Dream Interpretation Dead people dreams | Dream Meanings
Example: ‘My husband’s mother, no longer alive, came and slid her arms carefully under me and lifted me up. I shouted “Put me down! Put me down! I don’t want to go yet.” She carefully lowered me on to the bed and disappeared’ (EH). Most dreams in which dead people appear are expressive of our attempts to deal with our feelings, guilt or anger in connection with the person who died, or our own feelings about death. In the example the dreamer is feeling fear about being carried off by death.
When someone close to us dies we go through a period of change from relating to them as an external reality, to meeting and accepting them as alive in our memories and inner life. In the next example the man has not only come to terms with his mother’s and his own death, but also found this inner reality. Example: A dark grey sugar loaf form materialised. This pillar lightened in shade as I watched. It didn’t move. I began to think it was Mrs Molten who died in 1956.
The feeling grew stronger but still the colour lightened. Then it bent over and kissed my head. In that instant I knew it was my mother.
An ecstatic joy and happiness such as I have never known on earth suffused me. That happiness remained constantly in mind for the next few days’ (Mr M).
The more of them you see, the more fortunate your dream.
If they are in rags, it indicates difficulties, but if you tackle your problems boldly, you will pull through.... Mystic Dream Book
If the coldness is in the lower part of the body, this suggests sexual coldness and again, lack of passion. Coldness in the chest (heart) suggests lack of feelings or feeling cold towards someone.
Cold feet indicate a fear of doing something or indecision. The image of a dead body in a dream depicts feelings and potential to which we have not given expression in daily life.... The Element Encyclopedia
Dreams are a universal feature of the human mind. Carl Jung even believed that visions in our dreams offer glimpses into universal archetypes, instinctive primordial images derived from a collective unconscious built into the very structure of the human brain. You might think, then, that even blind people could tap into this instinctive pool of primordial images and see them in their dreams.
There have been studies into whether or not congenitally blind people dream in visual images, but the findings have been mixed— some studies conclude that congenitally blind people do not dream in visual images, whilst other reports conclude that may do. The general consensus is that although people who are blind certainly do dream, their dreams are believed to be visual only to the extent that they can see, or could see before their blindness, in their waking life. People who are blind from birth are believed to have dreams that are primarily auditory, with their other intact senses participating to about the same degree that they do in a sighted person’s dreams. Such people are not thought to dream in visual images. People who are legally blind but are able to see blurs of movement, light and color would have a visual dimension to their dreams matching what they see when they are awake.... The Element Encyclopedia
If a person sees himself as carrying a dead person in a normal way it means he will either obey and follow the ruler of the time or he will take upon himself some of his responsibilities.... Islamic Dream Interpretation
2- Psychologically we are not able to be part of a group until we have a certain level of maturity, so to dream of being with a crowd can denote our awareness of ourselves.
3- Organised Ritual is an important part of the progression to spiritual awareness.... Ten Thousand Dream Dictionary
If you see and talk with your father, some unlucky transaction is about to be made by you. Be careful how you enter into contracts, enemies are around you. Men and women are warned to look to their reputations after this dream.
To see your mother, warns you to control your inclination to cultivate morbidness and ill will towards your fellow creatures.
A brother, or other relatives or friends, denotes that you may be called on for charity or aid within a short time.
To dream of seeing the dead, living and happy, signifies you are letting wrong influences into your life, which will bring material loss if not corrected by the assumption of your own will force.
To dream that you are conversing with a dead relative, and that relative endeavors to extract a promise from you, warns you of coming distress, unless you follow the advice given you. Disastrous consequences could often be averted if minds could grasp the inner workings and sight of the higher or spiritual self.
The voice of relatives is only that higher self taking form to approach more distinctly the mind that lives near the material plane. There is so little congeniality between common or material natures that persons should depend upon their own subjectivity for true contentment and pleasure. Paracelsus says on this subject: ``It may happen that the soul of persons who have died perhaps fifty years ago may appear to us in a dream, and if it speaks to us we should pay special attention to what it says, for such a vision is not an illusion or delusion, and it is possible that a man is as much able to use his reason during the sleep of his body as when the latter is awake; and if in such a case such a soul appears to him and he asks questions, he will then hear that which is true. Through these solicitous souls we may obtain a great deal of knowledge to good or to evil things if we ask them to reveal them to us. Many persons have had such prayers granted to them. Some people that were sick have been informed during their sleep what remedies they should use, and after using the remedies, they became cured, and such things have happened not only to Christians, but also to Jews, Persians, and heathens, to good and to bad persons.’’ The writer does not hold that such knowledge is obtained from external or excarnate spirits, but rather through the personal _Spirit Glimpses_ that is in man.--AUTHOR. ... Ten Thousand Dream Interpretation
To dream that someone you care about is dead, suggests that you are lacking a certain quality that the loved one represents. Ask yourself what makes this person special or what do you like about them.
It is that very quality that you are lacking in your own relationship or circumstances.
To see dead people in your dream who you do not know in real life, forewarns that you are being influenced by negative people and are hanging around the wrong crowd. This dream may also be a way for you to resolve your feelings with those who have passed on. However, if you spoke with someone who is dead, you may soon hear very good news.
To dream of someone dead coming to life again suggests that you miss them and are trying to relive your old experiences you had with them. Also look up “Zombie”... My Dream Interpretation
(1) Does the dream contain a dead person you actually knew? If so, the dream may mean you should take notice of what he or she said or did, or of what happened to him or her. The dead person is ‘coming back1, not to haunt but to advise and help you.
There’s really nothing ‘spooky1 about meeting dead people in dreams. Such encounters may help you to fulfil a long-desired deep relationship, or to put something right. For example, you may learn to forgive the person and as a consequence get peace and healing for yourself.
