Mythological Encyclopedia: Mythological and magical artifacts: Dreamcatcher. Dreamcatcher. Dream catcher amulet

In the sixties and seventies of the last century, such a concept appeared - a dream catcher. Sometimes you can hear some fragmentary information about a dream catcher, sometimes these objects catch our eye in souvenir shops in Europe and America, although this magical object has not yet been found in Russia wide application.

What is a dream catcher: an unusual decoration that adds a “zest” to our interior, a talisman for the home, a personal talisman, or just a fashionable little thing today?

The history of the origin and creation of the dream catcher

There are rumors about the appearance and use of dream catchers in life different legends, But exact date no one knows its creation and use. It is reliably known that this mysterious object used for a long time by Indian tribes North America and some peoples of Siberia. Peoples so distant from each other, distant not only in place of residence, but also in customs, history, and culture, used this magical talisman.

The history of the appearance of a dream catcher among the ancient tribes of Siberia is unknown, but there is an ancient legend about the appearance of this item among the North American Indians.

One day, one of the leaders of the Dakota Indian tribe, when he was secluded for reflection on a high mountain, had a vision of a spirit revered by the Indians. The spirit was in the form of a spider. The spirit began to talk with the leader about the meaning of existence, and that the time of birth and death of a person closes the circle of his existence.

At the same time, he took a willow branch, bent it into a circle, and began to weave a web inside this circle. “During his earthly life,” said the spider, “a person has to deal with good and evil forces, thoughts, intentions. Everything good that happens to him at night passes freely through the web, and evil gets entangled in it and dies with the first rays of the sun.”

After this meeting, as the ancient legend says, the Indians began to make this magical object, calling it a dream trap (in modern interpretation- dream catcher) and began to hang it over the head of their children’s beds so that it would drive away the evil spirits of dreams and attract the good ones.
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The ancient tribes of Siberia gave a slightly different meaning to the dream catcher. It served shamans as a professional tool in their activities. The shaman hung a dream catcher over his headboard so that with its help he could see dreams, both good and evil. During sleep, the shaman was inside his dreams and participated in them.

The dream images were transformed in his mind into future events and suggested to the shaman the most optimal actions to prevent or reduce the power of these events if they somehow threatened the people of his tribe. After awakening, the shaman explained his dreams and predicted how the meaning of these dreams would affect the life of the tribe.

Appearance of the dream catcher

The base of the Dream Catcher is a circle made from any flexible branch (mostly willow) braided with threads. Inside this circle, threads are stretched, imitating a cobweb, into which beads, shells, various pebbles, and small talisman stones are woven. Bird feathers are attached to the outer circumference of the dream catcher.

The number of feathers and their affiliation are strictly defined. There can be seven, or three, or one feathers; other quantities are not allowed. It is best to use the feathers of wild forest birds: eagle, hawk, falcon, owl, but you can also use domestic ones, for example, roosters, but their magic is weaker.

But no matter what feathers are used to make the dream catcher, these must be feathers from living birds, and not those obtained by plucking carcasses. The aura of death seems to be absorbed into the feathers and will negative impact on this magical item, it cannot be cleaned by any means.

The mysterious magic of the dream catcher

What is the mysterious magic of the dream catcher in modern, thoroughly pragmatic life? A dream catcher is a kind of trap for the spirits of dreams, protecting a person’s sleep and giving him strength for the coming day.

It is believed that good, bright, good dreams freely pass through the patterns of the dream catcher’s web, gently slide along the feathers and go down to the head of a person’s bed, bringing him joy and positive emotions after waking up. A person, after such a dream, gets up completely rested, with a good mood and vigor for the whole coming day.

Bad, no good dreams become entangled in the web of a dream catcher, do not reach human consciousness and completely disappear, dying with the first rays of the sun.

Is dream catcher magic real?

So what, to believe or not to believe? mysterious power dream catcher? There are many skeptics in the world who will foam at the mouth to prove that those phenomena, things or events that cannot be seen, touched and supported by evidence simply do not exist.
Well, it is the right of every person to believe or not to believe. But what about those phenomena that cannot be touched, but they exist.

For example, our thoughts, our dreams, our emotions, predictions and prophecies of some people endowed with special powers. Spiritual matters and the presence of an aura in humans are not denied even by modern science. It’s like a question of faith in God, it’s a personal matter for everyone to believe or not to believe, but his existence does not depend on our faith or disbelief.

There are many phenomena in the world whose existence was previously denied, and some are still denied today. But the magic and action of the dream catcher is confirmed by how widespread this talisman has become in the world; this is not a momentary fashion, but a revival of ancient beliefs.

