow the good ideas to pass through and the bad ones to be trapped. The web was used to help people reach their goals by making good use of their ideas, dreams and visions. My dreamcatcher will essentially act as a coffee brewer, which filters and allows the flavor of coffee and water through while stopping the coffee grounds.
The web will act as a filter blocking the negativity and allowing the positivity through. My dreamcatcher is like the web given by Iktomi because I want it to trap negative emotions and actions such as, anger, frustration, and unkindness, and allow positive behavior to come through, like positive attitude, thoughtfulness, and cheerfulness.
Also, my dreamcatcher will act as a filter between my conscious and unconscious mind. It filters my ideas, and helps me organize my thoughts and choose which thoughts will occupy my mind. On a physical and mental level, the dreamcatcher will help me have a routine that promotes good health. My dreamcatcher can be of great use in dream interpretations. It will take the right message, like in one of my recent dreams, that I can rise to a challenge. It will block the fear of having to fight. The dreamcatcher will be a good force that will steer me in the right direction and protect me against pain and misfortune.
I used lots of materials to create my dreamcatcher. I used metal rings, two different colored feathers, yarn, strings, and beads, which I got from Michael’s craft store and family and friends.
STEPS:
- Gather your supplies
- Wrap the yarn around the metal rings. Wrap it around five or eight times depending on your preference.
- Make the web. Tie one end of the nylon string to the yarn. Make eight knots evenly dispersed around the ring, being sure to keep the thread taut between knots.
- Make a second row. Place a new knot centered between the knots of the previous one
- Weave a web. Continue as instructed in step in 4, until a small hole remains in the center, then secure it with a final double knot.
- Ornaments. Grab a bunch of feathers only wrap the end around with yarn, and string beads on the yarn. Then tie one end in a knot and tie the other end onto the dreamcatcher. If I had more materials, I would of decorated more
- Make a hanger. Thread a small piece of yarn, through the top of the dreamcatcher to create a loop for hanging
- Hang the dreamcatcher in your window
I wish I had had more materials. If I had had more beads, I would have had three sets of yarn strings. The web-like center catches negativity, and allows all the positive things to pass through. The feathers on my dreamcatcher are like soft ladders for the good dreams to gently glide down and enter my mind. My dreamcatcher is decorated with sacred items such as feathers and beads. The beads have a dark mark in the middle symbolizing eyes watching over my mind, and the furry yarn is a symbol of my fear of having short hair.
WORK CITED
Wikipedia contributors. “Dreamcatcher.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 21 Feb. 2013. Web. 5 Mar. 2013.
“Understanding the Dream Catcher Legend.” Dream Catchers History and Legend. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Mar. 2013. URL <www.dream-catchers.org>