Confronting the Shadow of the Era of Solomon: From the Assault of Vague Anxiety to Activation of Inner Unity
Part I – The Dream Narrative
In my dream, I found myself in my own room. The space of the dream was infused with a sense of threat and a vague fear. Suddenly, an ’Ifrit (Jinn) appeared: the very same ‘Ifrit renowned from the era of Prophet Solomon who was tasked with bringing Bilqis—a short-statured figure, with skin like stone, long ears atop his head, lengthy fingernails, and a distinct face. The ‘Ifrit had draped a white sheet over his head, as if to conceal himself. After pointing towards my right side, he pressed his finger there and emphasized, “Don’t think I’m not here; I am always with you.”
Terrified by his touch, I screamed and cried out, waking in fright. It was only after reciting the surah “Qul Huwallahu Ahad” (Say: He is Allah, the One) that I was able to calm down and fully awaken.
The next day, worn out and frustrated by these recurring dreams, I performed ablution with sincerity and asked God for the meaning behind this dream. When I opened the Quran, I came upon the very verse concerning the ‘Ifrit from the story of Prophet Solomon.
Part II – Psychological Analysis of the Dream
1. The Hidden Core and the Prevalence of Ambiguous Threat
A. Fundamental Nature of the Disturbance:
In this dream, the presence of the ‘Ifrit embodies the core of a psychological crisis: the rise to dominance of a vague, dark, uncontrollable force over the psyche—a threat which, though it may appear deceptively calm (the white sheet), is actually invasive and damaging. The ‘Ifrit’s statement—“I am always with you”—symbolizes constant anxiety, the persistent sense of an ever-present danger that can never be completely controlled or eradicated.
B. Mechanism of Disturbance:
- Invasion of the Psychologically Safe Realm:The ‘Ifrit breaches the room (the sanctuary of the psyche), even pressing into the right side (seat of emotional and rational processing), inflicting a psychic wound and establishing a sense of permanent insecurity.
- The Phenomenon of Concealment:The use of a white sheet represents the unconscious mind’s attempt to dress up or normalize the threat. Yet, in essence, it is a latent force that swiftly disables psychological defenses.
- Paralysis of Spontaneous Defenses:Reactions such as screaming or immediate resort to prayer indicate a feeling of helplessness—conventional coping mechanisms are rendered ineffective, and the person faces a psychological dead-end.
C. Impact on Daily Life and Relationships:
Such a threat can develop into chronic, undefined anxiety: a kind of worry that casts its shadow over moments of life—relationships, daily activities, even physical health—undermining the sense of psychic safety. The sufferer may become repeatedly fearful or vulnerable to otherwise ordinary events, people, or thoughts.
2. Paths of Release and Activation of the Healing Force (Yang Network)
A. Essential Nature of the Solution:
The only genuine way to break the hold of such a crisis lies in summoning and strengthening resources brimming with light, awareness, spirituality, and integrative energy. In the dream, this mechanism was triggered by reciting “Qul Huwallahu Ahad”: focusing on unity, faith, and connection to a transcendent power that moves beyond the realm of threat.
B. Mechanisms for Transition from Distress to Well-being:
- Manifestation of Spiritual Power:Prayer and turning to God signal activation of the yang source—the force that keeps shadows from becoming absolute and opens a path to regain tranquility.
- Recognizing the Threat, Integrating the Shadow:Part of overcoming the crisis is accepting the existence of the psyche’s dark parts (like the ‘Ifrit). If the individual can acknowledge this force, uncover its meaning, and consciously integrate it into identity, the threat becomes a catalyst for growth—not a paralyzing danger.
- Reconstruction of Defenses and Healthy Expression:After the initial calming, it becomes necessary to rebuild the faculties of threat detection (self-awareness, emotional/rational refinement) through methods such as writing, conversation, art, spirituality, or honest emotional expression so that the psychological safe space is restored.
C. Summary of Recovery:
The channel to health is activated when the individual moves from passivity and paralysis—even in the smallest steps (prayer, writing, seeking counsel)—and lets healthy, flowing energy return. The threat is no longer omnipresent and overwhelming, but rather becomes a known and manageable part of one’s inner structure.
Conclusion and Practical Application
The dream symbolizes the intrusion of a dark, vague, powerful force into the psyche—a source of anxiety that destabilizes the sense of security through deceptive appearances.
Yet, there is also a practical message in the dream:
✔️ By directly activating the force of unity (spirituality, prayer, or emotional expression), anxiety is reduced and the individual can rebuild a system of defenses and self-understanding.
✔️ Facing the shadow and transforming it into a conscious part of identity increases psychological power and removes the threat’s grip.
Suggested Practices:
- Write down your feelings about fears or vague threats, and search for their roots in real-life experiences or relationships.
- Share your insights regarding the presence of the shadow (the ‘Ifrit) with an informed person or professional counselor.
- Dedicate daily moments to meditation or prayer.
- Regularly recall the surah of divine unity (“Qul Huwallahu Ahad”) to return tranquility to your mental center.
Final Summary:
Dreams are not merely warnings of threat—they are invitations to deepen our awareness of inner darkness and to activate our resources for growth, courage, and enlightened awareness. The secret to transcending vague anxiety is to transform crisis into energy, and to rediscover personal identity and psychological defense.