Dreams

Dream interpretation is more an art than a science, but this method is one I've found to be quick and effective. Just remember a couple of things:

• a dream is a picture of a feeling.

• a dream is always about something you don't know or don't want to know.

• The negative stuff represents how you are feeling, not who you are.

• The positive stuff is pointing you in the direction that you need to go—your growing edge.

• Nightmares are intense because they are designed to get your attention on some important matter.

Here's an example.

1. Write down a dream

The Dream

I’m on my way to a party or wedding or ceremony in a place I’ve been to before. It was hard to get to then but now it’s easy.

It is in a rustic area, like Chatsworth Lake.

The road is nothing but a narrow gravel track, but I remember how to get there.

Along the way I see local people hanging out, laughing and talking. It makes me realize that I admire their experience of community, even though the people are not well off or sophisticated.

2. Pick out all the negative words—words that indicate limitation, disrespect, constriction, avoidance, damage, etc. These indicate how you are feeling.

I am feeling...	The Dream
difficult to get to	I’m on my way to a party or wedding or ceremony in a place I’ve been to before. It was hard to get to then but now it’s easy.
undeveloped	It is in a rustic area, like Chatsworth Lake.
narrow access, unimproved	The road is nothing but a narrow gravel track, but I remember how to get there.
poor, unsophisticated	Along the way I see local people hanging out,laughing and talking. It makes me realize that I admire their experience of community, even though the people are not well off or sophisticated.

3. Identify the positive words.These represent your growing edge and indicate what you need.

I am feeling...	The Dream	I need...
difficult to get to	I’m on my way to a party or wedding or ceremony in a place I’ve been to before. It was hard to get to then but now it’s easy.	ceremony, familiar place, easy
undeveloped	It is in a rustic area, like Chatsworth Lake.
narrow access, unimproved	The road is nothing but a narrow gravel track, but I remember how to get there.	remember
poor, unsophisticated	Along the way I see local people hanging out,laughing and talking. It makes me realize that I admire their experience of community, even though the people are not well off or sophisticated.	community

4. Put it all together. This is the interpretation part.

I am feeling...	The Dream	I need...	INTERPRETATION
difficult to get to	I’m on my way to a party or wedding or ceremony in a place I’ve been to before. It was hard to get to then but now it’s easy.	ceremony, familiar place, easy	I am on my way to improvement of a familiar situation.
undeveloped	It is in a rustic area, like Chatsworth Lake.		I am undeveloped in this area.
narrow access, unimproved	The road is nothing but a narrow gravel track, but I remember how to get there.	remember	I'm not adept but am aware of what's important.
poor, unsophisticated	Along the way I see local people hanging out,laughing and talking. It makes me realize that I admire their experience of community, even though the people are not well off or sophisticated.	community, connection	I need to have more interaction with people who value community.

5. Identify the location—the area of your life being pictured.

6. Give the dream a title—the summary of the what dream means.

Location	Neighborhood where there is lots of interaction between residents = connection, community.
Title	"Getting Back in Touch with What's Important "

See the Irish dream web site, Aisling, for some good descriptions of common dream symbols. However, your associations with a symbol are more important than any generic description.