In our fast-paced, hectic, and often filled negative emotions life, a complete rest is so necessary, a complete disconnection from reality, where sometimes it can be difficult and alarming. Strong, healthy sleep, bright, joyful dreams that the dream catcher will help you see will restore the body’s strength overnight and create a good mood when waking up.

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The dream catcher amulet was once very popular only on the American continent, but now it is well known throughout the world. Dreamcatcher has so much ancient history, that now it is not possible to even approximately determine where, much less by whom, it was first created. Only legends and traditions about the origin of the talisman have survived to our times.

Some believe that the amulet traces its history back to one of the now defunct American Indian civilizations. This is quite possible, but does not exhaust all possible assumptions. Others, also quite possible option, is that the Dream Catcher amulet or, as it is also called, the dream catcher for the spirits of dreams came to us from the indigenous northerners or aborigines of Eastern Siberia.

This talisman looks like a sieve, only instead of a mesh it has threads stretched, woven into various patterns. Thread patterns are not just a connecting part of the frame, they always contain hidden semantic content.

Differencesamuletsin different cultures

The Dream Catcher amulet has semantic varieties that people put into it different cultures. Here are two examples:

The Indians of North America give the amulet the property of attracting good and evil spirits of dreams. The amulet entangles evil spirits in intertwined patterns, and there they die at sunrise. The good spirits of dreams know the right path, they come to the sleeping person, softly descending from the feathers, and bring him light, colorful and joyful dreams;
The meaning of Dream Catcher among Siberian aborigines is somewhat different. In Siberia, this is a magical item for shamans and serves as an assistant in shamanic practice. The spirits that fall into the Siberian talisman have no division into evil and good. Perfume in daytime, having fallen into the web of patterns, they linger in the Catcher and at night they bring the images to the shaman, reaching him using the main cord. At the same time, the shaman’s dream becomes rigid and active; in a dream, the shaman fights with spirits and must emerge from this fight with victory. The images that a shaman sees in a dream are not intended to create pleasant impressions, but they help the shaman to realize himself in a dream, and this is one of the most basic shamanic practices.

We must warn you that only a person with certain training can use the Dream Catcher. Careless and inept use of the amulet can lead to unpredictable consequences. The Dream Catcher amulet has the shape of a circle (sieve shape), and the sacred meaning of the circle is infinity, and it is in this meaning that it is used in shamanic practice. The path of the sun across the sky and the shape of the talisman are identified when carrying out magical rituals.

The Dream Catcher amulet is primarily a symbol of strength and power, so you need to make it yourself, having the appropriate intentions and psychological attitude. Specialized stores can offer you many options for such amulets, but assembly line production is unlikely to meet your expectations. Even if the Dream Catcher is technically flawless, remember the need for appropriate emotional state, and it will become very clear to you that the purchased amulet will not have the power that you expect from it.

To make the frame of the amulet, a willow rod is usually used, but metal can also be used. In a word, you can choose the material yourself, there are no strict restrictions, it’s even easier to work with metal.

The fundamental point that matters in making a Dream Catcher is the feathers. The fact is that the amulet must have differences according to the gender of its owner, so for a female amulet you will need polar owl feathers, and for a male amulet you can use eagle feathers. It is quite difficult to obtain the required feathers, since they are needed only from living birds. Feathers record information very easily, and the pen’s record of the owner’s death will no longer be erasable.

If it is not possible to obtain feathers from a living eagle or polar owl, then as a last resort you can use rooster or goose feathers, although the potential of the amulet will be noticeably reduced.

The web for the amulet used to be made from tendons, but now thin strips of leather or cotton threads are more often used.

Important: the material for the web must be natural and of sufficient length so as not to be interrupted throughout the weaving.

Manufacturing processdream catcher

The prepared willow or metal rim must be braided with thread. If you use willow, then the thread should be thicker; on a metal hoop, the thickness of the thread does not matter.

The braiding should be done clockwise. It is better if your braid does not have fastening nodes when making loops. You can search for a method of such weaving on thematic sites (for example, on sites dedicated to macrame weaving).

When the rim is completely braided, they move on to weaving the web itself. The thread for the cobweb pattern is applied in stages, one turn of thread after another, one circle after another. The number of turns does not matter, it depends on the diameter of the rim, but it is better if the number is odd.

Weaving process

Pull the thread tighter while weaving to avoid sagging in the future; string beads onto the thread while weaving. Remember your psychological attitude while weaving, feel your intentions, think about the desired positive aspects. It’s good if you accompany the weaving process with words or even poetry. You can say for possible troubles during sleep:

I createamuletfrom ethereal larvae, dark night spirits, black forces.