(2) If a deceased partner or parent appears in dreams, (1) above may apply. Bear in mind also that the dead do live on - inside us; and that it is important to realize when this is a healthy and life-enhancing thing and when it is purely negative, stunting our own personal development.
If it is the latter, resolve to have it out with the person the next time he or she appears in a dream.
(3) If the dead person in the dream is actually a living person - and especially if that person is your partner or parent or sibling - the dream may be expressing unconscious resentment towards that person, or a desire to be independent. Feelings towards someone close are often ambivalent: love or respect mixed with fear or hatred or resentment or jealousy.
The usual conscious response to such a dream will be anxiety, and you may even feel anxiety in the dream itself. However, Freud was convinced that in such cases anxiety was a cloak for unconscious - because repressed - hostility’. (On the Oedipus complex) See also Murder.
(4) The dead person may be you (and could stand for you even if in the dream he is distinct from the dream ego). In that case, consider the following possibilities:
(a) What is being expressed in the dream may be your own anxiety’ about dying. Death is inevitable, and facing up to that fact may bring great rewards: self-acceptance; new values; a broadening of one’s personality’, compensating for past omissions or lopsidedness and utilizing hitherto neglected personal resources. This would be specially applicable if vou were in the second half of life.
(b) The message may be that y’our old self needs to be left behind. This mav mean that you must stop carrying around with yrou the crippling burden of vour past (irrational guilt-feelings and martyrdom complex, or any other negative self-programming); and, instead, you must open yourself to what the present moment is offering. Alternatively, the ‘old self5 may be old attachments, habits, ambitions, values, goals; in which case the dream is telling you that the only way forward for you lies through giving these up and looking deeper within yourself for better values, etc. (where ‘better5 means more in tune with your real self).
(Primitive rites of passage, which mark transitional stages in a person’s life - birth, initiation into adulthood, marriage, death - all contain death-and-rebirth symbolism and express a recognition that the dissolving - ‘death5 - of past attitudes is a necessary prelude to the development of new attitudes more appropriate to one’s new stage in life. The symbolic death of the initiate in these rites may also be seen as a descent of the conscious ego into the unconscious: it is the unconscious that provides the means for new growth - ‘rebirth5. See also Sacrifice.)
(c) It is just possible that, if your own death features repeatedly in dreams, it is an expression of an unconscious wish for death. Freud speculated in Beyond the Pleasure Principle that there might be, in everyone, just two contending basic drives: one towards life and love and pleasure (‘Eros’), the other towards death (Thanatos5). This is highly controversial, but it is indisputable that many people display a strong masochistic tendency.
Are you compelled to repeat a painful experience? Do you tend to interpret what other people say as a criticism of yourself? If so, you may be suffering from repressed guilt-feelings and an unconscious urge to punish yourself - which may sometimes take the form of a fate-neurosis and / or a wish (unconscious) to see yourself dead.
If you feel this applies to you, talk to a friend about it or consult a psychotherapist. See also Suicide.
A wish for death may be a retreat from life’s problems and pains, or a response to (a sense of) failure.
If this applies to you, bear in mind, first, that a very sensitive person may also be burdened with an over-severe conscience (the product, perhaps, of having a stem father or a sin-and- guilt religious upbringing). In that case, see the previous paragraph. Secondly, what makes a thing a problem is usually one’s attitude towards it. For example, suppose you have been made redundant.
If your reaction is to see this as a punishment, see the previous paragraph.
If you see it as failure, try to change your attitude or perspective by asking what creative purpose may be being served bv your redundancy: perhaps, for instance, the demolishing of an inadequate or false self- image in order to make way for the construction of one that corresponds more closely to your individual ground-plan or ‘destiny’.
(5) If the gender of the dead person is stressed, the meaning may be that your masculinitv / femininity or your animus / anima needs reviving.
(6) A dead animal in a dream almost certainly refers to some part of you - an instinctive force, perhaps - and the dream will be telling you either that this part of you (e.g. guilt-feelings or inferiority complex) ought to die, because its effects are wholly negative; or that it is a valuable but repressed part of yourself that you must now bring to life, to rectify an imbalance in vour personality.... A Dictionary of Dream Symbols
2. A need to resolve old issues—likely in relationships, often behavioral—and finally lay them to rest.
3. An overwhelming fear of loss.
4. Positive changes are in the offing.
5. A level of the unconscious is attempting to communicate with the conscious. ... New American Dream Dictionary
This kind of dream death is, in other words, a symbol of self-transformation.
A lifeless corpse, on the other hand, may represent a feeling of devitalization—a kind of death in life that comes from adhering to a lifeless routine. (See also Burial, Coffin, Crypt, Grave, Hearse).... Dream Symbols in The Dream Encyclopedia
A futile path, which, if pursued, will only result in wasted energy.
Feeling trapped and unable to move. As such, an alternative type of cage emblem that offers at least one way out, namely, the way by which you came.... The Language of Dreams
A dead end can indicate that a current situation is not working out quite as you may have expected and a feeling of disappointment is likely if you are to continue.
To dream of a dead end that is marked by trees or an open space implies that there is another way to go that will produce a fruitful outcome.... Dream Symbols and Analysis
If you have such disturbing dreams it is possible that you are facing some kind of emotional crisis in your life that requires a drastic decision; for example, whether you should leave your partner or not.
If you are being chased, identifying who or what was chasing you or why you need to escape may help you decide what course of action to take in real life.
