Dream FAQ Dictionary: Does everyone dream?

Does everyone dream?

Yes. Laboratory studies have shown that we experience our most vivid dreams during a type of sleep called Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. During REM sleep the brain is very active, the eyes move back and forth rapidly under the lids, and the large muscles of the body are relaxed. REM sleep occurs every 90 - 100 minutes, 3 to 4 times a night, and lasts longer as the night progresses. The final REM period may last as long as 45 minutes. Less vivid dreams occur at other times during the night.

(See also: Does everyone dream?, Dream Interpretation FAQ, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams)

For more dictionary entries, see » Dream Catcher Dictionary

Dream FAQ Dictionary: What about the dream experiments on alt.dreams?

What about the dream experiments on alt.dreams?

A. Several experiments have been conducted to find out whether thereare shared dream experiences. On alt.dreams was posted a descriptionof a particular place, and people encouraged to get there in theirdreams. Dream logs were collected via e-mail by a person not involvedin the actual experiment, who compared the reports and looked forsimilarities. Of course, reports of different people havingconversation about the same topic, or people leaving items there andothers picking up the same items (as suggested in the experiments)were what was looked after. The last of these experiments ("SSDreamers"), held in Dec.92-Jan.93, was a failure. The most recent"Cafe Dreamers" experiment [Dec.93] results have remained unpublished.(We should get them out soon, I'll take the necessary steps...) Otherexperiments, especially "Dream Train" of [when was that exactly?

] havebeen more successful. [Does anybody archive the reports?

] Theseexperiments do not meet all strict scientific criteria (cf. section5.3.). However, for the people involved, they have always beeninteresting experiences.

Source: http://www.faqs.org/faqs/dreams-faq

(See also: Dream Experiments, Dream Interpretation FAQ, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams)

For more dictionary entries, see » Dream Catcher Dictionary

Dream FAQ Dictionary: Why do people have trouble remembering their dreams?

Why do people have trouble remembering their dreams?

Some people have no difficulty in remembering several dreams nightly, whereas others recall dreams only occasionally or not at all. Nearly everything that happens during sleep— including dreams, the thoughts which occur throughout the night and memories of brief awakenings—is forgotten by morning. There is something about the phenomenon of sleep itself which makes it difficult to remember what has occurred and most dreams are forgotten unless they are written down. Sometimes a dream is suddenly remembered later in the day or on another day, suggesting that the memory is not totally lost but for some reason is very hard to retrieve. Sleep and dreams also are affected by a great variety of drugs and medications, including alcohol. Further, stopping certain medications suddenly may cause nightmares. It is advisable to discuss with your physician the effect of any drugs or medications you are taking.

(See also: Remembering Dreams, Dream Interpretation FAQ, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams)

For more dictionary entries, see » Dream Catcher Dictionary

Falling dream : Dream Interpretation Dictionary - Falling dream

Falling dream: Am I feeling heavy, unsupported, worried about something? How can I feel freer, lighter? Also: do I need to be more grounded? (ideal outcome: feeling safe, landing, floating or flying)

Source: http://www.dreams.ca

(See also: Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation Falling dream, Dream Dictionary Falling dream)

For more dictionary entries, see » Dream Catcher Dictionary

Flying dream : Dream Interpretation Dictionary - Flying dream

FLYING:

Usually represents freedom from the physical body, as we experience in sleep & while dreaming where we don't use our physical bodies but instead use our mental & spiritual bodies to experience our dreams. It's one of the first things people attempt to do when they gain control of their dreams and start lucid dreaming.

Everybody seems to have a natural inclination to want to fly, unless that is changed by a fear of flying due to a frightening incident in their waking lives. Flying = freedom; either a desire for freedom, an "escape" from restraints in your physical life (like a mini-vacation for the mind) or any number of possiblities. Tie it in with the context of your dream...what were you doing in your dream besides flying? How did it make you feel? etc. Also, the type of flying I'm referring to, here, is the person flying on their own without an airplane or any aircraft at all. That would be a different symbol dealing with spiritual awareness, among other things.

