Dream dictionary

A dream dictionary is a tool made for interpreting images in a dream. Dream dictionaries tend to include specific images which are attached to specific interpretations. Generally these dictionaries assume that dreams are meaningful and reflect knowledge that is primarily available on a subconscious level.

Many people criticise dream dictionaries. After all they all disagree with each other so how can they possibly be accurate. That view should be put into perspective though. After all just take a look at conventional dictionaries. Look up a word - for instance soldier. There are various possible meanings. We could use the word function in various senses "we need to soldier on" or "11 soldiers were killed in the battle".

Some words are used in many different senses. Their meaning has to be interpreted in context. Perhaps dream symbols are used in many different ways. They have rich meanings just like the use of conventional language.

So a good dream dictionary should explore various possible meanings. They should encourage people to think and see what a symbol means. Jung agreed that symbols held common meanings. But the true meaning should be explored with the help of an analyst.

History

Since the 19th century, the art of dream interpretation has been transferred to a scientific ground, making it a distinct part of psychology. ^[1] However, the dream symbols of the "unscientific" days --the outcome of hear-say interpretations that differ around the world among different cultures -- continued to mark the day of an average human-being, who is most likely unfamiliar with Freudian analysis of dreams. In this aspect, dream dictionaries that are available on print and online could be examined in two groups:

Scientific (Uses scientific definitions from psychology)
Traditional (Uses the myths and conventional interpretations)

For both the traditional and scientific types of dream dictionaries, there is little evidence that these documents reflect the true meanings of dreams. Just like the traditional interpretations, psychological interpretations are also far from totally deciphering the meanings of dreams, as they are regarded as mere theories of the scientists of the last two centuries. However, one should realize that the practice of dream analysis developed by Sigmund Freud is regarded as the correct interpretation by many psychologists, as it has not been possible over the last century to disprove his theories.

For those with traditional leanings, particularly they of a Judeo-Christian background, there are several dream dictionaries on the market today--most of which have grown out of the Charismatic Movement. However, though some are considered "dream dictionaries proper," others are Biblical symbolism dictionaries which can serve the same purpose. The following are examples of Biblical symbolism and/or Christian dream dictionaries:

1. The Prophet’s Dictionary, by Paula A. Price

2. Understanding the Dreams You Dream, by Ira Milligan

3. Illustrated Bible-Based Dictionary of Dream Symbols, by Joe Ibojie

4. Preaching from the Types and Metaphors of the Bible, by Benjamin Keach

5. Dictionary of Biblical Imagery, ed. Leland Ryken

6. Figures of Speech Used in the Bible, by E. W. Bullinger

7. Interpreting the Symbols and Types, by Kevin Connor

References

^ Freud, Sigmund. Dream Psychology - Psychoanalysis for Beginners.

External links ==

A modern and well researched dream dictionary==

History

References

Further reading