Dreaming of rain in Winti: meaning

Within this tradition

The Winti world is often described in pantheons: the sky, the earth, the forest and the water, each with its own spirits. Rain is one of the few things that passes through all of them. It comes from above, from the sky where figures such as Opete and the strong Kromanti forces belong, and falls onto the earth of Mama Aisa and into the rivers and creeks of the water winti. A rain dream is read in that light as a connection: something from above reaching what lives below.

Water also has a cleansing role in Winti. The tradition knows the wasi, the herbal bath, as a practice of cleansing; Dreamkin describes it, but does not prescribe it. Gentle rain falling on you in a dream is read along the same lines: something washing off, a fresh start, a burden that lightens.

Rain on dry land, after a long dry spell, is read as blessing and relief: something that was missing arriving at last. Rain you enjoy, standing outside with your face upwards, is a calm, favourable image.

A heavy storm, with thunder and lightning, is read as a stronger force. Thunder and lightning are traditionally linked with the Kromanti and the sky. Such a dream is read as something powerful moving in your life, or a tension that is building up, and is a dream people sometimes discuss with someone who knows the tradition. It is not read as a prediction of misfortune.

Rain coming into the house is read through the family line, the bere: something from outside entering the household, which can be welcome or ask for attention.

Common variations