The legendary Indian amulet is a dream catcher. Description, types and meanings of talismans and how to choose and use?

Origin and magical meaning of the amulet – Dream Catcher

The amulet became popular in the 60-70s. 20th century against the background of interest in ethnic, in particular Indian, subjects. A beautiful talisman in the form of a ring with a cobweb inside, decorated with beads and feathers, will appeal to lovers of interesting decor. However, in addition to its unusual appearance, this amulet also has magical properties.

As a sacred amulet, the dream catcher has been known since ancient times. Different tribes of North American Indians, as well as peoples of Siberia, had similar items. According to assumptions, amulets appeared in different parts of the world independently of each other.

The origin of the Siberian amulet remains unclear. It is only known that it was used by shamans to establish contact with the other world and receive signals from it through dreams. There are several legends regarding the appearance of North American varieties of dream catchers.

Similar amulets were present in several tribes at once: Ojibwe, Lakota, Cree, Huron, Navajo, Cherokee, Iroquois. Each of them considered their people to be the creators of the first catcher. Only recently has it been finally established that the right to primacy belongs to the Ojibwe.

All tribes have their own legends regarding the origin of the dream catcher. The most common of them:

1. A Lakota elder once climbed to the top of a mountain and began to meditate . He saw a vision of a wise spirit in the form of a Spider, with whom the man was discussing the “circle of life.” The teacher told the elder that a newborn comes into the world, he grows up, has his own children, who also become older. Thus, the “circle of life” is endless and cyclical. During the conversation, Spider made a willow hoop as a symbol of this process. Inside he placed a web with a hole in the center. According to the Teacher, his creation symbolized the many roads encountered on the path of life. The right choices and thoughts should have led to the center of the web, while the wrong ones would have become entangled in the threads. The spider ordered the elder to use the amulet for protection in a dream, as a talisman against the encroachment of evil spirits, nightmares and bad thoughts. It was believed that negative dreams and thoughts get stuck in the weave, not finding their way to the center and burn out with the first rays of the sun.
2. The Indian goddess Spider Woman, who connects all living things with the threads of her network and controls the Universe, was also the personification of maternal protection . She worried about the people of her tribe, cared about them. Every morning the goddess wove a web from dawn sparks and caught the sun, returning light and warmth to people. When the tribe grew and spread over great distances, she could no longer keep track of everyone. Therefore, the goddess ordered the Indians to make small cobwebs, enclosed in a circle of willow twigs, and hang them near the bed and on cradles. The design was supposed to weed out evil, nightmares, and return the sun to the house.

Where to place the amulet

If we talk about where to hang the dream catcher, then it should be placed in the room where the person sleeps.
There are two options for its location. The first way is to hang the amulet above the bed. Most often, the talisman is hung above the children's sleeping place.

The second option is to hang the amulet on the window in the bedroom. The fact is that one belief says that dreams enter the apartment through the window. Consequently, the catcher will catch them at the entrance to the apartment and will miss only good and good dreams.

In addition, the amulet must be hung in such a way that direct rays of the sun fall on it during the day. They will help cleanse the amulet of accumulated negativity. If the rays do not hit the talisman, then all the evil that it catches will accumulate in it and eventually it will pass to the person in a dream.

In any case, it is better to hang the amulet in its natural form.

What types of dream catchers are there?

Dream catchers differ from each other in appearance. The difference is observed in the shape of the sacred object, the weaving technique, the number of threads and their attachment to the base. The differences are due to the fact that the author of each species was its own tribe, which had special traditions, rules for its creation, and sometimes the purpose was different. The main types of amulet, based on the form:

1. round;
2. spiral;
3. three-dimensional;
4. double;
5. in the form of a doll.

