Shepherd

Being in contact with instinctive or feeling reactions in you – the sheep; the Self. A carer and support – especially for those less capable than the shepherd/oneself. Also the ability to care for or lead a group. See: farmer; Archetype of the Christ.

There are several possibilities here depending on the character of your dream. It is also linked with the age old image of the Good Shepherd, the guide and shepherd of human souls, caring and watching over their wanderings. It can therefore indicate unconditional love transcending human life. It can also be a very down to earth image of looking after your basic needs.

It can therefore indicate unconditional love transcending human life. But remember that the shepherd cares for the sheep to provide food for him and others. He is carer and killer.

 Example: I walked past a married couple who were walking up the hill too. As I passed I heard them say something about a shepherd. Looking up the hill I saw the sheep, then The Shepherd. A beautiful aura of many colours surrounded The Shepherd. I looked and felt joy and exuberance rise in me, and I ran to the couple saying it was THE SHEPHERD.

Example: The shepherd has a staff. He takes the staff and reaches out beyond the periphery of the cave to the pew in the church where I am kneeling and crooks the staff around my neck, pulling me inside the cave. At first I am frightened and pull away from him. I tug at the staff but it is no use and I am drawn inside the cave. Once there I am a different person… everything inside me seems to be connected and I feel very sure of my actions. I reach down into the cradle of straw and cuddle the Baby in my arms. His Mother smiles her approval but as she does so her smile changes into that of the Hermit and then into the cherubic face of the small Baby God … they are all one… I am deeply moved and wake up crying.