For helpful instructions on how to construct your own dream catcher, see the link below:
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Dream Catcher
Every religion has a symbol that represents its values, and Dreamology is no exception. Since almost the beginning of its history, Dreamology has called the dream catcher its official symbol. In aboriginal culture, the dream catcher has different significance, but mainly is said to serve the purpose of catching negative dreams like a spider's web. Dreamologists, however, have adopted a different meaning for the device: they claim that dream catchers filter dreams. That is, they allow for clearer visions and filter out unnecessary dreams. Every Dreamologist has a dream catcher, and it is traditional for the catcher to made by the individual themselves. The dream catchers can be personalized with decorations with personal significance, so as to strengthen their power. Children learn how to construct dream catchers from a young age, and it is considered to be a traditional family craft. It is also acceptable and quite common for Dreamologists to give dream catchers as gifts; many followers have more than one catcher. This simple, yet specific symbol signifies the Dream Realm and its relation to the physical world (the filtering of dreams with a physical object).
Internal Conflicts of Dreamology
Although Dreamology preaches of peace and compassion, internal conflict does happen within the religion. Radicalists and Moderists are often at each other's throats over specifics: Radicalists condemn Moderists for not having a stricter view of the religion, whereas Moderists feel that Radicalists are harsh and inflexible. The two groups often disagree over rules and guidelines. That being said, the two groups are able to coexist. Dreamologists are peaceful by nature, and although these two groups never seem to agree, they both have the same goals and ideals; they simply have different ideas about carrying them out.
External Conflicts of Dreamology
While Dreamologists generally have open minds about other religious movements and strive to remain without judgement, many religious groups have problems with Dreamology. The religion's lack of a deity causes many groups to scorn Dreamologists, claiming that their beliefs cannot truly be classified as religious. Several incidents of the burning of The Lofty Principles of Dream Interpretation have occurred by people who feel that Dreamologists, by not acknowledging a God, are insulting their own religions. Basically, Dreamologists by principle do their best to stay away from religious conflict, but are targeted by many fundamentalist groups.
Dreamologists face a great deal of scrutiny from outsiders, as it is often viewed as somewhat of a joke by others. The general public often doesn't view Dreamology as a true religion (possibly because of its lack of a deity, and also possibly because of its unique, modern ideas). Followers of the religion face struggles every day due to ignorance of their religion.
Dreamologists face a great deal of scrutiny from outsiders, as it is often viewed as somewhat of a joke by others. The general public often doesn't view Dreamology as a true religion (possibly because of its lack of a deity, and also possibly because of its unique, modern ideas). Followers of the religion face struggles every day due to ignorance of their religion.
Rituals & Milestones of Dreamology
There are certain events in a Dreamologist's life that are considered to be pivotal moments, beginning from birth. When children are small, it is the job of the parents to explain, in simple terms, what dreams are. Like a child growing up in a Christian family would attend Sunday School, parents often share dreams with their children and begin to explain to them about interpretation.
Lucid dreaming is when one is asleep and dreaming, but is aware that they are in the midst of a dream. Dreamologists consider this type of dreaming to be an ultimate connection to the Dream Realm, therefore a child's first lucid dream is a call for celebration. Much like a birthday party, this celebration recognizes the child's growth and increasing maturity. The same occurs for experiences such as sleepwalking, sleeptalking, and night terrors (considered to be warnings from the Dream Realm). All of these experiences signify close connections with the Dream Realm, and are celebrated by friends and family.
At age twelve, childhood is left behind and individuals become adults in the world of Dreamology. This is marked by a special ceremony, in which the now adult reads from The Lofty Principles of Dream Interpretation for the first time. At this point in the individual's life, it is now their personal responsibility to maintain their own spirituality. They are responsible for interpreting their own dreams at this point, although they are always encouraged to seek assistance from family and friends. It is at this point in a Dreamologist's life that they become responsible for their religious beliefs and the continuation of their faith.
Marriage, to Dreamologists, is a union of two souls within the physical world. The ceremony of marriage is relatively normal, except the idea of "until death do us part" is missing, as Dreamologists believe that married couples' souls reunite in the Dream Realm after death. Since marriage is the union of two souls, and physical bodies are not important, Dreamologists see no problem with homosexuality, unlike so many major religions. (As well, discrimination against women is non-existent in Dreamology, as, once again, physical bodies are not important, and no one is judged by their physical sex or appearance.) In these ways, Dreamology is quite progressive compared to other religions.
