If this were my dream, there would be soo much symbolism here that speaks directly to my heart. The man who saves me, whom I allow to help me is my animus...the spiritual male part of me that is needed to take over sometimes (take the wheel and become dominant). He loves me fully and will not allow anything to happen to me, he is within me and I know that I can take over situations and be strong, I know I can fully love myself in every aspect, including my strong independant part of me. I can swim the tides and the emotions with ease and strength...he is where I want to be. I feel guilty that I might have feelings towards him too, that my husband might be left in the dark or on the side, however in the dream he is there on the island, he is "THERE" but does not have to be by my side in order for me to appreciate him. Basically it is telling me that I do not need my husband there to save me from every situation; there is a part of me, that is capable of saving myself; and of loving myself fully and unconditionally.

The number 8 has important significance. It is a multiple of 4, which Jung states is a perfect whole number, the number of Self and wholeness: the quaternity, the mandala. It is no accident that there are four gospels... It is doubled in this dream so I would look at what is happening currently in my life that could possibly overtake me or become overwhelming or think to be "too much" and give it a shot...because this is going to be good for me; it is going to be healing and allow me to become more of what I want to be (8 being doubled 4, doubly good for me). To know that I can survive it and do it by myself or through my male side is even more important.

Japan is interesting, why Japan? Japan to me is a volitale island...rocked with tsunamis and earthquakes regularly. It is a state of flux, of change (constant physical change...change in physical appearances?) it is a foreign place, I am not familiar with this territory...which corresponds to where I am now, not used to being where I am now. A big change is coming and I need to go with it, to ride the wave. Water is emotion and corresponds to the unconscious; I am going to allow the water to come over me and I am going to ride with it. I am coaxed by this man who is unconditionally giving to me, in every way. I know in my heart that the emotions that will overcome me can be ridden out and worked through. My husband is separate from me in this dream and the feelings of guilt need to be left on the beach. I know in my heart that I love my husband but I must learn to love myself and give to myself more (look for what I want in life instead of constantly supporting my husband always). He will be there, just like the dream, he is not going anywhere.

My mom in this dream is also very important, she is a worry for me, I worry about her anxiety...perhaps it is symbolic of my own state of motherhood...perhaps I cause anxiety in my own children for various reasons? I need to look at myself as a mother too. I was just fine, she will be just fine, I am connected to "the mother" in the dream; is this good? Am I too connected to her?

In my dream, I am on an island in Japan. I cannot remember the name of it, it started with a K. I am with a group of people. It seems that it was some kind of a "professional group". I was having a pleasant time. A warning came suddenly that an 8 foot wave would soon be coming to the island. It was not a tsunami, more like a mini-tsunami. ( I am terrified of tsunamis). The "experts" said it was survivable, but everyone must prepare. I immediately tried to get in a car and get off the island, but realized that there wasn't enough time, and I would be caught by the wave in the car. It was going to cover all exits. I was full of anxiety. I realized I had to go back and let the wave go over me. I might survive and then again I might not. When I went back to my group, everyone was grabbing life jackets, boogie boards and floats. I was grabbing some things when a guy from the next group over came to me. (there were tons of "groups" in the water) I knew him as an acquaintance. In the dream he was in love with me. I liked him, but knew I could not reciprocate the feelings b/c I am so in love with my husband. (in the dream, I have the same husband that I have in waking life) He was a good swimmer so I asked him for help. He said he would not let me drown. I felt very safe with him. I also felt guilty for being so close to him. By now, we were all floating in the water and maybe we had been floating for some time. He enjoyed being close to me. I did not want to hurt his feelings by dashing his hopes that things might develop between us. I was coy with him. I was also terrified as you could see the wave coming from far off. I thought aobut my parents. That my mom would be watching the weather channel and would be petrified b/c she knew I was there. The wave came in "waves". As he promised, he did not let me drown. I am blurry as to what I felt when the wave came. I only know before I was terrified. Afterward, everyone was floating around in the water amazed that they were o.k. I was relieved and wanted to call my parents so they would know I was alright. For some reason, I want to say my husband was on the trip with me, but was not part of the "group" I was working with. I do not know where he was during the wave. I was awakened before I could finish the dream and remember being resistant to leaving the dream and waking up.