◇ Depends on the scene Lucky or not depending on the scene — see "In this scene" below
Calling forth unseen powers: dormant ability or a wish for help. The wanted being appearing is lucky; something uncontrollable warns you are unprepared.
Category: The uncanny (how to read this category)
Psychology
Summoning may express a wish to call up hidden strength or forgotten feelings. In Jungian terms, beings in dreams can be archetypes taking form; what you summon may show what you feel you lack.
Folklore and history
Europe has a tradition of grimoires said to explain how to call angels or demons, widely copied in early modern times. In Japan, onmyoji were said to command spirit servants called shikigami. Both traditions demand correct rites and resolve.
Haunted-spot exploration drains a phone fast between filming, recording, checking maps, and using it as a flashlight, and running out of battery in the dark on site is a serious problem. This power bank has a built-in cable so you can't forget one, plus a display that shows the remaining charge at a glance.
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This site's view
In this site's view, what matters is whether the being obeyed. If it did, you are ready for new power; if it ran wild, a plan or feeling may be spreading beyond control. It may be time to think about how to send things back, not just call them.
Going deeper: our reading
In old Japan it was customary to avoid speaking the real names of high-ranking people and to use other titles, since a name was thought to touch the person themselves. In stories of summoning, too, being able to call something by its true name is often the crucial moment; calling something forth may be close to calling it by name. In this site's reading, the dream reflects your mind trying to name the strength you most need now. A familiar person or reassuring presence answering your call suggests you can finally admit openly that you want support. Being unable to remember the name of what you wanted to call shows you are not yet clear what you truly want. This is our speculation, but something appearing uncalled means feelings or abilities growing inside you are waiting to be named. On waking, try giving your present feeling a one-word name.
What to do on waking
Think of one thing you wish someone would help with, and send that person a short message.
In this scene
- ◎Good Enjoying the strange: your intuition is sharp (good)
- ▲Warn Too scared to escape: swept by a worry you cannot name (warning)
- Using strange powers yourself: sleeping talent, or a wish to change
- It felt good: the lucky reading gets stronger
- ▲Warn It felt frightening or painful: the warning reading gets stronger — rest first
- The same dream again and again: something your mind has not settled yet
Turning a bad dream
In Japan, people once tried to turn a worrying dream for the better: a baku charm under the pillow, telling the dream to a nandina bush, or reciting an old dream-turning poem. Read the column on dream trading and dream-turning
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FAQ
Q. Is dreaming of summoning a good or bad sign?
A. Lucky or not depending on the scene — see "In this scene" below. Calling forth unseen powers: dormant ability or a wish for help. The wanted being appearing is lucky; something uncontrollable warns you are unprepared.
Q. Why do I keep dreaming of summoning?
A. A recurring dream usually points to something your mind has not settled yet. Research suggests such dreams tend to stop once the underlying worry is resolved. Keeping a dream diary helps you notice what triggers it.
Q. What should I do after dreaming of summoning?
A. Think of one thing you wish someone would help with, and send that person a short message.
Related dream essays
- True Dreams and Reverse Dreams: Why We Read Dreams Backwards
- Buying Dreams, Turning Dreams: A Japanese History of Dream Trading and Dream Charms
Read this dream with your own scene in the Dream Dictionary →
More dreams in "The uncanny"
- Chased by a Monster
- Eating a Person
- Telling Fortunes
- A Prophecy
- The Underworld Below
- An Andon Lamp
- A Sacrifice
- Black Magic
- White Magic
- Astrology
- Palm Reading
- The Death Tarot Card
※ Dream interpretation here is entertainment drawing on psychology and folklore — it is not scientifically proven. "This site's view" is our own interpretation.
