An Introduction to Dream Interpretation

First, a disclaimer: you will not learn here how to tell the future with your dreams. Books that take this approach are generally very suspect, and you will find that every dream you have foretells a death, a birth or a marriage. Unless you are actually part of the cast of Eastenders, your life (and thus your dreams) ought to allow for more subtle strands of existence. Besides, in my humble opinion, if you are psychic you're psychic and if you are not there can be no more psychic power in the night-time strolls of your subconscious than there is in a pack of machine-printed cards. Whatever is there is in YOU.

What you will learn here is a skill that anyone can acquire, which is the art of divining, and then accepting, that which you already know. This is not a cop-out, as it might seem. In interpreting our dreams, we are not looking for the obvious. This is knowledge that is buried in our (often tricksy, stubborn, obtuse and downright obstinate) subconscious. But wrestling with this beast can help us know ourselves and solve problems, and what more could you ask of a facility that's freely at your disposal whenever you fall asleep?

What will I need?

Your tools for interpreting your dreams are simple ones. First, you will need a notebook of some kind and a writing implement ditto. Simple. Second, you will need a book of dream symbols. I have already given my opinion of books that treat dream symbols as omens. So find a book that treats symbols as (*steps back in amazement*) symbols, and preferably one that is quite comprehensive. You can always add information from other books or the internet if you cannot find a symbol that appears in your dream. I've had a fair amount of luck with Pamela Ball's subtly titled Your Dreams Interpreted, even though it looks kind of self-helpy.

Remembering dreams

Remembering dreams is a pretty banal process, but you can only interpret a dream if you remember it, so it has to be done. All you do is get as relaxed as you can before bed (some books recommend meditation, breathing exercises or yoga, but I listen to Radiohead), and then repeat to yourself, over and over again, 'I will remember my dreams, and after each dream I will wake up and write it down'. Then, when you wake up, guess what? You write your dream down. Note not only events but objects, colours, people, positions of people if these are notable, everything you can remember. Once it's on paper it can't disappear, as so many of our dreams do. I have found this method surprisingly effective.

Interpreting dreams

Whatever you do, don't go straight to your book! Read through your dream several times, adding new things you remember if any. Now, do we all recall El Presidente Kim's method for intuitive tarot reading? If anybody doesn't, I'm sure Kim will be delighted to tie you to a chair, hold a bazooka to your head and make sure you do. This is absolutely the best method to apply to dream interpretation. Look at the events, the objects, the people, the colours and so on in your dream, and ask yourself what they mean to YOU. This is your own subconscious you're dealing with, so your personal interpretation is vital. When you have done this, then go to the book. This should inform your interpretation, rather than confuse it. If the information is contradictory, the reason for this should say something about you.

For instance, white is supposed to symbolise purity and peace. If you took the white in your dream to symbolise something negative, you need to examine why this is and what this discloses about your character. (This is an example from my own experience, and if you're wondering why white in dreams is negative for me, it's because I used to have nightmares about the Wonkavision room in Willy Wonka when I was a kid :-P Any *polite* suggestions about what this discloses about my character can be sent on a postcard) When you have interpreted more than one dream, it is also useful to compare them and begin to find recurring symbols which may well bring to light issues in your life which you have not yet dealt with.

Finally, I would highly recommend discussing your dreams (unless they are about the other person and are either horrible or very, very nice) with others, who will add their own personal insight and deepen your interpretation. It only remains to say good luck with all your efforts, and (predictably but with genuine bonhomie) sweet dreams!