You can also use apps developed for your phone. Some apps even check for patterns, or help with dream interpretation. You can also use a voice recorder on your phone, if writing is hard for you upon first waking up.

Write down every feeling you have in association with your dream, even if it doesn’t make sense. Don’t allow your conscious (waking) mind to filter out the messages you’re being given by your unconscious (dreaming) mind. If you are the whale or dolphin in your dream, think about how it felt to take that shape. Did you feel more free, confident, happy? Or were you lonely, fearful, and uneasy? Remember that all elements in the dream are potentially meaningful. It’s a mistake to focus on only one element of your dream.

Dreaming about a dolphin indicates your willingness to listen to your subconscious, or your emotions. [4] X Research source Dolphins are usually inspirational images in dreams, symbolizing optimism and social altruism.

Some dream interpreters feel that the dreamer is every element within his dream. For example, if you dream about a school of dolphins playfully swimming in the surf until a fishing net captures them, one interpretation would be that you’re trying to control your own playful nature. If you dream about trying to save a whale or dolphin, this may mean that you’re trying to salvage an important relationship, or some part of yourself that’s in danger of dying.

A whale often symbolizes awareness and intuition. Dreaming of a whale often means its time for you to listen to your inner voice. Because a whale is the largest mammal in the world, dreaming of a whale may symbolize that you’re feeling overwhelmed. Think about anything specific you can recall about your animal. For example, was the dolphin in your dream swimming alone, or in a group? Did it appear healthy? Or was it sickly? If you dream about a whale or dolphin that is dying, this might mean that you are feeling disconnected from your inner self. [7] X Research source

Because dreams are different for everyone, you are the best interpreter for your dreams. Even though dolphins are often regarded as positive symbols, only you can know what they mean for you.

A dreamer’s life experiences shape the meaning of anything appearing in her dreams. Your feelings will be the best guide to interpreting the meaning of a whale in your dreams.

If your feelings when you see a whale or dolphin in your dream have recently changed, consider whether current events may have created this change. Remember that whales and dolphins, like other dream elements, are not meant to be interpreted literally. Dream interpretation is based in emotions rather than rational thought. If your feelings about whales change in every dream, look to other dream elements for more information.

If you have repeated similar experiences in your dreams, it might indicate a strong need to work out a situation in your life. Notice recurring thoughts and feelings as well we recurring images in your dreams. For example, if you have repeated thoughts of, “I’ll die if that happens again,” think about what you might mean by that.

As you become more aware of your dreaming life, you may start to better understand what dream symbols are important for you. There is research that shows how dreams can help you better understand your waking personality. Dreams may even be valuable in diagnosing psychological issues regarding personality dynamics. [13] X Research source