A dream is defined in Webster's Dictionary as a "sequence of sensations, images, thoughts, etc., passing through a sleeping person's mind". Dreams have been a topic of study dating as far back as 4000 B.C. Dreams have been around for as long as the first civilization came to be and have been a normal part of human existence.
In our dreams, we can go anywhere, we can be anybody, and we can do anything. When we dream, we are like passengers on a moving train, unable to control our actions and choose our
surroundings. We let our mind take over. Sometimes, dreams can be understood in the context of repressed thoughts. Dreaming serves as an outlet for those thoughts and impulses we repress during the day. When we go to sleep at night and slip into our dream state, we feel liberated and behave in a manner that we do not allow ourselves to in our waking life.
Visions and ideas can come from your dreams. Authors, screenwriters and poets turn to their dreams for stories. Artists and musicians explore dreams for their inspiration. Dreams can help us find solutions to our daily problems and see things from a different perspective.
Dream interpretations date back to 3000-4000 B.C., where they were documented on clay tablets. For as long as we have been able to talk about our dreams, we have been fascinated with them and have strived to understand them.
In some primal societies, members were unable to distinguish between the dream world and the waking world. Or they could simply choose not to make the distinction. They saw that the dream
world was not only an extension of reality, but that it was a more powerful world.
In the Greek and Roman eras, dreams were seen in a religious context. They were believed to be direct messages from the gods or from the dead. The people of that time look to their dreams for solutions on what to do or what course of action to take. They believed dreams forewarned and predicted the future. Special shrines were even built where people can go there to sleep in hopes that a message could be passed to them through their dreams. Their belief in the power of a dream was so strong that it even dictated the actions of political and military leaders. In fact, dream interpreters even accompanied military leaders into battle to help with war strategy.
Greek philosopher, Aristotle believed that dreams were a result of physiological functions. Dreams were able to diagnose illness and predict onset of diseases.
During the Helllenistic period, the main focus of dreams was centered around its ability to heal. Temples, called Asclepieions, were built around the healing power of dreams. It was believed that sick people who slept in these temples would be sent cures through their dreams. Dream interpreters even aided the medicine men in their medical diagnosis. It was believed that dreams offered a vital clue for healers to finding what was wrong with the dreamer.
In Egypt, priests also acted as dream interpreters. The Egyptians recorded their dreams in hieroglyphics. People with particular vivid and significant dreams were believed to be blessed and were considered special. People who had the power to interpret dreams were looked up to and seen as divinely gifted.
Dreaming can be seen as an actual place that your spirit and soul leaves every night to go and visit. The Chinese believed that the soul leaves the body to go into this world. However, if they should be suddenly awakened, their soul may fail to return to the body. For this reason, some Chinese today, are wary of alarm clocks. Some Native American tribes and Mexican civilizations share this same notion of a distinct dream dimension. They believed that their ancestors lived in their dreams and take on non-human forms like plants. They see that dreams as a way of visiting and having contact with their ancestors. Dreams also helped to point their mission or role in life.
During the Middle Ages, dreams were seen as evil and its images were temptations from the devil. In the vulnerable sleep state, the devil was believed to fill the mind of humans with poisonous thoughts. He did his dirty work though dreams attempting to mislead us down a wrong path.
In the early 19th century, dreams were dismissed as stemming from anxiety, a household noise or even indigestion. Hence there was really no meaning to it. Later on in the 19th century, Sigmund Freud revived the importance of dreams and its significance and need for interpretation. He revolutionized the study of dreams.
Tracing back to these ancient cultures, people had always had an inclination to interpret dreams The bible alone has over seven hundred references to dreams.
The Sleep Cycle
One sleep cycle comprises of four stages and lasts for about 90-120 minutes. Note that some books list five stages in the sleep cycle. These books consider the first five to ten minutes when you are falling asleep as a stage in the sleep cycle. We think this is more of a transitional phase and not really part of the cycle, especially since this stage of sleep does not repeat itself, while the other four stages do repeat themselves throughout the night. For this reason, we have excluded as part of the cycle.
Dreams can occur in any of the four stages of sleep, but the most vivid and memorable dreams occur in the last stage of sleep (also commonly referred to as REM sleep). The sleep cycle repeats itself about an average of four to five times per night, but may repeat as many as seven times. Thus, you can see how a person has several different dreams in one night. However, most people only remember dreams that occur closer toward the morning when they are about to wake up. But just because you can't remember those dreams do not mean that they never happened. Some people believe that they simply do not dream, when in reality, they just don't remember their dreams.
The Stages Of Sleep
The stages in the sleep cycle are organized by the changes in specific brain activity.
Stage 1: You are entering into light sleep. This stage is characterized by Non-rapid eye movements (NREM), muscle relaxation, lowered body temperature and slowed heart rate. The body is preparing to enter into deep sleep.
Stage 2: Also characterized by NREM, this stage is characterized by a further drop in body temperature and relaxation of the muscles. The body's immune system goes to work on repairing the day's damage. The endocrine glands secrete growth hormones, while blood is sent to the muscles to be reconditioned. In this stage, you are completely asleep.
Stage 3: Still in the NREM stage, this is an even deeper sleep. Your metabolic levels are extremely slow.
Stage 4: In this stage of sleep, your eyes move back and forth erratically as if watching something from underneath your eyelids. Referred to as REM sleep or delta sleep, this stage occurs at about 90-100 minutes after the onset of sleep. Your blood pressure rises, heart rate speeds up, respiration becomes erratic and brain activity increases. Your involuntary muscles also become paralyzed or immobilized. This stage is the most restorative part of sleep. Your mind is being revitalized and emotions is being fine tuned. The majority of your dreaming occurs in this stage. If you are awakened during this stage of sleep, you are more likely to remember your dreams.
These stages repeat themselves throughout the night as you sleep. As the cycle repeats, you will spend less time in stages 1 to 3 and more time dreaming in stage 4. In other words, it will be quicker and quicker for you to get to stage 4 each time the cycle repeats.
The Mechanics of Dreaming
While you are dreaming, your body undergoes noticeable changes. Your adrenaline rises, your blood pressure increases, and you heart beats faster. Given this hyperactivity, it should be no surprise how someone with a weak heart can die in their sleep. Their heart may not be able to withstand the strain and the erratic changes that their body is going through.
Dreaming takes place during REM, which stands for
Rapid Eye Movement. It is thus called, because your eyes move rapidly back and forth under the eyelids. REM sleep takes place in the fourth stage of sleep and accounts for 15-20% of your sleep time. From the point you fall asleep, it takes 30 to 90 minutes before you start dreaming. You cycle through the 4 stages of sleep and may enter the REM stage 4 to 7 times in one night. During REM, your blood pressure and heart rate fluctuate and increase. It sounds like your body is going through a lot, but in fact, it is quite the contrary. During REM, your bodies are completely immobile and your muscles remain completely relaxed. You may shift in your bed throughout the night, but when in REM, you are completely still. This is commonly known as "REM Paralysis".
In REM sleep, the mind is as active as it is during waking. However, chemically it is different. REM is controlled by the excitability level of the cholinergic neruons. Noradrenaline and seratonin are missing in the brain when in the dream state. These chemicals allow the brain to carry out task, solve problems and remember things. This is a reason why you find it so hard to remember your dreams.
The Importance Of Dreaming
Do you dream in order to sleep or do you sleep in order to dream? Although that question remains debatable, researchers agree that there is a purpose and importance to dreaming.
Research have showed that people who are deprived from entering the dream phase of sleep or the REM stage, exhibit symptoms of irritability and anxiety. In one dream study, volunteers are woken up right before they enter into the
dream state. Then they are allowed to fall back to sleep. Again, right before they enter REM sleep, they are awaken. This continues on through the night. The volunteers sleep the same amount of time as they normally do. The next day, these volunteers go about their day and observed to be disoriented, depressed, crabby, and quick tempered. There is a general impairment in their daily functioning. Some eat more than usual. As this study continues on through several nights, subjects become more and more agitated. It is found that deprivation of REM sleep causes over-sensitivity, lack of concentration and memory loss.
This study shows the importance of dreaming and its role in your well-being and health. Some researchers believe that dreams help you to tackle stress. Dreaming is a necessity and helps to recharge the mind and revitalize the body.
Children And Dreams
In a research conducted at the University of Virginia, it was found that animals are featured more prominently in children's dreams compared to adults' dreams. This may be due to the notion that children are just interested in animals. Furthermore, frightening animals, like lions, snakes, crocodiles, and wolves occur more often
then non-frightening animals, like sheep, butterflies or birds. Children use animals to symbolize their wishes and fears.
Children also seem to dream more about aggression than adults. Surprisingly children dream about aggressive acts twice as often as adults. This may be due to the notion that children are still trying to control their impulses in order to live and function in a civilized society. They are trying to keep their impulses in check.
