Using the methods of Carl Jung, the first man is probably a symbol of the dreamer’s shadow. The shadow is always the same sex as the dreamer and is, in some way, the opposite of the dreamer or perhaps a hidden side of the dreamer. See “Man and his Symbols” conceived and edited by Carl G. Jung.
This first man wants to shake the hand of the dreamer. Thus, he appears to be friendly. But he has a “syringe with weird orange liquid.” I usually interpret color in a dream according to its association with a particular chakra. The color orange is associated with the 2nd chakra. The 2nd chakra is most commonly associated with sex. “This chakra is associated with sensuality and creativity. The primary function of this energy center is pleasure and overall enjoyment of life. When this chakra is balanced and functioning properly, we can expect our relationship with ourselves and the world to feel harmonious, pleasureful, and nurturing.”
The dreamer rejected the first man and was approached by another. He is a new symbol of the shadow. The first man sprayed the second man in the face with the orange liquid. The man was “wearing a red/orange dirty joggers and a hoodie.” The significance of the color orange is addressed above. The color red is associated with the first chakra. “The root chakra or Muladhara chakra is the first of the seven main chakras, located around the coccyx or tailbone. It governs our basic needs for good health in the body, a sense of connection to the Earth, and feeling supported and stable in the physical world.”
The dreamer jumped over a fence just before he was awakened by his mother. An obvious meaning is that the dreamer is trying to escape the men. But there might be an additional meaning, which is not necessarily mutually exclusive. It may be that this means that the dreamer is crossing a threshold as part of the Hero’s Journey. “Crossing the Threshold signifies that the Hero has finally committed to the Journey. He is prepared to cross the gateway that separates the Ordinary World from the Special World. The Crossing may require more than accepting one’s fears, a map, or a swift kick in the rear from a Mentor. The Hero must
confront an event that forces him to commit to entering the Special World, from which there is no turning
back.”
Putting this all together –
The dreamer’s shadow apparently wants him to make some changes to his life and who he is. The dreamer’s shadow seems to be recommending that the dreamer enjoy the physical pleasures of life.
Although our shadow is “only” a creation of our collective unconscious, it is best to think of the shadow as being a real person with his own agenda, plans and preferences. However, this does not necessarily mean that a person should always do what his shadow wants. But the shadow should not be ignored. The desires of the shadow should be evaluated. There are times when the best approach is a compromise between the desires of the ego and the shadow.
Hope this helps and is not too confusing,
Lugus
