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Dream Meanings

Why are dreams important | Interpreting dreams | Special Dreams | More information

Why do we dream?

Nobody really knows why we dream. Explanatory theories include the following:

Dreaming results from random brain activity.
Dreaming is simply the brain doing its housekeeping, filing away all the different thoughts, observations and other inputs of the day.
Dreams are an invaluable insight into the subconscious, the "royal road" in the words of Sigmund Freud, founder of psychoanalysis.
Dreams give the opportunity to experience situations and emotions that we may never encounter physically, either as a rehearsal for what may be, or simply for experiential growth.
In dreams we draw closer to the world of Spirit and are able to receive Spiritual/psychical information that is normally unavailable during the waking state.

Why are dreams important?

The study of dreams is ancient, for example the account of how Joseph successfully interpreted Pharaoh's dreams in the Bible's book of Genesis. It is said in the Talmud that an uninterpreted dream is like an unopened letter.

The analysis and interpretation of dreams is valuable on two levels.

On a purely pragmatic level dreams offer a key to greater self understanding. Knowing ourselves is paramount in making the best of our time here on earth. Our conscious mind is but a tiny fraction of our mental equipment, the vast quantity of the mind's complexity and content existing in the subconscious - much as the bulk of an iceberg resides beneath the surface.

During sleep, by definition consciousness is suppressed and we are able to glimpse the subconscious, which houses our true feelings, desires and drives. By knowing ourselves a little more we can make better choices and direct our energies in the most effective direction - for us.

At a Spiritual level dreams offer a window to the higher, Spiritual self, and even into the realms of Spirit itself. In the world of dreams we draw closer to our true Spiritual essence and may receive guidance from our Spirit guides or other (psychic) knowledge that is unavailable on the physical plane.

Dreams can also serve as a reminder or warning about things we may be overlooking or forgetting in daily life, eg a dream about a car crash might remind us of a slightly unusual noise in our car's brake system and prompt us into getting it checked.

Remembering Dreams

We all dream, several times a night. But we don't all remember our dreams. Too often the alarm clock rings and thrusts us into the hustle and bustle of another day, our dreams quickly fading like morning mist beyond the realm of recall. With a little discipline and effort we can soon begin to remember and benefit from our nocturnal adventures.

Remembering dreams is a habit. The more we try, the easier it gets. It helps to set the intention to remember your dreams before falling asleep; simply say to yourself "I will remember my dreams tonight".

Keep a dream diary. A notebook, scrap of paper, or even a tape recorder kept by your bed will prompt you to record your impressions while they are freshest on your mind - at time of waking.

Sometimes you won't remember very much on first waking. Don't be discouraged; just record whatever you can remember, maybe just one object, place, or person. Or maybe just the feeling you woke with. Often just remembering that one element can trigger recall of more.

Interpreting Dreams