Interestingly, the research showed that the dreams of girls were longer than those of boys. Girls' dreams contained more people and clothing. Boys' dreams were more about tools and objects.
Children's nightmares often stem from being punished by parents, when a child is sick or if there is turmoil in the child's home life.
Types of dreams
Daydreaming is classified as a level of consciousness between sleep and wakefulness. Studies show that you have the tendency to daydream an average of 70-120 minutes a day. It occurs during waking hours when you let your imagination carry you away. As your mind begins to wander and your level of awareness decreases, you lose yourself in your imagined scenario and fantasy.
False Awakening Dreams
Have you ever thought you have waken up and gone about your daily morning routine: getting up, brushing your teeth, eating breakfast and going to work, only to wake up "again" and realize that what just happened is just a dream. That sensation is referred to as a false awakening.
Lucid dreams occur when you realize you are dreaming. "Wait a second. This is only a dream!" Most dreamers wake themselves up once they realize that they are dreaming. Other dreamers have cultivated the skill to remain in the lucid state of dreaming. They become an active participant in their own dreams, making decisions in their dreams and influencing the dream's outcome without awakening.
A nightmare is a disturbing dream that causes you to wake up feeling anxious and frightened. Nightmares may be a response to real life trauma and situations. These type of nightmares fall under a special category called Post-traumatic Stress Nightmare (PSN). Nightmares may also occur because you have ignored or refused to accept a particular life situation. Research shows that most people who have regular nightmares have a family history of psychiatric problems, are involved in a rocky relationship or have had bad drug experiences. These people may have also contemplated suicide. Nightmares are an indication of a fear that needs to be acknowledged and confronted. It is a way for the subconscious to wake up and take notice.
Recurring dreams repeat themselves with little variation in story or theme. These dreams may be positive, but most often they are nightmarish in content. Dreams may recur because a conflict depicted in the dream remains unresolved or ignored. Once you find a resolution to the problem, your recurring dreams will cease.
Healing Dreams
Healing dreams serve as messages for the dreamer in regards to their health. The Ancient Greeks called these dreams "prodromic". Many dream experts believe that dreams can help in avoiding potential health problems and healing when you are ill or when you are grieving. Research shows that asthma and migraine sufferers have certain types of dreams before an attack. Your bodies are able to communicate to your mind through dreams. The dreams can "tell" you that something is not quite right with your bodies even before any physical symptoms show up. Dreams of this nature may be telling the dreamer that he or she needs to go to the dentist or doctor. If you can understand the language of dreams, your dreams will serve as an invaluable early warning system. They can help inform, advise and heal.
Prophetic dreams, also referred to as precognitive or psychic dreams, are dreams that seemingly foretell the future. One rational theory to explain this phenomenon is that your dreaming mind is able to piece together bits of information and observation that you may normally overlook or that you do not seriously consider. In other words, your unconscious mind knows what is coming before you consciously piece together the same information.
Signal Dreams
Signal dreams help you how to solve problems or make decisions in your waking life.
Epic dreams (also referred to as Great Dreams, Cosmic Dreams or Numinous Dreams) are so huge, so compelling, and so vivid that you cannot ignore them. The details of such dreams remain with you for years, as if you just dreamt it last night. These dreams possess much beauty and contain many archetypal symbology. When you wake up from such a dream, you feel that you have discovered something profound or amazing about yourself
Progressive dreams occur when you have a sequence of dreams that continue over a period of nights. The dream continues where you left off the previous night. Such dreams are problem-solving dreams and help to explore different options and various approaches to a problem, situation or relationship.
Mutual dreams are described as such when two people have the same dream. Mutual dreams may be planned, meaning that two people actively work toward achieving one dream scenario or goal. It is a way to improve communication and build trust. Mutual dreams can also be spontaneous. You find out that a friend, a significant other, faraway relative, or someone has had the same dream on the same night as you. Not much study has gone into the phenomenon of mutual dreams, but there is a very strong bond that exist between these two people.
Babies And Dreams
In a study on babies and dreaming, it was learned that babies spend about 66% of their sleeping time in the REM state. That is quite a bit of dreaming, considering that the average adult spends 15-20% of their sleep time in the dreaming stage. Dream researchers believe that there is a correlation between REM sleep and brain development. While still in the womb, the fetus
is already spending a significant amount of time in REM sleep. At only 30 weeks, the fetus spends nearly 24 hours in the REM state.
Premature babies also spend up to 80% of their sleep in the REM state. As babies mature, their REM sleep decreases. It drops to 50% in the full term baby and down to 35% in a one year old. This finding supports the notion that REM sleep is important in the mental development of the baby. Dreaming may be seen as a way of "exercising" the mind and stimulating it. As babies get older, they will be able get mental stimulation from their surroundings and outside environment.
It is difficult to know what babies are dreaming about, but their dreams are probably triggered mainly by physical sensations. As babies continue to develop, visual images and sounds begin to play a role in dreams
nightmares
Nightmares are a subcategory of dreams. The distinction of a nightmare is its frightening and/or emotional content. You tend to wake up in fear in the midst of a nightmare. Because of its frightening nature, you are more likely to remember your nightmares and the vivid details.
They have a bigger impact upon your waking mind. Its images stay with you throughout the day.
Some studies show that people who are more sensitive, intuitive, creative, or imaginative are more prone to have nightmares. This may be because they are more empathetic and more in tune with their surroundings.
One reason for nightmares may be a way for your unconscious to get your attention about a situation or problem that you have been avoiding. It is time to take notice and confront the issue! Sometimes nightmares serve to warn you about your health or an accident. However, often times nightmares stem from a deeper level indicating that something is troubling you from within your subconscious. Discussing, analyzing, and understanding your nightmares can lead to a solution to some problem, internal conflict or personal difficulty. 
 1. One-third of your life is spent sleeping.
2. In an average lifetime, you would have spent a total of about six years of it dreaming. That is more than 2,100 days spent in a different realm!
3. Dreams have been here as long as mankind. Back in the Roman Era, profound and significant dreams were submitted to the Senate for analysis and interpretation.
4. Everybody dreams. EVERYBODY! Simply because you do not remember your dream does not mean that you do not dream. In fact, you have several dreams during a normal night of sleep.
5. Dreams are indispensable. A lack of dream activity may imply some protein deficiency or a personality disorder.
6. On average, you can dream anywhere from one to two hours every night. Moreover, you can have four to seven dreams in one night.
7. Blind people do dream. Whether visual images appear in their dreams depend on whether they were blind at birth or became blind later in life. But vision is not the only sense that constitutes a dream. Sound, tactility, and smell become hypersensitive for the blind and their dreams are based on these senses.
8. Five minutes after the end of the dream, half the content is forgotten. After ten minutes, 90% is lost.
9. The word dream stems from the Middle English word, dreme which means "joy" and "music".
10. Men tend to dream more about other men, while women dream equally about men and women.
11. Studies have shown that your brain waves are more active when you are dreaming than when we are awake.
12. Dreamers who are awakened right after REM sleep, are able to recall their dreams more vividly than those who slept through the night until morning.
13. Physiologically speaking, researchers found that during dreaming REM sleep, males experience erections and females experience increased vaginal blood flow, regardless the content of the dream. In fact, "wet dreams" may not necessarily coincide with overtly sexual dream content.
14. People who are in the process of giving up smoking tend to have longer and more intense dreams.
15. Toddlers do not dream about themselves. They do not appear in their own dreams until the age of 3 or 4.
16. If you are snoring, then you cannot be dreaming.
17. Nightmares are common in children, typically beginning at around age 3 and occurring up to age 7-8.
18. In a poll, 67% of Americans have experienced Deja Vu in their dreams, occurring more often in females than males.
19. Around 3% of adults suffer from sleep apnea. This treatable condition leads to unexplained tiredness and inefficiency.
20 According to a research study, the most common setting for dreams is your own house.
21. It is very normal for males to experience an erection during the REM stage of sleep, even when they are not dreaming anything of a sexual nature.
22. The original meaning of the word "nightmare" was a female spirit who besets people at night while they sleep.
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Why should you remember your dreams?
1. Your dreaming mind has access to vital information that is not readily available to you when you are awake. Your dreams serve as a window to your subconscious and reveal your secret desires and feelings.
2. In remembering your dreams, you gain increased knowledge, self-awareness and
self-healing. Dreams are an extension of how you perceive yourself. They may be a source of inspiration, wisdom, joy, imagination and overall improved psychological health.
3. Learning to recall your dreams help you become a more assertive, confident and stronger person. By remembering your dreams, you are expressing and confronting your feelings.
4. Dreams help guide you through difficult decisions, relationship issues, health concerns, career questions or any life struggle you may be experiencing.