Round amulets are the most common and are considered a classic version of catchers. Amulets of this type have a base hoop, inside of which threads are wound; sometimes there are additional attributes in the form of feathers, beads, stones, fur, pieces of plants, etc. The circle symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, infinity or the movement of the sun across the sky. There is also a division within this group:

• Ojibwe dream catchers. It is recognized that this tribe is the author of the first dream catchers. The spider was considered the patron spirit of the Ojibwe. Initially, animal sinews were used instead of threads. The weaving has an appearance very close to a real web, through which good dreams should penetrate.

Such amulets have a strictly regulated number of points for attaching threads to the hoop. There may be 7, 8 or 12 of them . In the first case, the number of dots symbolizes the 7 prophets from the tribal legend. If there are 8 fastenings, then this means the number of spider legs. 12 dots symbolize temporal cyclicity. The network can be without beads or with one, meaning a spider sitting in the network. There is only one feather, hanging on a thread from the center of the structure, or it is missing.

• Cree dreamcatchers . Generally similar to Ojibwe amulets. The weaving closely matches the natural web; there are no decorations.

• Navajo trappers . The most common option that can be seen everywhere. It is also the easiest to create yourself. Weaving is more reminiscent of a network; in the center there is always a hole for the passage of good dreams and thoughts to the owner. There may be a varying number of feathers, beads, and other decorations.

• Catchers Kytgyem (translated as “trap”). They are shamanic attributes of the peoples of Siberia. The weave includes 18 threads and has 36 attachment points to the hoop. The color of the fiber spokes can be dark blue or black, which symbolizes the Earth. The threads located on top of them are laid out in a spiral and have a red tone. They symbolize the movement of the midnight sun (the luminary in the land of dreams) across the sky.

The center of the weaving is shifted upward, from which comes a leather cord with fur tassels. Three similar threads come from the bottom of the hoop. A bait in the form of a piece of fur, leather, cloth soaked in blood, a tuft of wool, etc. is tied to the center. Figures of magical animals, stones, and beads can be placed in any quantity and area of ​​the amulet.

This type of catcher is not intended to ward off any visions. His task is to collect energy, thoughts, manifestations of otherworldly influence during the daytime, strengthen them and transfer them to the shaman during sleep . A person receives a kind of enhanced dreams, including nightmares, in which he sees clues from the Universe that need interpretation, or develops strength and will.

• The spiral dream catcher is part of the Ojibwe culture. Its second name is “Seven Lights”, named after an Indian prophecy. It is believed that it symbolizes the stages of human development, the unity of people, as well as man and nature. This is an open amulet. The base has the shape of a spiral, weaving is done in the usual way. A cord is attached to the top, with a feather at the end. Can be decorated with various beads and figures. The bad gets entangled in the threads, the good goes down the cord to the sleeper.

• The three-dimensional catcher is a connection at right angles of 2 wooden hoops. Each of them contains a weaving network. Its second name is “two paths - one road.” It is considered a family amulet, made for a wedding or to enhance the protection of loving hearts. In this amulet, the power of two elements is collected into a single path that leads to happiness and harmony. Also, due to the fact that the halves of each of the rims face the 4 cardinal directions, it is assumed that their powers bestow their benefits on the family.

• A double dream catcher suggests that part of the hoop of one amulet overlaps the second. It is also possible to place a smaller hoop inside a larger one. It has a similar design to classic catchers, however, according to the Indians, its strength is twice that of a regular one.

• Catchers in the form of pupae are characteristic of Slavic peoples . They were made from fabric, folded in a special way into the shape of a person, or from wooden twigs, covered with a piece of fabric or threads. The amulets did not have a face painted on them; they could be decorated with colored ropes, tied on top of the branches. Catchers drove away nightmares, attracted good dreams, and were often used near children's beds.

DIY manufacturing technology

Anyone can make such an amulet. The dream catcher has a simple structure and you don’t need to think long about how to make it. The main thing is to have everything you need for work on hand.

A simple rule must be taken into account - all materials in the amulet must be natural. This is the only way to get a good effect from the product and have a connection with nature.