If you don’t know who the person chasing you is, this may stand for certain unpalatable aspects of your personality which have been repressed but which are now forcing you to deal with them. Alternatively, your unconscious may be reflecting on your feelings of powerlessness in regard to a difficult situation in your waking life. Do you feel as if you are caught between a rock and a hard place?... The Element Encyclopedia
It is common to have disturbing dreams for some period afterwards; or not be able to dream about the husband (or wife) at all; or to see the partner in the distance but not get near. In accepting the death, meeting any feelings of loss, grief, anger and continuing love, the dream may become as below.
The example both shows the resolution of the loss, but also the paradox felt at realising the meeting was an inner reality. Example: ‘A couple of months ago as I was waking I felt my husband’s arm across me and most realistically experienced my hand wrapping around his arm and turning towards him (which I had done so often in his lifetime) and saying “1 thought you had died. Thank God you have not.” Then I awoke alone and terribly shaken’ (Mrs I).
A critic might say this is only a dream in which a lonely woman is replaying memories of her dead husband’s presence for her own comfort—thus her disappointment on being disillusioned. Whatever our opinion, the woman has within her such memories to replay. These are reality.
The inner reality is of what experience was left within her from the relationship. Her challenge is whether she can meet this treasure with its share of pain, and draw out of it the essence which enriches her own being. That is the spiritual life of her husband.
The aliveness’ of her husband in that sense is also social, because many other people share memories of him. What arises in their own lives from such memories is the observable influence of the now dead person.
But the dead also touch us more mysteriously, as in the next example. Example: In a recent news programme on television, a man who survived a Japanese prisoner of war camp in Singapore had been given a photograph of children by a dying soldier he did not know.
The man had asked him to tell his family of his death, but did not give his name.
The photograph was kept for 40 odd years, the man still wanting to complete his promise but not knowing how. One night he dreamt he was told the man’s name. Enquiries soon found the family of the man, who had an identical photograph. See husband under family. ... A Guide to Dreams and Sleep Experiences
If you speak to friends or relatives who are Dead, it means news of some living friend or relation; if you touch or kiss them, the news will be of a sorrowful nature.
To dream of a Death means news of a birth.... Mystic Dream Book
For instance, there may be unresolved anger or guilt we still hold and the only wav we can deal with it is within a dream sequence.
2- Memories can remain buried for years and often when people who have died appear in dreams, we are being reminded of different times, places or relationships which will help us to deal with present situations.
3- To dream of dead people may suggest a link of a spiritual nature to our long-forgotten ancestors.... Ten Thousand Dream Dictionary
For instance, there may be unresolved anger or guilt we still hold and the only way we can deal with it is within a dream sequence.... Dream Meanings of Versatile
If you spoke with someone who is dead, you will soon hear very good news.... My Dream Interpretation
When someone close to us dies we go through a period of change from relating to them as an external reality, to meeting and accepting them as alive in our memories and inner life. In the next example the man has not only come to terms with his mother’s and his own death, but also found this inner reality. Example: A dark grey sugar loaf form materialised. This pillar lightened in shade as I watched. It didn’t move. I began to think it was Mrs Molten who died in 1956.
The feeling grew stronger but still the colour lightened. Then it bent over and kissed my head. In that instant I knew it was my mother.
An ecstatic joy and happiness such as I have never known on earth suffused me. That happiness remained constantly in mind for the next few days’ (Mr M). ... A Guide to Dreams and Sleep Experiences
The land of the dead is that of the unconscious where the Shadow resides.
A dead person, according to Jung, is first and foremost a representative of unconscious incidents. See Death.... Little Giant Encyclopedia
If you dreamed of the death of a loved one who is seriously ill or advanced in years, your unconscious may have been preparing you for their future departure from your life. By exposing you in the dream to emotions that will overwhelm you, your shock may be lessened and thus easier to bear.
Dreams such as this one may also be urging you to tell loved ones how much they mean to you before it is too late. If, in your dream, you felt no emotion at all when a loved one died, the interpretation is likely to be different, as it represents something in your life that is coming to an end or that should end. An alternative explanation is that you fear the death of your relationship, particularly if your partner has withdrawn emotionally from you in the waking world. A dream in which you became a widow or widower or suffer bereavement can indicate feelings of loneliness in waking life.
If you are in a relationship, such a dream may suggest that there is a lack of understanding or a communication breakdown between you and your partner. For dreams of a dead person see GHOSTS.... The Element Encyclopedia
If you dream of missing (or being late for) a deadline, this symbolizes your fear of change. You might be nervous about seizing an opportunity, or unready/unworthy in your current circumstances.... My Dream Interpretation
If such a fear-based dream image appears, experiment with different behaviors. Changing your behavior almost always leads out of the dead-end situation.
The experience of a dead-end street is, from a developmental point of view, absolutely essential.... Little Giant Encyclopedia
If he is unknown to him, he will pursue a matter wherein he will not succeed.... Islamic Dream Interpretation
For Jungians, wearing clothes of the opposite sex may signal the dreamer’s need to express the anima (female aspects of the male nature) or the animus (male aspects of the female nature). For Freudians, a child dressing up in adult clothes, particularly if the clothes are those of the opposite sex, may suggest childhood rivalry with one parent for the affections of the opposite sex parent.
If you are simply changing outfit in your dream, this may suggest altering your mode of behavior, role or mood.
If you astonish yourself by shopping for, buying and wearing unusual clothes in your dream that you would never normally wear in waking life, then your unconscious may have been suggesting that you have become too set in your ways and outlook, and that it is time to open your mind up to new opinions. Is it time for you to break out of your rut and for other people to sit up and notice you?
On the other hand if you dress casually in waking life and dream of wearing a business suit, your unconscious may be urging you to adopt a more business- like approach.
If you were surprised by the color of the clothes in your dream— either your own or those belonging to someone else—then see if that color has significance for you (see COLORS).
