Dream Catcher Skulls: Meaning, Symbolism, and Origins

The History and Meaning of Dream Catchers

Dream catchers are sacred, handmade objects used by certain Native American tribes, particularly the Ojibwe tribe. They are typically circular webs woven with sinew or cord, featuring beads, feathers, and other decorative elements. Dream catchers are usually hung over a sleeping area as a protective talisman.

According to Ojibwe legend, the first dream catchers were woven by a village elder named Asibikaashi, also known as Spider Woman. She created a magical web to protect children from nightmares and bad dreams. The good dreams would know to slip through the center hole, gliding down the feathers to rest upon the child below.

Among the Ojibwe, dream catchers represent unity, the joining of many nations. The shape of the hoop symbolizes the circle of life. The web catches the bad while allowing good to pass through. The beads signify the spider's knowledge and craftsmanship.

Common Elements of Dream Catchers

While styles vary, most dream catchers contain certain standard components:

• A hoop or circle, traditionally made from bent pliable willow or rattan. Modern versions may use metal wire.
• A woven web or netting in the center made of sinew, cord, yarn or other fibers. Natural netting materials are traditional.
• Feathers hanging from the bottom which guide the good dreams down. Most use bird feathers but some substitute ribbon or fringe.
• Beads, gems, shells or other decorative items woven into the web or attached to the hoop. These symbolize beauty, knowledge, and protection.

Meaning of the Web and Hole

The woven web in the middle represents a spider web. Much like a spider web traps insects but lets smaller creatures pass through, the dream catcher web catches the bad dreams but allows good dreams to slip through the center hole.

The open space in the middle represents an entry point for the good dreams. Different sources cite the center hole as symbolizing spirit, breath, vision, goals, or the heart and mind.

Purpose of the Feathers

The feathers dangling below the dream catcher serve an important practical and symbolic purpose. Symbolically, feathers represent breath, air, and wind. The gentle motion of the feathers in the air current aid in gently guiding the good dreams down and into the sleeping person below.

In most traditional versions, a few larger feathers are attached at the bottom and increase in size. The varying feather lengths create soft, beautiful movement from air circulation in the room. Bird feathers are sacred in many Native American cultures.

Meaning of the Beads and Decorations

Beads, shells, crystals, and other accents are traditionally woven into the webbing or attached to points along the hoop. These decorations represent several symbolic concepts:

• Beauty, craftsmanship, skill
• Spiritual knowledge and vision
• Protection and security
• Unity and community
• Interconnectedness of nature and humankind

Certain beads and charms may have specific meanings as well. For example, the spider web design represents Spider Woman's spiritual gifts. Gemstones are said to have individual protective powers.

Variations in Dream Catcher Designs

While traditional dream catchers follow certain conventions, there is quite a bit of room for artistic interpretation and personalization. Dream catchers vary in size, materials used, colors, and decorative motifs. Some unique variations include:

• Hoop shape - Round, oval, teardrop, heart-shaped
• Hoop material - Natural vine, wrapped wire, gemstones, metal rings
• Web pattern - Wavy, spiral, diamond-shaped, creative knots
• Web materials - Wool, cotton, nylon thread, ribbon, raffia, beads, hemp
• Feathers - Different bird feathers, chain fringe, bead strands
• Color - Single color or rainbow bright colors
• Decorations - Painted designs, crystal accents, personal adornments

The Role and Meaning of the Dream Catcher Skull

One unique design element seen in some modern dream catchers is a skull woven into the web. At first glance, a skull may seem to contradict the protective, peaceful nature of the dream catcher.

However, the skull actually carries important symbolic meaning in Native American culture. Animal skulls and bones play various roles in rituals, ceremonies, and spiritual worship.

The Meaning of Skulls in Native American Culture

For many Native American tribes, skulls represent reverence and honor for the animal's spirit. Skulls and bones are sometimes buried in sacred ground or used ceremonially to call on spiritual powers. Displays of skulls also symbolize the cycle of life honoring both death and rebirth.

Native Americans also reflect on the fleeting nature of life when gazing at skulls. The skull motif reminds them to live each day fully and not take life for granted. Skulls represent the impermanence of life on earth.

Some interpret skulls in Native American art and crafts as a triumph or mocking of death. The skull implies power over death and rising above mortal challenges.

Use of Animal Skulls in Rituals

Native Americans tribes have various customs involving animal skulls. Some traditions include:

• Placing animal skulls on home altars or in sacred spaces
• Wearing medicine pouches containing small animal bones/skulls for protection
• Burying skulls in fields or under new homes while saying prayers
• Leaving animal skulls at the site of a harvested hunt as an offering
• Tying skulls to a medicine pole in rituals for health or fortune

Ritual use of skulls is intended to show respect for the animal's sacrifice. The spirits are thanked for providing sustenance and the cycle of rebirth is honored.

