What is a dream catcher? In some Native American cultures, especially in the Ojibwa and neighboring countries, the dream catcher is considered a protective spell, often hovering over the cradle of infants.
Legend has it that Asibikaasi, the Spiderwoman, was the protector of the Ojibwe Nation, especially its children. As humans multiplied and spread throughout the land, Asibikaasi could not be everywhere at once to protect everyone. In her absence, mothers and grandmothers made webs of plant fibers or animal tendons, leaning on hoops of willow wood, and hung them from children's cradles. The hoops were often decorated with other sacred objects, including beads and feathers. According to ethnographer Frances Densmore, "it has been said that they caught any harm that might be in the air as the web catches and holds anything that comes in contact with it.
Today, dream catchers are created and sold by many "new age" artists. Nevertheless, many Native Americans find it an offensive appropriation of their religious objects.
Want to draw a dream catcher? This simple step-by-step drawing tutorial will show you how. All you need is a writing instrument, such as a pen or pencil, and a piece of paper. You can use colored pencils, paints, colored pencils or markers to shade the finished drawing.
If you liked this tutorial, see also the following drawing guides: Cross with Rose, Cartoon Revolver and Crown.
What is it and what is it for?
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Dreamcatchers have always been placed at the headboard of the sleeping place. The main thing is that there should be no other amulets nearby. O should hang one in the center. Only shamans made Dreamcatchers. It was customary for a shaman to bestow a Dreamcatcher on a newlywed couple, so that they would be energetically connected to each other. Beads were added to the amulet so that a child could be conceived quickly.
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The circle of the Dreamcatcher was made of a willow twig, the ends of which were joined together. As the Indian people believed the circle is the whole cycle of human life. The intertwined threads signified the human journey of life. It was in these threads that nightmares were trapped and safely escaped at dawn.
Tools and tips
How to draw a dream catcher? A set of tools, which it is desirable to get hold of, is quite small. You will need several simple pencils (of different softness, as mentioned above), a compass (for drawing even circles), a ruler (for straight lines) and an eraser. If in the future the drawing will be colored, one can use favorite paints, pencils or felt-tip pens. The drawing will turn out more expressive if the background is shaded first, and then the contours are drawn. The most convenient tool in this case is the gel pen.
All other moments depend only on your own imagination and wishes. In addition, for those who know how to draw a dream catcher, there will no longer be a question of how to relax and tidy up the nerves. After all, it is known that the image of small details perfectly calms and helps a person to concentrate.
The origin of
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In this way, the spider can be used as a symbol of wisdom and bring wisdom to a person's life. The chief began to have a conversation with a spider, who during the conversation suddenly plucked a willow branch and made a circle with it. He transformed it with a beautiful feather of a bird, and inside the circle with incredible movements began to weave a cobweb.
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In a quiet languid voice, the teacher said, the circle is the life of a man, who is born, grows up, children grow up, grandchildren, thus the circle is closed. In the middle of the web, the teacher left a hollow. It turned out that this was for a reason.
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Good human thoughts pass through this hole, and bad ones will not reach it and will remain in the web. But at dawn they disappear without a trace. Since then, trappers began to be crafted.
Popular Places to Apply
Tattoo Dreamcatcher prefer to apply to several places ideally suited to the image. First of all it is the hands, in which the forearm on all sides and its upper outer side - the shoulder lead. Rarely, but it happens that men apply the dream trap on the biceps.
Next in popularity are the back, shoulder blades area and the front of the thigh of the leg.
Completes the lineup of the top places of placement of the Dreamcatcher tattoo in men and girls, the area located on the side of the neck, in the lower part near the ear. There it is customary to make small sized traps, pure as they are, without combining with other objects.
And the side of the torso, from the armpits to hip level and below, going to the side of the thigh. These tattoos are usually large in size and often have no limits on fantasy about the subject compositions.