5. Remembering your dreams help you come to terms with stressful aspects of your lives.
6. You will learn more about yourself, your aspirations, and your desires through your dreams
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My Teeth Are Falling"
Dreams of falling teeth are the most common dreams that Dream Moods
receives. The typical dream scenarios include having your teeth crumble in
your hands, fall out one by one with just a light tap, grow crooked or start to rot.
Such dreams are not only horrifying and shocking, but they often leave you with
a lasting image of the dream. So what does it mean?
One theory is that dreams about your teeth reflect your anxieties about your
appearance and how others perceive you. Your teeth help to convey an image
of attractiveness and play an important role in the game of flirtation, whether it
is flashing those pearly white, kissing or necking. Thus, such dreams may stem
from a fear of rejection, sexual impotence or the consequences of getting old.
To support this notion, a dream research found that women in menopause
report to have frequent dreams about teeth. This points to teeth dreams as
being related to getting older and/or feeling unattractive and less feminine.
Teeth are an important feature to your attractiveness and how you are presented
to others. Caring about how you look is natural and healthy.
Another rationalization for these falling teeth dreams may be rooted in your
fear of being embarrassed or making a fool of yourself in some situation. These
dreams are an over-exaggeration of your worries and anxieties. Perhaps you feel
that you are unprepared for the task at hand. However, you will find that your
worries are unfounded in most cases. Sometimes what plays out in your mind
is far worse than what is reality.
Teeth are used to bite, tear, chew and gnaw. In this regard, teeth symbolize
power. And the loss of teeth in your dream may be from a sense of powerlessness.
Are you lacking power in some current situation? Perhaps you are having difficulties expressing yourself or getting your point across. You feel frustrated when your
voice is not being heard. You may be experiencing feelings of inferiority and a
lack of self-confidence in some situation or relationship in your life. This dream
may be an indication that you need to be more assertive and believe in the
importance of what you have to say.
Traditionally, it was thought that dreaming that you did not have teeth, represent malnutrition or poor diet. This notion may still be applicable to some dreamers.
Other Perspectives
A scriptural interpretation for bad or falling teeth indicates that you are putting
your faith, trust, and beliefs in what man thinks, rather than in the word of God.
The bible says that God speaks once, yea twice in a dream or a vision in order to
hide pride from us, to keep us back from the pit, to open our ears (spiritually)
and to instruct and correct us.
In the Greek culture, when you dream about loose, rotten, or missing teeth, it
indicates that a family member or close friend is very sick or even near death.
According to the Chinese, there is a saying that your teeth will fall out if you
are telling lies.
It has also been said that if you dream of your teeth falling out, then it
symbolizes money. This is based on the old tooth fairy story. If you lose a
tooth and leave it under the pillow, a tooth fairy would bring you money.
receives. The typical dream scenarios include having your teeth crumble in
your hands, fall out one by one with just a light tap, grow crooked or start to rot.
Such dreams are not only horrifying and shocking, but they often leave you with
a lasting image of the dream. So what does it mean?
One theory is that dreams about your teeth reflect your anxieties about your
appearance and how others perceive you. Your teeth help to convey an image
of attractiveness and play an important role in the game of flirtation, whether it
is flashing those pearly white, kissing or necking. Thus, such dreams may stem
from a fear of rejection, sexual impotence or the consequences of getting old.
To support this notion, a dream research found that women in menopause
report to have frequent dreams about teeth. This points to teeth dreams as
being related to getting older and/or feeling unattractive and less feminine.
Teeth are an important feature to your attractiveness and how you are presented
to others. Caring about how you look is natural and healthy.
Another rationalization for these falling teeth dreams may be rooted in your
fear of being embarrassed or making a fool of yourself in some situation. These
dreams are an over-exaggeration of your worries and anxieties. Perhaps you feel
that you are unprepared for the task at hand. However, you will find that your
worries are unfounded in most cases. Sometimes what plays out in your mind
is far worse than what is reality.
Teeth are used to bite, tear, chew and gnaw. In this regard, teeth symbolize
power. And the loss of teeth in your dream may be from a sense of powerlessness.
Are you lacking power in some current situation? Perhaps you are having difficulties expressing yourself or getting your point across. You feel frustrated when your
voice is not being heard. You may be experiencing feelings of inferiority and a
lack of self-confidence in some situation or relationship in your life. This dream
may be an indication that you need to be more assertive and believe in the
importance of what you have to say.
Traditionally, it was thought that dreaming that you did not have teeth, represent malnutrition or poor diet. This notion may still be applicable to some dreamers.
Other Perspectives
A scriptural interpretation for bad or falling teeth indicates that you are putting
your faith, trust, and beliefs in what man thinks, rather than in the word of God.
The bible says that God speaks once, yea twice in a dream or a vision in order to
hide pride from us, to keep us back from the pit, to open our ears (spiritually)
and to instruct and correct us.
In the Greek culture, when you dream about loose, rotten, or missing teeth, it
indicates that a family member or close friend is very sick or even near death.
According to the Chinese, there is a saying that your teeth will fall out if you
are telling lies.
It has also been said that if you dream of your teeth falling out, then it
symbolizes money. This is based on the old tooth fairy story. If you lose a
tooth and leave it under the pillow, a tooth fairy would bring you money.
"I'm Naked!"
So you are going about your normal routine - going to work, waiting for the bus,
or just walking down the street - when you suddenly realize that you are stark naked. Dreaming that you are completely or partially naked is very common. Nudity symbolizes a variety of things depending on your real life situation. Becoming mortified at the realization that you are naked in public, reflects your vulnerability or feelings of shamefulness. You may be hiding something and are afraid that others can see right through you. Metaphorically, clothes are a means of concealment. Depending on the type of clothes you wear, you can hide your identity or be someone else. But without them, everything is hanging out for all to see. You are exposed and left without any defenses. Thus your naked dream may be telling you that you are trying to be something that you really are not. Or you are fearful of being ridiculed and disgraced. Such anxieties are elevated especially in situations where you are trying to impress others. Perhaps you are in a new work environment or in a new relationship. You may be expressing fears or apprehension in revealing your true feelings in such situations. Nudity also symbolizes being caught off guard. Finding yourself naked at work or in a classroom, suggests that you are unprepared for a project at work or school. You may be unprepared in making a well informed decision. With all eyes on you, you fear that some flaw will be brought to public attention. You fear that people will see through your true self and you will be exposed as a fraud or a phony. Often times, when you realize that you are naked in your dream, no one else seems to notice. Everyone else in the dream is going about their business without giving a second look at your nakedness. If this happens in your dream, then it implies that your fears are unfounded; no one will notice except you. You may be magnifying the situation and making an issue of nothing. If you dream that you are proud of your nakedness and show no embarrassment or shame, then it symbolizes your unrestricted freedom. You have nothing to hide and are proud of who you are. The dream is about a new sense of honesty, openness, and a carefree nature. Perhaps you are trying to get to the bare facts. Alternatively, the dream may be telling you that you are drawing the wrong kind of attention to yourself. You want to get noticed, but are going about it the wrong way. | |
Before consulting these definitions of what the color in your dreams signify, first consider your own personal and special associations with the color. Does the color remind you of a particular person, a body part, a childhood toy, or some object. For example, the color yellow may remind you of the childhood school bus your rode in or the yellow house you grew up in. To further guide you in your interpretations, below are common associations of various colors.
Beige
Beige represents the basics, the essentials and the barest form. It may also indicate your neutral or unbiased position in some matter.
Black
Black symbolizes the unknown, the unconscious, danger, mystery, darkness, death, mourning, rejection, hate or malice. The color invites you to delve deeper in your unconscious in order to gain a better understanding of yourself. It also signifies a lack of love and lack of support. More positively, black represents potential and possibilities. It is like a clean or blank slate.
If the feeling in the dream is one of joy, then blackness could imply hidden spirituality and divine qualities.
To dream in black and white, suggests that you need to be more objective in formulating your decisions. You may be a little too unyielding in your thought process and thus need to find some sort of balance between two opposing views. Consider the views and opinions of others. Alternatively, black and white dreams is a sign of depression or sadness. You may feel that there is not enough excitement in your life.
Blue
Blue represents truth, wisdom, heaven, eternity, devotion, tranquility, loyalty and openness. Perhaps you are expressing a desire to get away. The presence of this color in your dream, may symbolize your spiritual guide and your optimism of the future. You have clarity of mind. Alternatively, the color blue may also be a metaphor for "being blue" and feeling sad.
If you are wearing light blue in your dream, then it symbolizes your creativity. You like to pace yourself in whatever you are doing.
Brown
Brown denotes worldliness, practicality, domestic bliss, physical comfort, conservatism, and a materialistic character. Brown also represents the ground and earth. You need to get back to your roots.
Burgundy
To see the color burgundy in your dream, symbolizes wealth, success, and prosperity. It is indicative of your potential power.