If you find yourself dressed in expensive designer clothes you couldn’t normally afford, this may also be simple wish- fulfillment, especially if you are fashion conscious.... The Element Encyclopedia
Example: A film star I admire came and lay beside me in the night. He told me he loved me and would stay with me. I knew he was living with a woman who had borne his child, but he told me he was going to tell her he was leaving her. In the morning we walked along the road where I live, to tell the woman’ (Sharon). Sharon processed her dream and saw the film star as her own strength and determination to further her career as a dancer. Being 18 she was faced with the decision of whether to become a wife and mother—the other woman —or put those urges into her work. In her dream she chose to be fully involved in her dancing.
Famous people can be seen as social guinea pigs. Collectively we expose them to enormous amounts of money, sexual opportunity, drugs, alcohol, and tremendous social and commercial pressures. Then we examine every part of their life to see how well they cope. Millions then identify with the image they portray of how to deal with reality at its worst.
The famous person in our dream might therefore represent our coping mechanism. ... A Guide to Dreams and Sleep Experiences
For instance, we may realize that the destructiveness of a public life would take its toll within our own lives.... Dream Meanings of Versatile
A young person dreaming of a film star may not be ready for the responsibility of a real relationship.... Dream Meanings of Versatile
(2) The famous person may represent what you would like to be. This may correspond to your shadow-self, the other side of your personality that is still buried in your unconscious.
If so, it means you could incorporate into your conscious life those desired qualities that you see in the famous person, because they are already present - latent - in you.
(3) Alternatively, what the famous person represents may be a part of your personality or behaviour patterns that you have refused to acknowledge - for example, aggressiveness or a will to dominate.... A Dictionary of Dream Symbols
According to Freudians, such dreams are pure wishfulfillment, with the celebrity representing either what you want to be or your desire for more recognition in waking life. By contrast, Jungians consider that dreams of celebrities represent archetypes and aspects of your personality that are still buried in your unconscious.
If so, your dreaming mind is encouraging you to incorporate those desired qualities that you see in the famous person into your conscious life, because they are already present—latent—in you. On the other hand, the famous person may represent your shadow or hidden side: a part of your personality, or a behavior pattern, that you have refused to acknowledge—for example, aggressiveness or a will to dominate.
In short, celebrities in dreams often symbolize those hidden qualities upon which you need to turn the spotlight. Whenever you dream of becoming famous, or meeting someone famous or powerful, quickly write down a couple of positives and a couple of negatives about that person. Don’t think too much.
Then ask yourself, ‘Do I see any of these qualities in myself right now? Are they qualities that I want to develop? What can I learn from the dream about myself and my life from this person?’ See also ARCHETYPES; PEOPLE.... The Element Encyclopedia
A young person dreaming of a film star may not be ready for the responsibility of a real relationship.
2- Famous people, pop or film stars may also serve in dreams as a projection of the type of person we would like to be. We may, for instance, in real life be shy and withdrawn, but need to be admired and loved.
3- Spiritually, as we reach for perfection we need to ‘work through’ various aspects of our personality. Sometimes we arc able to reject such aspects as not being appropriate for the life we live.
For instance, we may realise that the destructiveness of a public life would take its toll within our own lives.... Ten Thousand Dream Dictionary
And Allah, The Pure and Sublime knows best.... Islamic Dream Interpretation
The following list is merely a starting point, being far from comprehensive, but if any of these well-known figures appear in your dreams, try to find out why. They are such vivid and colorful examples of the potential power of good or evil in waking life that their appearance in dreamland should be taken extremely seriously as a powerful message from your unconscious.... The Element Encyclopedia
Alexander the Great: Conqueror, empire building, warrior archetype.
Aristotle: İnfluential greek philosopher, the importance of asking questions and challenging conventional thought.
Bell, Alexander Graham: İnventor of telephone, communication, networking .
Bonaparte, Napoleon: French emperor, tactician, warrior archetype, exile.
Columbus, Christopher: Explorer, led europe to the americas, new territories to discover, new potential.
Confucius: The founder of confucianism, wise old man archetype.
Copernicus, Nicolas: Priest, astronomer, taught heliocentricity, the world revolves around the sun.
Daguerre, Louis: Pioneer of photography, vision, impressions, image change.
Darwin, Charles: Biologist, formulated theory of evolution, survival of the fittest.
Descartes, René: Rationalist philosopher and mathematician, logic, reason, ı think therefore ı am.
Edison, Thomas: İnventor of light bulb, illumination, insight.
Einstein, Albert: Physicist, theory of relativity, greatness achieved by power of the mind.
Fermi, Enrico: Father of atomic bomb, ultimate weapon of destruction, the last resort.
Fleming, Alexander: Penicillin, advances in bacteriology, immunology and chemotherapy, strengthening your defenses.
Ford, Henry: İndustrialist, revolutionized mass production, the repetition of the production line.
Galilei, Galileo: Catholic astronomer, accurately described heliocentric solar system, visionary, conflict of authority with freedom of thought.
Gutenberg, Johann: Developed movable type, printed bibles, communication, the printed word.
Machiavelli, Niccolò: Author of the prince, archetype of the manipulator.
Marconi, Guglielmo: İnventor of the radio, communication, words, reaching a large audience.
Marx, Karl: Social philosopher, marxist communism, class struggle.
Michelangelo: Painter; sculptor, architect, diversity, energy, talent.
Moses: God’s messenger, leader of people out of slavery.
Muhammad: Prophet of ıslam, founder of major world religion, military and political leader, pure ideals, indomitable will.
Newton, Isaac: Physicist, theory of universal gravitation, laws of motion, universe working like clockwork.
St Paul: Proselytizer of christianity, dogma, tradition, rules and regulations.
