In the mental sphere of dreams, everything serves as a symbolic gateway. Once you have learned how to distinguish function from form, you can start to receive clearer downloads. Centipedes in dreams are tunnelers to subconscious memories. Spiders are reconstuctors of uncomfortable truths and traumatic events. They can be followed for the purpose of uncovering these but tread with care if you do. These certain portals open ajar during night hours only. The frequency of birdsong is a portal in and out of vision-dreams during daytime, and so is the sound of leaves swaying in the wind, running water (hot or cold matters) or the crackling of wood in the fire. Each of these has a specific function - but won't speak on those here yet. The sound of chimes, bells, or children playing have a similar effect, these are "return gates" that can lead you out of a confusing dream experience. The color red or red thread is always a way back into the body. If you ever find yourself stuck in sleep paralysis, calm your emotions, find the color red in the dream and follow it back into wakefulness. Remember to respect the halls of your mind and of the collective mind, never force these experiences - they will activate on their own when you are ready. Do not ever practice mind traps like remote viewing, lucid dreaming, drug-induced experiences. In the subtle realms, you do not have the natural protection of time - and the amount of energo-karmic residue you can accrue is significant. Always turn to God, always.