Oneirocritica

Oneirocritica (from the Greek ὄνειρος oneiros, "dream"; κριτικός kritikos, "judge" or "interpreter") is an ancient Greek work dedicated to the dream interpretation. Attributed to Artemidorus of Daldis, who lived in the 2nd century AD, it is the most comprehensive surviving treatise on dream interpretation from antiquity. The work is divided into five books, where Artemidorus outlines the art of interpreting dreams and their significance in various aspects of life, including health, wealth, and personal relationships.

Overview

Artemidorus' Oneirocritica is not merely a dream dictionary but an elaborate and systematic treatise. It suggests that dreams can be prophetic and that they are influenced by the personal circumstances of the dreamer, such as their profession, health status, and future prospects. Artemidorus categorizes dreams into two main types: those that are literal (direct) dreams, which require no interpretation, and symbolic (indirect) dreams, which need to be interpreted through the symbolic language of dreams.

Books

• Book I introduces the concept of dream interpretation and its importance, providing guidelines on how to interpret dreams.
• Book II and Book III offer interpretations of dreams related to various aspects of the public and private life, including those concerning the dreamer's career, travel, and family.
• Book IV focuses on the body and health, interpreting dreams related to different parts of the body and potential illnesses.
• Book V addresses the material and social status, including dreams about wealth, poverty, and death.

Significance

The Oneirocritica stands as a significant historical document, offering insights into ancient Greek culture, beliefs, and daily life. It reflects the importance of dreams in ancient societies and their role in decision-making processes. The work has influenced both ancient and modern interpretations of dreams, contributing to the fields of psychology, literature, and cultural studies.

Influence

Artemidorus' work has had a lasting impact on the study of dreams and their interpretation. It influenced later dream interpreters in the ancient world and the Renaissance, and its concepts can be found in the works of later figures such as Sigmund Freud, especially in his seminal work The Interpretation of Dreams. The Oneirocritica is often cited in discussions on the history of dream analysis and remains a subject of interest for scholars in various disciplines.

See Also

• Dream interpretation
• Artemidorus
• Sigmund Freud
• The Interpretation of Dreams