Candle

A 'Candle' in a dream represents awareness. Light in the Universal Language of the Mind always represents awareness -- the ability to perceive and understand what is around you and within you. A candle is a source of light, but unlike the sun or the moon, it is a light that you create and control. You light the candle, and you can extinguish it. This reflects awareness that you have consciously cultivated. It is not the vast, allencompassing awareness of the superconscious mind (the sun), nor the intuitive awareness of the subconscious mind (the moon). It is the focused, intentional awareness that you generate through your own conscious effort -- through concentration, reflection, and practice. Pay attention to the state of the candle. Is it lit and burning brightly? This reflects strong, active awareness that you have cultivated. Is the flame flickering or about to go out? This suggests that your awareness is unstable and needs to be strengthened. Is the candle unlit? This indicates that the potential for awareness exists, but you have not yet activated it. When a candle shows up in your dream, it is affirming your power to create your own awareness through disciplined practice. The candle concentration exercise from "Structure of the Mind" is directly connected to this symbol -- by placing your attention on the flame and holding it there, you are literally strengthening your ability to generate and maintain conscious awareness.