Meaning in Dream Catchers

A skull woven into the web of a dream catcher carries multilayered meaning.

On a basic level, it represents the constant balance of life and death. It reminds us of human mortality and to live fully.

The skull implies harnessing the power beyond death. It mocks mortal fears and limitations, warding off anything that would threaten peace.

Incorporating an animal skull into a dream catcher may call on that creature's protective energy. Different creatures have various symbolic powers in Native American culture.

Types of Skulls Used in Dream Catchers

Dream catchers may contain a variety of real or replica animal skulls. Certain creatures hold special meaning and significance.

Deer Skulls

Deer skulls and antlers are common in Native art and crafts. Deer represent sensitivity, intuition, and gentleness. Their skulls impart a tender yet powerful energy. Deer bones are sometimes used in Native American rituals for healing or to draw luck.

Buffalo Skulls

Buffalo hold deep significance in Plains Indian culture as providers of life-sustaining food, hides, and more. Buffalo skulls represent sacred reverence for their sacrifice. They symbolize abundance and prosperity. Buffalo were also considered spirit messengers between worlds.

Horse Skulls

Horses were essential partners for Native American life prior to the automobile era. Horse skulls signify friendship, trust, stamina, and freedom. Horse bones buried under homes were thought to ward off nightmares specifically. Their spirits brought protection and loyalty.

Wolf Skulls

Wolves convey deep spiritual connections in Native culture. They symbolize intelligence, communication, loyalty, and community. Wolf skulls imply deep primal energy and connection to intuitive knowing. Wolves offer protection by warning of dangers.

Bear Skulls

Bears represent physical strength, courage, and independence to Native Americans. Their skulls signal unmatched personal power. Bear spirits provide guidance for overcoming barriers through introspection and controlling external urges.

Bison Skulls

Bison (buffalo) skulls hold similar meaning to buffalo skulls. They signify abundance and prosperity since buffalo provided for so many physical and spiritual Native American needs. Bison remain iconic symbols of the American west.

Other Animal Skulls

Dream catchers may also incorporate skulls from foxes, coyotes, mountain lions, eagles, hawks, ravens, snakes, turtles, or other creatures significant in Native culture. Each carries its own unique symbolic essence and power.

How to Choose the Right Dream Catcher Skull

When selecting a dream catcher with an animal skull, consider what attributes you most want to evoke. Seek skulls from creatures matching that essence:

• Protection - Wolf, bear, buffalo
• Peace - Deer, horse
• Vision - Eagle, hawk, owl
• Power - Buffalo, bear
• Playfulness - Rabbit, fox
• Connection - Wolf

Also think about your dream catcher's overall look and vibe. Fragile, delicate skulls like deer and birds suit airy feminine pieces. Larger rugged skulls like bear or bison work on bold masculine dream catchers.

Look for high quality authentic-looking animal skull replicas if you want the symbolic energy without using actual bones. Select a size proportional to the rest of the design. Let your intuition guide you to the perfect skull!

How to Create Your Own Dream Catcher with Skull

Crafting your own dream catcher allows you to customize every detail. Follow these steps to add a skull to your creation:

1. Choose a skull replica that inspires you or matches your theme.
2. Obtain the other dream catcher components - hoop, webbing, feathers, decorations.
3. Wrap the hoop as desired. Natural vine or leather works well.
4. Weave the web inside the hoop however you wish. Leaving a center hole.
5. Incorporate the skull into the webbing as you work. Use sturdy cord/wire.
6. Add dangling feathers and other ornamentations.
7. Trim any excess web and finish wrapping hoop ends.

Take your time bringing all the pieces together in your own unique way. Let your intuition guide you to make a meaningful dream catcher infused with the energy and symbolism you seek!

Where to Buy Dream Catchers with Skulls

You can find pre-made dream catchers with skulls at various locations:

• Native American artisan markets and powwows
• New age shops
• Boutiques and gift shops, especially in the Southwest
• Online handcrafted marketplaces like Etsy
• Southwestern decor and import stores

Search using terms like "Native American dream catcher skull" or the specific animal like "wolf dream catcher." Prices range widely from $15 to $50 or more depending on materials and artistry.

When possible, purchasing directly from Native American artists and tribes through markets and reservations supports indigenous livelihoods and cultural preservation.

Hanging Your Dream Catcher with Skull

Proper dream catcher placement is important for optimizing their protective powers. Follow these tips:

• Hang it above your bed or sleeping space. Position it over the pillow area.
• Allow 6-12 inches between the feathers and sleeping surface.
• Make sure air can circulate around the feathers to create movement.
• Set the intent to filter dreams each night as you go to sleep.
• Some say rotating the catcher daily keeps energy flowing freely.

Use wire, string, or decorative beading to create an attractive way to suspend your catcher where you sleep. Let the feathers dangle freely so they can catch the night air. Sweet dreams!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.