Plato: Greek philosopher, intellectual focus on spiritual concepts rather than physical elements of life.
Shakespeare, William: Playwright, understanding of complete range of human emotions, stupendous output.
Voltaire: Writer and philosopher, crusade against tyranny and bigotry, the importance of tolerance.
Washington, George: First president of the united states of america, the basic rights of the individual, david versus goliath.
Watt, James: Developer of steam engine, new possibilities, travel.
William the Conqueror: First king of modern england, beginning a new project, invasion.
Wright, Orville and Wilbur: Inventors of airplane, longing to escape, fly away or reach new heights... The Element Encyclopedia
(*Pillory: a wooden board with holes for the head and hands in which petty offenders were formerly locked and exposed to public scorn).
.... Islamic Dream Interpretation
(*Pillory: a wooden board with holes for the head and hands in which petty offenders were formerly locked and exposed to public scorn).... Islamic Dream Interpretation
If the old person is male – depending on the gender of the dreamer – he will stand for either the self or the animus.
If female then she will signify the great mother or the anima. All father figures, or representations of the father, will often appear old as if to highlight their remoteness.
A group of old people often appears in dreams. Usually this signifies the traditions and wisdom of the past – things sacred to the ‘tribe’ or family. Older people usually stand for our parents even though the dream figures may bear no relationship to them.... Dream Meanings of Versatile
2. A measure of how one fits into society, belonging. ... New American Dream Dictionary
If the person is known to you, think about your relationship with him or her and the issues that the dream has brought up. We learn about ourselves through others, and probably our most valuable possessions are our relationships. Some believe that the strangers in your dreams represent different parts of yourself and are extensions and projections of your own personality. Many people believe that their dreams can predict the future. When they have negative or frightening dreams, they become anxious about the future. Alternatively, when their dreams are a form of wish-fulfillment, the dreamers become very excited and are hopeful that the dream will come true. Most dreams are not prophetic but are psychological or spiritual in nature. Their primary function may be to help us live better in the present, rather than the future. See also: Ex-boyfriend/girlfriend, Siblings, Child, Parents, Father, Mother... The Bedside Dream Dictionary
Example: ‘I was outdoors with a group of people acting as leader. We were in the middle of a war situation with bullets playing around us. Maybe aeroplanes were also attacking. I was leading the group from cover to cover, avoiding the bullets’ (Paul W). Despite feeling attacked, either by external events, or from inner conflicts, Paul is using leadership skills to deal with his own fears and tendencies.
If a friend told us he had just had an argument with his wife and was going to leave her, we might sit down and counsel them by listening and helping them to son out the hun feelings from their long- term wishes. We might point out they had felt this way before, but it passed—in other words give feedback they had missed. In a similar way, our various emotions and drives often need this son of skill employed by ourself. This unifies us, leading to coping skills as in Paul’s dream.
Example: Walking alone through a small town. I was heading for a place that a group of people, in a street parallel to mine, were also heading for.
A person from the group tried to persuade me that the right way to get to the place was along the street the group was walking. I knew the street did not matter, only the general direction.
The person was quite disturbed by my independence. It made him or her feel uncenain co have their leader apparently questioned. I felt uncenain too for a moment’ (Ivor S).
A group of people, as in Ivor’s dream, can also depict how one meets the pressure of social norms. As social relationship is one of the most imponant factors outside personal survival—and survival depends upon it— such dreams help us to clarify our individual contact with society. Human beings have an unconscious but highly developed sense of the psychological social environment. Ivor’s dream shows something we are all involved in—how we are relating to humans collectively. Are we in conflict with group behaviour and direction? Do we conform, but perhaps have conflict with our individual drives? Do we find a way between the opposites? Much of our response is laid down in childhood and remains unconscious unless we review it.
In some dreams, a group of people represent what is meant by the word God. This may sound unlikely, but the unconscious, because it is highly capable of synthesis, often looks at humanity as a whole. Collectively humanity has vast creative and destructive powers which intimately affect us as individuals. Collectively it has performed miracles which, looked at as an individual, appear impossible. How could a little human being build the Great Pyramid, or a space shuttle? The Bible echoes this concept in such phrases as Whatever you do to the least of one of these, you do to me. ... A Guide to Dreams and Sleep Experiences
2- In order to disentangle the various types of ‘information’ which each character brings to the dreamer, it is often necessary to decide what or who each one makes us think of. That way we will reveal the deeper meanings and connections.
An individual from the past could link us with that period of our lives and with specific memories which may, or may not, be painful.
A neighbour or close associate usually appears in a dream to highlight a particular quality in that person. Somebody else’s mother, father, brother etc. may suggest our own family members or possibly jealousy. Sometimes, rather than trying to decipher the meaning of the dream it is enough to look at what bearing the dream character’s actions have on the dreamer’s everyday life.
To interpret why the dreamer has adopted a particular role we would need to know a little bit more about his lifestyle. When there is some conflict within the dreamer between love and aversion for a particular person, we are more likely to dream about them.
Often in dreams there may be a noted difference between two of the participants to illustrate two sides of the dreamer’s thoughts and feelings. Similarly; there maybe a marked contrast in the way the dreamer handles a situation with two of his dream characters.
It is as though two options are being practised. Composite characters As with composite animals, the composite character will emphasise one characteristic or quality in order to draw the dreamer’s attention to it.
The fact that it is not just one person emphasises the many-faceted human being. Every- character who appears in our dreams is a reflection of a facet or part of our own personality and can often be better understood if we put ourselves in the position of that person. Adolescent To dream of oneself as adolescent focuses on our undeveloped side.
Dreaming of an adolescent of the opposite sex usually means dealing with a suppressed part of our development.
