Interpreting Dreams: What Do They Mean & How To Remember Them (A Simple Method)

There can be a lot of mystery surrounding dreams, and at some point our minds have all wondered what they mean. What are they supposed to mean? Although there’s no simple answer to these questions, we sought the help of a dream expert to unveil what happens when we shut our eyes at night and how to interpret it the next day.

Dream Interpretation: How It Works

According to psychologist and dream expert Eleanor Marshall Ph.D., there is no conclusive answer, although theories range from “dreams don’t mean anything” to “dreams are more essential than our waking reality.”

“Many modern neuroscientists believe that during REM sleep, the brain is engaged in maintenance duties and visibly ‘kicks up dust.’ Dreaming is deemed completely worthless at that point “He elaborates.

“On the other hand, dreaming is more substantial than waking. And we see this in ‘dream cultures,’ such as the indigenous Australians, who think that dreaming is essential to our spiritual being.”

Most dream-related psychological theories fall somewhere in the center. One of the most widely accepted theories is the concept of dreams as memory consolidation, in which the dream is a reflection of waking reality, “almost like a funhouse mirror,” according to Marshall.

“Dream interpretation, from that perspective, is about decoding the dream. It enlightens us and mentally extends our awareness,” providing a “extension of consciousness.””

He explains that the goal here is not to try to understand the dream literally by its symbols and imagery, but rather to dig into the emotions it produces, asking, “What is this bringing up for me emotionally?”

“We must master the dream language; it is not always necessary to translate it into waking.”

That being said, here are a few frequent dreams and some interpretations of what they could mean.

11 Most common dreams and their meaning:

1) Dreams About Losing Teeth

There are numerous beliefs on what teeth coming out in a dream could represent, but one theory associates teeth with confidence and self-esteem. Many people would be humiliated if their teeth suddenly came out, therefore someone who dreams about this could be coping with humiliation. Again, as Marshall points out, it’s all about how the dream makes you feel.

2) Dreams About Falling

Falling is one of the most often reported dream topics. It could be related to a sense of powerlessness. Perhaps you’re going through a difficult personal situation, and the stress is affecting your dreams. Consider how it felt to be falling in your dream, and then think about any difficulties in your reality where comparable emotions are present.

3) Dreams About Being Chased

It can be particularly frightening to dream that you are being pursued by an unknown or known attacker. These types of dreams are common for many people. But what do dreams of being chased indicate about your mental state?

According to dream interpreters, such dreams can indicate a desire to avoid something in your daily life. As Marshall suggests, being chased in a dream may be a sign of fear or desire to escape.

In order to understand what such a dream might mean, you must take into account the identity of the pursuer. When it is:

• An animal: You might be hiding your own anger, passion, and other emotions.
• A mysterious, unknown chaser might represent a childhood memory or past trauma.
• Having someone of the opposite sex close to you means you fear love or are haunted by a past relationship, according to Marshall.

4) Pregnancy-Related Dreams

Pregnancy dreams are frequently regarded to indicate transformation or growth and are not always an indication that you or someone you know is pregnant. Is there a project or connection in your life that is growing and evolving? Pregnancy is all about growth, so keep an eye out for that theme in your daily life.

5) Dreams About Snakes or Spiders

Snakes have a terrible reputation in certain cultures, while in others, snake dreams can indicate transformation and healing. Was the snake in your dream shedding its skin? Are you trapped in a box or a trap? Was the snake frightening or non-threatening to you?

Snakes can occur in dreams in a variety of ways, so connecting with the sensations the snake evoked in you might help you understand why you dreamed about it and what it could imply.

According to Marshall, spider dreams can signify “some form of dishonesty or web of lies encircling you,” depending on the details.

6) Dreams About Death

Dreams about death are also frequent, and they can be particularly disturbing. It is common for dreamers to imagine dying themselves or losing someone close to them. According to popular interpretations, such dreams indicate anxiety or fear about change.

It is natural for the dreamer’s mind to associate change with death, since we do not know what lies ‘on the other side’ of the change, as Marshall explains.

Similarly, Marshall believes that dreaming about the death of a loved one can reflect a fear of change, especially regarding our children. When a child grows up, a parent starts to wonder where his or her younger self is. In this sense, dreams of dying reflect a kind of mourning for time passing.

Researchers have also found that those nearing the end of life and their loved ones experience meaningful and significant dreams, often related to comforting presence, preparing to leave, watching or engaging with the deceased, loved ones waiting, distressing experiences, and unfinished business for them and their loved ones.

7) The Dream of Taking a Test (or Exam)

Dreams of taking tests are also common, according to studies. The fear of failure might be reflected in your dream if you take an exam, suggests Marianne Salmans, a dream expert and therapist.

It is stressful to sit for an examination, as you are forced to face your shortcomings,” she writes. In dreams, you feel unprepared for the challenges of waking life when you fail exams, arrive late for exams, or are unprepared for exams.

8) Having Dreams of Flying

Flying dreams are common among many people. In addition to being exciting and liberating, flying dreams can also be quite frightening (especially for those who are afraid of heights).

Salmans believes that flying dreams often have two very different aspects. They can represent feelings of independence and freedom. As well as a desire to escape from life’s realities, they can also show a desire to flee.

Flying alone is most prevalent, she writes, “so it represents the independence of flying. However, because flying involves positive feelings of pleasure, it can also represent our sexuality.

9) The Dream of Being Naked in Public

Have you ever dreamed of turning up at school or work in your birthday suit? You don’t have to worry. There is nothing unusual about dreaming about being naked.

Apparently, Marshall suggests that dreaming of public nudity may indicate that you are afraid to reveal your flaws and imperfections.

10) Sexual Fantasies

Having a sex dream about someone does not always imply that you desire to have sex with that person. It’s usually a sign that the other person possesses a personality characteristic or value that you like or wish to emulate.

11) Dreams of Premonition

Last but not least, we have premonition dreams. Did you ever dream about something that came true shortly thereafter, in a small or large way? I’m sure you’re not the only one! It might be worth exploring your intuitive abilities further if you frequently experience premonition dreams, even if they are hard to rationally explain.

How to Recall Your Dreams

According to Marshall, modern civilization is experiencing “an epidemic of dream loss.” Everything from stress to processed foods to alcohol can affect the amount of time we spend in REM sleep and, as a result, the amount of time we spend dreaming. So, what can you do if you routinely have trouble remembering your dreams?

One thing to think about is reducing your alcohol consumption, especially shortly before bed. Another alternative is to intentionally prolong your morning grogginess by being half-awake and half-asleep.

Marshall describes grogginess as “an exquisite composite state of consciousness.” “When most individuals wake up, they rush into their day, driving the sleepy thoughts away. To remember dreams, we merely need to linger without purpose […] We’re not chasing the dream; rather, we’re waiting. It will arrive.”

And if the dream comes back to you as you wake up, even if it’s only one thing, write it down in a dream journal or create an audio recording of what you remember. This will assist you in “bridging the dream into waking life,” as Marshall puts it.

Final Words.

Dreams are complex, personal, and always open to interpretation. When hunting for answers, Marshall recommends avoiding popular dream dictionaries. Instead, check in with yourself.

Getting in touch with the emotions that drive your dreams might help you discover your own “dream language” and better interpret the intuitive messages that come to you while you sleep.