Source: http://dreamemporium.com

(See also: Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation Flying dream, Dream Dictionary Flying dream)

For more dictionary entries, see » Dream Catcher Dictionary

Falling : Dream Interpretation Dictionary - Falling Dream

Falling Dream

Q: I often dream that I am falling. IÕve heard this type of dream reflects feelings of insecurity Ñ and I certainly have those, since IÕm worried my partner will leave me. To gain more insight from my dreams, what should I look for?

A: YouÕre correct in thinking that dreams of falling reflect feelings of insecurity. Such dreams might be prompted by a sense of failure or impending failure in a love relationship.

Dreams, of course, have a logic all their own, and can be quite disturbing. But they reflect our wishes and conflicts, and can be a tremendous source of information.Being naked.

Clothes conceal. Without them, youÕre exposed. So this dream symbolizes feelings of shame or vulnerability. Whether or not you are hiding something, you might be feeling that people can see through you. Or you might fear showing your true feelings in a relationship.

Source:  Dr. Gail Saltz, http://msnbc.msn.com/id/4961404/

(See also: Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation Falling, Dream Dictionary Falling)

For more dictionary entries, see » Dream Catcher Dictionary

Beauty : Dream Interpretation Dictionary - Dream: I experience natural beauty or miracles

Dream: I experience natural beauty or miracles

Description: You are strolling through overwhelming natural or man-made beauty. The dream may involve abundant, lush flowers or vegetation and grand trees. You may bathe or swim in healing waters or be kissed by soft rain. Caressing winds may cool your face. You may be touched by warming sun rays or watch a spectacular sunset. Perhaps you will glide down ski slopes or across the ice, feeling invigorated and happy. All the glories of the natural world offer delight, often with musical background. Beautiful structures, including cathedrals, temples and marble halls, are sometimes the settings of these dreams. Classic courtyards with splashing fountains may invite you, feathered fans cool your brow. You may gaze into a glowing hearth or follow the light of a candle. You may engage in mystic dances or rituals or witness miracles.

Frequency: Dreams of beauty are rare. You may have them when you follow a spiritual practice, or you may be gifted with one during a crisis.

Usual meanings: You feel transported by the incredible scene before you. You may feel that life is amazing and that you are part of something exalted.

Questions to ask yourself:

• Where did your dream take place?
• Describe your surroundings, paying particular attention to colors, flowers and other sensual details.
• How did you feel when you awakened?

Source: http://health.discovery.com

(See also: Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation Beauty, Dream Dictionary Beauty)

For more dictionary entries, see » Dream Catcher Dictionary

Naked : Dream Interpretation Dictionary - Dream: I am naked or inappropriately dressed in public

Dream: I am naked or inappropriately dressed in public

Description: You are nude or only partly dressed in public, or you may appear in public inappropriately dressed, as in wearing pajamas to work. In another version, you may witness someone else doing the same. You may feel embarrassed, indifferent, and occasionally even proud and free.

Frequency: This is a fairly common anxiety dream among all ages.

Usual meanings: You feel exposed, vulnerable or awkward, or you may fear that you may have revealed too much of yourself in a waking situation. Rarely you may feel free and unencumbered. Many dreams about being inappropriately dressed occur when the person is involved in a wedding ceremony in waking life.

Questions to ask yourself:

If naked in your dream:

• Where are you naked in your dream?
• Who notices you?
• What part of you is exposed?
• How do people react to you?
• How do you feel?
• What do you do?

If partially clothed:

• What does the missing article of clothing do for you?
• What is good or useful about the missing article?
• What is bad or constricting about it?
• What does the missing article remind you of in waking life?
• How can you restore what is missing?

Source: http://health.discovery.com

(See also: Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation Naked, Dream Dictionary Naked)

For more dictionary entries, see » Dream Catcher Dictionary

Love : Dream Interpretation Dictionary - Dream: I am being embraced or loved

Dream: I am being embraced or loved

Description: You are embraced or loved by someone. You may be getting married, falling in love, cuddling a baby, dancing sensuously or even making love. The partners may be strangers, public figures, even familiar people in whom you have no romantic interest in your waking life.

