The image of an animal totem representing a Native American medicine man comes to me on “Dream Radio.” His name is mentioned, and I hear him described as “3rd most powerful,” in other words, not the biggest medicine. I make a papier maché figure of his totem, and show it to some people, saying I could do my art like this; listening to the “Radio” and making images. The image is a big black dog, like a black Labrador Retriever with a worn red collar, carrying a black crow in its mouth. The crow is hanging from a hook which the dog holds in its mouth.
I woke up from this dream, and began making my morning tea. A big black crow was walking in my front yard, and flew up in front of my window. It was a magical feeling. Some interpretation follows the image:
Original Entry for Hanging Crow
This was my first month in the Glen Ellen cabin. It was in this house that I descended into the full depth of my depression, before I moved to Lagunitas, and my father died. In this context, the black Lab could be seen as the functional part of me, carrying the black crow hanging from the hook – the depressed self. The illustration shows that, after I made tea, and began writing, as was my custom, I failed to remember the medicine man’s name, even though it is pretty obviously Hanging Crow. But there is much more here: The helpful presence of the spirit world is striking, and a way to approach my art-making is suggested.
I like this dream. I see your sadness, judging by the comments you make. In one respect, the symbol of the dog being loyalty, you may be thinking of your father and the gift of power that the crow represents; you are showing him your loyalty, and fortifying him with the power he needs to move on to the next world. Lots more, maybe appreciation? Love? On another level, the hook may represent that you’ve detached from your own power, perhaps through your grieving.
I like the dog, he’s trying to demonstrate to Your Higher Self that you are willing to continue on your artist’s path. Whatever happens, you are loyal to Your Higher Self, and shall continue to create and express your gifts, despite your losses. There may be a momentary halt in your output, but not for long, in the context of the real world. Who are the first two medicine people? A Trinity?
Just to make this clear, the dream is an old one, dated November 13, 1996. I usually backdate old dreams, so they appear in chronological order, but felt like placing this one on the front page. Maybe it would be more in context in its proper position. At the time I dreamed about Hanging Crow, I was headed into the worst of my depression, and my father would still be alive for another year and a half. It is interesting that you ask the obvious question, “Who are the other 2 medicine people?” I never wondered about this, oddly enough.