Fuchsia
The color fuchsia represents mediation and your connection to your spirituality. You are letting go of old attitudes and welcoming a new change. This color is also associated with emotional stability.
Gold
The golden color reflects a spiritual reward, richness, refinement and enhancement of your surroundings. It also signifies your determination and unyielding nature.
Gray
Gray indicates fear, fright, depression, ill health, ambivalence and confusion. You may feel emotionally distant, isolated, or detached. Alternatively, the color gray symbolizes your individualism.
Green
Green signifies a positive change, good health, growth, fertility, healing, hope, vigor, vitality, peace, and serenity. The appearance of the color may also be a way of telling you to "go ahead". Alternatively, green is a metaphor for a lack of experience in some task.
To "be green", means that you are environmentally conscious. Green is also symbolic of your strive to gain recognition and establish your independence. Money, wealth and jealousy are often associated with this color.
Dark green indicates materialism, cheating, deceit, and/or difficulties with sharing. You need to balance your masculine and feminine attributes.
Hot Pink
The appearance of hot pink color in your dream, represents sex and lust.
Indigo
Indigo implies spirituality and divine protection. It may also mean deceit.
Ivory
The color ivory, signifies your superiority over others. Alternatively, ivory symbolizes tainted purity. Something or someone is not as perfect as you had thought.
Magenta
Magenta represents kindness and compassion. You are ready to come out of some dark time.
Maroon
The color maroon is symbolic of courage, bravery, heroism, and strength.
Mauve
To see the color mauve in your dream, indicates that you need to clear you mind of negative thoughts and think more positively.
Navy Blue
Navy blue represents conformity and a lack of individuality.
Olive Green
The olive green color symbolizes natural wisdom and Zen. You need to achieve peace in your environment.
Orange
Orange denotes hope, friendliness, courtesy, generosity, liveliness, sociability, and an out-going nature. It also represents a stimulation of the senses. You feel alive! You may want to expand your horizons and look into new interests.
Peach
Peach is the color of innocent love intermixed with wisdom. It also implies your caring nature and how you tend to the needs of others. Alternatively, the dream may imply that things are "peachy" for you.
Pink
Pink represents love, joy, sweetness, happiness, affection and kindness. Being in love or healing through love is also implied with this color. Alternatively, the color implies immaturity or weakness, especially when it comes to love. Consider also the notion of getting "pink slipped". Pink is also the color for Breast Cancer Awareness.
If you dislike the color pink, then it may stem from issues of dependency or problems with your parents.
Purple
Purple is indicative of devotion, healing abilities, loving, kindness, and compassion. It is also the color of royalty, high rank, justice, wealth and dignity.
Red
Red is an indication of raw energy, force, vigor, intense passion, aggression, power, courage, impulsiveness and passion. The color red has deep emotional and spiritual connotations. Consider the phrase "seeing red" to denote anger. Alternatively, the color red in your dream indicates a lack of energy. You are feeling tired or lethargic.
Red is also the color of danger, violence, blood, shame, rejection, sexual impulses and urges. Perhaps you need to stop and think about your actions.
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Silver
Silver represents justice and purity. It is symbolic of some protective energy.
Teal
The color teal signifies trustworthiness, devotion and healing. It is also indicative of spiritual guidance and teacher.
Turquoise
Turquoise is symbolic of healing power, karma and natural energy. It is often associated with the sun, fire, and male power.
If you have negative feelings toward this color, then it indicates that you are shutting off your emotions and not letting people in. You fear change.
Violet
Violet denotes high spirituality, religious aspiration, purification, affection, gentleness, charm, and peacefulness. You have a sense of intuitive understanding and special intimacy.
White
White represents purity, perfection, peace, innocence, dignity, cleanliness, awareness, and new beginnings. You may be experiencing a reawakening or have a fresh outlook on life. Alternatively, white refers to a clean, blank slate. Or it may refer to a cover-up. In Eastern cultures, white is associated with death and mourning.
Yellow
The color yellow has both positive and negative connotations. If the dream is a pleasant one, then the color yellow is symbolic of intellect, energy, agility, happiness, harmony, and wisdom. On the other hand, if the dream is an unpleasant one, then the color represents deceit, disgrace, betrayal, cowardice and sickness. You have a fear or an inability to make a decision or to take action. Your desire to please others is at the risk of sacrificing your own needs and happiness. As a result, you are experiencing many setbacks.
To dream of a yellow room, suggests that you need to use your mind. You are feeling mentally stimulated.
places
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When trying to decipher the significance of your dream places,
ask yourself what the landscape looks like. If it is a place you have
never been to or seen, then ask yourself if you have ever been
anywhere which brings about the same feelings or if it reminds
you of another place and time in your life. Sometimes the places in
your dream may also represent an idea or a person.
ask yourself what the landscape looks like. If it is a place you have
never been to or seen, then ask yourself if you have ever been
anywhere which brings about the same feelings or if it reminds
you of another place and time in your life. Sometimes the places in
your dream may also represent an idea or a person.
Abbey
To see an abbey in your dream, signifies spirituality, peace of mind
and freedom from anxiety. You are in a state of contentment and satisfaction.
Help for you is always around the corner.
and freedom from anxiety. You are in a state of contentment and satisfaction.
Help for you is always around the corner.
To see an abbey in ruins, indicates feelings of hopelessness. You have a
tendency to not finish what you started.
tendency to not finish what you started.
Airport
To see a busy airport in your dream, signifies the desire for freedom,
high ideals, ambition, and hopes. It is an indication that you are
approaching a new departure in your life. Some new idea is taking
off or is ready to take off. You may be experiencing a new relationship,
new career path or new adventure.
high ideals, ambition, and hopes. It is an indication that you are
approaching a new departure in your life. Some new idea is taking
off or is ready to take off. You may be experiencing a new relationship,
new career path or new adventure.
To dream of a deserted airport, indicates that your travel plans will be
changed or delayed.
changed or delayed.
Alley
To see an alley in you dream, suggests that you have limited options.
Consider the phrase "something is right up your alley" to mean that
something may be perfect for you. Learn to be more open minded.
Alternatively, an alley indicates that you are sidetracked from your
goals due to your domestic duties and communal responsibilities.
You are experiencing a dilemma in your waking life.
Consider the phrase "something is right up your alley" to mean that
something may be perfect for you. Learn to be more open minded.
Alternatively, an alley indicates that you are sidetracked from your
goals due to your domestic duties and communal responsibilities.
You are experiencing a dilemma in your waking life.
To dream that you are walking through an alley, represents a dead-end.
You feel that you have missed out on some opportunity in life.
Alternatively, the dream denotes that your reputation is in jeopardy.
You feel that you are on the outside.
You feel that you have missed out on some opportunity in life.
Alternatively, the dream denotes that your reputation is in jeopardy.
You feel that you are on the outside.
Amusement Park
To see or be in an amusement park in your dream, indicates that you
need to set some time for leisure and more enjoyment in your life.
Consider how everything in the park is an expression of some aspect
of yourself. Alternatively, you may be too easily distracted lately.
need to set some time for leisure and more enjoyment in your life.
Consider how everything in the park is an expression of some aspect
of yourself. Alternatively, you may be too easily distracted lately.
To dream that the amusement park is empty or abandoned, suggests
that you need to open yourself to more fun and adventure.
that you need to open yourself to more fun and adventure.
Apartment
To dream about an apartment, symbolizes a financial or situational state.
To dream of a large, lavish apartment indicates a large increase to your
income or an improvement to your family life. To dream of a shabby and
dark apartment, indicates misfortune and possible loss of a lover or money.
To dream of a large, lavish apartment indicates a large increase to your
income or an improvement to your family life. To dream of a shabby and
dark apartment, indicates misfortune and possible loss of a lover or money.
Asylum
To dream that you are at an asylum, suggests that you are feeling
tremendous mental strain and are trying to reach out for help. You are
acknowledging your need for help.
tremendous mental strain and are trying to reach out for help. You are
acknowledging your need for help.
Beach
To dream that you are relaxing on a beach, signifies that the coming
weeks will be calm and tranquil for you. Your stress will be alleviated
and you will find peace of mind.
weeks will be calm and tranquil for you. Your stress will be alleviated
and you will find peace of mind.
To dream that you are working on the beach, signifies a business project
that will consume most of your time.
that will consume most of your time.
Building
To see a beautiful standing building in your dream, signifies your
destiny for luxury and plentitude. Never lose sight of the importance
of having caring and loving people around you.
destiny for luxury and plentitude. Never lose sight of the importance
of having caring and loving people around you.
To see a building in ruins, forewarns of problems in love and/or business
accompanied with great loss. Your own self-image has suffered
and taken some blow.Buildings may also represent the self.
accompanied with great loss. Your own self-image has suffered
and taken some blow.Buildings may also represent the self.