May he protect me from them in my dreams, in my house.

Will send themamuletto other places.

And if they disobey, he will sweep them awayamuletinto a deep quagmire with a filthy broom,

It will burn you with pure, immaculate fire, and drive you into the very pool with holy water.

As I say, soamuletand the job will be done.

Amen.

You can also say words for light, happy dreams:

Joy always remains in my dreams,

How the church is inseparable from the Lord.

The words given here are not a rigid, unchanging form. You can use your own words as you see fit. You can use spells, affirmations, mantras you know; you can even just turn on and listen to meditative or relaxation music.

When your weave reaches the center point, you will need to take a thick needle, thread it through the crystal or main bead and hold the entire web together.

When you weave beads, come up with a purpose for each: this bead is for love, this bead is for joy, and this one is for peace, and so on. Each of the beads will be a specific symbol in your talisman.

When you finish the web, you can say that your amulet is almost ready. You can place the prepared feathers and any other decorations at your discretion.

If desired, the Dream Catcher amulet can be complicated. The simplest option has just been discussed, but you can use several rims, arranging them in a chain or sphere. Here everything depends only on your imagination and desire to see your amulet in one form or another.

There is one condition on which the power of the amulet depends, this is the time of its manufacture. It is best to time the manufacturing ceremony to coincide with spring or summer. And one more thing: the weaving should begin and end with a knot.

How to useamulet

First of all, you need to determine a place for the Dream Catcher. It is often placed at the head of the sleeping place, but so that it can rotate freely. By rotating, the amulet will be able to catch passing dream spirits.

But the head of the bed is not the only option; you can hang the Dream Catcher, for example, under a chandelier. The main thing is that it can rotate freely, catching all the spirits.

The question of whether an amulet needs to be cleaned is not simple. The legend of the Indians of North America says, as you remember, that dark spirits caught in the amulet die when the sun rises, so, according to this legend, cleaning the amulet is not required. But in modern world There is so much negativity in the air that it would be a good idea to “ventilate” your talisman from time to time. Take it out to winter time under clean snow flakes, and in summer in clear moonlight or morning sun rays.

The willow dream catcher is not very durable, the willow will dry out and the amulet will no longer work. You shouldn’t worry about this, just make a new one, and burn the amulet that has served its purpose or bury it in the ground with an expression of deep gratitude.

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Perhaps your money has been damaged. This amulet will help relieve lack of money

In ancient times, people perceived the world differently. For them, it was inhabited by spirits who influenced people, sent them bad dreams, and tormented them with nightmares. To protect themselves from evil influences, Indians and Siberian shamans created beautiful and powerful amulets-traps for evil spirits- dream catchers.

Dreamcatcher: description of the amulet, origin, features

The dream catcher is a talisman of North American ancient tribes. It consists of an intricate web of threads in a wooden circle. The amulet is usually decorated with feathers, beads made of wood or other material.

In ancient times, a dream catcher acted as a powerful defense against evil magic during the night's rest, when people were highly susceptible to outside interference. The talisman was made from strong willow branches. According to custom, it was placed on the wall above the bed.

The Indians believed that a dream catcher was able to control a person’s consciousness in the world of night dreams. The web inside the circle does not allow nightmares to disturb a person, giving way to beautiful and kind dreams.

U ancient tribe The Lakota were a legend. When the elder of the ancient people entered the mountain, a deity appeared to him in the form of a spider. During the conversation, the god bent a willow branch into an arc and made a circle. Inside, he wove a dense web, decorating it with beads and bird feathers. Having given the product as a gift to the elder, the deity told about great power amulets. The web inside the circle will protect a person from evil spirits when he sleeps.

Siberian shamans also created dream catchers, but their meaning was slightly different. With the help of the amulet it was possible to correctly interpret dreams and control consciousness in the dream world.

The Indians believed that a dream catcher could control a person’s consciousness while he was sleeping.

Varieties of dream catcher

Many people know or at least have an idea of what a dream catcher should be. The basis of the talisman is a willow branch twisted into a ring. Inside the circle, threads of strong fibers are stretched like a spider's web. This is the most important part of the product; it will serve the future owner as protection from nightmares, bringing good and kind dreams.

A dream catcher is not only used to attract good dreams. This is an ancient item strong magic, which contains deep meaning. There are many types of traps for evil spirits.

Navajo amulet

A traditional version of a trap for evil spirits is a dream catcher with the North American Navajo weaving style. This is the most common type of amulet. Such a talisman can often be seen in films, in the photo in social networks and in the windows of souvenir shops.

