A historical system of classification
Volume Two of Menglin Xuanjie groups many dream images through Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water, connecting them with organs, seasons, directions, and colors. These associations belong to a historical framework; they are not modern medical or scientific classifications.
Wood and the liver
The text links its Wood category with spring, east, green-blue, wind, trees, vehicles, and images of growth. These are traditional correspondences in the volume, not fixed conclusions for every dream.
Fire and the heart
Its Fire category includes summer, south, red, clear weather, flame, acts of catching, and bright objects. Fire has a place in the Five-Phase system, but the text still asks readers to consider sequence and change.
Earth and the spleen
Earth is associated with the center, yellow, fields, hills, roads, farming, and images of carrying or containing. This shows how the text gathers geography, buildings, and daily life into one historical dream classification.
Metal and the lungs
Metal is associated with autumn, west, white, weapons, metal, and images of severity or sound. This is the text’s symbolic vocabulary, not a way to infer a person’s body or future.
Water and the kidneys
Water is associated with winter, north, black, rivers, boats, rain and snow, immersion, and movement. A water image does not automatically have one meaning; within this book, it participates in a wider pattern of relation and change.
Historical theory only
This page presents historical dream theories involving yin-yang, the Five Phases, and organ correspondences for cultural and historical understanding. It is not modern medical explanation, diagnosis, or treatment advice.
Editorial note
This English article is an editorial translation and adaptation based on the Chinese source.
Traditional Sources
Sources referenced on this page
Menglin Xuanjie · 夢林玄解
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