Dream interpretation

Dream interpretation is the process of assigning meaning to dreams. In many ancient societies, such as those of Egypt and Greece, dreaming was considered a supernatural communication or a means of divine intervention, whose message could be interpreted by people with these associated spiritual powers.

History

In the ancient world, dreams were seen as messages from the gods. The Ancient Egyptians believed that dreams were like oracles, bringing messages from the gods. They thought that the best way to receive divine revelation was through dreaming and thus they would induce (or "incubate") dreams. Egyptians would go to sanctuaries and sleep on special "dream beds" in hope of receiving advice, comfort, or healing from the gods.

Modern interpretations

In modern times, various schools of psychology and neurobiology have offered theories about the meaning and purpose of dreams. Most people currently appear to interpret dream content according to the "Freudian" theory of dreams in countries, as found by a study conducted in the United States, India, and South Korea.

Freudian interpretation

Sigmund Freud (1856–1939), who developed the discipline of psychoanalysis, wrote extensively about dream theories and their interpretations. He explained dreams as manifestations of one's deepest desires and anxieties, often relating to repressed childhood memories or obsessions.

Jungian interpretation

In contrast to Freud, Carl Jung (1875–1961), a Swiss psychiatrist and psychotherapist, believed that dreams might contain ineluctable truths, philosophical pronouncements, illusions, wild fantasies, memories, plans, irrational experiences and even telepathic visions.

See also

• Dream
• Dream journal
• Dream sharing
• Lucid dream
• Nightmare
• Sleep

References

Dream interpretation Resources
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