Understanding Dream Analysis
and
Interpretation
While it is true that no one knows the
exact origins of dream analysis and interpretation, it is safe to assume
that there has been some sort of dream analysis going on as long as their
have been dreams. It is also a safe bet that dreams have been around as
long as human beings have,
and maybe even before. For instance, some animals, such as cats and dogs,
are known to dream, so it is probably true that our ancient ancestors had
dream worlds of their own.
No one knows the content of these
early dreams of course, or how early humans reacted to them. At first,
humans probably reacted with fear to find themselves in unfamiliar
territory, facing unfamiliar objects and places. It is known that many
ancient cultures saw no distinction between the world of dreams and the
world of physical reality. In these cultures, the dream world was simply
an extension of the physical world.
As a matter of fact, many
cultures throughout history have placed a greater level of importance on
the dream world than on the physical world. Dreams were often
imbued with magic powers, and many people thought that dreams were a way
for the soul to commune with the spirit world while the body got its much
needed rest.
Dream interpretation may have been
around for as long as dreams have been, but archeologists have discovered
that dream interpretation is at least 5000-6000 years old. That is
because clay tablets dating back to 3000-4000 B.C. have been found, and
these tablets detail dreams and their interpretation.
Even in today's world, dream
analysis and interpretation continues to be a source of wonder,
inspiration and even healing. Psychologists and therapists often
use dream analysis as part of their careers, and dream interpretation has
been used in modern times to treat victims of trauma and help them
heal.
In the ancient world, dream
interpretation has a long and storied history. Some of the earliest
mentions of dreams and dream analysis occur in the Bible, and the
Bible contains more than 700 references to dreams and their
meanings.
The world of the ancient Greeks
and Romans was also fascinated with dreams and what they meant. The Greeks
and Romans often saw dreams as a way for their gods to connect with
mortals, and the messages contained in dreams were carefully examined and
taken very seriously.
Greek and Roman politicians and
warriors employed dream interpreters to provide analysis of the dreams of
soldiers, generals and politicians, and the results of this dream analysis
was used to influence political and military decisions.
The ancient Egyptians also saw
religious significance in dreams, and those who could interpret and
analyze dreams, as well as those whose dreams were particularly vivid or
significant, were given special status in Egyptian society.
Dream interpretation and analysis
continues to enjoy a special place in the modern world. After
Sigmund Freud revolutionized the world of dream analysis more than
a century ago, a new era of dream interpretation was ushered in,
and dream research continues to evolve and grow at a rapid
pace.
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