The Meaning of Dreams

The Meaning of Dreams

Popularizing Dream Interpretation

·       Since the 1970s, dream interpretation has grown increasingly popular thanks to work by authors such as Ann Faraday. In books such as The Dream Game, Faraday outlined techniques and ideas than anyone can use to interpret their own dreams. Today, consumers can purchase a wide variety of books that offer dream dictionaries, symbol guides and tips for interpreting and understanding dreams.

·       Dream research will undoubtedly continue to grow and generate interest from people interested in understanding the meaning of their dreams. However, dream expert G. William Domhoff recommends that "...unless you find your dreams fun, intellectually interesting, or artistically inspiring, then feel free to forget your dreams." Others such as Cartwright and Kaszniak propose that dream interpretation may actually reveal more about the interpreter than it does about the meaning of the dream itself.

·       "A dream is a work of art which requires of the dreamer no particular talent, special training, or technical competence. Dreaming is a creative enterprise in which all may and most do participate." – Clark S. Hall

I dream almost always, I suppose that I dream all the time, I’m just not always aware.  Every once in a while more often than not I will have a dream that stays in my mind after I wake up.  On occasion, I will even mention it to my wife in the morning.  I’m not always looking for a discussion, but whenever I am, my wife will participate and give me her perspective.

My most recent dream overnight production, was very special, and I know that it originated from wishful thinking: Some distant relative, was getting married.  I was in my present married status, and my children while not prominent in my dream were all in the background at their present age, and status. My home was in Eastern Washington, while not one that I have actually lived in, it had many characteristics (combinations of features) of different homes we have owned or lived in. I actually recognized parts of the landscaping surrounding our home, and other-buildings (metal sheds) on the property.

The wedding was taking place on that very day, my mother and step-father were over at the property (private residence) where the event was taking place (in my dream, my step-father was about 45 years old, he passed away in his 90’s).  My wife was also helping with last minute preparations for the event.  I was at home (my home) doing something out in the yard and thinking of getting ready to head to the wedding.  For some reason that doesn’t fit in the scenario, a bakery van showed up to drop off the wedding cake (this is how you know it was a dream) no rhyme or reason why the cake would get dropped off at our house.

While the cake is being placed on a banquet table, another full size 8 passenger van pulls into our driveway and my two grand mothers and sister get off. (Other young cousins were with them).  I greet them with an embrace but I act more confused than excited.  I study their facial features up close and they look very much as I remember them.  I don’t mention their relationship to me: example I don’t say, “Hello abuelita (grandma).”  I show pleasure at seeing them but almost like I don’t acknowledge them, as if even in the dream, I realize that their presence is not possible.  I stay busy and walk away with someone to do whatever I was doing before I was interrupted.

As I walk away I realize what a blessing it is to see my two grandmothers and sister, and I reason that my mother is going to be overjoyed to see them.  I walk back to where I left them standing, and I give them a real strong hug, and tell them how much I love them, and how happy I am that they could come.  I also mention to them that my mother will be very happy to see them,

My two grandmothers, my sister, mother and step-father have all gone to their heavenly reward many years ago, and I realize that this dream was nothing more than a subconscious wish.  I miss them every day, and I will see them and hug them again someday.  The best is yet to come….