Out-of-body Experience

The out-of-body experience can be a dramatic one. Clinically, this falls into a phenomenon called "dissociative experience or disorder."

Often the experiences that create this feeling are powerfully ecstatic or traumatic. In either case, the feeling is similar to watching oneself in a film. Basically, whatever is going on in the dream is so powerful that the dreamer is separating herself from experiencing it directly. The result is a self watching the self in a moment of life. Dreams of this nature can be very revealing about the self at work in the world (see Medard Boss). Lucid dreaming can also create this feeling. In lucid dreaming, the dreamer is conscious of dreaming and may be watching herself in the dream.

Dreams of this nature may create a feeling that the dreamer has projected herself into another sphere of reality, creating a sense of astral projection. This idea has been popularised by certain paranormal studies on perceptions of reality.

Native American cultures view the out-of-body experience as a fuller unity of the soul with nature. As such, it is not surprising that they hold such experiences in high regard. It is in this sense that you can consider the out-of-body experience a brush with great power-in a world of physical limitations you suddenly have the ability to go wherever you wish to go. You have complete control regarding your place in the universe.

Conversely, another possible out-of-body experience involves a complete loss of power: seeing yourself lying on an operating table in a hospital.

Does your out-of-body experience empower or frighten you?

Do you choose your travel destination or do you simply appear somewhere through no choice of your own?

Source: iVillage, http://www.ivillage.co.uk

(See also: Dream Archives, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Dream Dictionary - Out-of-body Experience, Meaning of Dreams about Out-of-body Experience, Dream Interpretation Out-of-body Experience)

Flying

Without assistance

Flying in a dream is a fairly common, but very powerful event. Flying events seem to be divided among those who fly spontaneously in their dreams and those who have a lucid dreaming event and choose to fly. In either case, the dreamers report powerful feelings of freedom during the flight.

Flying as a spontaneous event often includes some special effort, like flapping one's arms, to get going. However, many people experience flight as soaring by a mysterious, jet-like power. These events are precipitated by a strong desire to travel or an imminent danger that requires escape.

Flying as a lucid dreaming choice is often of the levitation variety. These dreamers simply choose to fly because, in the reality of their dream, they know they may. This may be related to astral projection or an out-of-body experience that some people undergo.

These flights allow dreamers to transcend circumstances and acquire a more favourable or safer perspective. What prompted the will to fly ? was it danger or euphoria - and where did the flight lead?

Nonsensical means

In addition to flying independently, dreamers may fly on bikes, cars, boats, or other non-airborne equipment. These flights are generally brought about by circumstances where the current means of travel suddenly became inadequate or endangers the dreamer. A good example of this type of flight would be a bicycle that becomes airborne rather than be struck by a car. This dream may reveal a dreamer that sees dangers as inconsequential. It may also be a hero dream.

Source: iVillage, http://www.ivillage.co.uk

(See also: Dream Archives, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Dream Dictionary - Flying, Meaning of Dreams about Flying, Dream Interpretation Flying)

Out-of-body Experience

The out-of-body experience can be a dramatic one. Clinically, this falls into a phenomenon called "dissociative experience or disorder."

Often the experiences that create this feeling are powerfully ecstatic or traumatic. In either case, the feeling is similar to watching oneself in a film. Basically, whatever is going on in the dream is so powerful that the dreamer is separating herself from experiencing it directly. The result is a self watching the self in a moment of life. Dreams of this nature can be very revealing about the self at work in the world (see Medard Boss). Lucid dreaming can also create this feeling. In lucid dreaming, the dreamer is conscious of dreaming and may be watching herself in the dream.

Dreams of this nature may create a feeling that the dreamer has projected herself into another sphere of reality, creating a sense of astral projection. This idea has been popularised by certain paranormal studies on perceptions of reality.

Native American cultures view the out-of-body experience as a fuller unity of the soul with nature. As such, it is not surprising that they hold such experiences in high regard. It is in this sense that you can consider the out-of-body experience a brush with great power-in a world of physical limitations you suddenly have the ability to go wherever you wish to go. You have complete control regarding your place in the universe.

Conversely, another possible out-of-body experience involves a complete loss of power: seeing yourself lying on an operating table in a hospital.

Does your out-of-body experience empower or frighten you?

Do you choose your travel destination or do you simply appear somewhere through no choice of your own?

Source: iVillage, http://www.ivillage.co.uk

(See also: Dream Archives, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Dream Dictionary - Out-of-body Experience, Meaning of Dreams about Out-of-body Experience, Dream Interpretation Out-of-body Experience)

The simulation argument, due to the philosopher Nick Bostrom, investigates the possibility that we may be living in a simulation. The argument attempts to prove the disjunction of three hypotheses: Either the human race will never reach a level of technology where we can run convincing reality simulations; or races who do reach such a level do not tend to run such simulations; orSee also:

Simulated reality, Simulated reality - Simulated people in simulated reality, Simulated reality - Is this a simulated reality?, Simulated reality - Simulated reality in fiction

Read more here: » Simulated reality: Encyclopedia II - Simulated reality - Is this a simulated reality?