Cafeteria
To dream that you are in a cafeteria, denotes that there may be a lot of
issues "eating" you up inside.
issues "eating" you up inside.
Carnival
To dream that you are at the carnival, represents falsehoods and
deception. If you observe freakish sights, then it denotes that
there is a lack of harmony in your domestic life. Much sorrow will
arise in what were thought to be pleasant times.To dream that you
are on a carnival ride, suggests that you are going in circles. It may also
symbolize cheap thrills.To dream that you run away with the carnival,
denotes that you will be involved in or closely connected to the entertainment field.
deception. If you observe freakish sights, then it denotes that
there is a lack of harmony in your domestic life. Much sorrow will
arise in what were thought to be pleasant times.To dream that you
are on a carnival ride, suggests that you are going in circles. It may also
symbolize cheap thrills.To dream that you run away with the carnival,
denotes that you will be involved in or closely connected to the entertainment field.
Casino
To dream that you are in a casino, signifies the risk-taker within you. If you are a reserved or passive person, then the dream suggests that you should take a chance. If you are not, then it implies that you need to make a more informed decision instead of relying on fate.
Castle
To see a castle in your dream, signifies reward, honor, recognition, and praise for your achievements. You are destined to a position of power, wealth, and prestige. Alternatively, the dream could indicate your desire to escape from life's daily problems.
To dream that you live in a castle, signifies your need for security and protection to the point where you may be isolating yourself from others.
Cemetery
To dream that you are in a cemetery, signifies sadness and unresolved grief.
Church
To see the outside of the church in your dream, signifies sacredness and spiritual nourishment. It is representative of your value system and the things you hold sacred.
To see the inside of a church in your dream, signifies that you may experience some minor setbacks. However, what seems to be nuisances will turn out to be a blessing in disguise.
City
To see a city in your dream, signifies a sense of community and your social environment. To dream that you are in a deserted city or that you feel alienated from the activity of the city, then it suggests that you feel rejected by those around you.
To see a city in ruins, denotes that you are neglecting your social relationships and allowing them to deteriorate.
Classroom
To dream that you are in a classroom, indicates that you may be learning an important life lesson. Alternatively, it symbolizes personal growth. You are learning something about yourself.
To dream that you are looking for a classroom, suggests that you need to expand your knowledge and learning.
Cliff
To dream that you are standing at the edge of a cliff, indicates that you have reached an increased level of understanding, new awareness, and a fresh point of view. You have reached a critical point in your life and are afraid of losing control. Alternatively, it suggests that you are pondering a life-altering decision.
To dream that you or someone falls off a cliff, suggests that you are going through some difficult times and are afraid of what is ahead for you. You fear that you may not be up for the challenge or that you cannot meet the expectations of others.
To dream that you are climbing to the top of a cliff, symbolizes your ambition and drive. The dream may parallel your desires to achieve success and be the at the top of your profession. It is analogous to climbing the corporate ladder.
Concentration Camp
To see or live in a concentration camp in your dream, indicates that you are afraid of differences. You are having difficulties accepting others and their differences. Learn to appreciate diversity and the uniqueness in yourself and in others around you. If you actually lived in a concentration camp, the dream may signify a situation in your waking life which is triggering similar feelings felt at the time.
Corner
To dream that you are in a corner, signifies feelings of frustration and lack of control in making decisions. You may feel trapped and "cornered".
Corridor
To dream that you are walking through a long corridor, signifies your desperation in trying to escape a repetitive situation or behavior patters. You need to free yourself of this repetition and the corridor is seen as a passage from one phase in your life to another.
Court
To dream that you are in court standing up for charges against you, signifies your struggle with issues of fear and guilt. A situation or circumstance in your life is giving your much distress and worry. You may feel that you are being judged in some way.
Crossroads
To dream that you are at a crossroad, signifies that you have come to a point in your life where you have several options to choose from which will take you various destinations. This dream suggests your need to make this important decision.
Desert
To dream that you are walking through a desert, signifies loss and misfortune. You may be suffering from an attack on your reputation. Deserts are also symbolic of barrenness, loneliness and feelings of isolation and hopelessness. The desert landscape may also be a metaphor for feeling deserted and left behind.
Docks
To dream that you are on the docks, signifies that you are about to make an unfavorable journey.
Dungeon
To dream that you are in a dungeon, indicates that you will overcome the obstacles in your waking life by continuing to struggle and utilizing your wisdom.
Europe
To dream of traveling to Europe, signifies a long journey which will give you some financial gain.
Farm
To dream that you are living in a farm, foretells that you will be fortunate in all your undertakings. It represents growth and enrichment.
To dream that you are buying a farm, signifies success and profit.
Festival
To dream that you are at festival, symbolizes happiness, celebration and joviality. You are in a good place in your life right now.
Field
To see green fields in your dream, symbolizes great abundance, freedom, and happiness. You may also be going through a period of personal growth. Alternatively, this dream may simply be an expression for your love of nature.`
To see freshly plowed fields in your dream, signifies growth, early rise to wealth and fortunate advancements to places of honor.
To see dead or barren fields, signifies lack, pessimism and your jaded prospects for the future.
Fish Market
To dream that you go to a fish market, signifies pleasure and joy.
To see decayed and rotting fish at the fish market, denotes distress that will come in the disguise of happiness.
Forest
To dream that you are in or walking through the forest, signifies a transitional phase. Follow your instincts. Alternatively, it indicates that you want to escape to a simpler way of life. You are feeling weighed down by the demands of your life.
To dream that you are lost in a forest, signifies that you are searching through your unconscious for a better understanding of yourself.
Garden
To see a vegetable garden in your dream, symbolizes increased prosperity will come your way through diligence and care. It also suggests of stability and inner growth.
To see a flower garden in your dream, foretells of tranquility, comfort, true love and happy home in your future.
To see sparse, weed-infested garden, denotes that you have neglected your spiritual needs.
Gutter
To dream of the gutter, signifies degradation and unhappiness to others.
To find articles of value in the gutter in your dream, signifies that your claims to certain property will be called into question.
Gymnasium
To dream that you are in a gymnasium, indicates that you need to apply what you learned and incorporate what you already know into your daily life.
Harbor
To see a harbor in your dream, signifies shelter from a stormy relationship or chaotic situation. You may be seeking refuge until you can recollect your thoughts and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Heaven
To see heaven in your dream, signifies your desires to find perfect happiness. You may be trying to escape from the difficulties you are experiencing in your life. And your dream serves as a medium in which you can restore your faith, optimism, and hopes.
Hell
To dream of hell, denotes that you may be suffering from a seemingly inescapable situation. You may have placed your decision or course of action into someone else's hand. Alternatively, you may be possessing many inner fears and repressed guilty feelings. It is time to quit punishing yourself and take it easy for awhile.
Hospital
To see or dream that you are in a hospital, symbolizes your need to heal or improve your physical or mental heath. You need to get back to the flow of everyday life. Alternatively, it suggests that you are giving up control of your own body or that you are afraid of losing control of your body.
Hotel
To see a hotel in your dream, signifies a new state of mind or a shift in personal identity. You are undergoing some sort of transition and need to move away from your old habits and old way of thinking. You need to temporarily escape from your daily life. Alternatively, the dream may imply a loss in your personal identity.
Island
To see or dream that you are on an island, signifies ease, relaxation and comfort. The dream is telling you that you need a vacation and escape the stresses in your life. You want some solitude.
To dream that you are stranded on an island, suggests that you need to get away from the demands of your daily life. Or perhaps you are running away from a situation instead of trying to confront it. Alternatively, you may feel cut off from society. You are in a rut and do not quite know what to do with your life.
Jail
To dream that your lover is in jail, signifies that this lover is deceitful and untrustworthy.
To dream that you are in jail, signifies your feelings of confinement and suffocation.
To dream that others are in jail, signifies your unsettled feeling to grant privileges to an unworthy person.
To dream that children are in jail, signifies negligence and worry.
Jungle
To dream that you are in a jungle, signifies aspects of yourself and your personality that may be inhibited. You may be experiencing some chaos and unpredictable circumstances in your waking life. Consider the phrase "it's a jungle out there!"
If you are lost or trapped in a jungle, then it indicates that your negative feelings are hindering your progress, You need to come to terms with aspects of your unconscious.
Laboratory
To dream that you are in a laboratory, signifies that you are experimenting with your inner feelings, beliefs, and fears. You are testing yourself or some relationship. Alternatively, you may be going through some sort of transformation.
Lighthouse
To see a lighthouse in your dream, signifies that you are seeking guidance during your times of hardships and turmoil.
Mall
To dream that you are at the mall, represents your attempts in making a favorable impression on someone. The mall is also symbolic of materialism and the need to keep up with the trends, fads, and/or the latest technology.
Mansion
To see a mansion from afar in your dream, signifies that you will elevate high up in the social ladder.
