Briefly
In symbolic terms, West represents the setting sun, end of the day, or the conclusion of a journey. As a cardinal direction, it symbolizes death, transformation, and the subconscious, embodying the place where the sun goes to rest. It is associated with the element of water, which denotes emotion, intuition, and the deeper aspects of the psyche. In Chinese Feng Shui, the West is connected to joy, creativity, and children. As such, it’s a poignant reminder of the cycle of life, growth, decay, and rebirth.
- Symbolism: setting sun, end of the day, conclusion of journey, death, transformation, subconscious, emotion, intuition, deeper aspects of psyche, joy, creativity, children, cycle of life.
West in Dreams
Dreaming about the West direction often points to an ending or closure in one’s life. This could be the end of a relationship, job, or phase of life. Additionally, it can indicate the need to confront subconscious thoughts or emotions that you may have been avoiding. From a psychological perspective, it might suggest a desire for introspection or to delve into the subconscious mind for increased self-awareness and understanding.
- Symbolism in dreams: ending, closure, confronting subconscious thoughts or emotions, introspection, increased self-awareness.
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West in Myths and Folklore
In Greek mythology, the West was the domain of Hesperides, the nymphs of the evening and golden light of sunset. These nymphs lived in a beautiful garden at the western corner of the world, a place associated with the paradisiacal end of life’s journey. In Norse sagas, the land to the West, known as Vínland, was a place of abundance and prosperity. Meanwhile, in Native American folklore, the West is often associated with the bear, a symbol of introspection and strength.
In Celtic mythology, the west was associated with the realm of the dead. It was believed that the spirits of the deceased would travel westward, towards the setting sun, to reach the otherworld. This concept also extends to Arthurian legend where the mythical Avalon, a paradisiacal island, was said to be located in the west.
- Symbolism in myths and folklore: domain of Hesperides, golden light of sunset, end of life’s journey, abundance, prosperity, introspection, strength, realm of the dead, otherworld, Avalon.
West Spiritual Meanings
In spiritual terms, the West is associated with introspection, spiritual growth, and wisdom attained through experience. It is considered the path of inner knowledge and understanding of the self, often linked with the autumn season, a time of harvest and preparation for winter. As it’s connected to the setting sun, the West encourages contemplation of life’s cyclical nature and inevitable transformation.
- Spiritual symbolism: introspection, spiritual growth, wisdom, inner knowledge, understanding of the self, autumn, harvest, preparation, life’s cyclical nature, transformation.
West Tattoo Meaning
A West direction tattoo can symbolize a variety of personal meanings, usually related to endings or new beginnings. This could symbolize the end of a difficult period or the start of a new life phase. In line with its spiritual meanings, it can also represent personal growth, transformation, or a journey into the subconscious. As a tattoo, it serves as a constant reminder of life’s natural cycles, the inevitability of change, and strength to face life’s challenges.
- Tattoo symbolism: endings, new beginnings, personal growth, transformation, journey into the subconscious, life’s natural cycles, change, strength.
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.
