We sometimes have to understand a destructive streak in ourselves if we are to move forward, perhaps building on mistakes from the past. If we have deliberately ruined something we need to clarify a self-destructive element in us. Sometimes by looking at the symbolism of what has ruined an object or an occasion will give us insight into our own processes. If someone else has ruined one of our possessions in dreams we should look at an emotional difficulty in waking life. When something is in ruins we have to discover if it is through neglect or vandalism. If the former, we need to pull things together. If the latter, we need to look at how we are making ourselves vulnerable. Also consult the entries for Buildings, Demolition and Wreck.