Birthdays are not generally celebrated by Dreamologists, as time spent in the physical world is temporary and not considered monumental. Some do celebrate birthdays, however, as ways to bring families and friends together.
Death, to Dreamologists, is not the sad, grievous occasion that it is for most; rather, death is celebrated as the journey from the physical world to the Dream Realm. Although some do feel sorrow for the loss of loved ones, they recognize that all will be reunited in the Dream Realm, and the overall understanding is that one should not mourn for a loved one that has moved on to the rest of their life.
Lucid dreaming is when one is asleep and dreaming, but is aware that they are in the midst of a dream. Dreamologists consider this type of dreaming to be an ultimate connection to the Dream Realm, therefore a child's first lucid dream is a call for celebration. Much like a birthday party, this celebration recognizes the child's growth and increasing maturity. The same occurs for experiences such as sleepwalking, sleeptalking, and night terrors (considered to be warnings from the Dream Realm). All of these experiences signify close connections with the Dream Realm, and are celebrated by friends and family.
At age twelve, childhood is left behind and individuals become adults in the world of Dreamology. This is marked by a special ceremony, in which the now adult reads from The Lofty Principles of Dream Interpretation for the first time. At this point in the individual's life, it is now their personal responsibility to maintain their own spirituality. They are responsible for interpreting their own dreams at this point, although they are always encouraged to seek assistance from family and friends. It is at this point in a Dreamologist's life that they become responsible for their religious beliefs and the continuation of their faith.
Marriage, to Dreamologists, is a union of two souls within the physical world. The ceremony of marriage is relatively normal, except the idea of "until death do us part" is missing, as Dreamologists believe that married couples' souls reunite in the Dream Realm after death. Since marriage is the union of two souls, and physical bodies are not important, Dreamologists see no problem with homosexuality, unlike so many major religions. (As well, discrimination against women is non-existent in Dreamology, as, once again, physical bodies are not important, and no one is judged by their physical sex or appearance.) In these ways, Dreamology is quite progressive compared to other religions.
Birthdays are not generally celebrated by Dreamologists, as time spent in the physical world is temporary and not considered monumental. Some do celebrate birthdays, however, as ways to bring families and friends together.
Death, to Dreamologists, is not the sad, grievous occasion that it is for most; rather, death is celebrated as the journey from the physical world to the Dream Realm. Although some do feel sorrow for the loss of loved ones, they recognize that all will be reunited in the Dream Realm, and the overall understanding is that one should not mourn for a loved one that has moved on to the rest of their life.
Rituals & Celebrations of Dreamology
Daily Activities
A Dreamologist's day-to-day life is not much different than that of a non-religious person. There are, however, some important differences.A Dreamologist's first task of the day is to pull out their journal (a detailed account of their dreams and perceived meanings) and record what they remember of that evening's dreams. (Some Dreamologists even wake themselves in the middle of the night to ensure that they do not forget their dreams by the time they wake up.) With their trusted copy of Wandering Spirits in hand, they spend a sizeable amount of time reflecting on their dreams and what they feel they tell about their daily lives. This is a way that Dreamologists ensure that they start each day on a new foot.
There are also some differences in the diets of Dreamologists. Dreamologists eat many foods that they believe enhance dreams or encourage lucid dreaming. For example, most Dreamologists take a vitamin B6 supplement, consume foods with high levels of protein, and eat foods such as dark chocolate before bed, in the hopes of enhancing dream experiences.
The atmosphere in the household of a Dreamologist family is quite different from the norm, as well. Families are encouraged to share meals together and discuss their experiences while dreaming. Children are assisted in understanding their dreams until age twelve, therefore parents have the important role of acting as mentors to their children.
Celebrations
There are many celebrations in a year that Dreamologists partake in. The most important, by far, are the Full Moon Rituals. The common superstition of strange things happening around the time when the moon is full is quite true for Dreamologists: they believe that during this time, the gap between the physical world and the Dream Realm is much smaller than usual. On the day before a full moon, Dreamologists prepare by sprinkling lavender underneath their pillows (as lavender helps to induce deep sleep) and trying to focus their minds through relaxation and meditation. It is believed that dreams during full moons have deep, underlying meanings, more important than dreams experienced during the rest of the moon cycle. Dreamologists take these rituals very seriously.In addition to Full Moon Rituals, Dreamologists also have a day each week that is devoted to relaxation. In general, it's believed that relaxation stimulates deep dreaming. (Many choose Sunday as their day to relax, but there is no fixed day.)