The emotions associated with adolescence are very raw and clear and such emotions arc accessible often only through dreams. There may be conflict over freedom. Ancestors Our customs, ways of behaving, morality and our religious feelings are all handed down from generation to generation. When we become conscious of our ancestors in a dream we are focusing on our roots. We may- understand ourselves through our relationship with the past. Authority Figures (such as magistrates, teachers etc. also see individual entries) Our concept of authority is first developed through our relationship with our father or father figure. Depending on how we were treated as children, our view of authority will be anything from a benign helper to an exploitative disciplinarian. Most authority figures will ultimately lead us back to what is right for us, although not necessarily what we might consider good for us. Authority figures in dreams initially appear to have power over us, though if worked with properly will generate the power to succeed. Dreaming particularly of police can indicate a kind of social control and a protective element for us as members of society. Often a policeman will appear in dreams as one’s conscience. We may feel that our wilder, more renegade side needs controlling.
Baby To dream about a baby which is our own indicates that we need to recognise those vulnerable feelings over which we have no control. We may be attempting something new.
If the baby is someone else’s in the dream, we need to be aware of that person’s ability to be hurt, or that they may be innocent of something. Psychologically we are in touch with the innocent, curious side of ourselves, with the part which neither wants nor needs responsibility.
Dreaming of a baby can indicate that, on a spiritual level, the dreamer has a need for a feeling of purity.
Boy To have a dream about a boy- shows the potential for growth and new experience.
If the boy is known he reflects recognised qualities in the dreamer. Psychologically, we may need to be in touch with ourselves at that age and with the innocent youthfulness and enthusiasm that a boy has. We are contacting our natural drives and ability to face difficulties.
Boyfriend To dream of a boyfriend, whether present or former, connects with the feelings, attachments and sexuality- connected with him.
To dream of having as a boyfriend someone whom you would not anticipate, indicates the need to have a greater understanding of the way you relate to men. Consideration may need to be given to the loving, nurturing side of masculinity. We are still searching for the ideal lover.
Carers such as nurses, nuns etc. This suggests the more compassionate, nurturing side of ourselves. Often it is that side of us which has been ‘called’ or has a vocation. Usually there is, for men, a non-sexual relationship. Child (who could be one of the dreamer’s own children) Dreaming of a child gives us access to our own inner child. We all have parts of ourselves which are still child-like and curious. When we are able to get in touch with that side of ourselves we give ourselves permission to clarify a potential for wholeness which we may not previously have recognised. Crowd Crowds in dreams can indicate how we relate to other people, particularly in a social sense. They may indicate how we can hide ourselves, or indeed how we hide aspects of ourselves and do not single out any one attribute. We may also be attempting to avoid responsibility.
A huge crowd suggests information which we may not be able to handle. Dictators (Hitler, Stalin etc.) If the dreamer has had an overbearing father, a known dictator may appear in dreams as representing that relationship. Emperor or Empress - see
Authority Figures and also King and Queen Ethnic minority Any aspect within ourselves which is out of the ordinary or different can manifest in dreams as a member of another race.
Girl When a girl of any age appears in our dreams we are usually attempting to make contact with the more sensitive, innocent side of ourselves. Those qualities of intuition and perception may be somewhat undeveloped but can be made available.
If the girl is known to us we probably are aware of those qualities, but need to explore them as though we were approaching them from the girl’s point of view.
If she is unknown, we can acknowledge that a fresh approach would be useful.
Girlfriend When a girlfriend or ex-girlfriend appears in a man’s dream there arc usually issues to do with masculinity and femininity involved. There may be fears to do with sexuality.
If a girlfriend appears in a woman’s dream, there can either be a concern about her in the dreamer’s mind, or she (the dreamer) needs to search for and find qualities belonging to the friend in her. Hero or any heroic figure falso see Archetypes) In a man’s dream the figure of the hero can represent all that is good in him, the Higher Self. In a woman’s dream he will suggest the Animus (see Introduction). When the hero is on a quest We are struggling to find a part of ourselves which is at this time unconscious (also see Quest).
It is important that the darker forces are vanquished but not killed since they cannot be totally annihilated without harming the Wise Old Man (see Introduction). In other words, our eventual integration still needs the challenge of the negative.
The hero’s failure may be brought about inadvertently We all have a weak point through which we can be attacked.
To have such a dream indicates that we are not paying attention to the details in our lives or to that part of ourselves we tend not to have developed. We may be being warned of an element of self-neglect.
The death of the hero can often suggest the need to develop the more intuitive side of ourselves, to be born again to something new.
A conflict between the hero and any other dream character suggests a basic disharmony between two facets of our own character.
The hero often appears in dreams as an antidote to some hated external figure within the dreamer’s everyday life. High Priest, Astrologer, or anyone with similar esoteric knowledge (also see Archetypes and Authority Figures in this section) Any character within our dreams who appears to have knowledge of magical practices or similar types of knowledge is usually first introduction to the Higher Self.
It is as though we can only become privy to this deeper knowledge by meeting our teacher first. Inadequate Person It is a lot easier to confront our own inadequacies in the dream state where we are safe. Often this is the first opportunity we have to meet the Shadow (See Introduction). We ignore this aspect of ourselves at our peril and cannot afford to dismiss such an image when it appears. We must acknowledge this dream figure as a reflection of ourselves in order to deal with a learnt sense of inferiority.
If we do not. we are continually faced in life by our own sense of inferiority.
Intruder (also see individual entry and Burglar) The intruder in a woman’s dream is often a personification of her own Animus (see Introduction). In a man’s dream it characterises his Shadow (see Introduction). In either case it suggests the need for a change in attitude in order for the dreamer to be able to have a full and meaningful relationship with himself. King Almost invariably a king appearing in a dream represents the father or father figure.
