Dream catcher - what is it and how to use it?

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.

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.

What does dream catcher mean?

Let's try to figure out what the meaning of a dream catcher tattoo is. It is traditionally believed that this unusual thing itself came to us from shamanism. But, if other Indian symbols did not really take root among Europeans, this one competes with many local signs.

People like mystery, mystery, a sense of sacred meaning, something incomprehensible and cosmic. The dream catcher tattoo has all this.

Dream catcher tattoos

Indians are a collective definition of the huge number of peoples inhabiting the American continent. Each group, each ethnic group, has its own culture, traditions, and beliefs. But dream catchers can be called one of the few common elements. Dozens of tribes used it.

They believed that this device could protect a person from evil spirits living side by side with humanity. For manufacturing, a frame was used, inside of which a web was woven in a special way. Threads and feathers were tied to the circle, and sometimes multi-colored beads and other decorations were used. Some of them carried a separate meaning, others were simply decorations.

Multi-colored beads and flag

In the old days, a willow branch and deer sinew were used for the base. But the use of ordinary threads was also allowed. Decorations were taken from the plumage of those birds that had significance for a tribe, culture, or a particular person.

Initially, it was a talisman installed next to the sleeping area. Over time, the Indians began to use the dream catcher tattoo. If the object itself was intended only to protect sleep from the invasion of evil entities, then a tattoo on the body protected a person in the real world.

Sleep is a state in which not only the human body is vulnerable. He finds himself defenseless against the invasion of his mind. While we sleep, we do not distinguish between reality and the worlds that our consciousness builds. In this borderline state, protection is needed from what are perceived as nightmares.

The web is a kind of sieve through which only good thoughts can penetrate. Any evil, be it a thought form such as a curse, or some dark force, will be stopped before it can harm you.

Dream catcher with web

Symbols associated with mysticism and esotericism, shamanism, attract dreamy people who are inclined to search for the truth and their path in this world. According to some experts, the choice of tattoo is always not random. It means that a person manifests his will into the world. Some people act through objective and tangible reality, others through dreams.

You can often find drawings that depict a dream catcher with a wolf, an owl, or a fox. This combination was not chosen by chance. This is a reference to the traditional beliefs of the North American Indians. Bear, fox, wolf, lynx, elk, and other forest animals are totem animals. Each of them has its own meaning, and in a certain way affects the life of the person associated with it. Often, an image of a paw print or the head of an animal with a grinning mouth is inscribed into the web. Sometimes a colored feather, or even several, is used for decoration.

Dream catcher with wolf

Dream catcher with owl

Dream catcher with fox

The Lakota Indian tribe has the most interesting legends. They told the Europeans about the spider god. He decided to protect the people who worshiped him, and handed this instrument to the shaman of the tribe, saying that this amulet would protect against evil forces, the evil eye, evil thoughts, and even diseases. All dark forces will be trapped in a web from which they will not be able to get out until the morning. At dawn, the first rays of the sun will destroy and dispel evil.

Regarding tattoos, the Lakota believed that they should be worn openly and not under a layer of clothing. Only in this case will she be able to actively resist any evil.

Lakota Indians

It is interesting that such amulets are not a local invention of North American aborigines. Similar products are used by shamans of the peoples of the north. In Siberia, they were used to correct work with prophetic dreams. Very often we see important things and clues at night, but in the morning we cannot remember what we saw, or find it difficult to interpret.

Many centuries have passed since the creation of this symbol. However, even now it remains very popular in many countries of the world, including Russia.

They say that with the arrival of any image or symbol in a tattoo, its meaning may change somewhat. This is partly true. There are separate meanings for girls and boys, and in some cases even prison ones.

However, the catcher is rarely stuffed in prisons, and no separate description has been invented for it. This is good news for those who are planning to go to a tattoo artist. After all, you don’t have to think about how random people on the streets will perceive your choice.

How does a dream catcher tattoo for men differ from its female counterparts?

• Minimum decorative and maximum practical;
• Monochromatic designs are often used, while girls prefer colored ones;
• Girls can choose pictures in a fantasy style, men prefer references to real things.
• The female version uses owl feathers, while the male version often uses eagle feathers.

Dream catcher tattoo for men with an eagle and feathers, eagle feathers
If a woman is pregnant, then while the child is in her belly, the symbol has a protective effect not only on her, but also on the child. This is due to the fact that there is a powerful connection between them on several levels at once.

They say that such tattoos help the owner maintain a positive attitude, quickly restore spiritual strength, and even gain some mystical experience. It is difficult for us to judge how true this is. Try to see if you can change your life with the help of this symbol.

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.

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.

Styles and Sketches

Among the classic options, there are a variety of dream catcher tattoo designs. The choice does not depend on some momentary fashion, but on what kind of meaning a person puts into the chosen tattoo. For example, if a dream catcher with feathers is depicted, then even what bird they belong to matters. Mystics and esotericists choose a raven or an owl in this regard. Sometimes they draw a pair of magpie feathers - black from the tail and white from the wing. They are believed to ward off evil spirits.

Dream catcher with crow and raven feathers

Sometimes a flock of birds flies out of the feathers. Such sketches are chosen by people for whom the inner feeling of freedom is most important. It gives the necessary harmony that each of us strives for.