Dreamologists still celebrate holidays such as Christmas and Easter, but they hold no religious significance. It is the overall feeling of the Dreamology community that these activities are ways to be involved in their families and communities in a positive way.
Dreamology's Sacred Text
Dreamologists consider Chen Shiyuan's writings, The Lofty Principles of Dream Interpretation (today titled as Wandering Spirits), to be sacred. The ideas and interpretations expressed in these writings are the roots of all of Dreamology's beliefs. They treat this text as a Christian would treat a Bible: it is viewed as the answer to all questions.
There is, however, a division within the Dreamology community. Some Dreamologists follow the text in a strict sense, and do not allow for any ideas different than those presented by Shiyuan. We call these people Radicalists. Others, though believing that The Lofty Principles is sacred, leave room for additional interpretation when reading the text. They feel that other methods of interpretation can be used in addition to the original text. We call these people Moderists. For example, a Moderist would see no problem in utilizing ideas expressed in a book such as 1000 Dreams Explained, whereas a Radicalist would see the act of simply reading these alternative texts as shameful. This divide causes a great deal of strife within the Dreamology community (see Internal Conflicts Within Dreamology).
There is, however, a division within the Dreamology community. Some Dreamologists follow the text in a strict sense, and do not allow for any ideas different than those presented by Shiyuan. We call these people Radicalists. Others, though believing that The Lofty Principles is sacred, leave room for additional interpretation when reading the text. They feel that other methods of interpretation can be used in addition to the original text. We call these people Moderists. For example, a Moderist would see no problem in utilizing ideas expressed in a book such as 1000 Dreams Explained, whereas a Radicalist would see the act of simply reading these alternative texts as shameful. This divide causes a great deal of strife within the Dreamology community (see Internal Conflicts Within Dreamology).
How Does Dreamology Qualify as a Religion?
Dreamology has nine essential qualities that cause it to be defined as a true religion:
1. A belief in the supernatural:
-Dreamologists believe in a spiritual, non-physical world called the Dream Realm, in which our souls are free and we are truly alive.
2. Answers to the "Big Questions":
-Q: Where do we come from?
A: All living beings come from a continuous source of energy, like a flowing river or breath of wind.
Q: Why are we here?
A: We are here to learn lessons of love and compassion, in order to become one with the Dream Realm.
Q: Where are we going?
A: It is the ultimate goal of a Dreamologist to enter the Dream Realm permanently upon death, leaving the physical world behind forever.
3. A system of ethics:
-According to Dreamology, it is necessary to be compassionate in all actions. Love, trust, and respect are fundamental principles of the religion. Dreamologists believe that actions in the physical world affect their experiences in the Dream Realm: for example, if one were to cause someone to feel pain in the physical world, they would feel this pain themselves when dreaming. Dreamologists believe in governing all behaviour with compassion, and that mistakes and successes follow us into the Dream Realm.
4. The concept of a soul:
-Dreamologists believe that our soul is our true living being, and that our bodies are of no value. The soul is the common denominator between the physical world and the Dream Realm, and is what travels to and from the Dream Realm when we sleep.
5. Sacred writings:
-Dreamology began from the writings of Chen Shiyuan in The Lofty Principles of Dream Interpretation, therefore Dreamologists view these writings to be sacred and the ultimate truth of their religion. Titled Wandering Spirits when published these days, this collection of writings is the ultimate reference for Dreamologists.
6. Prayer/Meditation:
-Sleeping is a form of meditation or prayer in Dreamology, as it leads to a connection with the Dream Realm. Sleep is the most valued action in a Dreamologist's day, and dreams are viewed as blessings.
7. Search for perfection
-Dreamologists search for perfection within the physical world, as this will lead them to a permanent connection with the Dream Realm. This perfection can involve anything from treating other beings with respect and compassion to living a life of peace and fulfillment.
