Analyzing Common Dream World
Symbols
Dreams represent a fascinating alternate reality,
and dream analysis is a fascinating subject for
professionals and lay people alike. Many people feel
that if they could just understand and take control of their dreams, all
their real world problems would be
solved.
While this position may be a bit
of a stretch, it is true that many issues in dreams have their roots in
the waking world, and when these daytime
issues are solved, so to are the dreams they sparked.
When studying the
fascinating and sometimes confusing world of dreams, it is a good idea to
look at the symbols many other people have
found in common dream objects.
The objects, symbols and people we
see in our dreams can be baffling and confusing at times. Dreams seem to
contain their own particular language, and that language can be difficult
to read for those who are unfamiliar with dream symbolism. There are a
number of symbols in dreams that are thought to be universal. Some of
these universal themes include flying, falling, losing teeth, and failing
a test. In addition to these universal symbols, however, there are a
number of other important symbols encountered in dreams.
Accident
A dream accident could represent fear of an
actual accident, or it could represent fear of some sort of mental or
physical breakdown.
Awakening
Dreaming about waking up can symbolize a
realization of, or openness to, new ideas and new experiences.
Brother
Dreaming about a brother has different meanings
depending on the relationship of the dreamer to his or her actual
brother. If there is a strained
relationship, a dream about a brother can represent an inner core of love
and respect for the sibling.
Climbing
Dreams of climbing can be symbols for yearning
or reaching, or for the attaining of new mental, s piritual or physical goals.
Desert
Dreaming of a desert, or of being
lost in a desert, can represent loneliness and longing.
Door
A door can be a symbol for the possibility of a
better opportunity. Being afraid to open a door in a dream can mean
you are afraid to try new
things.
Eating
Eating in a dream can represent nourishment, or
the need to be taken care of.
Falling
Dreams of falling can represent a loss of
control, or a feeling of being unable to maintain your position in
life.
Gate
A gate in a dream is similar to a door, in that
it represents an opportunity for movement and growth. Going through
the gate can be a sign that you are ready
to try new things.
Heart
T he heart is
seen as a symbol of love. Most dreams which include heart shapes center on
love and romance.
Immobility
Dreams of being paralyzed or
immobilized can be indications that the dreamer feels trapped. For
instance, you may feel trapped or smothered
in a relationship, or you may feel like you are unable to get ahead at
your job.
Jumping
Dreaming about jumping can symbolize that the
dreamer is open to achieving greater goals. Jumping is usually a
positive symbol, and it can mean that the
dreamer faces a bright future.
Ladder
A ladder can be a symbol for
growth, or for spiritual learning. A ladder can symbolize a desire to
reach higher, or to achieve greater
happiness.
Military
Dreams about military figures often symbolize a
desire for authority. Dreams about the military often represent a
craving for the bravery engendered by the
armed forces.
Noose
Dreaming about a noose can symbolize a guilt
and a fear of punishment. Seeing a noose in your dreams may mean you are afraid of something in your waking
life.
Pig
Th e
meaning of the pig symbol depends on your cultural frame of reference.
While to most westerners a pig symbolizes
greed and filth, to the Chinese a pig is a symbol of
strength.
Rain
Rain also has a number of meanings
in the dream world. In some scenarios, rain can symbolize depression,
while at other times it can represent a
cleansing and a renewal. The meaning will depend on the context of rain
within the dream.
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