Frequency: This dream is fairly common.

Usual meanings: You wish to connect with the figure in the dream or with some quality that the figure represents, such as romance, creativity or gentleness.

Questions to ask yourself:

• Who is your lover? Describe in a single sentence.
• What are your dream lover's three outstanding characteristics?
• Are these qualities you want more of in your life?
• Does your dream lover's name contain a pun?
• Does your dream lover's name or appearance suggest someone you know?

Source: http://health.discovery.com

(See also: Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation Love, Dream Dictionary Love)

For more dictionary entries, see » Dream Catcher Dictionary

Animals : Dream Interpretation Dictionary - Animal

ANIMALS DREAM

There are various interpretations, for the animals you see in your dreams. Some dream researchers feel that animals appear to take on activities (in your dream) of which you are subconsciously ashamed. For example a woman who had cheated while dieting saw a farm animal eating too much of cattle feed repeatedly, in her dreams!

These apart, here are the animals, and their significance according to dream interpretation:

    * Alligator - Dangerous emotions

    * Ants- Dissatisfaction

    * Bees- hard work and organization

    * Butterfly - spiritual or emotional metamorphosis

    * Camel - endurance/financial gain

    * Dinosaurs - refers to the past

    * Donkey- humility/honor

    * Dragonfly- good news

    * Eagle- prosperity

    * Elephant- knowledge/ power/ strength

    * Horse- Power and sexual energy

    * Mice- disappointment

    * Tiger- power and beauty

Source: http://purpleshaman.com

(See also: Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation Animals, Dream Dictionary Animals)

For more dictionary entries, see » Dream Catcher Dictionary

Machine : Dream Interpretation Dictionary - Dream: A phone or machine works perfectly  

Dream: A phone or machine works perfectly

Description: You smoothly operate a machine or telephone.

Frequency: Smooth operation dreams are fairly rare. When they occur, it is usually at a time of improved emotional connections or an enhancement of some other situation. If you are bereaved, you may dream of making clear contact with a deceased parent, spouse, child, or other relative or friend. Occasionally dreams about smoothly operating machines relate to improved health.

Usual meanings: You feel as though you are making a good connection with someone or something, you believe that you can really reach him or her or feel in close touch. You feel as though you've connected with someone on an emotional level or have had an insight into something. You may believe you are having contact with the deceased. Your machine may represent your own body and be telling you that things are working well

Questions to ask yourself:

• Who are you reaching or who is contacting you in your dream?
• What was the person saying to you?
• What intellectual connection or insight could this dream represent?

Source: http://health.discovery.com

(See also: Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation Machine, Dream Dictionary Machine)

For more dictionary entries, see » Dream Catcher Dictionary

Snake : Dream Interpretation Dictionary -  

Snake

To see a snake or be bitten by one  in your dream, signifies hidden fears and worries that are threatening  you.  Your dream may be alerting you to something in your waking life  that you are not aware of or that has not yet surfaced. The snake may also  be seen as phallic and thus symbolize dangerous and forbidden sexuality.  The snake may also refer to a person around you who is callous, ruthless,  and can't be trusted. As a positive symbol, snakes represent  transformation, knowledge and wisdom. It is indicative of self-renewal and  positive changes. 

Source: http://dreammoods.com

(See also: Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation Snake, Dream Dictionary Snake)

For more dictionary entries, see » Dream Catcher Dictionary

Falling : Dream Interpretation Dictionary - Falling or Drowning  

Falling or Drowning

Definition: You dream of falling through the air, frightened. You may or may not strike the ground before awakening. A variant of this dream are images of drowning or near-drowning.

Examples:

• I am running when I trip over a stick and fall over a cliff, going down and down and I am about the hit the rocks below.
• I'm swimming when a giant tidal wave washes over me; I can't breathe.

