For example, if your dream takes place in a corporate setting, that symbol may represent ambition for you. For someone else, a corporate environment might symbolize others having too much input on how you live your life.
“The circumstances matter, the emotions matter, the people matter, the actions matter,” Mary says. “Taking a symbol out of context drains the dream of the symbolic significance it could offer.”
Keep a dream journal or a dream app on your phone beside the bed. That way, you can record dreams as soon as you awake.
Bookstore dream journals typically offer guidance, tips and prompts for recalling and interpreting dreams. But you can also record your dreams in a simple spiral notebook. Or you may prefer speaking into a dream recording app such as
Dream Catcher. Many dream apps categorize dreams and identify recurring themes, patterns and emotions.
Some people find that writing dream details in longhand is better for recall and interpretation than recording them in an app.
To draw out associations and hidden meanings of your dream symbols, ask questions such as:
- What does this dream and symbol remind me of?
- Who does this dream and symbol remind me of?
- What situations in my life are similar to this scenario?
- What emotions and thoughts were going on in my life during the period and/or setting in the dream?
“By analyzing the dream story and mirroring it to your waking life, you can transfer the symbolism out of your subconscious into your conscious, so you can incorporate the messages into your life,” Mary says.
Don’t try to analyze your dreams while recording them. You can review them later on, or just prior to going to
sleep the following night.
Have you ever had a dream and wondered what it was telling you? While it’s important to understand your own unique dream symbols and what thy mean in the context of your live, here are seven common dreams and their meanings to get you started on your dream journey:
- Falling: Lack of control, fear in waking life
- Flying: Freedom, independence
- Teeth Falling Out: Vulnerability, insecurity, communication issues and stress
- Taking a Test: Fear of failure, feeling unprepared or stressed
- Infidelity: Lack of trust, loyalty issues in relationship
- Being Chased: Avoiding something or someone in real life
- Dying: Change, fear of the unknown
Once you commit to recording your dreams in a journal or app, try saying affirmations before bed to boost dream recall.
“I will remember my dreams when I wake up” or “I will remember my dreams tonight” are good starters. You may want to customize your affirmations to fit with your goals.
Before you know it, you’ll be an old hand at analyzing your dreams. Then let your dream symbols, metaphors and messages work their way from your subconscious into your conscious mind to change or improve your life.