Tools and materials

To work, you need to prepare a wooden base. A willow twig is best suited for this; it bends well into a circle. If you don’t have one, you can use a hoop or another wooden circle.

Then you need to find a thick thread or cord, beads and feathers. Everything should be from natural materials. The thread is better made of cotton or wool, and the beads can be wooden, stone or bone. You can also use beads made from expensive stones, which have their own magical powers.

Feathers are needed from living birds lost during molting; feathers from a dead bird are not allowed. They can be painted any color, but use natural dyes. The best feathers for women are owl feathers, and for men - eagle feathers.

Manufacturing stages

In order to make a dream catcher amulet with your own hands, you need to take the following steps:

1. Take a cord or thread and wrap it tightly around a hoop or willow branch. In this case, one end should remain free by 10 cm.
2. When the circle is completely wrapped, the ends of the cord are tied together. They can then be used for hanging.
3. The next step is weaving the pattern. A thread is tied on the resulting circle and strengthened so that it does not run around the hoop.
4. Next, you need to attach the threads in the same way around the entire circumference at the same distance from each other. In the center they are all tied into a knot. The excess is cut off.
5. Each thread is then woven with another thread around the circumference to form a series of webs.
6. Several rows are performed at the same distance to the very center.
7. During the weaving process, you can thread beads onto the threads. They can be arranged randomly or in a specific order as desired.
8. The thread is tied in the center and attached with glue, the excess is cut off.
9. At the end, tie the feathers. They can be distributed around the circumference or tied in one bunch.

Hang the finished amulet in the right place. If a person does not have magical knowledge, let the talisman simply be next to the bed and protect sleep. It is not recommended to use it in rituals.

How the color of the amulet affects its properties

Color is one of the main characteristics of the amulet, and also determines its properties. The shade may be present in threads, decorative winding of a ring, feathers, figurines, drawings, beads. It is advisable to choose naturally colored elements, as well as tones that combine meaning in different details. The meaning of the main colors for the catcher is presented in the table:

For coloring, the Indians used berry and fruit juice, crushed minerals, coal, tree bark and leaves, flowers, and moss.

Color Meanings

To weave an exclusive dream catcher with your own hands, you will need detailed instructions in which each point is described step by step. But before that, you need to decide on the shape of the future decorative element, as well as its color scheme. In Indian philosophy, each shade was assigned its own sacred meaning, which enhanced the specific properties of the talisman. Let's get acquainted with the meanings of the primary colors:

1. White symbolizes chastity, success and purification. It is used to unite positive energy, and also as a conductor of light into human life. All shades of white are able to charge their owner from the inside, cleanse them of negativity and activate the positive effect of any amulet. It also means innocence.
2. Green, considered the color of the immortality of the human soul. It helps a person achieve their goals, charging them with positive emotions. The main interpretation of the shade is softness, depth of the universe and inexhaustible faith.
3. Red, representing the power of flame, activity and the sensual energy of passion. It has a beneficial effect on the human biofield, activates creative impulses and helps in the development of willpower.
4. Purple, symbolizing the boundlessness of the depth of mutual understanding, the power of human intelligence, the mentality of everything around us and the constant hope for the best. Our ancestors believed that this particular shade personified the immortal soul. It helps in making important decisions, balances the internal state and helps in meditation.
5. Black is a symbol of peace, tranquility and all-consuming mystery. This is the color of the Absolute, releasing the hidden facets of feminine power and natural intuition. It allows you to develop fortitude, learn to listen to your inner voice and notice the signs of fate.
6. Blue, clearing the human mind of confusion, filling it with positivity and opening up limitless space for inspiration. This is the color of truth, filled with peace and ease. All shades of blue allow you to develop esoteric abilities and practice clairvoyance.
7. Pink, promoting the awakening of boundless love for life. He personifies the genuineness of living emotions, absolute tenderness and kindness. Helps improve your personal life and learn to appreciate every moment.
8. Blue is the color of spiritual renewal. Its key meaning is wisdom, stability, infinity of depth and security. This color helps to balance all vital aspects, achieve spiritual renewal and develop intuitive skills.
9. Yellow, capable of healing both the spirit and body of a person. The sacred meaning of the shade is the acquisition of meaning, admiration, flexibility of mind and freedom of thought.
10. Orange is the color of the sun and the continuous movement of existence. It balances the feminine and masculine perception of life, awakens sensuality and gives joy.