Source: Patricia Garfield, Ph.D., President of ASD

(See also: Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation Falling, Dream Dictionary Falling)

For more dictionary entries, see » Dream Catcher Dictionary

Dream FAQ Dictionary: How can I improve my dream memory?

How can I improve my dream memory?

Before you fall asleep, remind yourself that you want to remember your dreams. Keep a paper and pen or tape-recorder by your bedside. As you awaken, try to move as little as possible and try not to think right away about your upcoming day. Write down all of your dreams and images, as they can fade quickly if not recorded. Any distractions will cause the memory of your dream to fade. If you can't remember a full dream, record the last thing that was on your mind before awakening, even if you have only a vague memory of it.

(See also: Remember Dreams, Dream Interpretation FAQ, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams)

For more dictionary entries, see » Dream Catcher Dictionary

Dream FAQ Dictionary: What does this dream mean?

What does this dream mean?

A. Symbols are one way of interpreting dreams. Researchers have triedto find, for each common dream occurrence, a psychological situationthat matches the dream in some way and link it as a cause. Awell-known example of this approach is Freud's interpretation. Askingfor symbols allows for (sometimes too easy) interpretation of dreamsby given rules.

Other people question this approach. Dream interpretation by catalogof symbols doesn't take into account individual differences betweendreamers. You can imagine this flaw by taking into account that thecultural background is an important point that should not beneglected. Freud's theories, that give high importance to hidden signsof sexual desires, are based on a society that has suppressedsexuality. And so on. In a more global context, asking for specialsymbols is of dubious value. Nonetheless, in a certain given context,these symbols can have a valuable meaning.

Source: http://www.faqs.org/faqs/dreams-faq

(See also: Dream Interpretation, Dream Interpretation FAQ, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams)

For more dictionary entries, see » Dream Catcher Dictionary

Dream FAQ Dictionary: Can you interpret this dream for me?

Can you interpret this dream for me?

A. Dreams are made up of the dreamer's thoughts. It is very difficult,if not impossible, to interpret dreams if you don't know the dreamer,since to recognize the meaning of dreams (if there is one) you need toknow the "background". So dream interpretations given on the Net are(IMHO) of questionable value, either they deal with "reasonablyobvious" meanings or they rely on symbols (cf. 2.1). I recommend totake these with a grain of salt and not expect too much. [Anyonedisagrees on this point?

 It's controversial, I'd like input from theother side.] Of course, if you want to post your dreams, don't letthis discourage you. Sharing dream experiences with others and gettingresponse is a nice thing anyway and may help you to find out moreabout yourself.

Source: http://www.faqs.org/faqs/dreams-faq

(See also: Dream Interpretation, Dream Interpretation FAQ, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams)

For more dictionary entries, see » Dream Catcher Dictionary

Dream FAQ Dictionary: f you are lucid, can you control the dream?

If you are lucid, can you control the dream?

 A. Usually lucidity brings with it some degree of control over thecourse of the dream. How much control is possible varies from dream todream and from dreamer to dreamer. Practice can apparently contributeto the ability to exert control over dream events. At the least, luciddreamers can choose how they wish to respond to the events of thedream. For example, you can decide to face up to a frightening dreamfigure, knowing it cannot harm you, rather than to try to avoid thedanger as you naturally would if you did not know it was a dream. Eventhis amount of control can transform the dream experience from one inwhich you are the helpless victim of frequently terrifying,frustrating, or maddening experiences to one in which you can dismissfor a while the cares and concerns of waking life. On the other hand,some people are able to achieve a level of mastery in their luciddreaming where they can create any world, live any fantasy, andexperience anything they can imagine!

Source: http://www.faqs.org/faqs/dreams-faq

(See also: Lucid dreaming, Dream Interpretation FAQ, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams)

For more dictionary entries, see » Dream Catcher Dictionary

Dream FAQ Dictionary: Does everybody dream?

Does everybody dream?

