There is an attempt to find the spiritual in our lives and also a development of the will to be ?pure?. In a dream, to meet an ascetic or holy man is to meet our higher self and to recognize the part of ourselves that is continually seeking unity with the Divine. Psychologically we are searching for purity in ourselves or in others. Equally we may be afraid of that purity within ourselves and need to come to terms with it. As an archetype Jung frequently mentions his Wise Old Man who was present when he needed guidance. There is some conflict with natural drives. There may be an avoidance of sex or contact through fear or the need for restraint. We may be looking for simplicity. Consult the entries for Hermit, Monk and Mystic for further information.