Before you make your own dream catcher, choose colors that suit your personal preferences. This can be several shades, the meaning of which will help you balance certain areas of life. In this case, your trap will be most effective.

Important!

Experts do not recommend making the amulet too bright, because it will attract very realistic and incredibly colorful dreams to its owner. Because of this, a person may lose peace and the next morning there will be a feeling of chronic lack of sleep or nervous tension.

The influence of the catcher on the house and the owner of the amulet

Most types of catchers perform the function of a talisman. They attract the spirits of sleep, while allowing good ones to penetrate the owner’s visions. Evil forces become entangled in a network and burn out with the first rays of the sun. With the help of a catcher, you can protect yourself from insomnia, fears and phobias.

Also, catchers do not allow negative and unreasonable thoughts to lead the owner astray. It is believed that amulets also save from diseases. Some versions of amulets help develop creative abilities, attracting successful ideas.

Asian amulets, for example kytgyem, unlike most others, not only attract spirits, but enhance their effect on a person, without eliminating evil influences.

Do you use such a talisman?

Three-dimensional amulets support the unity of loving hearts, help to find a common path and overcome any problems in relationships.

Types of “dream catchers” and their meaning

In films, in various pictures and on store shelves, you can most often see the most standard “dream catcher”, the appearance of which is known to everyone. And this is the Navajo mascot. It is woven according to the North American model and is a classic among “dream catchers”.

The weaving technique is as simple as the mechanism of operation. The central hole is needed for good spirits to penetrate through it, but bad spirits survive in the web until the first rays of the sun, and with their arrival they burn out.

The web of this catcher can be woven according to two principles: one is basic, other methods are based on it, the second resembles a real web.

However, weaving is not much different.

The amulets of the inhabitants of Siberia are called Kytgyem. They are almost as popular as the first variety. The shamans of Siberia practice foreseeing the future in dreams, and “catchers” are needed to help them with this, establishing a connection with the spirits that make any dream more realistic.

The willow hoop of this “catcher” is trimmed with fur. It is needed to keep spirits stuck in the web. At night they descend to the shaman’s head, appearing in his visions in various guises. For this you need a “dream catcher” above the bed. When it hangs there, it is easier for the spirits to descend along the central cord. Dreams with such a talisman are not just night dreams, but real resistance. Many images appear before the shaman, and not all of them carry positive emotions. The sleeper, thanks to the spirits, falls into a lucid dream. This is the most common technique among Siberian shamans.

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Such a trap not only gives a person protection from nightmares, but also teaches him to fight and motivates him to win. The images that fill the vision are not always pleasant, but they help immerse the shaman in full awareness of himself in a dream. He feels like he's sleeping. This mindfulness technique is the most common among witches, but the untrained person should approach it with caution.

Important attributes in this variety are fur and threads. There is even a special diagram of how to weave a net correctly. Moreover, color also plays an important role. 36 threads of dark blue or black - guides. They are obligatory and symbolize the Earth and Middle Mars. On the left side there is a spiral of red threads. It characterizes the Midnight Sun, the luminary of the kingdom of Morpheus. The center, trimmed with fur, attracts spirits, and four leather laces are their descents, the knots representing the power of intention.

Experts at the Witch's Happiness store recommend:

Dream catcher “Three owls” Dream catcher with images of owls

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Dream catcher "Crocus" Dream catcher in the shades of the spring crocus flower

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Dream catcher “Winter is Coming” Handmade dream catcher

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There are other types of dream catchers, but they are less well known. For example, the “dream catchers” of the Ojibwe tribe. To weave them, two techniques are used: “Web” and “Seven Lights” .

