A dreamcatcher is a commonly known object of Native American origin. However, its modern use amongst New Age Spirituality is slightly different to its original purpose. The Ojibwe nation, one of the largest in North America, called them ‘Spiderwebs’ and were used as protective charms for infants. In Obijwe lore, the Spider woman takes care of children and people of the land. As the Obijwe spread further and further from their ancestral lands it became more difficult for the Spider Woman to do her duty so the Obijwe mothers and grandmothers made spiderwebs for the children. As a protective charm Dreamcatchers are supposed to catch bad dreams and in this way protect the child or person they belong to.
Traditionally Dreamcatchers are made of willow, nettle fiber, and feathers. Modern dreamcatchers are made more sustainably, and can include more elaborate decorations and colors. Traditional or modern dreamcatchers serve whatever purpose the maker and subsequently the owner charge them with.
To choose your dreamcatcher center yourself and imbue your heart with the intention of drawing to you the dreamcatcher meant for you. Without being judgmental view some dreamcatchers and the first one that draws your attention is the one that is calling to you. It can be a subtle call or more obvious. But it won’t happen like when Harry Potter chose his wand! You will notice some change in yourself: a subtle mood or energy shift, a thought, or maybe a subtle change in the environment: a slight breeze, the room becoming silent or you become aware of the sounds in the room all of a sudden.
Once you get your dreamcatcher the first thing to do is decide where you are going to place it. Dreamcatchers should always be hung, high above a bed ideally. Don’t use dream catchers in cars or other vehicles, and think twice about using them in an office environment. Once you have decided on were to hang it it is time to cleanse the dreamcatcher and the physical environment. Lay the dreamcatcher flat on a neutral colored cloth made of natural fiber (ideally silk, but cotton or wool). Cover the dreamcatcher with the cloth all over and lay it on the earth undisturbed for 24 hours. Make sure its undisturbed, so try to place some barrier to protect it from curious pets, or even slightly bury it. Make sure its properly covered otherwise the dreamcatcher may get stained or damp. The purpose of this is for Mother Earth to cleanse the dreamcatcher so it can be reborn as your own.
While the dreamcatcher is being cleansed it is time to cleanse the space where the dreamcatcher will ne hung. Ideally use a smudging technique
(Described in a follow up blogpost) with the purest, organic sage smudgestick your can find or burning some authentic palo santo wood . Time this cleansing to happen the night before a full moon. On the night of the full moon it is time to charge the dreamcatcher and the physical space. Hang your dreamcatcher on a twig or branch of a tree in as full a view of the full moon as possible. Whisper your intent for the dreamcatcher to the dreamcatcher releasing the intent knowing that the power Universe will act through the full moon and charge your dreamcatcher. Also on the night of the full moon open all the windows to the space where the dreamcatcher will be hung for as long as possible, preferably overnight. In the morning retrieve your dreamcatcher knowing it is now a charged personal charm that will bring to you what you asked of it. Before you hang it above your bed offer a prayer of gratitude to the dreamcatcher and those beings who contributed to making it: the people, the tree, the birds who gave the feathers and whatever else goes into making your dreamcatcher.
Every three months or so re-charge your dreamcatcher with a full moon. If your dreamcatcher doesn’t work as you hoped for talk to dreamcatcher And listen with your HEART. It might need to be re-cleansed and reconsecrated or it might be that this dreamcatcher has served its time with you and its time to let go of it and give it to the next person.
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