Understanding the world of dreams

Dreams provide us with a fascinating glimpse into the subconscious world, and many people see dream interpretation as a way to diagnose and treat real world problems.

This trust in dream analysis does have some basis in fact, and many psychologists and therapists use dreams in treating patients who are recovering from trauma. These trauma survivors often suffer from recurring dreams and nightmare scenarios, and the fact that dream therapy works proves the strong connection between the waking world and the world of dreams.

For most people, however, analyzing their dreams is nothing but a fun diversion and a source of insight into their everyday lives. In order to gain insight into your dreams, it is important to understand what some common dream objects symbolize.

Of course every dream, and every dreamer is different, and this list is by no means comprehensive. Every object encountered in a dream will have a different interpretation, depending on its context within the dream and the state of the dreamer.

Alien

There are several types of alien dreams. Dreams in which the dreamer is an alien can represent that he or she is unsure about a new house, new town or new job.

On the other hand, dreaming about being abducted or probed by an alien being can represent a fear of the unknown, or a feeling that your life is being invaded, perhaps by an overbearing relative, friend or coworker.

Baptism

Dreaming of a baptism, whether your own or someone else's, is generally thought to be a symbol of renewal or rebirth.

Burial

Dreams of a burial can be symbols for the disposal of unwanted habits, or even the breakup of an unhappy relationship.

Cemetery

Seeing a cemetery in your dreams, or visiting a grave site, can represent a longing for lost times or lost love ones. It can also represent a more generalized sort of grief.

Clouds

The meaning of clouds depends in large part on their nature. Dreams about white puffy clouds can represent contentment, while seeing storm clouds in your dream could represent fear about an impending change.

Digging

Dreams about digging can have many different meanings. Digging in a dream can mean you are trying to recover something that you have lost, or that you have been trying to understand yourself better.

Drinking

Drinking in a dream often symbolizes a longing, or thirst, for something that has not been attained. Dreamers should pay attention to what they are seeking in their waking lives.

Earthquake

Dreaming about being in an earthquake can represent a feeling that your life is not under your control. Of course people who have actually experienced earthquakes may recall the real event in dreams as well.

Fat

Dreams about fat can also have several meanings. Dreaming about being overweight can indicate anxiety about appearance and body image. On the other hand, fat can also symbolize knowledge and wisdom.

Flood

Dreaming about a flood, or dreams of drowning, often indicate that the dreamer is feeling overwhelmed by something in his or her life.

Hourglass

Dreams of an hourglass can symbolize that time is running out. Many people dream of an hourglass when pressed to make an important decision on short notice.

Judgment

Dreaming about a judge, or being judged, may indicate feelings of guilt or regret.

Map

Dreaming about a map, or about being lost, can symbolize a need for guidance, or a quest for leadership. It could indicate that the dreamer is unsure what decision to make.

Old Man

Dreaming about an unfamiliar old man can symbolize wisdom or forgiveness.

Prison

Dreaming of prison, or of being in prison, can be a manifestation of hidden feelings of guilt.

Sex

Dreaming about sex can indicate sexual desire or a longing for closeness and intimacy.

Zero

The number zero is a symbol for the infinite. The exact meaning of the number zero within a dream, however, is almost entirely dependent on its context within the dream.