8. Existence of leaders who are the key founders/promoters of the religious movement:
-Chen Shiyuan is considered both a prophet of Dreamology as well as the religion's founder. It is not clear whether more prophets will follow Shiyuan, but many Dreamologists believe that more will come. Much like the Pope to Catholicism, Dreamology does have a general leader: Jacob Johnson, previously an American journalist, was appointed to this position after the former leader dreamt that Johnson was spiritually strong and worthy. Dreamologists generally refer to Johnson by his common name, rather than giving him a name such as "His Holiness". This, in a way, reflects the way in which Dreamology differs from so many other religions. Dreamology also differs from other religions in that there are no organized institutions, therefore there are no religious leaders other than Johnson (unlike, for example, Catholicism, which has priests).
9. Sense of family/community:
-Family is an incredibly important concept in Dreamology. Children are considered to be gifts from the Dream Realm manifested in the physical world. Parents play a key role in a child's early life: they assist their children in understanding their dreams, and explain the moral concepts of right and wrong. Families share dreams with each other, inviting diverse perspectives on their physical and spiritual lives. This also occurs in the Dreamology community; Dreamologists are encouraged to meet with others, even across great distances, to share their spiritual experiences and receive guidance.
1. A belief in the supernatural:
-Dreamologists believe in a spiritual, non-physical world called the Dream Realm, in which our souls are free and we are truly alive.
2. Answers to the "Big Questions":
-Q: Where do we come from?
A: All living beings come from a continuous source of energy, like a flowing river or breath of wind.
Q: Why are we here?
A: We are here to learn lessons of love and compassion, in order to become one with the Dream Realm.
Q: Where are we going?
A: It is the ultimate goal of a Dreamologist to enter the Dream Realm permanently upon death, leaving the physical world behind forever.
3. A system of ethics:
-According to Dreamology, it is necessary to be compassionate in all actions. Love, trust, and respect are fundamental principles of the religion. Dreamologists believe that actions in the physical world affect their experiences in the Dream Realm: for example, if one were to cause someone to feel pain in the physical world, they would feel this pain themselves when dreaming. Dreamologists believe in governing all behaviour with compassion, and that mistakes and successes follow us into the Dream Realm.
4. The concept of a soul:
-Dreamologists believe that our soul is our true living being, and that our bodies are of no value. The soul is the common denominator between the physical world and the Dream Realm, and is what travels to and from the Dream Realm when we sleep.
5. Sacred writings:
-Dreamology began from the writings of Chen Shiyuan in The Lofty Principles of Dream Interpretation, therefore Dreamologists view these writings to be sacred and the ultimate truth of their religion. Titled Wandering Spirits when published these days, this collection of writings is the ultimate reference for Dreamologists.
6. Prayer/Meditation:
-Sleeping is a form of meditation or prayer in Dreamology, as it leads to a connection with the Dream Realm. Sleep is the most valued action in a Dreamologist's day, and dreams are viewed as blessings.
7. Search for perfection
-Dreamologists search for perfection within the physical world, as this will lead them to a permanent connection with the Dream Realm. This perfection can involve anything from treating other beings with respect and compassion to living a life of peace and fulfillment.
8. Existence of leaders who are the key founders/promoters of the religious movement:
-Chen Shiyuan is considered both a prophet of Dreamology as well as the religion's founder. It is not clear whether more prophets will follow Shiyuan, but many Dreamologists believe that more will come. Much like the Pope to Catholicism, Dreamology does have a general leader: Jacob Johnson, previously an American journalist, was appointed to this position after the former leader dreamt that Johnson was spiritually strong and worthy. Dreamologists generally refer to Johnson by his common name, rather than giving him a name such as "His Holiness". This, in a way, reflects the way in which Dreamology differs from so many other religions. Dreamology also differs from other religions in that there are no organized institutions, therefore there are no religious leaders other than Johnson (unlike, for example, Catholicism, which has priests).
9. Sense of family/community:
-Family is an incredibly important concept in Dreamology. Children are considered to be gifts from the Dream Realm manifested in the physical world. Parents play a key role in a child's early life: they assist their children in understanding their dreams, and explain the moral concepts of right and wrong. Families share dreams with each other, inviting diverse perspectives on their physical and spiritual lives. This also occurs in the Dreamology community; Dreamologists are encouraged to meet with others, even across great distances, to share their spiritual experiences and receive guidance.
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