The meanings of the colors used
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The dream catcher is not an easy amulet and it needs to be made consciously. Before going to make it, you must first decide on the color. It is not recommended to make a very bright amulet. Otherwise, you will have colorful dreams that will not give a sleeping person a good night's sleep. Each color symbolizes something: Black means calm, peaceful, mysterious. It is a feminine color that symbolizes female strength and power. If this color will be present in the amulet, the strength of the spirit will be strengthened. White - symbolizes purity, purification, tranquility, healing, success. This color is able to cleanse from negativity, charge with vigor and energy. Red color in the amulet will provide positive energy, give power. Pink, is a symbol of beauty, feminine harmony, tenderness, kindness, incredible love. Be sure to use this color in an amulet - it will awaken the lost love of life. A bright shade of yellow, means freedom, admiration. It is aimed at physical and mental healing, strengthens the body's immune systems. Orange symbolizes a sense of joy, rhythm and movement. Green shades in an amulet bring harmony, determination, life, faith. The color fills a person with positive energy. The color blue is considered a symbol of peace, lightness, tranquility, creativity. Elements of the blue hue in the amulet will fill a person with good thoughts and will contribute to the purification of the mind. Blue represents truth, wisdom and peace, harmony. Violet sets for mutual understanding, humility, energizes.
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The main types and variants of performance
Despite the fact that the action of the catcher of each nation is almost the same, all make them a little in their own way.
Classic
Now the amulet of the Navajo tribe is considered a classic. It is often seen in movies or souvenir stores.
Obereg is a wooden hoop with a woven mesh inside and a hole in the middle. Falling feathers are attached to the bottom of the hoop.
The dreamcatcher is a powerful amulet of the Navajo Indians.
Indian
This is the name of a "trap" that the Ojibwe and Cree tribes consider traditional. It is a hoop made of wood with 8 or 12 radial threads inside, where 8 means the number of paws of the spider and 12 means the cycle of time.
It is not customary to attach feathers to such a talisman.
Asian totem.
Such a catcher is similar to the Indian one. But unlike him, in the center of the Asian catcher is a picture with the sign of the Zodiac of the owner. Also on such a talisman attached figures and pictures of animals.
Kytgyem - a "trap" for dreams of Siberian shamans
The trap of Siberian shamans has a slightly different purpose than the Indian and Asian. Shamans used the trap to communicate in their dreams with the spirits that were caught in it.
The Siberian catcher is made according to stricter rules. It must have 36 thread attachment points. The threads must necessarily be black or blue. In the center of the trap is a piece of animal skin - a bait for spirits. From the skin to the edges of the "trap" between the threads is woven in a spiral 1 more red thread. It symbolizes the sun. From the center of the skin come out 4 cords. These are the ways for the spirits. Sometimes the hoop is braided with strips of animal fur.
Kytgyem is a shamanic dream catcher.
Slavic
The Slavs made amulets against insomnia in the form of dolls. For example, in Siberia, it was a bifurcated branch braided with threads. Like the Indian catcher, the doll was hung over the bed.
Schemes of weaving for a dream catcher with your own hands
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Everyone can make a dream catcher. The main thing is to understand what this ancient amulet is made for.
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To make an amulet, the basic elements which are used in all variations of the amulet are necessary: a willow branch (you can use a hoop, metal and others); threads (cord, leather, fabric, etc.); beads, beads, stones; feathers (an obligatory attribute).
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These are not all the elements that can be used in the making of the amulet. Show your imagination. Keep in mind that all components of the amulet must be natural, bird feathers should not be taken from a dead bird (a dropped bird feather will do).
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Scheme of plaiting in principle suitable for all options amulet.
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A twig of willow need to wrap a thread, braid, but so that there was a tip not less than 15 cm. The other end of the thread is tied on the willow rod, thus formed a circle. From this moment the weaving of the web begins. To make it easier to do, you need to divide figuratively the circle into parts, the distance between which is 4 cm.
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Next, you need to tie a thread half-knot and wrap it around the base, passing it through the loop. Thus, go all the way through the first row.
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The next rows are done in the same way, but the thread is tied not to the base, but to the thread of the first and subsequent rows. If it is necessary to weave in beads, stones, then periodically pass the beads.
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Do it at your discretion, there are no clear rules. When the cobweb is braided to the middle, fix it with glue.
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The nuances of decoration and the role of each element
Each element of the trapper - its shape, color and material - has its own meaning.
- A circle means integrity and infinity.
- The willow branch symbolizes life: first it is fresh, then it withers and breaks.
- "Cobweb" is a map of the roads of human life. They can be intertwined, short or long, winding or straight.
