My Dream of Peisinoë…
An Enigma of the Sea by Elihu Vedder_Library of Congress Call No. LC-D416-489_Prints and Photographs Division, Washington D.C.
“Analysis does not set out to make pathological reactions impossible, but to give the patient’s ego freedom to decide one way or another.” ***Sigmund Freud
A few days ago, my niece brought over a silver sound machine she has. The machine plugs into the wall, and can play ten distinct sounds. That is all this contraption does. I was intrigued by the small machine when she plugged it in, and she insisted that I listen to the “heartbeat.” I asked her if I could use her oddity for a week. So a couple of nights ago, I put the machine by my bed when I went to sleep. I experimented with the sounds, and the volume, and then finally selected the “ocean waves” setting. Funny, but I had some of the most peaceful sleep that night. I also had some of the most tranquil dreams that I have experienced in a long while. I actually had yet another dream about the water. On this night it was the ocean, and there was a mermaid siren. I was prompted to write about her.
Peisinoë was one of many sirens in Greek mythology. She had the power to captivate, and siren actually means “those who bind.” Persuading first with her mind, then her musical lyre and siren call. Peisinoë relied little on her beauty. As a siren, she was one of several nymphs hailing from the sea. Many believed that she lured seafarers into danger with her alluring siren call, thus insuring their death. Just a few believe she was actually a guide, providing mental refuge. I prefer to consider the latter. So often we get caught up in the face value of so many things in life. We forget that everything can be broken down into basic ideas, or the very essence of cognitive content. Most people would see a siren simply as a woman, and neglect the symbols which she is comprised of, and which surround her. So let’s start a deeper investigation by attaching primary symbols to my siren.
Water:
Water is an ancient symbol of knowledge, and a spiritual symbol of healing, fertility, life, birth and rebirth. In ancient Mesopotamia, the people believed that water represented wisdom. In India, water is identified with reaching Nirvana. Water holds ancient symbolic meanings dealing with the subconscious, and the depth of knowledge. Since we are unsure what may lurk in the ocean, water represents what is surely present, but can’t be seen.
A friend once told me about the book Animal-Speak: The Spiritual and Magical Powers of Creatures Great and Small by Ted Andrews. I purchased the book many years ago when I became interested in the meaning of birds and feathers. In the Augury and the Meaning of Landscapes, Andrews says that “ocean, and water in general, is a dynamic force. It is constantly in transition, and it can reflect the same within your life. The totems of it can reveal how best to work with those transitions. The ocean is also the sum of total possibilities.” (pg 63)
Fish:
Fish of course live in the water. They are symbols of fertility, eternity, creativity, unity (Koi fish), knowledge and transformation. In Greco-Roman mythology, Heros and Aphrodite transformed into fish to flee from the atrocious Typhon. In Celtic mythology, the fish was a symbol of prophecy, inspiration, wisdom and knowledge. In Buddhism, the fish is a symbol of happiness and freedom. Both the scales of a fish, and water have reflective properties. The power of reflection allows us a closer look at ourselves, and the nature of our existence.
Sound:
In his book, Andrews has a chapter titled Reading Signs and Omens in Nature. Some of the “steps to facilitate your ability to reopen communication and to develop augury,” include “the calls, chatter, and other sounds of animals.” (pg 47) Listening to a call, even if it be that of a symbolic siren may prove useful in the decision making process.
Today, if you tell someone you hear a siren, this signals danger. In my waking life, a siren is a warning device. A blaring siren call means avoid something, or to think safety, or turn the other way. When I was dreaming, Peisinoë’s siren call was intended to usher me, and to provide a sanctuary for my intellect. She was not there to hurt me. Peisinoë’s symbols are profound, and capture so much more than the power of her enchanting beauty. Sometimes, we just need to stop looking. We just need to listen and feel…
“Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.” ***Carl Jung
The Song of Sirens by Udo J. Keppler_Library of Congress Call No. AP101.P7 1904_Prints and Photographs Division, Washington D.C.