In tattoo salon catalogs you can find:

• Tattoos in the Polynesian, ethnic, and tribal styles are the most popular. When creating them, national motifs from different world cultures, ancient and modern, are used.
• Bright and unusual watercolor sketches are a living example of the fact that a tattoo is, first of all, an artistic art, and only then some kind of subcultural phenomenon, etc.
• Images made in graphic style. Monochrome tattoos, realistic and with good detail. Essentially, an imitation of classic works on paper.
• Good old school. In this style, not only anchors and sharks are drawn, but also such interesting symbols.
• Challenge to the canons - trash polka. On the one hand, this is realism. On the other hand, there are details that are not typical for this style. Red and black strokes, geometric shapes, shadows, etc. are often used. This is not so much a real representation of the item as the artist's view of how this thing should look.
• Another interesting option is blackwork - an original technique that involves filling individual fragments of the design with black paint.
• A white tattoo with contrasting additional details in black or red will look original.

Tattoo sketch in watercolor style

Tattoo sketch in graphic style

Tattoo sketch in old school style

Sketch of a tattoo in Polynesian style

Sketch of a trash polka tattoo

Sketch of a tattoo in tribal style
The advantage of such a tattoo is that it can be either black and white or color. If the color does not carry a specific meaning, there is no difference in how to implement the idea. The circle with the web itself can be monochromatic, but when decorating feathers, many artists offer variations, from black - raven, to bright shades of yellow, red, blue, orange.

Dreamcatcher tattoo, black and white and color version

See what tattoo pictures look like in different color variations. If you have Photoshop skills, you can even try it on virtually. The best way to use this feature is to print on transparent sticker film. Unlike paper, it looks more realistic on the skin.

There are certain canonical rules for creating a catcher. For example, some Indians considered it correct to use exactly eight points of contact with the circle. That is, the web was held on by eight threads, symbolizing the spider’s legs.

The correct dream catcher has exactly eight points of contact with the circle

It is believed that this amulet helps a person not only to protect against nightmares, but also to connect with nature, which many of us consider long lost. This is sorely lacking in the concrete jungles of modern cities.

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.

Making a dream catcher with your own hands

Today, in many souvenir shops you can find many protective dream catcher amulets. But magic experts say that such a large-scale production will not live up to any expectations. In order to get magical changes in life, it is best to make a talisman for good dreams with your own hands.

Materials and tools for creating an amulet

Making the Dream Catcher amulet will not take much time; it is done in one go; this process cannot be postponed or divided into stages. To do this, you need to prepare all the required materials.

1. Metal wire or wooden blank in the form of a circle for making a frame. Many people cut out a circle from cardboard - it’s easier to find and easier to work with.
2. Thin cotton threads or strips, preferably made of genuine leather. We decide in advance on the color of the amulet.
3. You will also need several beads. During the manufacturing process, several large beads or pearls can be woven into the threads simultaneously with feathers, each of which will decorate the amulet and have its own mysterious, sacred meaning.
4. When making an amulet with your own hands, special attention should be paid to the feathers used. They differ depending on who the talisman is intended for. Eagle feathers are suitable for men; for the fair sex, the owl symbol is used, therefore it is recommended to take feathers from this particular bird. If it is impossible to obtain an owl or eagle feather, it can be replaced with a goose, chicken or rooster feather.

The main difficulty in using feathers is that they can only be taken from living birds, since after the death of their feathered owner they carry a lot of negative information.

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.

Photo

Original photos of dream catcher tattoos made in different styles. from Indian to modern.

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.

Tattoo areas. Choosing options

Some people have almost no room on their body for new tattoos, while others come to the salon for the first time. Therefore, the work of the craftsmen will be different. If you don't have tattoos, or few of them, you don't have to think too much about choosing a style. However, if you plan to come to the master more than once, it is worth deciding on the general concept. Otherwise, it will turn out that your skin will end up with a lot of drawings made in different techniques.

Girls often order such a tattoo on their wrist or forearm. These two options have long become classics. Although if you depict a dream catcher tattoo on your arm, this is not entirely correct in terms of the interaction of the symbol with energy information flows. If you want the design to work by protecting you from nightmares and negative thoughts, it is better to get a tattoo on your shoulder or neck. Remember that not a single sacred symbol works if you do not believe in it and do not understand the principle of its operation and interaction with reality.

Dream catcher tattoo on wrist

Dream catcher made on the forearm

Dream catcher on hand

Some people believe that any changes or effects that occur can be explained by self-hypnosis, the placebo effect. Others believe that we are talking about hidden abilities, human capabilities, psychokinesis, which is studied by many specialists. So you can safely get a tattoo on your back or side without losing any quality.

Dreamcatcher tattoo on back

Looks nice on the side

A beautiful color sketch will look great on a girl’s shoulder blade, lower back, or back.

Dream catcher on the shoulder blade

How to implement a dream catcher on your leg? Let's start with the fact that the leg is several zones at once, having different areas, shapes and, so to speak, relief. So on the thigh the surface is smoother, and the area on which something can be tattooed is much larger than, for example, on the ankle or calf.

Dream catcher tattoo on thigh

In general, there are five to seven zones on the leg that are suitable for this task. For example, the inner thigh and knee. But these areas are very sensitive to pain. Therefore, if you have a low pain threshold, it is best to get a tattoo under local anesthesia. Now special gels are used for these purposes. So people who are afraid of injections can relax.

Another option is to get such a tattoo on your stomach. For example, make it around the navel, so that the threads of the web diverge towards the side from this point.

Dream catcher tattoo on stomach

Historically, girls most often choose to apply the back, neck area, ribs and wrist. The fifth place is occupied by the forearm. For men, it usually leads in statistics. The foot is used less frequently. Still, people prefer to apply the image on the upper body.

On the Internet you can find original photos of dream catchers made in different styles. Some look like authentic Indian ones, others are somewhat modernized, others are stylized for a specific culture - Celtic, Slavic, etc.

Sometimes you come across non-standard forms. For example, instead of a circle, a horseshoe is used for the base. Such a double amulet not only protects the owner, but is also designed to bring him good luck.

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.