- Feathers symbolize lightness, breath and wind. For women, an owl feather is used as a symbol of wisdom, for men, an eagle feather (representing courage).
- Beads, stones, knots and horsehair give strength to the amulet.
Meaning of colors
The colors of the amulet are also important because each has its own energy:
- White is the color of purity and tranquility.
- Green is charged with the energy of growth and development.
- Pink symbolizes love and tenderness.
- Orange represents sunshine.
- Red has the energy of fire and boosts self-esteem.
- Purple is the color of wisdom. It is calming.
- Black is the color of fortitude.
- Blue symbolizes harmony with the world.
The colors used in making a dream trap have a special meaning.
Amulet - a dream catcher
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Important rules for making amulet are: do not make myself for myself, to create voluntarily, carefully select the material and color, during the manufacture must be mentally present the image of the person for whom to do amulet.
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For the amulet will need: a small wooden ring, thick thread, a bead or a pebble, a bird's feather, a leather flap.
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On a wooden ring coil thread, pre-leaving the tail. The thread must be tight. Thread is completely wrapped around the ring, both ends of the thread tie several times in a knot. Next, weave a cobweb.
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In the middle fix a bead. Then make a pendant, on which will be suspended the trap. The final stage is tying feathers. Tie them together with a thread, wrap a flap of leather and tie it to the ring.
Possible harm and dangers
A dream catcher is a magical object connected with the world of spirits and energies.
Before you buy or make such an amulet, you should be aware of the dangers associated with it:
- In order for the "trap" to pass positive energies and detain negative ones, and not vice versa, you must be careful when making it: use the right materials and know what each element of the amulet symbolizes.
- When making the amulet, you must concentrate on good thoughts in order not to charge it with negativity.
- To avoid the accumulation of negative energy in the amulet, it should be cleaned regularly (once a month).
- Only take the amulet as a gift from someone you know. In this case, be sure that they do it with good intentions, because the amulet, presented with negativity, can bring misfortune to the owner.
If the "trap" is used for decoration, it does not carry any danger. However, if such amulet is purchased in a special store of magical attributes, it is unknown how it was used before. Therefore, it is better to clean it.
A triangular dream catcher
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The classic form of the trap is round, but you can make an unusual triangular shape.
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The triangle is formed in the following way: three twigs of equal size are connected with each other by means of glue; a twig of willow is bent in a triangle.
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Masters of such an amulet, the usual method. Also wrapped around the base with threads (use multicolored), then made with the help of threads cobweb. By casting a spider web you can thread beads, stones, beads. Be sure to make a loop, which will be suspended from the amulet. You can decorate the trap as you wish - use pebbles, shells, beads, beads.
Ritual for recharging the amulet
When the amulet is made by your own hands, it is charged with the energy of the master. Therefore, after buying a catcher, it is necessary to clean it and spend a special ritual with it to charge it with your energy.
There are different rituals to charge the amulet. One of them is charging with the help of the sun.
The ritual is carried out in the period of the waxing moon. For this purpose, it is necessary to take the "trap" outdoors and expose it to sunlight.
Activate the amulet with the help of sunlight.
Then try to feel love for nature, the universe and say the incantation:
"Reveal to me all the secrets of the universe, Guardian. Surround me with warm light, protect me from dark thoughts and evil intentions".
Dreamcatcher of beads
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An interesting option is the dream catcher with beads.
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To make it you will need: embroidery frame; mouliné; a few colors of beads; feathers.
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A dream catcher with your own hands, step by step instructions: the basis of the wrapped with floss, preliminarily leaving a tail. The thread should lie evenly. Tie the ends of the floss. Determine the number of sectors on the basis.
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Divide the base into several parts, for example 12. Take the thread and insert it into the beading needle. Tie the end of the thread to the base. String 16 beads, throw it over the rim, thread it through the loop. In this way we do the first row. At the end of the circle the needle is moved to the middle. The next row of 14 beads of a different color. The needle should also be brought out to the middle.
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The next circle of 8 pieces, then 6 pieces. Do not forget to bring the needle in the middle. Reaching the circle when you need to insert 4 pieces, then the circle should be repeated 2 times. Then two circles of 2 beads. The last circle will be 1 piece. At the end fix the thread with glue, cut off the excess. The cobweb is ready and you can decorate with feathers.
