Donkey

Often seen as the humble, hardworking companion, the donkey represents steadfastness, reliability, and the ability to carry heavy burdens. Unlike the more glamorous horse, the donkey is sure-footed and can navigate difficult, treacherous terrain, symbolizing a deep, resilient wisdom that can guide you through life's challenges. However, the donkey has a wilder side, associated with untamed instincts, powerful primal energy, and even chaos, as seen in its connection to Dionysian revelry and the Egyptian god Set. It has also been unfairly labeled as 'stubborn' or 'stupid,' often reflecting qualities we project onto it. These dual aspects make the donkey a powerful symbol of integrating our humble, hardworking nature with our raw, instinctual shadow self.

Dreaming of a donkey may be a call to embrace humility, patience, and perseverance in your current situation. It might be pointing to a reliable, overlooked strength within you that can help you navigate a difficult period. This symbol often asks you to look at what you judge as lowly, 'stubborn,' or 'unseemly' within yourself, as it may hold surprising and profound wisdom, much like the biblical donkey that could see the angel its rider could not. Acknowledging this humble or instinctual part of yourself is often the first step toward significant personal growth and transformation.