Dreamtime
The Dreamtime is a central concept of the Australian Aborigines and describes a mystical dimension of reality that encompasses both creation and the ongoing existence of humans, animals, plants, and the earth. It is not merely a myth or narrative, but rather a metaphysical concept that explains the temporal and spatial structure of the universe in the Aboriginal understanding of the world.
In the Dreamtime, the spiritual ancestors, often described as creator beings or ancestors, created the world, its landscapes, and all living things. These beings, known as Dreamtime Beings, roamed the earth and shaped everything that exists by creating mountains, rivers, animals, and plants in their dreams. The Dreamtime is thus an eternal state in which past, present, and future merge. It describes the time of emergence and becoming, but also the timeless existence that continues in all things.
For the Aborigines, the Dreamtime as a living reality is not a closed epoch, but a continuous, living experience that persists in the here and now. It is continually evoked in narratives, rituals, and ceremonies. For the Aborigines, the dream is a state of transcendence and divine reality in which the spiritual and material worlds merge.
Characteristics of the Dreamtime
Creation of the world: In the Dreamtime, not only humans and animals were created, but also the geographical structure of the Earth. Mountains, valleys, rivers, and oceans are thus not just natural features, but also living memories of the deeds of ancestors.
Time and space: In the Dreamtime, there is no clear distinction between past, present, and future. Dreamtime is not linear, but a state that encompasses everything simultaneously. It is a timeless plane on which the world is continually being recreated.
Spiritual presence: The ancestral spirits that shaped the Dreamtime are still present and permeate all that exists. These spirits can act as protectors or teachers and give people guidance on how to live in harmony with nature and spiritual laws.
Dreams as access to truth: Dreams are a gateway to the spiritual realms. During dreams, people are connected to the Dreamtime and can access profound wisdom. In this state, Aboriginal people can gain insights into the future, the past, and the spiritual world.
Rituals and ceremonies: To maintain contact with the Dreamtime, ceremonies and rituals play a central role in Aboriginal life. These often include dance, song, and art to honor the ancestors and their creative power and to connect with the Dreamtime.
Symbolism and Meaning
The Dreamtime holds profound significance for Aboriginal understanding of the world. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things – people, animals, plants, and the land are interconnected and share a common spiritual essence. Everything that exists is an expression of this sublime reality, which is inextricably linked to the ancestors and their actions.
The Dreamtime also explores the concept of "Alcheringa," which means "the time of the ancestors." It is the primordial force that both created life and sustains ongoing life. This creative energy is not limited to a single act, but is created and renewed in every moment.
Dreamtime in a Modern Context
For the Aboriginal people, Dreamtime is not an abstract concept from the past, but rather a continuous and omnipresent reality. In the modern world, Dreamtime is often understood as a symbol of spiritual depth and a connection to a primordial wisdom that opens access to a more holistic understanding of life. Dreamtime invites us to see the hidden that lies beyond the visible world and to recognize the hidden order in nature and the universe.
Conclusion
The Dreamtime is more than just an Aboriginal mythological narrative—it is at the heart of their spiritual worldview, which sees creation, life, and time as fluid, interwoven forces. It teaches us that all things are interconnected, that the past, present, and future are interwoven, and that spiritual truths exist beyond the superficial perceptions of everyday life, in a timeless dream of creation.