A personality such as an emperor may- indicate that some of the father’s attitudes arc alien to the dreamer, but should perhaps be accepted. When the king is old or on the point of dying the dreamer will be able to reject outworn or old-fashioned family values. Ministers of all Religions (also see Authority Figures in this section and Archetypes) Ministers of all religions hold a special placc in the dream hierarchy; since their authority is given to them not by man alone, but to all intents and purposes by God or an ultimate power. There is therefore an ‘otherness’ about them. Man Any man appearing in a dream shows an aspcct or facet of the dreamer’s character in a recognisable form. Each of us has a repertoire or portfolio of behaviours, some of which are acceptable and some of which arc not. In dreams those behaviours and characteristics can be magnified so that thev are easily identified, often as personalities. By working with the characteristic, more energy and power becomes av ailable. Even when we are threatened by a negative character trait, we can still access room for improvement.
A man in a dream can identify the Shadow for a man, and the Animus for a woman (see Introduction).
An older man (if the man is white-haired or holy) can represent the innate wisdom we all have. Such a person can also signify the father in dreams. When a large man appears in our dreams we arc usually appreciating the strengths, certainties and protection which our basic beliefs give us.
A man in a woman’s dream signifies the more logical side of her nature. She has, or can develop, all the aspects of the masculine which enable her to function with success in the external world.
If the man is one she knows or loves she may be trying to understand her relationship with him.
An unknown man is generally that part of the dreamer’s personality which is not recognised. In a woman’s dream it is the masculine side of herself, and in a man’s dream it is the Self (see Introduction). Old People (also see Man and Woman) In dreams, old people can represent either our ancestors or grandparents, hence wisdom accrued from experience.
If the old person is male depending on the gender of the dreamer he will stand for either the Self or the Animus (see Introduction).
If female then she will signify the Great Mother or the Anima (see Introduction). .’Ml father figures, or representations of the father, will often appear old as if to highlight their remoteness.
A group of old people often appears in dreams. Usually this signifies the traditions and wisdom of the past - things sacred to the ‘tribe’ or family. Older people usually stand for our parents even though the dream figures may bear no relationship to them. Pirate Dreaming of a pirate suggests there is an aspcct of our personality which destroys our emotional connection with the soul.
Prince (Hero) and Princess (also see Archetypes) These figures represent those parts of ourselves, or others, who exist by right; that is, those aspects which have been brought into conscious awareness and authority. As the hero has taken responsibility for his own journey, so the prince and princess take responsibility for the lives they live.
Queen (Not only the present queen, but a historical one such as Victoria) This usually represents the dreamer’s relationship with his mother, and thus with women in authority generally. Stranger (also see Shadow in Introduction) The stranger in a dream represents that part of ourselves which we do not vet know. There may be a feeling of awe or of conflict with which we need to deal before we can progress. Twins (including the mirror- image of a figure in the dream) (also see individual entry) Twins in a dream can suggest two sides of our personality.
If they arc identical we may be recognising our ambiguous feelings about ourselves.
If not identical they suggest the inner self and the outer reality. Twins may also signify our projections into the world of our own personalities. Woman In a woman’s dream a woman, such as a family member or friend is often representative of an aspect of her own personality, but often one she has not yet fully understood. In a man’s dream such a figure denotes his relationship with his own feelings and with his intuitive side. It mav also show how he relates lo his female partner.
A goddess or holy woman signifies the highest potential for working with the Greater Good that the dreamer has. Oriental women appearing in dreams usually suggest the mysterious side of the feminine. In a man’s dream such a figure will often reveal his attitude to sexuality; while in a woman’s dream it will reveal more about her own intuitive transcendent jx)wers.
An older woman mostly represents the dreamer’s mother and her sense of inherited wisdom.
An unknown woman in dreams will represent either the Anima (see Introduction) in a man’s dream, or the Shadow (see Introduction) in a woman’s.
It is the qualities of surprise and intrigue which allow us to explore further the relevance of that figure. We can gain a great deal of information bccausc the figure is unknown.
3- When we begin to work spiritually with ourselves, there is a gargantuan store of knowledge which can be worked on, and with, to enhance our lives.... Ten Thousand Dream Dictionary
If you dream of a specific person that you know, then identify the qualities that they represent to you (i.e. friendliness, fearfulness, inspiration, etc…), and realize that this is a reflection of either an aspect of yourself. See Integration Dreams.... Strangest Dream Explanations
The interaction that takes place between us and our dream character is an attempt either to understand that aspect of ourselves or to achieve some kind of integration with it in order to have a wider perspective on life. As such integration progresses we achieve a wholeness and awareness, which enable us to work in a more spiritual focused fashion.... Dream Meanings of Versatile
A huge crowd suggests information that we may not be able to handle.
An individual from the past could link us with that period of our lives and with specific memories that may, or may not, be painful.
A neighbour or close associate usually appears in a dream to highlight a particular quality in that person. Somebody else’s mother, father, brother etc. May suggest our own family members or possibly jealousy.
To interpret why we have adopted a particular role we would need to examine their lifestyle. When there is some conflict within us between love and aversion for a particular person we are more likely to dream about them. Often in dreams there may be a noted difference between two of the participants to illustrate two sides of our thoughts and feelings. Similarly there may be a marked contrast in the way we handle a situation with two of our dream characters.
It is as though two options are being practised. As with composite animals, the composite character will emphasize one characteristic or quality in order to draw our attention to it.
