AS Katoch, Dream Winged Gaja-simha. 14:44, 22 March 2025. Himachal Pradesh, India. Dream Image: The Winged Elephant-Lion (Gaja-simha) A white elephant-lion with golden wings appeared before me. It is called a gaja-simha in Indian culture. It looked at me from its side. Then, the hybrid creature turned its elephant head toward me, looking directly into my eyes with deliberate intention. Its body was that of a lion covered in white hair, while elegant golden wings emerged from its hindquarters. A blue sky stretched behind it. It was walking on green grass. The dream then focused on a close-up of the gaja-simha's face and eyes as if it wanted me to know it recognises me.
I'll be speaking at 'Alchemy: Exploring Metaphorical Transformations and Arts-Based Research' at the @ox.ac.uk in November 2025 for @labrc.bsky.social!
My topic is my own dream and the Indian art history of dream omens, oneiromancy, yoga nidra, active imagination, and fine art as yogic rasashastra.