Dream Interpretation Basics

Everyone has had one of those deeply symbolic dreams that had them wondering if it was the late night chili burrito or something more profound and meaningful that caused it? How does one go about discovering the true meaning behind a dream?

A walk down the aisle in the new age section of the local bookstore in search of the dream interpretation book will most often result in confusion and disappointment. There are hundreds of books promising to interpret dream images, but each one contains differing explanations for common dream symbology. The reason for this can range from differing belief systems, culture, legend & lore, guesswork, or personal preference of the authors.

Symbology Basics

In order to find the true meaning, one has to get back to basics. Write down as much about the dream as can be remembered; colors, shapes, feelings, symbols, time frames (past, present, future), animals, people, and landscape. Not all of these things may have a specific meaning, but it may help shed light on other aspects of the dream.

Next, break the dream down into segments. What was the overall theme of the dream? Were there any reoccurring images? What were the feelings that surrounded these things? Were there aspects of the dream that just didn't seem to fit?

Now it's time to do a bit of research into the psyche, for instance, if the dream contained the image of a spider, in the personal experience of the dreamer, what does a spider represent? For some people, spiders elicit a strong fear reaction, perhaps a warning. For others, spiders may mean weavers or builders, female energy, patience, etc.

Once the dreamer's basic meaning for the symbol has been discovered, add in other factors. Keeping with the example of the spider, was it in a web? Was it building a web? Where was it? Was it on the ground or some other location? All of these details must be considered in order to give a more accurate interpretation. If something doesn't seem to fit, set it aside while the rest of the dream is interpreted.

Tying it all Together

Once all of the elements of the dream have been broken down into their simplest forms, try seeing how it all fits together. This is where the additional elements, such as color, feeling, etc., may be woven into the interpretation. Not everything will be important to the interpretation, so don't feel that everything has to have a purpose. Dreams are mostly the efforts of the subconscious trying to figure something out.

Now factor in any problems, situations, or events that have been on the mind of the dreamer recently. Overlaying the dream symbols onto the problem or concern may show a possible solution that the dreamer was subconsciously seeking.

Through this simple process, one may be better able to understand what message the dream may hold, and remember that not all dreams will have meanings. It is important to try not to project ideas onto the images, but carefully work through what the symbols may mean. Over time, it may be possible to build a uniquely personal symbolic database for the dreamer.

Dreamcatcher

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