Dreams can be alarming, enchanting, haunting, and often hilarious nighttime entertainment. On occasion, such gripping subject matter leads dreamers to search for the dream's possible purpose.
Analysis serves as a way to find that deeper meaning, and there are several ways to go about dream interpretation.
Books on Dream Interpretation
The library or bookstore will undoubtedly contain at least a few books that pertain to dreams. Among the various selections, there are generally three types of dream analysis books:
- The dream interpretation theories of Sigmund Frued and Carl Jung – These two pioneers of dream analysis contributed ideas about the subconscious that have fascinated the public for nearly 100 years. Many books have been written by them and about them.
- Reference books for dream analysis – Dream dictionaries offer cut-and-dry dream meanings through symbolism that stretches from culture to culture. One such volume by Foulsham Books is 10,000 Dreams and Their Traditional Meanings. This type of book will list common dream subjects, along with several meanings for each entry.
- Methodology of dream interpretation – Some authors suggest certain methods that will lead dreamers to an individual analysis of their own dreams. One author, Jeremy Taylor, wrote Where People Fly and Water Runs Uphill to share the success of his personal experience in interpreting his own dreams and the dreams of others.
Dream Analysis Groups
An active, ongoing option for dream interpretation is the existence of dream groups that regularly meet to discuss dreams. These groups may have several group members expound upon recent dreams, or may possibly focus on one individual dream per session. The various members of the group are invited to offer personal insight to each dream's meaning.
The local newspaper or community bulletin is a resource for finding more information about current dream groups. In towns and cities where no groups seem to exist, creating one is as simple as running an ad that invites others to meet and explore one another's dreams.
Dream Interpretation Online
Finally, the world wide web is beginning to extend help with dream meanings. Online dream interpretation has a couple flavors of its own to consider:
- Free dream analysis websites are becoming popular, and may either use a general reference or a certain methodology for insight to dream meanings.
- Individual one-on-one dream interpretation through experienced dream counselors is another option. Some dream counselors charge a small fee for the service, but there are many who interpret dreams simply for enjoyment.
For those driven by curiosity to unravel the meanings of their dreams, a wide array of help is available. Whether personally, locally, or online, dream analysis is abundantly available and often, free of charge.
Brie Lindeboom - Brie Lindeboom currently experiments with permaculture, chemistry, and child-rearing on the California high desert.
Join the Conversation