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Dream Animals
Explores the symbolism implied in both real and mythical animals, and examines how these figures have been used in art
96 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1991
5 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
James Hillman
175 books573 followersJames Hillman (1926-2011) was an American psychologist. He served in the US Navy Hospital Corps from 1944 to 1946, after which he attended the Sorbonne in Paris, studying English Literature, and Trinity College, Dublin, graduating with a degree in mental and moral science in 1950.
In 1959, he received his PhD from the University of Zurich, as well as his analyst's diploma from the C.G. Jung Institute and founded a movement toward archetypal psychology, was then appointed as Director of Studies at the institute, a position he held until 1969.
In 1970, Hillman became editor of Spring Publications, a publishing company devoted to advancing Archetypal Psychology as well as publishing books on mythology, philosophy and art. His magnum opus, Re-visioning Psychology, was written in 1975 and nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. Hillman then helped co-found the Dallas Institute for Humanities and Culture in 1978.
Retired into private practice, writing and traveling to lecture, until his death at his home in Connecticut on October 27, 2011 from bone cancer.
In 1959, he received his PhD from the University of Zurich, as well as his analyst's diploma from the C.G. Jung Institute and founded a movement toward archetypal psychology, was then appointed as Director of Studies at the institute, a position he held until 1969.
In 1970, Hillman became editor of Spring Publications, a publishing company devoted to advancing Archetypal Psychology as well as publishing books on mythology, philosophy and art. His magnum opus, Re-visioning Psychology, was written in 1975 and nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. Hillman then helped co-found the Dallas Institute for Humanities and Culture in 1978.
Retired into private practice, writing and traveling to lecture, until his death at his home in Connecticut on October 27, 2011 from bone cancer.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 26, 2019
I'm currently re-reading this -- it's brilliant. The art is beautiful, alluring and thought-provoking. Hillman is a major influence on my thinking, as is Jung.
Anyone who is a fan of Werewolf: The Apocalypse should read this book.
Anyone who is a fan of Werewolf: The Apocalypse should read this book.
December 30, 2016
I really appreciate Hillman's high view of animals:
"We are each an open book to the animal eye. Especially to our household pets, who can call you on your state of soul before you have any notion of it. Household pets were called "familiars" in the Roman world. Not only are pets part of the larger family, but they are intimately familiar observers of your unconscious presentation in everyday household life. They were the first psychoanalysts. Is that the psychological reason for the domestication of dogs and cats, of birds, pigs, cows, elephants, goats? The animals could make us aware of ourselves."
He also encourages anthropomorphizing:
"The scientific fear of falling into anthropomorphizing cuts the human world from the animal kingdom. This fear also leads us to distrust our intuitions and insights, putting a curse on empathy. [...] Anthropomorphism recognizes that humans and animals participate in a common world of significations."
I also love what Hillman says about therapy:
"You know, people come to therapy really for blessing. Not so much to fix what's broken as to get what's broken blessed."
There are chapters on each of these animals: Snake, mouse, polar bears, horses, rat, lions and tigers, giraffe, pig, and bugs. I'll definitely reach for this the next time I have a dream about one of those animals.
"We are each an open book to the animal eye. Especially to our household pets, who can call you on your state of soul before you have any notion of it. Household pets were called "familiars" in the Roman world. Not only are pets part of the larger family, but they are intimately familiar observers of your unconscious presentation in everyday household life. They were the first psychoanalysts. Is that the psychological reason for the domestication of dogs and cats, of birds, pigs, cows, elephants, goats? The animals could make us aware of ourselves."
He also encourages anthropomorphizing:
"The scientific fear of falling into anthropomorphizing cuts the human world from the animal kingdom. This fear also leads us to distrust our intuitions and insights, putting a curse on empathy. [...] Anthropomorphism recognizes that humans and animals participate in a common world of significations."
I also love what Hillman says about therapy:
"You know, people come to therapy really for blessing. Not so much to fix what's broken as to get what's broken blessed."
There are chapters on each of these animals: Snake, mouse, polar bears, horses, rat, lions and tigers, giraffe, pig, and bugs. I'll definitely reach for this the next time I have a dream about one of those animals.
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December 25, 2016What? No. Just... no. My perspective is so alien to the creators' that I couldn't even follow the train of thought in the essays, or appreciate the art.
January 14, 2025
A delight! This is a collaborative effort between an abstract artist and a late, famous psychologist. It would be a treasure to own just for the art photos alone, but then factor in the highly readable, succinct essays written by the usually loquacious, scholarly Hillman and you have yourself a winner. I found the numerous metaphorical descriptions entertaining and instructive. You needn't be looking for a dream manual to enjoy this book.
July 16, 2011
Interesting, kind of a dreamy book. A different interpretation on the "meanings" of animals, and a good shakeup.
August 27, 2008
need to read again though
February 23, 2014
This book changed my understanding of the role dream animals play in our lives. If you're interested in deciphering dreams, spirit helpers, or animal images, read this book. It's excellent.
February 10, 2016
Wonderful essays. Especially the last one...Going Bugs.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews