Jen,
The dream you had seems to be a vivid and possibly unsettling one, where the clash of settings and time periods could reflect feelings of incongruity or displacement in your waking life. Baroque attire, associated with opulence and grandeur from Louis XIV's era, juxtaposed with the rural poverty-stricken backdrop, might symbolize a sense of discord or a feeling of not belonging. The sinister intent of these out-of-place figures towards your friend suggests a protective instinct or perhaps a reflection of past experiences where you felt the need to guard against potential threats or stand by someone in an environment that felt hostile or unfamiliar.
Your dream seems to resonate with the feeling of anxiety that has been part of your life, especially during your time in the military, where safety and danger were constant companions. The dark woods and the threat to your friend might echo the experiences of violence and the need for vigilance during your service. The incongruity of the Baroque figures in a modern, impoverished setting could mirror the emotional dissonance you've felt in various life situations, such as your transition out of the Army or the emotional turmoil in your relationships.
The dream reflects the intense life events you've encountered, such as your military service and abusive relationships, where feelings of fear and the need for protection were prominent. It also connects with the empowerment and liberation you felt upon your divorce, as if the dream is a canvas where past fears meet the contrasting relief of recent freedom. The Baroque figures, symbolizing outdated and misplaced threats, might suggest a past that feels out of place in your current journey of healing and moving forward.
In the broader scope of your biography, this dream could be the mind's way of processing your history of complex and difficult emotions. The sense of being out of place and time, as well as the danger to someone you care about, might mirror the emotional challenges and incongruities you've experienced, from the struggles during your time in the service to the complexities of personal relationships and the profound loss of loved ones.
Jen, your dream, rich with symbolism, seems to be a tapestry woven from the threads of your past and present. It tells a story of contrasts and protectiveness, perhaps urging you to reconcile the parts of your history that feel disjoint and out of place with the empowerment and freedom you now embrace.