This amulet is simple to make, but at the same time it is a very powerful protection. Since ancient times it has been known about it wonderful properties hold in your web bad dreams, which disappear with the first rays rising sun. In this case, positive visions pass through a small hole inside the circle, giving the owner a healthy sleep.

The Navajo dream catcher is the most common type of amulet.

Siberian dream catchers

Another popular dream catcher is Kytgyom, the strongest amulet of Siberian shamans. It is a powerful conductor of energy. The talisman is intended for magical rituals associated with the world of dreams.

The meaning of the ritual with such a dream catcher is to lure dreams into the web. At the same time, dreams are not divided into good and terrible. During the daytime, magical energy remains in the fur fibers. And when the shaman falls asleep, captured images descend to him along the central threads. This makes dreams more colorful and tangible, but also poignant. Carrying out rituals with such a talisman helps strengthen the spirit of the shaman and does not allow otherworldly forces defeat his mind.

The main thing in making such a dream catcher is to make the correct shape, add fur and thread. Feathers are not used when creating a Siberian amulet. A piece of fur is woven into the center of the trap as bait for the spirits. There are four leather cords on the sides - visions descend along them.

The shade of the web is of great importance in weaving. It is important that 36 leading black or dark blue threads are present. They symbolize the element of earth. The threads laid in a spiral on the left side are red - a sign of the sun, a source of energy.

Siberian shamans made dream catchers from fur and thread

Ojibwe Dreamcatcher

The Ojibwe charm is not as well known as the traps described earlier. There are two types of weaving for this dream catcher:

7 lights;
web.

The first type is associated with the prediction of the Seven Lights - the eras about which the seven sages prophesied. This dream catcher has great strength. 7 lights weave in a spiral, each circle displays its own history of times, uniting different stages the lives of all people on earth, creating harmony between man and nature. Cowrie shells are often used instead of beads. They seem to be paving the right path.

Seven lights symbolize the seven eras from the predictions of the prophets

The web is woven in the same way as the Navajo trap. The talisman operates on the principle of the Siberian dream catcher Kytgyom. The only difference is that bad dreams remain on the web, while good ones fall from the central hole along a single cord with a feather tied at the end to the sleeping person. There are certain rules for this type of weaving. There are 7 or 12 cells. There must be a hole in the center, and a bead next to it.

Photo gallery: varieties of dream catcher

When making a dream catcher, beads are often replaced with shells. A double dream catcher provides more powerful protection. A rainbow dream catcher allows positive and colorful visions to pass through. A lunar dream catcher looks unusual and beautiful. A dream catcher with a wolf protects from evil and gives courage. A dream catcher in the form of an owl ensures healthy and sound sleep
A lace dream catcher looks gentle and romantic. A dream catcher doesn’t have to be round.

Purpose and properties of a dream catcher

Each amulet contains its own magical meaning depending on its purpose.

North American Indians, with the help of a dream catcher, knew how to lure good spirits into dreams and protect night dreams from evil ones. The talisman of the indigenous people of Siberia denotes the continuous circle of life, when a person takes care of children, they take care of their own, and so generations change. When the web is woven, a small hole remains inside. If a person has good thoughts, he will step on the right path. The evil ones will lead the wrong way, and the circle of life may end.

Video: dream catcher - protection against nightmares

How to make a dream catcher with your own hands

A dream catcher made by yourself has powerful energy that protects against all evil and attracts positive energy.

Creating a talisman

Traditionally, a strong willow branch is taken as a basis and bent into a ring; nowadays, a wooden rim can be used. When making a talisman, metal hoops are usually not used. Since any magical amulet has an expiration date, it is made from natural materials. When the willow branch dries, the stretched threads will break it. This way you will know that the talisman has fulfilled its purpose and has become unusable. If the rim is metal, you will not understand when the amulet has become just a beautiful thing and no longer performs magical functions.

To make a dream catcher you will need willow branches, threads, feathers and beads

When creating a talisman, it is worth paying attention to the fact that the feathers for male and female talisman are taken completely different:

for men, eagle ones are preferred - a symbol of courage and agility;
for women - owl, a sign of wisdom and cunning.

Such material is not easy to obtain nowadays, and besides, feathers need to be collected when the bird is alive. They store energy information, which can be both positive and negative. If you take the feathers already dead bird, they will be impossible to clean. As a last resort, instead of owl and eagle, you can take goose or rooster, but they magical properties much less.

To weave a web, you should use strong threads, preferably of natural origin. You can take linen, cotton, etc. The thread should not be interrupted, so take a larger ball. When weaving, it is important to follow certain rules:

wind clockwise;
do not tie knots;
wind the thread evenly.