To dream that you are in a mansion, denotes wealthy possessions for you.
Market
To dream that you are in a market, signifies frugality. The market may also be representative of your career and what you have to offer.
To see an barren market in your dream, signifies depression and gloominess.
Marsh
To see or dream that you are at a marsh, suggests instability in your emotional realm. You may be feeling bogged down, insecure or unsure about the future or how to go about with achieving your goals.
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Mausoleum
To see a mausoleum in your dream, signifies illness, trouble, and possibly death of some close friend.
To dream that you are in a mausoleum, denotes illness and health problems ahead for you.
Meadow
To see a meadow in your dream, denotes happy reunions and bright promises for the future.
Mine
To dream that you are in a mine, signifies that you are getting to depth or core of an issue or condition. Alternatively, it suggests that something from your unconscious is coming to the surface. The dream may also be a metaphor to claim what is "mine".
Mountains
To see mountains in your dream, signifies many major obstacles and challenges that you have to overcome. If you are on top of the mountain, then it indicates that you have achieved and realized your goals. You have recognized your full potential. Alternatively, mountains denotes a higher realm of consciousness, knowledge, and spiritual truth.
To dream that you are climbing a mountain, signifies your determination and ambition.
To dream that you fall off a mountain, suggests that you are in a hurry to succeed without thoroughly thinking about your path to success. Or that you are being forced upward toward a direction that you do not want to go or that you are not ready to proceed. Falling off a mountain, could also mean that you have a tendency to give up or escape from demanding situations.
Movie Theater
To dream that you are in a movie theater, indicates that you are attempting to protect yourself from your emotions and/or actions. Viewing them on a movie screen projects them onto another person and thus makes those feelings/actions distant . You may be protecting yourself from experiencing them.
Museum
To see a museum in your dream, indicates that your non-traditional path to success will make you unique and stand out from the rest. Sometimes you need to take a risk. Alternatively, the museum may represent a history of yourself and your past. There are many things you can learn from your past and your family's past. Consider what you have gained from these experiences and apply them to your current circumstances.
To dream that you are in a museum, represents an opportunity for you to review and reflect on the things you value in life. Objects in the museum symbolizes memories and talents.
Oasis
To dream that you are searching for an oasis, symbolizes inner fears, insecurities, and overwhelming conditions.
To dream that you are resting at an oasis, signifies success in business and financial matters. You may also be in need of a vacation.
Observatory
To see an observatory in your dream, signifies your high goals and aspirations.
Opera
To dream of attending an opera, foretells of pleasant visits by friends.
Orchard
To dream of passing through a blossoming orchard, signifies a happy home life, longevity, faithfulness, and loyalty.
To see a storm-swept or barren orchard, signifies unwelcome guests or duties or lost opportunities.
Palace
To see a luxurious palace in your dream, foretells of an assured rise to prominence and wealth.
To dream that you are the owner of a palace, signifies that success is right within your reach.
Park
To dream that you are at a park, represents a temporary escape from reality. It indicates renewal, meditation, and spirituality. It also suggests a readjustment period after a serious personal conflict or an ending of a passionate affair.
To dream that you are lost in a park, indicates your struggles with your career, relationship, or other problem. You may feel alienated by society.
Parking Lot
To dream that you are in parking lot, suggests that you need to slow down and take some time to relax from your daily activities.
To dream that you cannot find a parking space, indicates your inability to find your place in life. You may still be on your quest to find your talent or niche where you belong. Alternatively, it may reflect your busy life and the lack of time you have.
Party
To dream that you are at a party, suggests that you need to get out more and enjoy yourself. If the party is bad, then it indicates that you are unsure of your social skills.
Post Office
To dream that you are in a post office, signifies an important message from your unconscious or inner wisdom. It may relate to your need to reach out and communicate with others. You may be trying to maintain your beliefs or reestablish contact with someone from your past.
Prison
To dream that you are in prison, signifies that you are being censored and not allowed to express yourself. misfortune will haunt you.
To dream that someone else is in prison, signifies an aspect of yourself that you are unable to express freely.
To dream that you or someone is released from prison, denotes that you need to make major changes to your waking life. Eventually, you will overcome your misfortune.
Quagmire
To see yourself bogged down in a quagmire, signifies your inability to meet obligations and that you are stuck in a daily non-exciting routine.
To see others bogged down in a quagmire, denotes that you will be effected by the failures of others.
Reservoir
To see a filled reservoir in your dream, symbolizes stored up or repressed emotions. To see an empty reservoir in your dream, denotes that you have expended all your energy and emotions on others.
Restaurant
To dream that you are in a restaurant, suggests that you are feeling overwhelmed by decisions/choices that you need to make in your life. Alternatively, it indicates that you are seeking for emotional nourishment outside of your social support system.
School
To dream that you are in school, signifies feelings of inadequacy and childhood insecurities that have never been resolved. It may relate to anxieties about your performance and abilities. If you are still in school and dream about school, then it will naturally serve as a backdrop to your dream world.
Alternatively, a dream that takes place in school may be a metaphor for the lessons that you are learning from your waking life. You may be going through a "spiritual learning" experience.
To dream that you are looking for a school, suggests that you need to expand your knowledge and learning.
To dream that your childhood school is in ruins, suggests that you are dwelling on some unresolved childhood issue. Alternatively, the dream represents the passage of time. You need to look toward the future instead of reliving the past.
Sidewalk
To dream that you are walking on a sidewalk, your steady progress and direction in life. You may be moving on to new walks of life. If the sidewalk is cracked, then it signifies minor and temporary setbacks that are keeping you from getting to your destination. Your dream may suggest that you need to alter your course and make some changes in your life.
Store
To dream of grocery or convenience store, suggests that you are emotionally and mentally strained. Alternatively, you may be brainstorming for new ideas or looking for the various choices out there for you.
Subway
To dream that you are in the subway, denotes that you are reaching your goal via unconscious methods. You may be exploring hidden aspects of yourself. Alternatively, it suggests that you are making a hasty decision.
Swamp
To see a swamp in your dream, symbolizes aspects of yourself that are repressed and dark.
To dream that you are walking through a swampy area, foretells that you will be find yourself in an adverse situation. Disappointments in love may also be implied from this symbol. You will suffer much displeasure from unwise conduct of those around you. On a less negative note, walking through a swamp, denotes that you will experience prosperity and pleasure, but through dangerous and intriguing means.
Theater
To dream that you are in a theater, signifies that you will derive much pleasure from new companionships. Consider also how the performance parallels to situations in your waking life. Observe how the characters relate to you and how they may represent an aspect of yourself. You may be taking on a new role. Alternatively, the dream may be a metaphor that you are being too theatrical or too melodramatic. Are you being a dream queen?
To dream that you are laughing and applauding in a theater, signifies that you tend to choose pleasure and instant gratification as opposed to working on future goals.
To dream that the theater is on fire, signifies that any new projects you take on will be risky.
Tunnel
To dream that you are going through a tunnel, is a bad omen signaling failures in love and in business.
To see a tunnel collapse in your dream, failure and treacherous rivals.
To see a train coming towards you through a tunnel, foretells that you will switch careers.
Underground
To dream that you live underground, symbolizes loss of fortune and reputation and the desire for greater security and peace of mind. You may be pushing thoughts and issues into your subconscious mind.
To dream that you are riding in an underground railway, signifies anxiety and distress arising from a peculiar activity.
Valley
To dream that you are in a valley, symbolizes fertility, abundance, or your need to be sheltered and protected. If you are entering or walking through a valley, then it is analogous to your issues of death and dying. This death may be symbolic as in an end to something in your life. Alternatively, the dream represents life's struggles and hardships before you can achieve some spiritual enlightenment or epiphany.
Vineyard
To see a vineyard in your dream, represents the fruits of your labor and your life experiences.
Wine Cellar
To dream that you are in a wine cellar, represents all of your past experiences - both positive and negative.
Woods
To see the woods in your dream, represents life, fertility, rejuvenation, and spring. Alternatively, it symbolizes the unknown and unconscious. You may be discovering your instinctual nature.
To see dried up, dying woods in your dream, suggests that there is a situation in your life that has not yet been resolved. You may also be overwhelmed with a problem or issue.
Workshop
To see a workshop in you dream, represents the development of your skills. You are trying to understand your Self and find out who you are.
Zoo
To dream that you are at a zoo, symbolizes loss of freedom. Your abilities and talents are going unnoticed. You or an aspect of your life feels caged in.
The zoo may also represent chaos and confusion as implied by the common phrase "this place is a zoo!" You may need to tidy up some situation in your life.
"I'm Falling"
Falling dreams are another theme that is quite common in the world of dreams. Contrary to a popular myth, you will not actually die if you do not wake up before you hit the ground during a fall.
