Dreams have always been a significant part of people’s lives.  We are able to trace early philosophies through ancient writings and art since history has been recorded.  The theories behind why dreams are so important, or even whether they are important, are endless.   The ancient Romans, Greeks, Egyptians and other people of the era believed dreams to be messages from the Deities.  In the Middle Ages, dreams were seen mostly as the work of the devil. It was believed demons disguised themselves in human form, known as Incubi and Succubi (male and female respectively).  They seduced the sleeper in their dreams.  A woman who became pregnant out of wedlock could explain she was raped by the Incubi in her dream and be believed, thereby avoiding punishment.  Sigmund Freud, re-awakened interest in dreams in the early part of the 20^th century. Today, the theories of why we dream are as varied as history itself.  Some people trivialise them as random images without meaning.  Others put it down to memories from the previous day.  Most people working in the field however, seem to believe they are imparting essential wisdom from the deep subconscious.  A call to action.  My viewpoint is eclectic and the information I give is an assimilation of all I have learned over the years.

 

Remembering and Recording: This is much a “mind over matter” issue.  Convince yourself you are going to remember your dreams and you probably will remember some aspect, even if it is just about a rose.  Begin by researching the rose. The next day, you may remember two symbols, and a little bit of the scenario.  Record what you do remember in as much detail as possible.  Keep a pen, paper or even tape recorder nearby to use immediately upon awakening.  The more you record, the more likely you will remember subsequent dreams. It sometimes helps to replay the dream in your mind before turning the light on. Record it in whatever way works for you.  Some people do so in short form.  Others draw diagrams to help explain things.  I write a brief synopsis of what I remember and list the most significant symbols, words and action.  I often record my first impressions or questions.  Date the dream and give it a title.  

                       

Interpretation Essentials: Dream dictionaries should be used as a guideline and not as a definitive answer.  The best dictionaries have more than one interpretation. If it makes sense to you, then it is probably accurate.  If it does not, keep searching for the answer in different ways, whether by free association or metaphor.  What are your emotions in your dream, or upon waking up?  Does this seem familiar to what is going on in waking life?  If you killed someone in your dream, did you feel remorse?  If yes, is there anything while you are awake that you feel remorseful about?  If not, it is possible you have made a conscious decision to end a cycle or a bad habit.  Symbols are highly personal which is why learning how to analyse your own dreams works best.  For example, dreaming of a large apple may mean enjoying the fruits of your labour or it may be in reference to New York City (the Big Apple). One of the first surviving dictionaries from the 2^nd century Greece, the Oneirocritica, written by Artemidorus of Daldis, was used as late as the early 19^th century.  The entries are specific and either good or bad.

 

How Dreams Can Help You Reach Your True Potential

 •   Lucid Dreaming: When you know you are in fact dreaming, you can then take control of the dream to move it along, dialogue with your dream characters or confront your fears.  I once dreamt a woman and I were looking for the office of a battery company.  We were going around in circles and knew we were near.  Finally I said, “For crying out loud, just take us there!”  Suddenly we were in the office.  I knew I was dreaming and therefore knew I could change it and move the dream along. 

 •  Incubation: Incubation is the art of asking for guidance to specific questions or concerns through your dreams.  It has been around since ancient times.  The Ancient Greeks and many other cultures came to the temples devoted to the healing and dreaming Gods and underwent such rituals as fasting and bathing in ice cold water to encourage lucidity.  They slept in the temple and in the morning the high priest interpreted their dreams.  Most asked for healing or a diagnosis and prescription for whatever ailed them.  Today, it is a simple matter of writing a question before going to bed, remembering your dream and interpreting it.

 • Other forms of accessing your true potential: I truly believe dreams are an expression of a voice we have inside of ourselves that we do not access as often as we should.  We become so busy with all our daily activities that we do not slow down enough to literally hear ourselves think, let alone heed our own advice.  Any activity that allows your mind to wander like taking a long walk, is how we get in touch with our inner wisdom.  Art, music (either composing or listening), dancing, creative or freestyle writing, and of course dreaming  all help you to express the voice that lives inside and needs to be heard.    These symbols can be interpreted in the same manner as a dream.  Stray and persistent thoughts are also an indication you are in touch with the voice within you. Dreams are powerful tools to learn about yourself, to follow your own wisdom and to bring forth the strengths you naturally have.  They help you to express what you often struggle to say. They help you to problem-solve.