Photo gallery: dream catcher weaving patterns

Most dream catchers are made with a classic cobweb. This weaving pattern leaves a hole in the center of the circle.
The loops of the new rows are hooked closer to the beginning of the loops of the old ones, covering all the previous rows. This is the pattern used by the Siberian dream catchers Kytgyom. It is easy and quick to weave such a web. An interesting effect is obtained if you do not weave a web, but wind the threads in a chaotic order

Stages of making a dream catcher

First we make the frame. To do this you will need a willow vine branch. The younger the branch, the longer the amulet will last you. You need to bend it into an arc and make a ring. This is the base on which we will wind the threads.

The base of the dream catcher is traditionally made from willow branches

After the work with the circle is completed, we begin weaving the web. This work should be undertaken in good mood, in the process you can think about your innermost desires, read affirmations, chant mantras or cast magic spells.

We make a loop for winding. Apply the thread to the hoop evenly and smoothly. The number of turns depends on the diameter of your rim, but the number should be odd.

The dream catcher's web must be wound clockwise

In the process of weaving the web, we string beads.

Beads on the web will decorate the product and become the personification of your desires

Try to pull the threads as tightly as possible so that the web does not sag over time. When the weaving is ready, you need to secure the end of the thread with a bead or crystal in the center using a thick needle.

There is traditionally a hole in the center of the dream catcher

You can place feathers and other attributes as you like. In order for the amulet to bring good dreams with its power, you need to hang it in the bedroom at the head of the bed. You should not place the dream catcher close to the wall; let it rotate in different sides and catches unpleasant dreams.

Amulet made from a hoop

The dream catcher can be woven not on willow branches, but on a wooden hoop. They are more durable, the amulet will last you longer.

For a dream catcher, you can take not branches, but a wooden hoop

As in the version of the amulet with a vine, we wrap wooden frame. At equal distances we make holes in the base for threading. We do everything else according to the same principle as in the first version of creating a talisman.

A dream catcher made from a hoop is more durable than one made from branches.

To create a talisman with a small rim inside a large circle, you should stock up on another willow branch or two wooden hoops.

Making a Double Dream Catcher:

At the very beginning, with a large rim or a large branch, we carry out the same manipulations as when making a simple version of the trap.
We wrap the headband a little smaller in the same way as the large one.
Place a small circle on a flat surface inside a large one in the center or in another place - depending on the design you come up with.
We thread the thread through two hoops, leaving a certain distance between the loops.
You can wrap it again, but in the opposite direction and with a thread of a different color.
IN big ring make a loop, decorate with feathers and beads.

For a double dream catcher, you need to place and secure a small circle inside a large one.

This is not the only option for creating a double sleep trap. Other methods can be used:

inside a small rim, weave a separate web with a different pattern, a different color of thread;
hang one or more small rings at the bottom of a large one;
make two rims with the same diameter and weave them together.

You can make a dream catcher not familiar to everyone round shape, but triangular. It will look like a North American Indian wigwam.

The triangle is formed by two methods:

fasten three branches of the same length together; they can be glued to each other or tied with threads;
bend a willow twig.

Photo gallery: making a triangular dream catcher with your own hands

Place three sticks together for a triangular dream catcher Tie the sticks together with twine Start weaving Tie the sticks with a double knot, stretching the thread above and below the stick Finish weaving in the center, leaving a small or large hole Decorate the dream catcher with shells, feathers, beads Make a loop on top for hanging

Keychain or pendant

To make a keychain or pendant around your neck in the form of a dream catcher, you need to purchase the following:

wooden circle for the base of the pendant;
metal rings on which we will attach feathers, beads and other small elements;
beads, feathers, various decorative details;
dense thread intended for crocheting;
bail (holder) on which the pendant or keychain will be attached.

The dream catcher pendant looks cute, mysterious and romantic

Manufacturing process:

According to the chosen pattern, we weave a web inside the circle.
We decorate the weaving with beads.
We hang feathers on the sides.
At the top we attach a holder for the pendant.

In the same way you can make a pendant for a car, a bracelet, or a brooch. For a bracelet, a leather cord or a metal chain of large links is best suited.

Video: beaded earrings in the form of a dream catcher

Amulet embroidery

You can embroider a dream catcher separately, or you can complement it with various animals and decorative elements.

It is better to start embroidery when the moon is waxing. It is not necessary to finish all the work during this period; it is enough to make at least the first 10 crosses, and then convenient time continue working.

