Briefly
Plateaus, with their elevated flat-topped landforms that rise sharply above the surrounding area, are often symbolized as places of contemplation, perspective, and stability. They can represent a higher state of consciousness or a plateauing in life, where one has reached a steady, unchanging period after a time of growth. Their flatness compared to the peaks around them can also symbolize a leveling out of energy or a need for rest and reflection after a steep climb or effort.
Plateau in Dreams
In dreams, a plateau might symbolize a period of rest or complacency. It can indicate that the dreamer has reached a goal and is now in a phase of stability or perhaps a lack of progress. Psychologically, it might suggest the need for a new challenge or the opportunity to pause and reassess one’s path and goals. It may also reflect feelings of isolation or detachment due to its characteristic of being above the surrounding landscape.
Plateau in Myths and Folklore
In mythology and folklore, plateaus are often seen as sacred spaces, set apart from the rest of the world due to their height and the effort required to reach them. They are places where one might encounter divine beings or receive revelations, as their proximity to the sky is symbolic of closer contact with the heavens. Native American legends, for example, often revere plateaus as homes of the gods or as locations for spiritual journeys and vision quests, emphasizing their connection to enlightenment and higher insight.
Read also Mountain Symbolism & Meaning
Reviewed by Alexander Lys, M.L., a specialist in the field of symbolism research and dream psychology. A certified participant in numerous psychological seminars and courses, the author of hundreds of articles on psychology, including studies on symbolism in dreams and myths from a scientific perspective.