As with most common dream themes, falling is an indication of insecurities, instabilities, and anxieties. You are feeling overwhelmed and out of control in some situation in your waking life. This may reflect the way you feel in your relationship or in your work environment. You have lost your foothold and keep up with the hustle and bustle of daily life. When you fall, there is nothing that you can hold on to. You more or less are forced toward this downward motion without any control. This lost of control may parallel a waking situation in your life.
Falling dreams also often reflect a sense of failure or inferiority in some circumstance or situation. It may be the fear of failing in your job/school, loss of status, or failure in love. You feel shameful and a lost sense of self-esteem You are unable to keep up with the status quo and feel that you don't measure up.
According to Freudian theory, dreams of falling indicate that you are contemplating giving in to a sexual urge or impulse. You are lacking indiscretion.
Falling dreams typically occur during the first stage of sleep. Dreams in this stage are often accompanied by muscle spasms of the arms, legs, and the whole body. These sudden contractions are also known as myclonic jerks. When you sometimes have these falling dreams, you may feel your whole body jerk or twitch and actually awaken from this jerk. It is thought that this jerking action is part of an arousal mechanism that allows you to wake up quickly and be on the alert to possible threats in the environment.
According to biblical interpretations, dreams about falling have a negative overtone.It is believed that such dreams relate to how you are acting and walking, according to his own way of thinking and not those of the Lord.
As with most common dream themes, falling is an indication of insecurities, instabilities, and anxieties. You are feeling overwhelmed and out of control in some situation in your waking life. This may reflect the way you feel in your relationship or in your work environment. You have lost your foothold and keep up with the hustle and bustle of daily life. When you fall, there is nothing that you can hold on to. You more or less are forced toward this downward motion without any control. This lost of control may parallel a waking situation in your life.
Falling dreams also often reflect a sense of failure or inferiority in some circumstance or situation. It may be the fear of failing in your job/school, loss of status, or failure in love. You feel shameful and a lost sense of self-esteem You are unable to keep up with the status quo and feel that you don't measure up.
According to Freudian theory, dreams of falling indicate that you are contemplating giving in to a sexual urge or impulse. You are lacking indiscretion.
Falling dreams typically occur during the first stage of sleep. Dreams in this stage are often accompanied by muscle spasms of the arms, legs, and the whole body. These sudden contractions are also known as myclonic jerks. When you sometimes have these falling dreams, you may feel your whole body jerk or twitch and actually awaken from this jerk. It is thought that this jerking action is part of an arousal mechanism that allows you to wake up quickly and be on the alert to possible threats in the environment.
According to biblical interpretations, dreams about falling have a negative overtone.It is believed that such dreams relate to how you are acting and walking, according to his own way of thinking and not those of the Lord.
1. Everybody Dreams
Men do it. Women do it. Even babies do it. We all dream, even those of us who claim not to. In fact, researchers have found that people usually have several dreams each night, each one lasting for between 5 to 20 minutes. During a typical lifetime, people spend an average of six years dreaming!
2. But You Forget Most of Your Dreams
According to estimates by dream researcher J. Allan Hobson, as much as 95 percent of all dreams are quickly forgotten shortly after waking. Why are our dreams so difficult to remember? According to one theory, the changes in the brain that occur during sleep do not support the information processing and storage needed for memory formation to take place. Brain scans of sleeping individuals have shown that the frontal lobes, the area that plays a key role in memory formation, are inactive during REM sleep, the stage in which dreaming occurs.
3. Not All Dreams Are In Color
While approximately 80 percent of all dreams are in color, there are a small percentage of people who claim to only dream in black and white. In studies where dreamers have been awakened and asked to select colors from a chart that match those in their dreams, soft pastel colors are those most frequently chosen.
4. Men and Women Dream Differently
Researchers have found a number of differences between men and women when it comes to the content of their dreams. In one study, men reported more instances of dreaming about aggression than women did. According to dream researcher William Domhoff, women tend to have slightly longer dreams that feature more characters. When it comes to the characters that typically appear in dreams, men dream about other men twice as often as they do about women, while women tend to dream about both sexes equally.
5. Animals Probably Dream
Have you ever watched a sleeping dog wag its tail or move its legs while asleep? While it's hard to say for sure whether the animal is truly dreaming, researchers believe that it is likely that animals do indeed dream. Just like humans, animals go through sleep stages that include cycles of REM and NREM sleep. In one study, a gorilla was taught sign language as a means of communication. At one point, the gorilla signed "sleep pictures," possibly indicating the experience of dreaming.
6. You Can Control Your Dreams
A lucid dream is one in which you are aware that you are dreaming even though you are still asleep. During this type of dream, you can often "direct" or control the content of the dream. Approximately half of all people can remember experiencing at least one instance of lucid dreaming, and some individuals are able to have lucid dreams quite frequently.
7. Negative Emotions Are More Common in Dreams
Over a period of more than forty years, researcher Calvin S. Hall collected more than 50,000 dream accounts from college students. These reports were made available to the public during the 1990s by Hall's student William Domhoff. The dream accounts revealed that many emotions are experienced during dreams including joy, happiness and fear. The most common emotion experienced in dreams was anxiety, and negative emotions in general were much more common than positive ones
8. Blind People Dream
While people who lost their eyesight prior to age five usually do not have visual dreams in adulthood, they still dream. Despite the lack of visuals, the dreams of the blind are just as complex and vivid as those of the sighted. Instead of visual sensations, blind individuals' dreams typically include information from the other senses such as sound, touch, taste, hearing and smell.
Dream Interpretation – Remembering Your Dreams
Before уου саn gο аbουt interpreting уουr dreams аnd culture whаt thеу hаνе tο teach уου, іt іѕ vital tο remember уουr dreams. It іѕ estimated thаt аѕ much аѕ 50% οf a dream’s content іѕ lost within five minutes οf waking, аnd аѕ much аѕ 90% οf thе content саn bе lost аftеr οnlу ten minutes.
Thіѕ small window οf recall іѕ one reason thаt many people insist thеу rarely οr never dream, even though sleep scientists hаνе proven thаt еνеrу creature life dreams frοm between four аnd seven times each аnd еνеrу night.
One fаntаѕtіс way tο remember уουr dreams, аnd tο ѕtаrt tο analyze аnd interpret thеm, іѕ tο keep a dream journal. A dream journal dοеѕ nοt hаνе tο bе anything elaborate οr lіkе. Thе dream journal саn bе аѕ simple аѕ a desk kept οn thе nightstand bу thе bed.
Try tο gеt іntο thе habit οf writing down whаt уου remember οf уουr dream еνеrу morning immediately upon waking. It іѕ vital tο dο thіѕ аѕ soon аѕ уου аrе awake, ѕіnсе thе majority οf thе dream саn bе lost іn јυѕt a few minutes. If уου саnnοt remember thе entire dream, јυѕt jot down a few words, οr even уουr impressions οf thе dream.
Many people ѕtаrt tο see patterns emerging аftеr thеу hаνе kept a sleep journal fοr a number οf nights. Fοr occasion, even іf уουr dreams аrе different each night, thеrе mау bе similar themes οr locations. Thеѕе themes аnd locations саn bе a hυgе hеlр later οn whеn уου ѕtаrt attempting tο interpret уουr dreams.
Whеn interpreting уουr dreams, try tο mаkе іt fun аnd fаѕсіnаtіng. If іt seems lіkе drudgery іt probably іѕ nοt worth doing. Mοѕt people engage іn dream version fοr thеіr οwn entertainment аnd enlightenment, аnd nοt fοr аnу deeper philosophical οr psychological reason.
Sοmе people, though, аrе аblе tο υѕе thеіr nightly dreams аѕ springboards іntο thеіr subconscious, аnd thеѕе people аrе οftеn аblе tο υѕе thе locations, people аnd events found іn thеіr dreams tο work through issues thеу аrе facing іn thе real world.
Fοr occasion, іf уου dream constantly аbουt falling, іt сουld point toward thаt уου feel уουr life іѕ out οf control аnd unstable. If уου саn examine уουr life аnd take control οf іt, іt саn result іn nοt οnlу a cessation οf those tеrrіblе dreams bυt іn a better аnd more fulfilling life аѕ well.
Drеаd οf сеrtаіn events іn уουr life, οr anxiety аbουt things уου саnnοt face, саn οftеn manifest itself through dreams іn whісh уου аrе life chased, οr pursued bу аn mugger. Those experiencing thеѕе frightening аnd disturbing dreams οftеn benefit frοm performing a self examination tο determine whаt thеу аrе worried tο face. Once thеѕе challenges hаνе bееn faced, thе chasing dreams usually gο away.