Division into styles and standard colors
The Dreamcatcher tattoo should not be limited to the usual classic image. You can use all your imagination and play with typical tattoo elements, such as mandalas, to create a unique piece. Play with colors or focus on black and white - both can be stunning if the tattoo artist knows how to make the most of them.
As you can see, the Dreamcatcher tattoo has a lot going for it besides the beautiful legend. We have made a selection of the most popular and possible styles that depict this ancient and magical object:
Dreamcatcher in Abstraction style
Abstract style tattoos are a manner of depicting objects on the human skin in an unusual format for perception, generating in turn a number of associations that are directly related to the desired object (TattooFresh). In simple terms, it is the imitation of the main element of the Dreamcatcher tattoo composition from various other objects, often unrelated to it. For example, the image, silhouette, or shape of the dreamcatcher can depict smoke.
Dreamcatcher in Watercolor style
One of the most common styles among dreamcatcher tattoos. It accounts for just over 40% of all tattoos done with this magical object. The composition can take as a single bright color imitating water-based art paint, and the whole palette, resembling a holiday bouquet of the most extravagant and popular colors today. The item itself is usually in contrasting dark colors.
Blackwork Dreamcatcher
Not the most in-demand style among girls, Blackwork is more for the male half of mankind. The dreamcatcher is applied with an intensely black color pigment and a dense, lightless tint. Other colors may also be used in the composition, but only to the secondary elements that perform the role of the background. The main focus of attention is directed at the circle with a spider web for dreams.
Dreamcatcher in the style of Geometry.
A very rare style for the Dreamcatcher Geometry tattoo offers to complement the basic geometric shape (circle shape) of the trap with other geometric shapes not breaking the overall harmony of the composition. Since the circle is one of the simplest shapes, triangles and straight lines fit perfectly. In addition, additional small circles do not create imbalance in the tattoo and do not cause unnecessary semantic load.
Dreamcatcher in Graphic Style
Painted Dreamcatcher and looks in a tattoo on the skin in the Graphic style as drawn. This is the essence of the style - to look as if a pencil academic drawing was originally drawn on the skin as on paper.
The images are usually black and white, you could say slate. All the smallest details are painstakingly traced. Nevertheless, the subject of the tattoo should not look volumetric, it must strictly follow the principles of 2D, despite the use of shadows.
Linework Dreamcatcher
There is nothing difficult in depicting the Dreamcatcher tattoo on the body with regular outline lines, especially if the master has done it a hundred times. All the beauty and elegance of the style is built on confident lines that are not blurred under the layer of skin, displaying the even web of a mystical dream trap. The characteristic tattoo pattern of weaving threads in a circle, allows unmistakable identification of the object as the original intent of the intricately constructed tattoo composition.
Dreamcatcher in the Ornamental style
The Ornamental style is able to combine two of the most popular themes in a tattoo - the dreamcatcher and the mandala. Two cultures from the faraway continents of India and the United States have merged into one design, presenting the world with a truly enchanting work of art. The mandala patterns can either replace the circle, taking over the role of the web entirely, or serve as a secondary background, peeking partially from behind the main element of the tattoo.
Dreamcatcher in Realism Style
What should the Dreamcatcher style be as close to reality as possible? Real, of course. At the very least it should present an imitation of volume to those around it, or hint at its presence. All attention is focused on the shadows and detailing of the materials. The effect of realism can also cause additional "living" characters or elements of the composition of the tattoo.
Dreamcatcher made of cardboard
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When at hand willow rod, metal circle, then cardboard will do.
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For the amulet will be required the following materials: cardboard; thread; beads.
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From cardboard cut out the base, which is wrapped with thread. Do the same thread making a spider web, weaving beads. We leave a loop to fasten the dream catcher.
The secret meaning of tattoos
Because of its "magical" origin, the tattoo pattern of the dream catcher, as endowed with protective powers. A spider web does not miss negative thoughts, which is beneficial to the life of the owner. And the central free space lets in good and positive dreams. Feathers play their own important role. They represent breath and air, without which existence on earth is not possible. This tattoo guides its owner through life, protecting him from the evil eye and evil spirits, as well as from all the negative energy around. For those who suffer from insomnia and nightmares, a tattoo depicting a dream catcher will be an excellent solution to this problem. Among the owners of this image, there are simply ardent fans of Indian culture. Therefore, such a tattoo for them not only serves as a talisman, but also bears worship and admiration for the culture of centuries.
