The Full Bull

Springtime in some parts of the world kick off ‘running of the bulls’ festivals.  In Western astrology we are right now in the sign of Taurus, the bull.  Bulls have for millennia signified fertility, virility – all things associated with this energetic and fecund time of year.  They speak to strength, determination – both aspects necessary to fertility, which is about pushing through winter’s hard ground, obstacles, and other challenges to give life to seed and potential.  Take a look at a bull – see the guy here in this post – and there’s little doubt he’s going to get what he wants!

Many different images of bulls make their way into our lore.  The charging bull of the festivals in Spain and southern France are intense displays of the power of the bull – that giant energy that, when released, charges head down facing and trampling any obstacles.  We have images of bulls fiercely defending a field of cows pregnant with his coming progeny. We think of being stubborn as a bull – obstinate and not complying (again, take a look at a bull – if it doesn’t feel like moving, it isn’t going to!). In all, these paint a picture of a massive and strong energy and force.

But we also have other images of bulls.  The bull fiercely defending his field spends most of his time laying down in alert restfulness or munching green grass. Ferdinand, that Disney hero, sits under his favorite tree and smells flowers.  For all the might they possess, bulls employ it not haphazardly, but at the needed time.

Which brings me to the Full Bull.  It seems to me that the giant strength of the bull is as much in the raw power as it is in the ability to manage that great energy.  To know when to defend, when to charge forward, and when to restrain.  

We’re born equally giant energies fitted into relatively small human bodies.  These energies often send us flying from one direction to another, swinging from one emotional pole to another, until we learn to direct them.  Directed, we become like the bull – potent and fertile with our actions.

What does this have to do with dreaming?  Dreaming shows us the ways in which are energies are presenting themselves – if they are windy or hot, exploding or passive, frozen or scattered. Cars out of control, tornados, growling dogs – all the aspects of the dream are aspects of the dreamer.  By learning more about our dreams, and using them as a tool for re-entering and transforming these energies, we free and direct these vital energies to be at our disposal.  And that’s the full bull.

So the next time you dream, take a look at your dream specifically from the lens of the question of energy.  What is moving, in what way, and in what direction?  What do you learn from it?  Then, reverse back on your day or week – do you see yourself moving in the same way and with the same tenor as an aspect of your dream?  If so, what does this tell you?  Is there a place to direct, unfreeze, or pull back a little (or other)?   If so, try it out in waking life.  What changes?

Happy dreaming Everyone !

Bonnie