Ojibwe "Web" weaving is based, like most other techniques, on the classic version of the Navaja Indians. There is no need to be cunning in this technique, everything is extremely simple and does not require tricks. Although this option is based on classic weaving, it works in the same way as Kytgyema. But their difference is that these types of traps still do not release bad dreams. The good ones descend along the feathers to the sleeping person and delight him. The Ojibwe “Web,” like the “Siberian Trapper,” has clear canons according to which talismans are created. Let's say the number of sectors should be 7 or 12, a “window” in the center and a pebble next to it.

“Seven Fires” follows the Navajo principle, but operates in a completely different way. Among the Indian tribes there is a prophecy about the "Seven Fires". These lights are the seven ages that were predicted by the seven prophets. That is why the peculiarity of the “catcher” is such that, unlike other types, he weaves not in a closed circle, but in a spiral, reflecting seven eras. The spiral also symbolizes the unity of man with nature and with other people. The prediction also mentioned cowrie shells; they personified the right path, which is why in the “Seven Lights” they often serve as an alternative to beads.

Decorating a dream catcher - what feathers and beads are suitable

Feathers and beads are not only a decorative element. The last detail, if it is alone on the web, symbolizes the spider. Four beads represent the cardinal directions or elements, the larger number represent drops of dew or stuck dreams. Such parts are made from wood, stone, and it is permissible to use beads. It is not recommended to take plastic or other artificial options. Depending on the type of stone, the meaning of the bead may vary, especially for precious materials. The shape of the beads and the number of edges do not matter.

The feather must be natural and dropped by a living bird, and not taken from a dead one.

It is precisely because of this attribute that good thoughts and dreams descend to the owner of the amulet, silently, so as not to wake him up. It is believed that owl feathers are more suitable for women, and eagle feathers for men. The meaning of the detail varies depending on the type of bird:

• Crow . Means wisdom, protection, knowledge, creativity, development. It is also a symbol of the future warrior.
• Goose . His feather means family, support, mutual assistance.
• Woodpecker . Gives relief from diseases, attracts wealth, protects the chosen ones, develops hidden inclinations.
• Ostrich . A symbol of justice, truth, true knowledge.
• Sokol . A sign of passion, adventure, leadership, protection and perspective.

Beautiful talisman “Web for Dreams” - Master class No. 2

This instruction explains in detail the process of how to create a triangular or eight-pointed amulet. Even a beginner can do it, because the weaving technique does not require specific knowledge and skills. Let's start!

author MK Forest way

We will need:

• a twig of willow, birch or willow;
• any threads that you enjoy working with;
• beads made of wood or stones;
• thick needle (options for embroidery are not suitable);
• glue with a transparent texture, scissors and a good mood.

Prepare all the materials and lay them out on the table. Now you can begin to create a talisman that will become a spectacular decoration for your room.

1. Take the prepared rod or hoop and start wrapping it with threads in one row.

2. Fix the thread so that during the winding process you can hide the tail inside the ring.

3. Tie a tight knot, and then divide the workpiece into eight equal points. The main feature is that the distance between the points must be the same, otherwise you will get a bad octagon.

4. Tie the thread to the first point and use it to pass the required number of segments. At the end of the first circle, we fix the fixation knot in the same place where we started weaving.

5. Now we perform the second circle, drawing our thread as shown in detail in the photo.

6. Then we weave rows 3,4,5 and 6 until we come to this result (look at the image).

7. The result should be a very dense web with beautiful rays that will form a star.

8. Now make the web not so tightly, but less often, and for this you need a thread hook to the bottom row
   .

9. Now is the time to start decorating our dream trap. Use the same weaving technique and fix the prepared beads in each row, or every other row, as you wish.