How to make a bracelet dream catcher?
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The dream catcher bracelet is not difficult, you need to be patient and imaginative. Mandatory rule - a good mood.
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To make the jewelry will be necessary: a metal ring; to fit the diameter; cord or thread; beads.
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Initially we begin from making the base. Wrap the metal ring tightly with cord, tying the ends in a knot. You need to apply glue to the knot. Then we wrap the base with thread and also tie it. The next step is to measure the cord (2 times wrap around the wrist and cut 2 such pieces). One piece is folded in half, put into a ring, a loop is made and tightened. With the second piece is done in the same way. On the two segments are made at the same distance knots. Make a lock.
Making a personal amulet - Master Class #1
Making your own dream catcher can be done at home. We suggest you view a detailed master class, which step by step explains the weaving of threads on the technique of "spider web", as well as shows how to easily decorate amulet.
author of mc Alexandra Krotko
Initially it will be necessary to purchase materials, such as:
- A hoop of natural wood. Optimal option will be a willow twig or birch billet.
- Mouliné thread. If you want the knitting to be voluminous, you can buy yarn with added silk.
- A "gypsy" needle with a blunt end, through which the beads used in the process of decorating the dreamcatcher will easily pass.
- A colored feather (you can buy 5-8 pieces).
- A leather, suede or satin cord through which the talisman will be attached to the wall, ledge or headboard. If you want to carry out a product in ethnic style, twine, thick wire or woolen thread will do.
- Use a knot for a talisman of the left side of the disk, a knot for the right side of the disk, a candle for the left side of the house and a candle for the right side of the house.
To make your amulet work, start making it in a good mood. You can turn on relaxing music, which will help to reveal your creative potential and concentrate on the process. So, let's begin:
Step 1. Lay out all the material in front of you, as shown in the MC.
Step 2. Take a wooden ring, circle or hoop, and begin to wrap it tightly with the prepared threads. If you have a branch, you will need to bend it and fix it with staples or duct tape.
Step 3: Fix the free edge of the cord. After the base of the dreamcatcher is completely wrapped with threads, you need to weave the inner part. The scheme and form of weaving can be different, but we will use the "cobweb" technique.
Step 4. Tighten one or two knots with the free end of the thread, depending on its texture.
Step 5. Pull the thread along the base and at a distance of 2-4 cm properly fasten it, wrapping it around our workpiece.
Step 6. Fix all the subsequent coils at the same distance from each other. We want to make a nice cobweb.
Step 7 After the first circle is closed, you need to put the free edge of the thread through the needle to make it convenient to follow the sequence of weaving techniques, creating the second row.
Step 8: Pull the thread through the first loop using a needle. Pull it in the center and fix it as shown in the photo.
Step 9. Quickly weave the second circular row to the first, bringing it closer to the center of our dream protector.
Step 10. When the two rows are created, let's move on to the decor lesson. Take prepared beads or glass beads, which will serve as decoration.
Step 11. Create the third row of our weave, following the technology. Before we make the next knot, thread a bead.
Step 12. Once the beautiful row with beads of wood or glass is ready, we make three regular rows, trying to keep the contour lines clear and the lightness of the "spider's web".
Step 13. After that we create a new row, using small beads. We do it the same way as in the first scheme.
Step 14. The final row of our trapper weave without beads. Fix the thread by making a tight knot and cut off the rest. Our talisman is almost ready.
Step 15. Now it is necessary to turn on your imagination and decorate the home talisman taking into account your individual preferences. You can use a feather of a peacock or a grouse, bright braid and other textured materials, which can emphasize the features of the interior of the bedroom.
In our case, we take the prepared cord, carefully fold it in half and fix it on the hoop as shown in the figure. As a result, one lace should be at the top and three at the bottom.
Step 16. On the bottom laces we put two beads of different colors. You can take glass beads and use them as decorations too.
Step 17. In the resulting hole, located between the beads and the lace, place our feathering. You can use different types of feathers, differing in thickness, length and color.
Your exclusive dreamcatcher is ready. It can be attached to a ring or twig, or you can attach a hook to the top cord to make it easier to hang at the head of the bed.
