Being Chased

The chase dream is the psyche asking you to turn around. Jung taught that what pursues you in a dream is almost always an aspect of yourself — the shadow, an unfelt feeling, a responsibility refused. The identity of the pursuer is the most important data: an animal suggests instinct denied, a stranger suggests shadow, a specific person from your waking life suggests unfinished business with them or with what they represent in you. Running intensifies the pursuit; turning to face it often dissolves it. Many dreamers who have learned to turn around in chase dreams report the pursuer becoming curiously still — even curious themselves — once looked at. Notice what you are running toward, not only from.