Photo gallery: embroidered dream catcher

A simple embroidery pattern for a dream catcher. The inscription on the embroidery says that you need to follow your dreams (or dreams, which is consonant with English) The wolf is one of the most popular animals depicted together with the dream catcher. The owl complements the properties of the dream catcher with wisdom and poise.

Dreamcatcher tattoo

The dream catcher is also used as a body design. It attracts with its brightness and colorfulness. Just like a regular amulet, a tattoo is endowed with magical properties:

protect its owner from evil spells and witchcraft;
provide powerful protection from negative influences on human consciousness;
grant beautiful and kind dreams;
renew spiritual and physical health after illness;
push for self-improvement.

Often to increase magical power In the drawing, it is placed closer to the head - the source of thoughts and dreams. The tattoo will look great on the neck near auricle, in the upper back or on the shoulder.

It is better to get a tattoo in the form of a dream catcher closer to the head - on the neck, back, shoulder

To increase magical properties Body art can be supplemented with images of animals:

lion - helps to assert oneself in society, symbolizes courage, enhances the desire to win;
a wolf - this totem is characteristic of people with good self-esteem, who are strong in spirit and determined to overcome all obstacles, to be the “leader of the pack”;
dragon - a symbol of beauty, attractiveness, determination.

Owls in the middle of the circle mean the desire for knowledge, balance of character. The swallow attracts good luck, promotes self-development, and improves health. Raven is a symbol of long life, wisdom, and abundance of natural energy.

Body designs that have a magical character are recommended to be tattooed after 33 years of age. It is believed that at this age all development processes are completed.

If you want to receive the protection of the Indian gods, you should not hide the tattoo amulet under clothes; let it proudly look at the world, protecting its owner from magical manipulations and life’s troubles.

Video: drawing a henna dream catcher on the leg

How to activate and clean

A dream catcher is a personal amulet and serves only one owner. While weaving a talisman, think about who it is intended for, mentally say what you want to wish him (strength of spirit, good luck, healthy sleep). This amulet is perfect as a gift to loved ones.

If you didn’t make the dream catcher yourself, but bought it, it needs to be charged with your energy. It is better to activate the magical properties of the amulet on a new moon. First, hang it somewhere where there is a lot of sunlight, let it be saturated with the energy of the sun.

You can also contact the spirits to activate the dream catcher:

Reveal to me all your dreams,

Dreamer,

Open up to me

Melodies of your heart

And I can envelop them

A blanket of blue clouds,

And protect from rough fingers

This world.
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According to the legend of the North American Indian tribe Kikhtu, bad dreams become entangled in the threads of the web and disappear with the onset of a new day. Therefore, the amulet does not require special cleansing. But nowadays it is worth airing the dream catcher several times a year. In winter - in frosty freshness, in summer - in the rays of the bright sun, allowing the winds to penetrate through the web, taking with it everything negative that has accumulated on it for a long time. How do you know when it’s time to clean the talisman? You may feel tired in the morning or have nightmares.

A dream catcher not only saves you from nightmares. He gives peace and peace of mind, encourages self-development and gives additional energy. You can make a talisman in traditional form, or you can make a beautiful decoration or even put it on your body as a tattoo.

Let's look at what a dream catcher is and why this talisman is needed. How to make a real amulet with your own hands, and not just a souvenir? What is needed for this? Here is a weaving diagram and step-by-step instructions. Watching the instructional video will make the manufacturing process even clearer.

What is a dream catcher, its history

The dream catcher is an ancient talisman; there are many legends about its origin. This amulet was created by the Indians. Beautiful legends of the Lakota and Ojibwe peoples about the secret of the dream catcher have reached us. Once upon a time it was made from a willow rod bent into a ring, braided with a web of deer sinews.

There was a small hole left in the center of the weaving. Feathers of wild birds, mostly raptors, were hung from the circle. They should have fallen out during the molting process of a living owl, falcon or hawk. Additionally, stone, wood or bone beads could be woven into the web.

The Indians believed that bad dreams and the evil spirits coming to the sleeping person will become entangled in the web and melt away with the first rays of the rising sun. And good thoughts and good dreams will penetrate through the hole in the center of the amulet and go down the ropes and feathers. The talisman does not belong to one owner, it protects everyone living in the house.

Important. It is believed that people who did not remember their dreams, after a dream catcher appeared in the house, see memorable, colorful dreams.

There is a whole philosophy associated with the dream catcher that the willow circle at the base of the talisman symbolizes the continuity of the life cycle. The baby who comes into the world grows up, matures, and eventually takes responsibility for his own children. This is the circle of life. The dream catcher was not intended to be long use. The willow branch gradually dried out and became brittle. And the deer veins broke it. This was considered a symbol of the transience of youth.

How to use the talisman

The modern design of the dream catcher is very diverse, including its use precious stones for decoration. The talisman is capable of:

ward off nightmares;
help remember dreams;
fight insomnia;
help see real reasons happening in reality.

Important. The dream catcher cannot harm anyone. There is no need for special knowledge or skills in working with occult objects.

There are no mandatory rules for placing a catcher in the house. However, as a rule, it is placed at the head of a sleeping person suffering from insomnia or nightmares. If such placement is not possible, hang the amulet near the bed. But you can also place it in the middle of the room, for example, by attaching it to a chandelier.

Most often, with the help of a talisman they try to scare away scary dreams from children. Because they are considered to be particularly vulnerable to evil spirits. The dream catcher is hung above the cradle. So, in addition to its direct purpose, it will entertain the child with its fancy weaving and feathers.

According to ancient beliefs, terrible dreams and spirits entangled in the catcher’s web at night die under the influence of the sun. This means that every morning the rays should hit the amulet, cleansing it. If naturally this cannot be achieved, for example, when the amulet hangs in a dark bedroom, it is necessary to hang it towards the window. And at night transfer it back again.

How to weave a dream catcher yourself

The materials used in ancient times by the tribes of a vanished civilization are not available to us. However, when planning to create a dream catcher, you need to make sure that it is made only from natural materials. It is better not to weave a web on a plastic ring. Polymer material is not capable of contacting human energy. If stones are used, they should not be plastic imitation. Most often used:

Rauchtopaz (helps to see and remember).
Amethyst (gives clarity of vision, drives away nightmares).
Rock crystal (enhances the effect of the amulet).
Obsidian (empowers you to resist night terrors).

You need to start work by making a ring. It is ideal to use willow, but it is permissible to make a catcher from any sufficiently long and thin branches. One rod is closed into a ring and braided with the remaining length of the branch. If necessary, use a second branch while continuing to weave the base. Each rod should have a thickness of no more than 1 cm and as longer length. Otherwise, it will be inconvenient to work, and the ring may not turn out even. The base must be strong to withstand the tension of the woven web.

Attention! The size of the dream catcher has no sacred meaning. But some legends say that the number of attached threads should be exactly 8. According to the number of spider legs. But this rule is not always followed.

If it is not possible to take branches, you can, as a last resort, use a hoop ring or other available means. This base is carefully and tightly wrapped with thread. To weave cobwebs, you cannot use synthetic fibers dyed in bright neon colors; after all, we are not just making a decoration, but a talisman for the home. He must be alive. The following threads are suitable:

cotton;
wool.

The thread is secured with a knot at any location. The circle is mentally divided into 8 parts. At each of these points the thread is thrown over the base, secured and returned through the center.

Advice. In the present Indian trappers The thread is not pulled between the starting and last weaving points of the first row.

By analogy, weave the 2nd row, securing the thread in the center of the arch of the first row. If beads are used, they are put on in any place, remaining movable. After all, they symbolize drops of morning dew on the web. It is advisable that they total number was odd.

Weaving continues until only a small hole remains in the center. Finally, feathers are attached. They are arranged in random order, to suit your taste. If the base of the feather is thick enough, it is pierced with a needle and a thread is threaded through it. Then large beads are strung to hide the attachment point. If the feathers are small, they can be collected in a bunch. Often several feathers are tied to one thread at different distances. The finished amulet should be hung on a leather or braided cord.

In general, making a dream catcher with your own hands is not at all difficult. The result will be not only a talisman, but also a spectacular interior decoration. You can believe in its magical properties or not, but in any case it will only bring benefits.

DIY dream catcher: video

Dreamcatcher: photo

Modern people now worship science. She disappeared into oblivion true faith in God and in the power of Mother Nature. Traditional and even sacred symbols have become common souvenirs. But there is still a great desire to bring old traditions and customs back into modern times.

Let's get acquainted with the ancient household item of the North American Indians - the so-called dream catcher. Previously, it was a real folk talisman, but now it simply lies on souvenir benches or decorates modern houses and apartments. And few people think about what kind of talisman this is and how it works?

Night sleep has always been the most important condition for a successful day. To combat insomnia and nightmares, ancient Indian tribes invented such a trap.

Dream catcher - what is it?

As stated earlier, the dream trap is an ancient Indian relic. This product consists of a willow rod, which is bent in a circle and wrapped with a thread made of natural strong material. Inside the circle there is a web made from the same thread. Such a talisman was decorated with bird feathers and various beads.