Occultism is the study of supposed occult or hidden wisdom. To the Occultist it is the study of Truth, or rather the deeper truth that exists beyond the surface: 'The Truth Is Always Hidden In Plain Sight'. It may be considered by some to be a 'grey' area, perhaps larger than any other in the realm of religion. It can deal with subjects ranging from talismans, magic (alternatively spelled and defined as magick), sorcery, and voodoo, to ESP (Extra-sensory perception), numerology, lucid dreams, or even religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. ...

See also:

Occult, Occult - Occultism, Occult - History, Occult - The Occult and Christianity

Read more here: » Occult: Encyclopedia II - Occult - Occultism

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 » Lucid Dreams Dictionary

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 » Lucid Dreams 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 » Lucid Dreams 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 » Lucid Dreams Dictionary

Dream FAQ Dictionary: Are dreams in color?

Are dreams in color?

Most dreams are in color, although people may not be aware of it, either because they have difficulty remembering their dreams or because color is such a natural part of visual experience. People who are very aware of color while awake probably notice color more often in their dreams.

(See also: Are dreams in color?, Dream Interpretation FAQ, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams)

For more dictionary entries, see » Lucid Dreams Dictionary

Dream FAQ Dictionary: Can dreams predict the future?

Can dreams predict the future?

There are many examples of dreams that seemed to predict future events. Some may have been due to coincidence, faulty memory, or an unconscious tying together of known information. A few laboratory studies have been conducted of predictive dreams, as well as clairvoyant and telepathic dreams, but the results were varied, as these kinds of dreams are difficult to study in a laboratory setting.

Courtesy to: http://www.asdreams.org

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

For more dictionary entries, see » Lucid Dreams Dictionary

Dream FAQ Dictionary: How can I learn to interpret my dreams?

How can I learn to interpret my dreams?

The most important thing to keep in mind is that your dreams reflect your own underlying thoughts and feelings, and that the people, actions, settings and emotions in your dreams are personal to you. Some dream experts theorize that there are typical or archetypal dreams and dream elements that persist across different persons, cultures, and times. Usually, however, the same image or symbol will have different meanings for different people. For example, an elephant in a dream can mean one thing to a zoo keeper and something quite different to a child whose favorite toy is a stuffed elephant. Therefore, books which give a specific meaning for a specific dream image or symbol (or "dream dictionaries") are not usually helpful. By thinking about what each dream element means to you or reminds you of, by looking for parallels between these associations and what is happening in your waking life, and by being patient and persistent, you can learn to understand your dreams. It can be helpful to keep a dream diary and reflect on many dreams over a long period of time to get the truest picture of your unique dream life. Many good books that can help you get started interpreting your dreams. See the ASD Book Suggestion List.

Courtesy to: http://www.asdreams.org

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

For more dictionary entries, see » Lucid Dreams Dictionary

Dream FAQ Dictionary: Do dreams have meaning?

Do dreams have meaning?

Although scientists continue to debate this issue, most people who work with their dreams, either by themselves or with others, find that their dreams are very meaningful for them. Dreams are useful in learning more about the dreamer's feelings, thoughts, behavior, motives, and values. Many find that dreams can help them solve problems. Further, artists, writers, and scientists often get creative ideas from dreams..

Courtesy to: http://www.asdreams.org

(See also: Do dreams have meaning?, Dream Interpretation FAQ, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams)

For more dictionary entries, see » Lucid Dreams Dictionary

Dream FAQ Dictionary: What are the deeper levels of sexual dreams?

What are the deeper levels of sexual dreams?

Our sexual dreams like most dreams are a form of reflective thinking we do at night. in dreams we think in metaphoric pictures and assess our day's experience by comparing it to what we have seen and learned through out our entire lifetime. Since we are much less defensive and more synthetic in our dreams than while awake, we are more honest with ourselves and better able to give ourselves valuable feedback and insight. So our sexual dreams if understood can:

• Give us first hand experiences and practice in sexual techniques.
• Help us work through sexual inhibitions and perversions.
• Show us our psychological blocks to a fulfilling sexual life.

And by using sexual images as metaphors or symbols of emotional and interpersonal issues, our sexual dreams regularly open our eyes to problems in our relationships.

Source: Dr. Gayle Delaney, Sensual Dreaming

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

For more dictionary entries, see » Lucid Dreams Dictionary

Dream FAQ Dictionary: So not all our sexual dreams are about sex?

So not all our sexual dreams are about sex?

