Dream Analysis: Trapped in a Shopping Mall Eating Cotton Candy

Richard: Last night I dreamed I was at the mall.  As I walked around looking at all the stores, I was eating a giant cotton candy – it was sooo good.  I window shopped for awhile, but then started to become worried because I couldn’t find the exit.  I really wanted to find a way outside because I needed to smoke.  I wandered around and around but still couldn’t find the door.  As I turned a corner, I found a guy I had flirted with earlier in the week.  He showed me the way out of the mall; we had to go to a fountain in the center of the mall and ride out on a gondola.

Eric: In dreams, a shopping mall is a symbol of materialism and the need to keep up with the latest trends.  It also stands for the choices you make when establishing your own identity.  Cotton candy represents preoccupation of pleasure, not thinking about anything other than feeling good.  When you were walking through the mall, you started to get worried that you wouldn’t be able to find your way out, and you would be stuck in a materialistic and hedonistic state.  You needed a cigarette, which may be seen when you are having difficulty giving up something that at first seems pleasurable, but may not be good for you in the long run.  I think that your dream means you are starting to worry that you are focusing too much on a pursuit of shallow pleasures and material things, such as designer labels, latest technology, etc.  You are trying to reconcile your need to be perceived as rich, stylish and the best with deeper thoughts and pursuits.  You are looking for a way out of this cycle.  The gondola represents you need to take time off and sail away from a present situation.

I first pulled the Nine of Pentacles which represents gratitude, luxury and self-sufficiency.  Take stock of what you have and how far you have come.  You have built a great life for yourself.  Always striving for more is a good thing, but also find pleasure in what you have attained and acquired.  I also drew the Seven of Cups and The Devil card.  The Seven of Cups warns us when there is a risk of illusion.  Try to separate what you really want and who you truly are from what is wishful thinking.  Be clear on what you are working toward.  The Devil, in this case, represents addictions and over emphasis on material wealth.  The Devil and the Seven of Cups are both warning you to not become so obsessed with becoming a millionaire or owning a fancy car that you have forget the importance of investing in your relationships or yourself.

Richard: Thank you.  I would like to dispute your reading, but I have already been shopping three days in a row this week.  I have been putting everything I have into getting a huge bonus at work and neglecting some of the people around me.  I will take your advice.

Your dreams are a look inside your mind.  Do you have a dream you need interpreted?  Email Eric X. Kirby