At 4:30 A.M., I awoke with this comforting dream:

It is mid-afternoon. I’m, alone, seated in the study of an Anglican rectory in Great Britain, poring over travel brochures describing sites in the European Union that I’d like to visit. I’m wearing an ivory lace bridal dress and veil. I hear footsteps in the hall. It’s the Rector and his golden retriever. Quickly, I collect my stuff and go to another room, not without seeing the dog bound after him.

Unlike other dreams, mid-afternoon suggests more time/space to continue my psychic work for my transition. Each twenty-four hours is a gift, as also the ivory lace bridal dress that brings to mind the parable of the wedding garment in the gospel of Matthew. Mine is exquisite with long sleeves and skirts. In the dream, the veil enhances my naturally curly brunette hair; my face glows. I feel blessed.

In Jungian analytical psychology, the Rector represents the Positive Animus of the woman’s masculine side as uncovered in the collective unconscious through dreams. That I’m unwilling to fully engage with the Rector, despite his invitation to work in his rectory, suggests an area of growth still to be achieved. I’m still on the periphery of my masculinity.

The travel brochures and the bounding dog recall the joyful discovery of having been an analysand of Ellen Shire for decades. In line with our work, she plied me with information of Jungian tours to pre-historic sites in foreign lands and urged me to participate. And her dogs, Toby, and later Max, squealed with joy in her company.

In retrospect, Ellen Sheire carried the Sacred during our hours until I could learn to access it for myself.

I’m grateful and still teachable.