The ancient Indians believed that if a dream catcher was hung over a bed, it would protect its owner every night. It was believed that if someone approaches a sleeping person nightmare, then he will instantly become entangled in the web of the trap. If the dreams are bright and positive, then the talisman will allow them to pass to the person through a small circle in the middle of the product.

Each part of this invention has its own special meaning. There are many legends about the dream catcher. Here is one of them. The leader of a North American Indian tribe, Lakota, in the mountains saw a haze in which he was talking with teacher Iktomi. The teacher came to him in the form of a spider. Throughout the conversation, the spider was busy weaving a special web that symbolizes human life:

The spider wove a closed circle from a willow twig. She is a symbol of periodicity human life: at first he is born just a child and everyone takes care of him. Then he grows up and becomes the parent of his children and takes care of them. And this can continue indefinitely.
The web inside the circle represents various roads in a person’s life, between which one has to choose. No person has any idea which path is the most correct.
A web of threads should protect people from bad events.
The small center hole is the human spirit itself, which is open to positive events.
The bird feathers that decorate the relic symbolize air, without which no person can survive.

There is another legend that is directly related to human dreams. Unusual woman Asabikashi, who was the mother of all people on earth, turned into a spider. It was she who gave people this dream catcher.

When there were a lot of people in the world, Asabikashi taught mothers to take care of their children. And to prevent children from having bad dreams, she suggested that women make dream catchers with their own hands and hang them over their children’s beds.

Nowadays, such a talisman has become very popular among Europeans. However, not everyone knows its true meaning. Very often it is used as room decoration. But let's check if it really helps get rid of anxiety at night, and make such a talisman with your own hands.

Materials and tools for creating a product

No store-bought talisman can compare with the one you make with your own hands.

In order to create such an amazing product, you will need:

A young willow branch is no more than one millimeter thick with good flexibility. You can find such a branch in October; during this period they have the greatest amount of juice. Rowan berries are often used to create such a talisman.
Strong, good thread density. The most suitable threads will be those made from wool, linen or cotton.
Skin or hair that belonged to a horse. These items will come in handy to decorate your dream catcher.
Purchased or hand-made beads. They are also useful for decoration. It is believed that beads made from different materials have different properties, for example: they improve health, influence fate, and also change your behavior.
Feathers certain types birds. For example, for representatives of the stronger sex, the plumage of birds that lead a diurnal lifestyle is suitable, and this is an eagle, hawk, falcon, etc. For the fair sex, feathers of night birds - owl, duck, guinea fowl - are suitable.

Remember that when making a talisman, you should think and think only about positive aspects and wish the owner of the amulet all the best.

Step-by-step instructions for creating a dream catcher

First, bend the willow rod into a hoop. The ends need to be secured with thread and glued.
Wrap the cord around the entire circumference of the hoop, leaving 15 centimeters free for use.
Do the same procedure again, also leaving 15 centimeters.
Tie the thread near the lace, which is tied in a knot.
Wind the thread around the ring in a circle so that there is a gap of at least three centimeters from the very beginning, thread the thread into the loop and pull it well. You have formed a so-called half-knot. Your task is to build the same half-knots at equal distances throughout the circle.
Tie the next half knot, wrapping the thread around itself rather than around the ring.
Do the same steps as in point five. While weaving, insert the decorative elements you need.
Weave a web, while reducing the spaces between the knots. Use a crochet hook for these actions - it will be easier for you. At the end of weaving, a circle should form from the loops.
Straighten the resulting web, make a knot, remove excess thread and cover thin layer glue.
Using scissors, cut a couple of pieces of thirty centimeters each from the cord and tie them below and opposite the 15 centimeter tails.
Thread the beads into the cord. Tie knots to prevent the beads from getting lost.
Tie a feather to one end of the lace. Place a bead over the resulting knot to hide it. Do the same manipulations with all the tails.
Take the other part of the lace and thread it into the ring. Then tie the resulting ends. Double the loop and tie a knot very close to the edge of the ring. Place a bead on the loop large size and tie the last knot. Your dream catcher is ready!

The options for weaving a dream catcher do not end with this instruction. They can be very diverse and even unusual. Experts even make different ones on the web beautiful drawings. However, for beginners in this business, there are many simple patterns for weaving such a talisman. By the way, the basis for making the product can be an ordinary hoop or a wooden hoop. Nowadays they use metal and plastic hoops, but in this case they need to be carefully wrapped with thread so that the real material is not noticeable.

It is customary to hang a dream trap near the bed. However, in order to protect loved one from negative impact, you can make a mini version of a dream catcher that you can take with you everywhere.

Now you have learned how to make a dream catcher yourself and you can please yourself, your friends and relatives with such a beautiful and useful gift.