Dream Symbols

There is an unfortunate tendency for people to look for dream symbol dictionaries and then attempt to translate dreams in the same way someone might use a foreign language phrase book to communicate with others. The most important thing to remember about Dream Symbols is that the meaning that matters the most is what the symbol means to the dreamer him/herself. The symbols are more like parables or analogies than literal representations, and rather than referring to others, convey characteristics meaningful to the dreamer or to the dreamer's life situation. They usually are reflections about similar characteristics that are found within the dreamer. Thus, people, places, actions and the like need to be looked at primarily in terms of what they represent TO THE DREAMER.

The emotions or "feeling tones" that the dreamer associates with various symbols or situations in the dream are also important to consider. They can help provide clues as to the deeper meanings of the symbol.

Following are some very general comments which give a flavor of working with symbols in dreams. They are not extensive or definitive, just points to consider when trying to understand dream symbolism.

When doing effective Dream Work, the surest sign that the symbol has been interpreted correctly is when the dreamer has an "Aha!" moment when the meaning becomes very clear, often more clear to the dreamer than he or she can explain to others. There is that moment when "the bell goes off", or "the chord resonates", or "that rings true!" It is very important for the sake of the dreamer, that we not "push" them to some conclusion we have drawn about the symbols. We're really trying to help others hear the voice of God, not be the voice of God to them!

1. Dream Symbols are for the Dreamer:

   In general, symbols have to be understood by the dreamer in terms of the dreamer's own life context. The dream speaks to the dreamer in symbols that have meaning to and for the dreamer. What that symbol might mean to anyone else is actually fairly irrelevant. While we may help others look at the symbols in their dreams, we can't really say with certainty that a given symbol means this or that. What we're trying to do in helping another person understand the symbols of their dreams is to help them think a little "outside the box", to go beyond the literal or first impression, and see what deeper things may be revealed.

   As an example of a symbol having different meanings for different people, consider a river. What does it mean to you? To Herman, a river brings back the positive sense of adventure and travel that growing up near a river as a boy would have - kind of a Huckleberry Finn experience. To Lillie, Herman's wife, rivers are associated with a negative symbolism - in her life context, the drowning deaths of several of her relatives.

2. Places in dreams:

   The places associated with a dream can have tremendous meaning. Often people will dream of a house, or a school or church. When you discuss such symbols, it is important to explore the details as recalled, and also the feelings associated with the place. For many, the house can be a representation of themselves - with various levels being analogous to their conscious and unconscious, for example.

3. People in dreams:

   People in a dream almost never concern the literal people the dreamer knows, but symbolize characteristics of those people found within the dreamer him/herself. When working on a dream where people are important, consider what that person's chief characteristics mean to the dreamer, and look for the meaning along those lines. It is often helpful to ask the dreamer for three or four key characteristics of that person, and also to get a sense of the feeling tone towards that person within the dream.

4. Actions in dreams:

   The actions symbolized in the dream world are not subject to the physical and moral laws under which we live. Often, upon awakening, people are shocked or dismayed by their dream actions. It is important to keep in mind the role of symbolism in the actions rather than assume they have literal meaning or indicate particular hidden desires or reveal moral shortfalls. The dream actions refer to something deeper within us that needs to be looked at in terms of symbols, not literal occurrences. Often, the feeling tone of the dreamer DURING THE DREAM is very helpful in uncovering the deeper symbolism.

   Dream actions often defy logic and physic, as when the dreamer is flying through the air or living underwater. Again, the question to be asked is "What do these actions symbolically mean to the dreamer?"

5. Animals in dreams:

   Animals within dreams often seem to symbolize emotions. Some people have repeated dreams which involve, for instance, being chased by a wild animal. At times, people have found that there is a sense of fear until they turn and face the animal, and then find out that there is something that changes within them as a result of doing so. This is where it is important to ask the dreamer about what is going on in their lives. Is there a similar feeling that they experience or that they are being asked to confront?

6. Repeated Symbols and Dreams

   It is very helpful to keep track of the kinds of symbols you have in your dreams. Over time, they can help us see trends/patterns in ourselves and in our lives which we may need to be aware of and possibly address.

   On the other hand, we may find that as we are being transformed, symbols take on different meanings for us. This is one of the reasons we should look at each dream without assuming we know what all the symbols mean.