iVillage

Whittling away at oneself in a dream state is not unusual. Many people find themselves acquiring different forms of handicaps in dreams. Often, these can be associated with perceived physical weaknesses or self-destructive psychological patterns. The reason for the dream amputation, method of amputation, and anxiety caused by the amputation should all be given some thought. The result in the dreamer's life as far as inconvenience or further liberation deserves attention as well. Also, the dreamer should give consideration to the role of the amputated body part in waking life.

Amputation can also have a religious, moral, or ethical connotation pertaining to behavior. Followers of some sects view their bodies as their own worst enemies in terms of the ability to adhere to particular social or religious codes. Christians, for example, believe the words of Jesus when he stated that it was better to chop off one's own hand and enter Heaven than to send the body to condemnation intact. Many people, from a variety of faiths and other guilt structures, carry that sort of imagery in their subconscious.

Amputation of Others

Understanding the amputation of another's limbs in your dreams is very much dependent on their relationship to you. Amputation of a loved one's limbs may show an area where you feel violated by that person.

Amputation of a co-worker may be wish-fulfillment for the desire to handicap him or her for your benefit. Amputation of a limb that grows back readily could reflect a sense that no bad thing ever seems to beset that co-worker or adversary.