Right. Very often, our most embarrassing sexual dreams like those of having sex with someone who is gay if you are straight or vice-versa are often not about some hidden sexual desire. Usually the lover in the dream represents some part of your own personality or some goal in your life that you want to come closer to. We all sometimes use sexual imagery in dreams to express how we feel about relationships that are non-sexual, for example, if your boss is raping you in a dream, this may simply express your sense that you are being screwed by him at work.

Source: Dr. Gayle Delaney, Sensual Dreaming

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

For more dictionary entries, see » Lucid Dreams Dictionary

Dream FAQ Dictionary: What are the most common sexual dreams?

What are the most common sexual dreams?

Dreams of having sex with unexpected partners, (coworkers, old boyfriends, strangers), of being interrupted while in the act, of being on public display, and of wild erotic magic are all common dreams. My book, Sensual Dreaming, discusses the possible interpretations for these dreams.

Source: Dr. Gayle Delaney, Sensual Dreaming

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

For more dictionary entries, see » Lucid Dreams Dictionary

Dream FAQ Dictionary: Why is it that I don't remember my dreams?

Does everybody dream?

 Why is it that I don't remember my dreams?

A: [cf. section 6.4] Everybody dreams. Not only all humans, but infact all mammals are shown to have REM sleep, which is associated withdreams. It is a normal and necessary function of the body (though thedetails, especially the exact reason why it is important, areunknown). So if you think you don't dream you probably just don'tremember.

People vary greatly in how much they remember of their dreams. Theperhaps most important reason why people forget their dreams is thatthey don't care. Western culture does not regard dreams as especiallyimportant, rather it regards getting out of the bed in time as aprevalent survival factor. This is bad in two respects as most dreamsoccur at the end of the sleeping cycle and are often interrupted, andthe necessity of getting up fast and keeping up with the scheduleoccupies peoples' minds and prevents them from thinking about theirdreams in the morning.

Dream recall can be trained. Try to think over all what you havedreamed for some time before getting up and write it down soonafterwards. More info in section 6.

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

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

For more dictionary entries, see » Lucid Dreams Dictionary

Dream FAQ Dictionary: What causes dreams?

What causes dreams, anyway?

A. Good question... Many different theories, nothing for sure.According to the Freudian school, dreams are the result ofsubconscious thoughts and desires. The other extreme attributes dreamsto random "noise" in the neurons without special meaning.

My own understanding is that dreams are made out of many small partsof memory and imagination that get combined to form dream imagery.This is a process that runs both consciously (cf. section 6) andsubconsciously. I don't know and leave to speculation the reason whythis is so.

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

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

For more dictionary entries, see » Lucid Dreams Dictionary

Dream FAQ Dictionary: How long do dreams last?

How long do dreams last?

A. REM sleep periods, and therefore dreams, last typically in therange of 5 to 45 minutes (cf. section 6). Often, the subjective timespent in a dream is much longer. One possible explanation for thistime-stretch effect is that dreams are combined from pieces (seepreceding paragraph) that have their own different setting intime. You first dream of something that occurred a year ago, then -following - of something that occurred just recently, mix them up abit and are left with the remembrance of a dream that lasted a year.

But experiments suggest that dreamed actions run in "real time" - whatyou do in your dream takes exactly this time to dream. With externalinfluences like the radio running in the morning, you have both thereal time in which you hear something and - sometimes - the feelingthat it lasted considerably longer. Anyway, time is one of theperceptions that are heavily distorted in dreams.

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

(See also: How long is a dream, Dream Interpretation FAQ, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams)

For more dictionary entries, see » Lucid Dreams 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 » Lucid Dreams 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 » Lucid Dreams Dictionary

Dream FAQ Dictionary: Do dreams predict the future?

Do dreams predict the future?

A. This, like many other things commonly referred to as "paranormal",is to be considered unknown. There is much evidence against it, itwould contradict the laws of nature as recognized by most scientiststoday. (Any information getting from future to past would have tobreak the speed of light, which is impossible. More on this can befound in the sci.physics FAQ postings.) However, many people insiston having experienced "deja-vu" like situations where they came into asetting they already had dreamed of. Could they prove it?

 Probablynot (cf. section 5.3) but this fact alone doesn't prove theexperiences invalid. (Proving a subjective experience *wrong* isimpossible.)

Now, how come the many deja-vus?

 A common explanation is a smallmisfunction of the brain. Some piece of information, like the look ofa particular place where you haven't been before, gets from short-terminto long-term memory via some sort of "shortcut" rather than theusual remembrance mechanism. (How this exactly works is currently notknown in detail.) Then, when matching short-term against long-termmemory, you think that you have the piece in long-term memory fromsomewhere in the past while it has entered long-term memory justrecently.

This could explain some of the instances, but the possibility of themind "travelling in time" (or place, cf. section 4.1) can not bedismissed - many people claim they have done it and can do it again.

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

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

For more dictionary entries, see » Lucid Dreams Dictionary