For countless generations, these intricate web-like objects have been used for protection, good luck, and even decoration. According to some Native American tribes the story behind them tells us that any bad spirits or nightmares will become tangled in the web while the positive energy is released back into the air and dreams are safely caught by its feathers.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about this traditional cultural practice, but didn’t know where to start then today is your lucky day.
Dreamcatchers are a wonderful symbol of protection and luck, with their intricate webs used to ward off negative energy and catch good dreams. But how can you use one in your personal space?
By learning the lore behind dreamcatchers, understanding its symbolic meaning, and applying this knowledge to your home or work environment, you can create an atmosphere of protection and peace for yourself. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to use a dreamcatcher!
Why May You Want to Use a Dreamcatcher?
1 . To Prevent Nightmares
Dreamcatchers are widely known for their ability to catch bad dreams and only allow good ones to pass through. This is one of the main reasons many people use them, especially children who may have a lot of nightmares. The belief is that the dreamcatcher will trap all the negative energy and prevent it from entering your subconscious while you sleep.
2 . As a Decorative Piece
Dreamcatchers are aesthetically pleasing and can add a touch of beauty to any room. They come in various shapes, sizes, and designs that can match any home decor. Many people use them as wall hangings or even above their beds as a statement piece.
3 . To Connect with Native American Culture
The dreamcatcher originated from the Ojibwe Native American tribe and has become a symbol of their culture. Some people may use dreamcatchers to honor and connect with this culture, especially if they have Native American ancestry.
4 . As a Reminder for Positivity
In addition to catching bad dreams, dreamcatchers are also believed to encourage positive thoughts and energy. Some people use them as a reminder to focus on the good in their lives and let go of negativity.
5 . To Promote Good Sleep
Having a dreamcatcher above your bed can create a calming and peaceful atmosphere, which can promote better sleep. The gentle movement of the feathers and beads can also have a soothing effect, helping you relax and drift off into a restful slumber.
How to Use a Dreamcatcher in 6 Easy Steps
Step 1: Hang Your Dreamcatcher Above Your Bed
The first step in using a dreamcatcher is to properly hang it up above your bed. This allows the dreamcatcher to serve its purpose and collect any negative dreams while letting positive ones pass through.
It’s important to note that the dreamcatcher should be hung up where it can easily catch the sunlight, as this is believed to cleanse the dreamcatcher and keep it in good condition.
Step 2: Set an Intention or Goal
Before going to bed, take a moment to set a positive intention or goal for your dreams. This could be anything from overcoming a fear to receiving guidance on a particular issue. By setting an intention, you are directing the energy of your dreams and giving the dreamcatcher a specific purpose to help you achieve it.
Step 3: Do a Gratitude Practice
Practicing gratitude is an important step in using a dreamcatcher. Take a few minutes before bed to reflect on the things you are grateful for in your life. This not only helps with positive thinking but also sends out good energy into the universe, which can be reflected in your dreams.
Step 4: Keep a Dream Journal
Having a dream journal next to your bed is helpful when using a dreamcatcher. As soon as you wake up, write down any dreams or thoughts that come to mind. This not only helps with remembering your dreams, but it allows you to reflect on them and possibly gain insight into your intention or goal.
Step 5: Cleanse Your Dreamcatcher
Just like with any object, it’s important to keep your dreamcatcher clean and free of negative energy. This can be done by smudging with sage or palo santo, placing it in the sunlight for a few hours, or simply wiping it down with a damp cloth. Keeping your dreamcatcher cleansed will ensure it continues to work effectively.
Step 6: Trust the Process
Using a dreamcatcher is not a quick fix or a one-time solution. It requires patience and trust in the process. Some nights you may have vivid dreams, while other nights you may not remember anything at all.
The key is to continue setting intentions, practicing gratitude, and trusting that the dreamcatcher is working to filter out any negativity in your dreams.
With time and practice, you may start to see positive changes in your life as a result. So don’t give up, keep using your dreamcatcher and trust in its power to help guide you towards a more positive and fulfilling life.
Some Additional Tips to Use a Dreamcatche
1 . Do Not Use Your Dreamcatcher for Decorations Only
The dreamcatcher is a powerful and sacred object that has been used by many Native American tribes to ward off bad dreams. It is meant to be used as a tool for spiritual protection, not just as a decoration piece. So if you have one in your room, make sure you use it correctly.
2 . Place it in the Right Location
When using a dreamcatcher, it is important to place it in the right location. The ideal spot would be above your bed, where it can catch and filter out any negative energy that might come your way while you sleep.
3 . Remember to Cleanse Your Dreamcatcher Regularly
Just like any other spiritual tool, dreamcatchers need to be cleansed regularly. This is especially important if you feel like your dreams have become more vivid or negative after using the dreamcatcher for some time. You can cleanse it by smudging it with sage or palo santo, or by leaving it out in the sun for a few hours.
4 . Set Your Intention
Before going to bed, take a moment to set your intention for using the dreamcatcher. This could be anything from wanting to have peaceful dreams to seeking guidance or protection in your dreams. By setting your intention, you are aligning yourself with the power of the dreamcatcher and allowing it to work more effectively.
5 . Keep a Dream Journal
To truly understand the power of your dreamcatcher, it is helpful to keep a dream journal. This will allow you to track any changes in your dreams and see how the dreamcatcher is affecting them. You can also use the journal to write down any insights or messages you receive in your dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Precautions Should I Take While Using a Dreamcatcher?
When using a dreamcatcher, there are a few precautions you should keep in mind to ensure its effectiveness and longevity. Hang it in the right place: A dreamcatcher should ideally be hung above your bed or near your sleeping area.
Make sure it is not obstructed by anything that could prevent negative dreams from passing through. Avoid touching it too frequently: Dreamcatchers are delicate and can easily get tangled or damaged if touched too often. Limit contact with the dreamcatcher to when you need to clean or rearrange it.
How Can I Enhance My Dreamcatcher’s Effectiveness?
There are a few things you can do to enhance the effectiveness of your dreamcatcher. First, make sure to cleanse it regularly by smudging it with sage or palo santo.
This helps remove any negative energy that may have accumulated in the dreamcatcher. Additionally, you can personalize your dreamcatcher by adding meaningful feathers, beads, and other decorations that hold significance to you.
Can I Use a Dreamcatcher for Lucid Dreaming?
While there is no scientific evidence to support the use of a dreamcatcher for lucid dreaming, some believe that it can enhance the chances of having a lucid dream. To use a dreamcatcher for this purpose, set your intention before going to sleep and visualize yourself becoming aware of your dreams.
Conclusion
To summarize, dreamcatchers use symbolism and natural materials to bring a bit of good luck and protection. Making a dreamcatcher is a fun activity that brings us close to nature, so why not take some time to try it out? Choose the supplies and color palette that suits you, and get creative with different weaving techniques.
Now you know how to use a dreamcatcher! For both experienced makers and those who are new to the craft, making a dreamcatcher should be both meaningful and enjoyable.
With your own handmade dreamcatcher in hand, you’ll have a sparkling symbol of good fortune – so fly freely without fear knowing something so special will be watching over you during the night.