It іѕ even doable tο work through ѕοmе traumas whіlе still іn thе dream state. Fοr occasion, those whο dream οf life pursued аrе sometimes аblе tο turn thеіr dreams around bу confronting thе mugger within thе dream. Simply turning around аnd asking thе pursuer whаt hе οr ѕhе wаntѕ frοm уου іѕ οftеn enough tο turn thе dream іntο a positive one, аnd tο ѕtаrt working through thе psychological issues thаt caused іt.
Of course nοt аll dream issues аrе ѕο easily solved. If уουr dream journal reveals frequent nightmares οr similar disturbing dreams, іt сουld bе related tο a past shock thаt wіll take professional hеlр tο address. Fοr occasion, soldiers persistent frοm war zones, аnd rescue workers persistent frοm floods, fires аnd οthеr natural disasters, report a higher level οf nightmares thаn dοеѕ thе general public.
It seems thаt tеrrіblе dreams аnd nightmares mау bе thе subconscious mind’s way οf dealing wіth issues thе conscious mind іѕ nοt ready tο confront. Confronting thеѕе demons, аnd banishing thе nightmares thеу engender, οftеn requires thе hеlр οf a certified counselor οr therapist.
Psychology of Dreams
Psychology of Dreams
Sigmund Freud had proposed that dreams are the means of one's expressions of his/her unconscious wishes. He had said that bad dreams allow the brain to gain control over the feelings that are a result of distressful experiences. Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist suggested that dreams compensate for one-sided feelings borne in consciousness. According to Ferenczi, a Hungarian psychoanalyst, a dream bears something that cannot be expressed outright. Some theories say that dreams involve one's repressed emotions that are fantasized during the sleep while other theories suggest dreams to be an outcome of the cleaning-up operations of the brain.
Hartmann believes that dreams give a person an opportunity to organize his/her thoughts. Blechner's theory of Oneiric Darwinism, which attributes the generation of new ideas to dreams, is quite supportive of Hartmann's analysis. Griffin, through his recent research has proposed the expectation fulfillment theory of dreaming, according to which dreaming completes patterns of emotional expectations.
According to the theory of emotional selection by Richard Coutts, dreaming is a way to modify one's mental schema. The theory of emotional selection is about a process of executing a set of dreams during the non-REM sleep. A second set of dreams is executed during the following REM sleep in the form of test scenarios. It defines an accommodation as the process of reframing one's mental representation of the external world to fit new experiences. If the accommodations performed during the preceding non-REM dreams reduce one's negative emotions, they are selected for retention, else they are abandoned. Thus emotional selection says that the psychology of dreams is usually about the enhancement of mental schemas, it’s about increasing one's social abilities.
Have you wondered about the significance of the content of your dreams? Dream psychology believes that the elements of the dreams are closely related to the environment and the experiences one is exposed to. Presence of colors in the dreams is the result of long years of exposure to colored media, which is evident by a study that shows people of the olden times to be having black and white dreams. Colors, which appear in the dreams, carry the emotions represented by those colors. Dreamer often ‘watches’ the incident in the dream as an ‘onlooker’. Mostly, the visual and auditory senses form a part of dreams. It is seldom touch or taste that are experienced in the dreams.
Although dream dictionaries give meanings to dreams and various ways of dream interpretations exist, dream psychology believes that the association between objects dreamt and their meanings is subjective. What is indicated by a particular dream depends on what the dreamer associates the elements of his dream with. It is suggested to write down your dream and decipher what each of the constituent of the dream conveys. It is important to understand what you associate with a particular thing you dreamed of. The thought or emotion that you get in relation to a certain color, object or a person in your dream, can serve as a clue to interpret your dreams. After having a dream, you can make its write-up, identify your psychological associations with the dream images and link all of them. More than what the elements of your dream symbolize, it is about what the elements mean to you.
Every person on earth dreams pretty much every night, and evidence suggests that all mammals do also. It follows then that something extremely important must be going on while we sleep and dream, yet in the industrialized world, the majority of people pay little attention to dreams, and sometimes shortchange themselves on sleep because it is perceived as lost time, or at best unproductive.
How astonishing that we generally ignore this third (and possibly far more) of ourselves. An appropriate analogy to the grandeur of this mass misunderstanding is the incredible inertia in the middle ages against the idea of earth being other than flat until repeated point-blank evidence like Galileo’s observation of other planets and their moons and the journeys of Columbus and other explorers across the ocean proved conclusively otherwise. The challenge was that people’s everyday experience contradicted the idea of a spherical earth because nobody had yet gained perspective from outside of the system. Airplanes and especially photographs from space were not yet available, so there was little first hand evidence of a new paradigm that was quite a great leap beyond the old. Fortunately, people eventually began to come around, and the shift triggered an ensuing surge of exploration as the realization and acceptance finally dawned that our world really isn't flat after all.
Dreams, in the same way, encompass yet another entire dimension of experience, a world as yet unexplored by most, where a fascinating sphere of activity awaits investigation and possible harvest for greater fulfillment in waking life. The challenge is again the same — common daily experience for the average person offers little proof of this other reality, let alone the possible value of this other dimension of experience, unless one can gain perspective from outside the 9-to-5 work day framework and a scientific purely-objective system.
Dream related mental skills such as dream recall or dream interpretation and information on subjects such as the meaning of nightmares or precognitive dreams isn’t often taught in our schools, and the majority of our parents knew or passed on little about the value of dreams as we grew up. So it's no big surprise that many adults remember few or no dreams, and even more rarely contemplate or set out to interpret the guidance and mine the jewels of creative inspiration hidden just below the surface of consciousness in dreams. Basically, nobody told us or showed us how dreams can be extremely practical.
Current misguided concepts about the value of dreams are not only crucial misunderstandings, but also represent and even bring about a lack of connection with the subconscious and our own deeper, intuitive nature. This long-standing trend of modern society often disregarding dreams has created an artificial rift within many individuals, and may indirectly or even rather directly be the source for many of our current cultural, social, personal, political and planetary environmental challenges.
One solution towards rebalancing and integration on a personal and eventually a planetary level, is for each of us to realize and begin to investigate how our personal dreams, at very least, each night offer a direct means to explore inner reality and gain unique, undeniable experiences of deep personal value. Further, there is overwhelming evidence that they can be applied in many ways to improve waking life, supporting Shakespeare's age-old claim by MacBeth that sleep and dreams are the "chief nourishers in life's feast". Dreams do indeed offer opportunities for fun, adventure, wish fulfillment, creativity, deep personal insight and healing — and dreams offer all this at no cost and with no line-ups!
How astonishing that we generally ignore this third (and possibly far more) of ourselves. An appropriate analogy to the grandeur of this mass misunderstanding is the incredible inertia in the middle ages against the idea of earth being other than flat until repeated point-blank evidence like Galileo’s observation of other planets and their moons and the journeys of Columbus and other explorers across the ocean proved conclusively otherwise. The challenge was that people’s everyday experience contradicted the idea of a spherical earth because nobody had yet gained perspective from outside of the system. Airplanes and especially photographs from space were not yet available, so there was little first hand evidence of a new paradigm that was quite a great leap beyond the old. Fortunately, people eventually began to come around, and the shift triggered an ensuing surge of exploration as the realization and acceptance finally dawned that our world really isn't flat after all.
Dreams, in the same way, encompass yet another entire dimension of experience, a world as yet unexplored by most, where a fascinating sphere of activity awaits investigation and possible harvest for greater fulfillment in waking life. The challenge is again the same — common daily experience for the average person offers little proof of this other reality, let alone the possible value of this other dimension of experience, unless one can gain perspective from outside the 9-to-5 work day framework and a scientific purely-objective system.
Dream related mental skills such as dream recall or dream interpretation and information on subjects such as the meaning of nightmares or precognitive dreams isn’t often taught in our schools, and the majority of our parents knew or passed on little about the value of dreams as we grew up. So it's no big surprise that many adults remember few or no dreams, and even more rarely contemplate or set out to interpret the guidance and mine the jewels of creative inspiration hidden just below the surface of consciousness in dreams. Basically, nobody told us or showed us how dreams can be extremely practical.
Current misguided concepts about the value of dreams are not only crucial misunderstandings, but also represent and even bring about a lack of connection with the subconscious and our own deeper, intuitive nature. This long-standing trend of modern society often disregarding dreams has created an artificial rift within many individuals, and may indirectly or even rather directly be the source for many of our current cultural, social, personal, political and planetary environmental challenges.
One solution towards rebalancing and integration on a personal and eventually a planetary level, is for each of us to realize and begin to investigate how our personal dreams, at very least, each night offer a direct means to explore inner reality and gain unique, undeniable experiences of deep personal value. Further, there is overwhelming evidence that they can be applied in many ways to improve waking life, supporting Shakespeare's age-old claim by MacBeth that sleep and dreams are the "chief nourishers in life's feast". Dreams do indeed offer opportunities for fun, adventure, wish fulfillment, creativity, deep personal insight and healing — and dreams offer all this at no cost and with no line-ups!
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