How to activate the dream catcher

If the amulet is created independently, or by the hands of a loved one, it is already considered activated. After all, when making it, the author focuses on investing the necessary energy into the Dream Catcher. Usually all wishes and thoughts are added while tying knots.

If the amulet was purchased in a shop or from a stranger, it should be activated. To do this, you need to leave the dream catcher on the window during the full moon to recharge with the power of the night luminary.

It is advisable that at the same time there should be a flow of air on the amulet, the breeze could sway it.

Where is the best place to hang an amulet for protection?

The ideal place for a dream catcher is the head of the bed so that it is above the owner's head.

If such placement is not possible, it is permissible to hang the amulet on the wall near the place of sleep, or on pieces of furniture standing nearby. Another permitted location is the bedroom door, but the effectiveness of the item will be significantly worse.

Question to the expert

Is it possible to hang a dream catcher on the wall?

In order for the magical properties of the catcher to be activated, the main condition for placement is that the amulet must spin freely in the air.

What it is?

The catcher's amulet (the “keeper of dreams”) originated in the Indian tribes of the North American continent. The exact date is unknown. A similar magical instrument was used by the Siberian peoples. Traditionally, the indigenous population of Eastern Siberia and the Indians used the talisman separately, since they lived geographically at a significant distance from each other.

How the talisman of the Siberian people appeared is not known for certain, but the history of the talisman of the Indian population is preserved in a beautiful legend. Once the leader of the Dakota tribe was meditating alone, sitting on a hill and indulging in thought. Suddenly the Guardian Spirit appeared in the form of a huge spider.

The leader of the clan and the Spirit talked for a long time about the secrets of birth, rebirth, death, existence and the meaning of life.
After the end of the conversation, the Spirit took a willow twig, made a circle out of it, filled it with weaving , similar to a spider’s web, so that good dreams would come true, and bad dreams, entangled in the network, would burn at dawn in the morning sun.
Since then, tribes began to make these amulets that protect against the attacks of bad dreams, so that only good visions can be seen.

In the present, there are many moments that cause stress in a person and a number of other destructive factors that negatively affect the restorative processes of sleep, often having nightmares and, as a result, unsatisfactory health in the morning. A good night gives a person a feeling of good health, the day is more productive, the quality of work improves, and he is also less susceptible to all kinds of diseases.

For a person to have a restful sleep and a peaceful recovery process during sleep without nightmares, you can try hanging a dream catcher, placing it above the bed at the head of the bed.

In Indian families, it was common to decorate the cradles of babies with this amulet , so that evil night spirits would become entangled in the web of threads, and good dreams would be attracted.

It’s the modern world outside, but to improve their baby’s sleep, even modern parents buy mobiles designed to look like dream catchers. They are often found on sale.

Is it possible to give such an amulet?

It is believed that a talisman made with one’s own hands has maximum power. An amulet created by a loved one with thoughts about a specific person will also be powerful. Catchers woven by mother, grandmother, wife are considered especially valuable in terms of energy, because... According to legend, the goddess Spider was the patroness of people and personified maternal care. Such amulets, made by a relative or friends, can be given as a gift.

Catchers woven by hand, but by an outsider, may not immediately establish contact with the owner and require additional activation. Mass-produced store-bought amulets are considered the least effective. Both versions of catchers can be given as a gift, but the new owner will need to make an effort to find harmony with the sacred object.

Dreamcatcher tattoo - its meaning for the owner

The Indians do not use a tattoo with the image of a dream catcher, but the design of a beautiful amulet on the body is popular among other peoples. It is recommended to draw the sketch according to the same laws as those given for the real object - closer to the owner’s head. This could be the area behind the ear, neck, upper back, shoulder.

It is not advisable to cover a tattoo with clothing; it is believed that, like a real amulet present on the body, it should be blown by the wind.

The design should be bright, with colored ink for beads, threads, and pebbles. Most often, a catcher tattoo is complemented by flower buds, birds, especially an owl, twigs, and totem animals.