Fern, your dream is quite intriguing and layered with meaning. The eccentric old man you are apprenticed to may represent a part of yourself or someone in your life who possesses wisdom and creativity, yet perhaps struggles to connect with others. The performances and talents he showcases to the guests could symbolize your own efforts or those of someone close to you to gain validation or recognition, but feeling somewhat misunderstood or underappreciated.
The introduction of the time machine and the guests' initial skepticism might reflect your own doubts or hesitations about new opportunities or changes in your life. The old man's insistence on showing his 'cool inventions' indicates a desire to prove oneself and demonstrate value in a way that others might find extraordinary. This speaks to a possible yearning within you to be seen and acknowledged for your unique qualities.
Traveling back to 1980, a time devoid of modern technology like cell phones and the internet, suggests a longing for a simpler, perhaps more authentic period. This could be indicative of your desire to disconnect from the stressors and complexities of contemporary life, especially given your frequent experiences of stress and anxiety. The old man's excitement about reliving the 80s may parallel a part of you that wishes to escape current pressures and find joy in a less complicated era.
The concept of spending 20 years in the past while only 20 minutes pass in the present is a fascinating twist. It seems to highlight a conflict between the allure of escapism and the reality of responsibilities. The guest's shock at the prospect of missing significant time underscores a fear of losing touch with important aspects of your current life, despite the temptation to retreat to a more carefree period.
Your role as the apprentice, tasked with keeping precise track of time, points to a sense of responsibility and the need to maintain balance. It suggests that amidst any desire for escapism or change, there is a part of you that remains grounded and aware of the importance of keeping things in perspective. This duality of wanting to escape yet needing to stay connected to the present is a central theme in your dream.
Overall, Fern, your dream seems to be a vivid exploration of your internal conflicts, desires for recognition, and the delicate balance between escapism and responsibility. It invites you to consider how you might integrate these aspects of yourself more harmoniously in your waking life.
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