The fact that it is not just one person emphasizes the many-faceted human being. Every character who appears in our dreams is a reflection of a facet or part of our own personality and can often be better understood if we put ourselves in the position of that person.... Dream Meanings of Versatile
To see people you don’t know in your dream, denotes hidden aspects of yourself that you need to confront.
To see people from your past in your dream, refers to your shadow and other unacknowledged aspects of yourself. It can represent a waking situation that is bringing out similar feelings as your past relationships. Also see “Crowd.”... My Dream Interpretation
People usually represent various aspects of yourself, albeit in many cases unconscious: wishes, fears, drives, habits, attitudes and so on.... A Dictionary of Dream Symbols
It is your duty to find out what they mean and how they adapt to your Self in real life.
The dream books of ancient times say that as long as people in those dreams are gentle and well dressed, you will have good luck.... The Big Dictionary of Dreams
Many people assume that when they ‘see’ another person in their dreams, that the dream was meant for that person. This is rarely the case. People in your dreams can appear as themselves, particularly if they are people you know or have known; your dreaming mind may introduce them to highlight a specific quality or character you need to be aware of in them. Many dream analysts, however, believe that the majority of people seen in dreams are a subjective representative rather than an objective one. Each type of person throws some light on some aspect of your life—be it your relationships, your hopes and fears, or aspects of your personality that you need to learn to control or cultivate.
Whenever you encounter another person in your dream, ask yourself these two questions: what is a single word that describes my current opinion of the person, and what is the person doing in the dream that I am doing in real-life? The person is chosen in the dream for their symbolic representation. We all come to associate certain people with certain actions or characteristics.
If they are known to you, consider what the dream is saying about that person as a reflection of a part of you. There may also be emotional considerations that arise through your dreaming mind’s choice of that particular person. For these, ask more questions: are there parts of that person that I admire, that I envy, of which I am jealous? What is it that I feel for the person in the dream? In many cases, the feelings that your interaction with people in your dreams gives you will be those that you are becoming aware of in real life.
People in dreams are most typically connected to hidden or repressed aspects of your character. They can raise issues that you would rather forget.
If you can listen to your dream characters, they may be able to help you deal with conflict or confusion in your waking life and help you achieve balance.
Whatever the case, in order to achieve an understanding of the people in your dreams it is important to consider the atmosphere, the role that each character played, the feelings that you experienced in your dream and your waking associations with these people. In short, if people figure in your dreams ask yourself what these people say about the hidden aspects of yourself. Try to work out what or whom each person in your dream makes you think of. In that way you will be able to discover the deeper meanings and associations.
Many of the people in your dreams will remind you of family members, partners, loved ones or yourself at various stages of your life; if this is the case, refer to the relevant entries in the BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD, FAMILY, STAGES OF LIFEandRELATIONSHIPS chapters.
If your dream images are of famous people or people from other countries, refer to the FAMOUS PEOPLE and FOREIGN COUNTRIES chapters. For more information about professional people at work in dreams, refer to the SCHOOL AND WORK chapter. Bear in mind that your dreaming mind may also weave aspects of yourself into dream archetypes, such as the stranger, the hero, the fool, the hermit and the wise man or woman, who are all trying to convey a certain message to you.
If this is the case, turn to the chapter on ARCHETYPES. For occasions or situations when people group or gather together, see GATHERINGS. Finally, according to ancient dream-lore, as long as the people you meet in your dreams are friendly and well presented, good fortune can be expected.... The Element Encyclopedia
If you dreamed of a reunion with someone from the past, this suggests that you are looking back to the past too much and should be looking ahead to the future. To dream of dead people is a testament to the influence those people still have in your life; they may be dead, but they possess an influence on you. They may also represent your feelings about death. See also SPIRITS AND GHOSTS.... The Element Encyclopedia
To see oneself as one of such true ones, or to enter their circles in a dream means that one is following their example and enjoying or suffering similar trials to theirs, then he will triumph over his enemies.
To see one of the companions living in a city in a dream also represents the joy, happiness, prosperity, and justice the inhabitants of such a city enjoy under the leadership of a righteous governor.
(Also see Companions ofthe Prophet; Scholars; Serving; Shepherd)... Islamic Dream Interpretation
(Also see Resurrection)... Islamic Dream Interpretation
If a deceased person asks someone to wash his clothing in a dream, it means that he needs someone to pray for him, or to intercede on his behalf before his Lord, or pay charity for the benefit of his soul, or to satisfy his debts, or to fulfill his will, or to seek justice for his death. Ifone does wash the garment ofthe deceased person in the dream, it means the redemption of that person. Washing a deceased person with boiling water in a dream means that the latter is suffering in hell-fire.
(Also see Grave digger; Hot water; Ritual bath; Undertaker)... Islamic Dream Interpretation
If you receive wilted blooms in dreamland as a gift from someone you know, think about the nature of your relationship with that person; your unconscious might have detected that the relationship is weakening. Similarly, if you are pricked by a hidden thorn in a bunch of roses given by colleague who was congratulating you in a dream scenario, is it possible that they are concealing real feelings of resentment towards you in waking life? If you gave a bunch of dead flowers to a difficult or strict former schoolteacher, could this highlight your extreme dislike of that person? To see flowers blooming in barren soil, however, signifies that your energy and cheerful nature will enable you to overcome your grievances.... The Element Encyclopedia
A grown-up dreaming about a young boy is a sign of immaturity and the desire to be forever young and without responsibility; it can also be a suggestion that honest wTork and commitment to duty is the only road to prosperity. Meeting a young person who is very attached to you: you are admired or loved by a stranger.
Depth Psychology: A young man represents the masculine/intellectual side of your personality.
See Youth.... Dreamers Dictionary
Dream Encyclopedia
Dream Interpretation
What is the dream?
Islamic Dream Interpretation
Common Dreams