 A. Everybody dreams. All humans (indeed, all mammals) have REM sleep. Most dreams occur in REM sleep. [REM=Rapid Eye Movements - in this sleeping stage the eyeballs move around like when awake.] This has been demonstrated by awakening people from different stages of sleep and asking if they were dreaming. In 85 percent of awakenings from REM sleep, people report having been dreaming. Dreams are rarely reported following awakening from other types of sleep (collectively called non-REM sleep). REM sleep alternates with non-REM sleep in 90 minute cycles throughout the night. In a typical 8 hour night, youwill spend about an hour and a half total time in REM sleep, broken upinto four or five "REM periods" ranging in length from 5 to 45minutes. Most dreams are forgotten. Some people never recall dreamswhile others recall five or more each night. You can improve yourability to recall dreams. Good dream recall is necessary for learninglucid dreaming. There are two basic things to do to get started withdeveloping dream recall. Begin a dream journal, in which you writeeverything you remember of your dreams, even the slightestfragments. You will remember the most if you record dreams right afteryou awaken from them. Before falling asleep each night, remindyourself that you want to awaken from, remember and record yourdreams.

Source: http://www.faqs.org/faqs/dreams-faq

(See also: Lucid dreaming, Dream Interpretation FAQ, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams)

For more dictionary entries, see » Dream Catcher Dictionary

Dream FAQ Dictionary: Is this dream common?

Is this dream common?

A. Yes.:-) Specifically, if people ask the newsgroups about a certaindream experience, in the overwhelming majority of cases others answerthat they know this from their dreams. Sometimes the reaction comesup, "And I've thought I was the only one to dream this weird thing!""Weird" is the most inappropriate word when dealing with dreams,anyway. Dreams are not to be measured by real life standards, theyhave their own.

It can be assumed that much, if not most, dream imagery follows commonpatterns in all people. Most important, we should not forget thatdreams are based on actual experiences and imaginations, some of whichare just widespread. We all think about how nice it would be to fly,for example. On the other hand, people who report flying dreams use anumber of different flying techniques in their dreams, frombreast-strokes like in swimming to simply lifting off, Superman-style.It is imagination that sets the limits.

An oft-cited example is that of teeth falling out. The common"symbolistic" interpretation associates this with fear of loss ofsomething, perhaps someone, valuable. The next common explanation isremembrance of losing teeth during childhood, which could have been asomewhat traumatic experience. But it can also be easily linked to asleeping position where some external pressure or muscle contractionscause your teeth to grind against each other, or tooth-aches caused byillnesses (cf. section 1.2.)

Source: http://www.faqs.org/faqs/dreams-faq

(See also: Common Dreams, Dream Interpretation FAQ, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams)

For more dictionary entries, see » Dream Catcher Dictionary

Dream FAQ Dictionary: Can people dream of their own death?

Can people dream of their own death?

A. Yes. This has been reported many times. The reports vary widely inwhat actual experiences are made when dreaming of dying; there seemsto be no common pattern. Most probably the prevalent influence isagain the thoughts of the individual about death. It can not befigured out whether dream-death experiences which match patterns givenin actual near-death experiences are just based on reading aboutnear-death experiences. Also, for instances of talking to deceasedpeople, God(s) or other "supernatural" entities after dreamed death,it can not be figured out whether they are "real" or just based onpeoples' religious belief (see also the FAQ for alt.atheism). Awidespread old wives tale is that when you dream of your own death,you will soon die. Given the usual understanding of "soon" (andconsidering section 5.1), experience has proven this false.

A sharp line has to be drawn between dreams of death and actualnear-death experiences. The latter occur in people with bloodcirculation failure just before they actually die, and sometimes arereported when medical art brings these people back to life. Whatconstitutes the real source of these experiences is still not knownfor sure. Dreams of death have no connection to this, they are likeall dreams just imagination.

Source: http://www.faqs.org/faqs/dreams-faq

(See also: Dreaming about death, Dream Interpretation FAQ, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams)

For more dictionary entries, see » Dream Catcher Dictionary