To Catch A Dream

Dreamcatchers have a spiritual genesis, originating with the Ojibwe peoples of North America. Initially used as charms of protection for children, dreamcatchers evolved to become talismans for parents and families as well. Ojibwe women were tasked with fashioning dreamcatchers out of willow branches, creating a hoop on which a web of sinew or string is woven, and adding sacred objects such as rocks or beads, and dangling feathers. Over time, dreamcatchers became a part of Lakota culture as well. Each part of the dreamcatcher design has significance:

Hoop
The hoop symbolizes the circle of life. The hoop can be round, like a circle, or shaped like a teardrop.

Web
The webbing likens to a spider’s web. In some tribes, it is linked to the Ojibwe legend of the Asibikaashi (Spider-Woman), caretaker of children and people of the land. The web is meant to catch and trap bad dreams or evil spirits, preventing them from entering the mind during sleep. Once caught, they are believed to burn off in the daylight with the dawning of the sun. Interesting note: in Lakota legend, dreamcatchers are thought to capture good dreams! Beads
A single bead or stone signifies the spider or spinner of the web. More than one may symbolize the bad dreams that have been trapped by the dreamcatcher.

Feathers
Beautiful dreams are believed to pass through the dreamcatcher where they are wafted by feathers into the dreamer’s mind.

Gems
Gems and semi-precious stones were thought to facilitate (or substitute) feathers in separating the good dreams from the bad. Different stones or crystals may have different meanings, according to tribe or legend. Monague dreamcatchers are handcrafted in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada. Suspended in the webbing of the leather-wrapped hoop are a cascade of semi-precious gems and a single, large stone of Labradorite or Tiger’s Eye. Beaded feathers strung on leather gently dangle and sway from the bottom of the hoop. Hang a dreamcatcher in your window to enjoy the beauty of Indigenous legend and artistry, with its protective spiritual element. Hoop is 6” in diameter. Note: Monague is a 100% Native-owned company.

To order online, visit:

https://www.westporttradingpost.com/products/dreamcatcher-with-semi-precious-stones The symbolic nature of a dreamcatcher is poignantly captured in jewelry.

These sterling silver pieces feature intricate designs and authentic turquoise stones.

Dreamcatcher earrings and pendant necklace are crafted with .925 sterling silver, delicate webbing, and etched feather details. Hoops measure .5” in diameter. Necklace has an 18” chain. Made in Canada. Earrings:

https://www.westporttradingpost.com/products/sterling-silver-dream-catcher-earrings

Necklace:

https://www.westporttradingpost.com/products/sterling-silver-dreamcatcher-pendant-necklace Keep the protective dreamcatcher energy with you throughout the day with a glass mug featuring the “Dreamcatcher” design by Canadian Sioux artist, Maxine Noel.

Known for her sweeping, female figures, flowing lines, and nature-inspired themes, Noel’s artwork features an Indigenous woman embracing the beautifully intricate web of a dreamcatcher. A double-walled glass mug keeps both hot and cold drinks at their ideal temperature for longer, and the stunning image will bring visual interest to your home or office. The Dreamcatcher glass mug comes in its own decorative gift box as part of an assorted set of six (6) Indigenous designs. Handwash only.

Mugs are designed in Canada, with a royalty paid to the Indigenous artist(s).

https://www.westporttradingpost.com/products/double-wall-glass-mug
Get comfortable in a southwestern-style hoodie adorned with Aztec colours and motifs, and striking dreamcatcher imagery.

The Western Dreamcatcher hooded sweatshirt is lightweight, loose-fitting, and on-trend, accented with a zip-up collar, handy front pocket, and cozy hood. Available in Women’s sizes SM to XXL.

https://www.westporttradingpost.com/products/womens-aztec-dreamcatcher-hoodie-sweatshirt
We invite you to spend time reading further on the stories and legends behind dreamcatchers and their spiritual significance. Please remember that a dreamcatcher is a sacred Indigenous symbol. ❤