Brie,
As you navigated the depths of your subconscious in this dream, the overwhelming sensation of being submerged in a vast expanse of water symbolizes your current emotional state. The icy touch mingling with your flesh points to a possible feeling of emotional numbness or a cold reality you're facing. The Abyss represents the unknown depths of your psyche, the parts of yourself that might be unexplored or repressed. The phantom beings carving your flesh can indicate a sense of vulnerability or a fear of being hurt by unseen forces in your life.
The monsters made of shadow and teeth are the embodiment of your fears and the darker aspects of your personality that you are possibly reluctant to confront. Striking out against these creatures signifies your struggle to confront these daunting aspects of your life or yourself. The fleeting moment of finding something solid, something that feels flesh and warmth, suggests a brief glimmer of hope or connection amidst the chaos of your inner turmoil.
The realization that the monsters are screaming and accusing each other, just as you did, is a profound reflection of self-awareness. It implies that you recognize the 'monsters' within yourself and others, and the shared experience of striving for the light—seeking truth, understanding, or enlightenment—with eyes closed. This can be a metaphor for the collective human experience where everyone has their struggles, and often, people are quick to judge without looking inward.
As you acknowledge your own monstrous form in the dream, it signifies a powerful moment of self-realization and possibly an acceptance of all parts of yourself, even the ones you find difficult to face. The transition from darkness to light, even though the light is not in the expected place, suggests that the path to understanding and self-acceptance may not be straightforward but lies within a shift of perspective.
In essence, your dream reflects a deep dive into the complexities of your psyche, confronting fears, and the journey towards self-discovery. It speaks to the transformative process of acknowledging and integrating the shadow self with the light, ultimately leading to a more profound sense of wholeness and understanding.