Don’t forget to bring your dream journal along when you travel. It’s best to date your entries. If you’d like, you can also leave room under each entry for your dream interpretation.
Don’t even go to the bathroom, as that gives your mind time to forget! Also note your thoughts immediately upon waking, as these thoughts may have been on the verge of appearing in your dream (if you hadn’t woken first). Is there suddenly a word, colour, or song in your head, especially one you haven’t thought of in quite a while? This could be useful for your interpretation. You’ll get a more meaningful interpretation if you remember more details. [1] X Research source
Emotions you felt People in the dream Animals The setting of the dream Colors A mode of transportation, if there was one A journey, if there was one A plot, if there is one
If you feel tempted to turn the dream into a story, focus just on the emotions you felt, what you saw, and adjectives to describe the scene. For example, you might have a dream where you’re lost in the woods, being chased by a wolf. In addition to writing out what happened and how you felt, you might draw several trees to represent a forest from your dream, along with words like “lost,” “chased,” and “wolf. ”
For example, you could title the forest dream described above something like “The chase,” “Scary woods,” or “Running scared. ”
Was I alone? Who else was there? Did I sense someone? How did I feel? What does the setting mean to me? How would I describe the setting? What does this image mean to me? What does this action mean to me? When was the last time that I encountered this item in real life?
For example, ask yourself questions like, “How did this dream leave me feeling?” and “When have I recently felt that emotion in my waking life?” For example, you may have felt fearful or trapped in a dream about a wolf chasing you through the forest. This dream could mean that you feel trapped in a scary situation in your real life.
Ask yourself questions like these: Is it somewhere you fear? Does the place cause you stress in real life? Is it your comfort zone? Did something bad happen to you in a setting like this? Is the setting similar to that of a happy time in your life? For example, a beach could mean two different things to two different people based on their own associations. A beach could be a fun place to someone who had an enjoyable vacation there, but it could be a symbol of fear for someone who almost drowned.
Did you recently have a fight with the person? The dream could be related to the fight. Alternatively, does the person represent something to you? For example, your favorite teacher could appear in your dream because your unconscious mind wants you to learn something. The people you see in your dream more often represent yourself rather than that person. [8] X Research source For example, seeing your sister who is in college in your dream may represent your desire to learn and seek opportunities, rather than your actual sister. If you’re afraid of dogs, a dog in your dream may represent a threat. On the flip side, it could mean safety if you have a dog for protection in real life.
If you remember several images or symbols, focus on what seems the most meaningful. If you encounter the same images or symbols on a recurring basis, it’s a good idea to create a special key to help you understand their meaning. This could help you interpret your dreams faster. For example, you may notice that you often see a free bird when you feel good about a situation but a caged bird when you feel trapped.
For example, you may have had the recurring thought in your dream that you were losing things and unable to keep track of items that you are carrying. You may connect this feeling to a real life situation where you lost an important item that you need for work or school. On the other hand, you may have a dream where you are being repeatedly chased and threatened. This could be a metaphor for feelings of insecurity at work or school.
You can find dream dictionaries in print form or online. For example, maybe you’ve had several dreams that contain a key in the background. You might want to look up common meanings for the key symbol.
For example, you may be graduating from school. Although this is an ending, it kicks off an exciting new phase of your life.
For example, a broken down car might mean you are stuck in your life.
If you feel calm, you may be releasing something in your life that was weighing you down. If you feel afraid, you may feel like your life is out of control.
For example, you may be behind with your work and need to make arrangements to get back on schedule.
For example, you may be struggling to find a job but don’t have enough qualifications or experience to get the job.
For example, if you meet your mom in the dream and she doesn’t care that your teeth are falling out, this could mean that you feel like she doesn’t care about your real-life feelings about a situation you’re struggling with. It could also be your unconscious mind’s acknowledgement that your mom believes you are competent enough to take on the new responsibility.
If you have a disturbing dream that scares you, don’t worry about it coming true. Instead, focus on the feelings you felt. Perhaps a real-life situation is making you feel this way.
How does the setting relate to the characters and symbols? How does each part affect the meaning of the remaining parts? Taken together, what does the dream mean to you?
As an example, dreaming about something that happened during the previous day may have a straightforward answer. If you had a fight with your mom, and you dream about fighting with her, the dream is likely about the fight. Alternatively, if you have a dream about a house fire that you can’t escape, then it’s probably a metaphor for something that’s happening in your life.
For example, you may have a sex dream about an acquaintance. Ask yourself what that person could represent to you. Perhaps you like how this person is funny and outgoing. Your dream could mean that you’re embracing these traits in yourself.
Note when the dreams occur, how often they occur, and if they seem to be triggered by something. Analyze the dream like you normally would, but pay special attention to what the dream could mean for your waking life. If the dream disturbs your sleep, you may want to talk to a mental health professional, who can help you work through the dream.
