Up: [[Observing Drawings in Therapy]] Related: [[Home and House]] Created: 2024-05-18 Course: The Art of Spontaneous Drawing with Patricia Anne Elwood for Phoenix Jung > [!Orbit] [[C. G. Jung]] in *Dream Analysis Notes on the Seminars, 1928-1930* > The house recurs very often as a symbol in dreams, and it generally means the habitual or inherited attitude, the habitual way of living, or something acquired, or perhaps the way one lives with the whole family. Note: The following notes came from a course and book. In the hands of a trained art therapist or analyst, I’m sure they have all kinds of value. But, the author hasn’t given enough information on these ones for meaningful interpretation by a novice, giving this particular list a glib, party game feel. #### the house Compare how big, small, open, closed compared to the person drawing it. Is it well planted on its base, giving sense of security and groundedness, or does it lack a solid foundation? #### door Door or no door? How big is the door compared to the house, and is it open or closed? Is it inviting in or blocking out any intrusion? Can I see inside or not at all? #### windows Represent connection between inner and outer worlds. Look out toward sunlight or in toward darkness? Big allowing exposure or small and defensive, or missing, not allowing anything on the inner plane to be revealed? Does the number of windows correspond to the number of people living in the house? #### roof Solid or rickety? Does it provide enough protection? May symbolize the mental level; is it too heavy or overloaded? Or too light, insecure? Is it cut in half, unfinished, is the top missing? A cut-off roof suggests that a process has been cut off, interrupted by trauma or incapacity to adapt to a situation. #### chimney Shows a desire for expression. Is it letting out smoke, which would indicate the emotion of anger, or repressed feelings. #### path Is there a path inviting others to enter, or that leads away from the house? #### stairs Lead the way up or down. Toward consciousness or unconsciousness. #### gates and barriers Define the limits of approach between inner and outer worlds. Closed gates are symbols of protection which keep the unknown out. Gates are also markers of transition, as there is one sphere outside the gate, one in. Open gates are welcoming. #### flowers and nature Would represent dynamic nature and life #### animals Such as cat or dog at the door, which suggests emotional attachments #### missing elements Anything superfluous or missing, such as windows or doors #### colours Colour of the house. Grey? Red? No explanation of the significance of these colours. #### orientation Is the house leaning to the left or right? Or is it facing either way? Is the drawing of the house static or dynamic? Elwood didn’t explain what it *means* to be leaning left or right. #Art House drawing during the course [[2024-05-18]] ![[House Drawing 2024-05-18.webp|500]] Leaning right, meant to be my current house.