Dream Interpretation

Interpreting Dreams helps Provide a Deeper Understanding of Self

Dreams represent important issues in the dreamer’s life at the time of the dream. Understanding these can be insightful.

Dream Interpretation

Dream interpretation is nothing new. The Ancient Greeks and the Ancient Egyptians made prophesies based on dreams and an entire Australian aboriginal mythology is founded on the supposed dream time of their gods and ancestors. Throughout history, important writers have placed emphasis on dreams and their meanings and many references to dream interpretations can be found in the Bible.

Dreaming is a natural part of human experience, a different state of consciousness in which remembered images and fantasies are temporarily confused with reality. One of the most curious things about dreams is the way they always seem so vivid to the dreamer, yet when related to others, the impact is often lost.

Why do We Dream?

Why do we dream? No one knows for certain, but psychological studies have shown that we have a need for dream-sleep and people deprived of this have experienced weird side-effects, such as hallucinations. Furthermore, when allowed to catch up on sleep, the same people will spend more time dreaming, as if to catch up on the dreams they have lost. This would suggest that dreaming is an important part of our lives

So how can dream interpretation help? Problems and deep-seated anxieties can be resolved by studying the symbolism contained in dreams; dreams provide material for processing, which in turn can help the dreamer to face up to problems and overcome them. Dreams have a therapeutic quality. One of their main functions is to reveal the dreamer's failings, disappointments or unfulfilled needs and skilful dream interpretation can often provide guidance in coping with these hidden desires.

Symbols in Dreams

In dreams, imagery tends to be symbolic, representing incidents, present problems and events that are yet to take place. Scenes, people and objects may not necessarily represent themselves. So, how can people interpret the dreams they remember? Nowadays it’s easy to get hold of dream-manuals which give a basic definition of the meaning of each symbolic object or event that occurred in a dream. This is a fun method of dream interpretation and not wholly reliable for the individual dreamer.

Dreams are intensely personal and though two people may have the same dream, its meaning will be different in each case. For instance two women may dream of cats. If the first is a cat-lover, this could mean (as a brief example) that she will adopt a stray or that she should pay attention to the health of her own cat. The second woman, however, is allergic to animal fur and in her case, her cat dream could mean that something has happened or is about to happen which will cause her stress or annoyance.

Imagery and Symbolism in Dreams

Understanding the complex symbolism within dreams takes research, time and experimentation. Images in dreams create different reactions in different dreamers and symbols don’t necessarily mean the same thing to everyone. Discovering how to interpret dreams meaningfully can help people understand themselves better, reduce stress levels and some who are able to tap into this incredible world of the subconscious can even develop the ability to control their dreams.


References:

Thurston, Mark How to interpret Dreams Are Press (1989)
Jung, C.G. Memories, Dreams,Reflections Fontana Press (1995)