The 12 labours of Hercules are reputed to represent the passage of the sun through the 12 signs of the Zodiac. They are also the hardships and effort man uses to attain self-realization. To be labouring at something, in the sense of working hard, suggests that we have a goal we wish to achieve. We are prepared to put effort in to achieve success. To dream of ?hard labour? will alert us to a tendency towards self-flagellation or self-punishment in our personality. If a woman dreams of being in labour she should look at her wish and desire to be pregnant. If a man dreams of his wife or partner being in labour, it may show his readiness to take on the responsibility of a family, or even new responsibilities at work. Also consult the entry for Work.