Do you know the main meanings of dreams?

Perhaps dreams are one of the most common, yet fascinating, aspects of human beings. Due to their somewhat mundane, surreal and often bizarre nature, dreams are constantly questioned and studied as to their meanings, origins and their applications in human experience.

For millennia, dreams have been interpreted in different ways by all civilizations spread around the globe, which interpreted them as divine messages, having a predominantly supernatural focus about their meanings.

Currently, the most widespread view regarding dreams and their meanings follows the Freudian line of thought, which sees dreams as an expression of the subconscious.

Scientifically speaking, today there are studies that demonstrate the importance of dreams in specific cerebral and physiological processes, which brings even more importance in the search for a greater understanding of them.

Embark on this journey through the world of dreams and understand more about them. We will also see what the types of dream interpretation are, if they are exclusive to human beings as well as their different meanings and how they can reflect our feelings.

Understanding Dreams

Dreams have always permeated the human imagination and their meanings have varied according to the religious and cultural aspects of each society. They were mostly seen as premonitory signs until the mid-19th century, and were even the subject of publications that sought to explain the meaning of different types of specific dreams.

These publications, called "keys to dreams", still remained stuck to the medieval view on them, with a strong supernatural sense and premonitory character.

We can say that only after the year 1900 that dreams started to be studied in a more scientific and realistic way through the publication of the famous book "The interpretation of dreams" by the psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud.

Despite this more scientific study about dreams, the character of predicting the future is still very widespread among religions of Judaic-Christian foundation, being even quoted in sacred texts such as the Bible and the Torah (Judaism's sacred scripture).

Another field studied in relation to dreams refers to the brain stages of wakefulness and sleep. This study is called onirology and analyzes the hormones related to each stage of sleep, identifying the brain areas that were activated or deactivated during a dream.

It was from this that the sleep phase in which we dream was identified, and this was only possible from the middle of the 20th century with the advent of the electroencephalogram. Called REM (Rapid Eye Movement) or MOR (Quick Eye Movement), this stage of sleep consists of a high cerebral activity and is when dreams occur in greater intensity.

Dreams and psychoanalysis

Sigmund Freud caused a true revolution in psychoanalytic thought, and in relation to dreams it was no different. For the first time, humanity begins to face dreams and their meanings in a more realistic way, having as a north the processes that take place between conscious and subconscious.

Freudian thought has in dreams the result of emotional charges that the brain translates into images, objects and situations. It would be a kind of warning, of communication between the subconscious and the conscious about often painful aspects that the brain avoids processing consciously.

Another thinker who contributed a lot to bring light to the understanding of dreams was the psychiatrist and psychotherapist Carl Gustav Jung. He is famous for creating concepts of psychology such as the collective unconscious, archetype, synchronicity and complex.

For Jung, considered the father of analytical psychology, dreams go beyond the merely informative sense. It would be a means that the mind finds to organize ideas, many times fanciful, with the objective of elaborating a thought.

Regardless of the thinker about dreams, the symbolism of the details found in them is important to understand their warnings and meanings, and the way each individual relates to the symbols of each dream is key to this understanding.

How to interpret a dream?

The interpretation of dreams necessarily comes up against the individual's relationship with the objects and symbols found in each specific dream.

Before any attempt to unveil the meaning of any dream, we must take into account our current emotional state. It is also of great importance to pay attention to the details trying to remember as much as possible of the dream and, especially, the feelings and emotions that it provoked.

In this way, we will be able to understand more about a specific dream, its emotional roots and the reason why the subconscious communicates through the images and situations that the dream brings.

Types of dream interpretation

Before trying to interpret a dream, we should know how to differentiate those that were the result of external factors from those that have real meaning. During sleep, ambient sounds can influence the dream, for example.

The period of the night in which the most significant dreams occur is between 2 and 7 a.m., where the REM stage occurs with greater intensity. It is in these dreams that the most important meanings are found and every detail is essential for interpretation.

Among the types of dream interpretation, we have factual, inspirational, realization, reconciliation, compensatory, warning, and precognitive dream interpretations. Below, you will find more information about each type of dream interpretation.

Factual

As the name implies, the factual type of dream interpretation comes from the affirmation of some fact. In Jung's view, factual dreams are brain mechanisms with the intention of creating ideas to face problems or day-to-day situations.

Freud, on the other hand, sees these dreams as revelations of factors suppressed in the subconscious. For this reason, it is important to analyze every minimum detail that can be remembered from the dream.

Inspiring

Inspirational dreams are like a guide to follow the best path or make the best decision, whether in relation to work, life situations and in relationships.

Furthermore, these dreams are a way for the subconscious mind to indicate what to do at a particular time. It can also be a source of creating new ideas that can transform an individual's life.

Realization

Dreams of realization bring a sense of fulfillment of what we long for but have not yet achieved. It is a way of compensating for the frustrations of unsuccessful or unrealized ventures.

Reconciliation

There is no human being on the face of the earth who has not had a disagreement or broken relationships with someone. From this perspective, the reconciliation dream brings to light that such breakups have somehow bothered our subconscious and now, through a reconciliation dream, seeks to ease our disappointments before someone.

Compensatory

The compensatory type is very similar to the achievement dream. It is a form of rewarding something we long for, in whatever aspect of life it is. It is as if the subconscious is gifting us with that which we miss or have longed for.

Notice

Warning dreams, on the other hand, come as true alerts about some specific point in our lives. Through images, the subconscious alerts about what can cause harm, whether in professional, family or love situations.

Generally, warning dreams are clear and organized. Their details are essential to understand the nature of the warning and how to avoid the danger that may be approaching. In fact, it is of vital importance to analyze the dream taking into account the smallest details that you can remember. In this way, the nature of the warning will be clearer, which will make it easier to understand.

Precognito

The precognitive dream is not necessarily a prediction of the future, but of things or facts that we unconsciously believe will happen.

This dream comes very much in line with our fears about the future, and if it is bad, you should pay close attention to details so that you can ease specific fears. If it is a good dream, it is an indication that you are making the right decisions and attitudes.

Different dream meanings

Dreams are individual experiences and there is no formula for their interpretation. Due to the subjectivity of the human subconscious, the theories about their symbologies are only a guide for interpretations. It is up to the individual dreamer to search for the meanings within himself, always taking into account their relationship with his deepest emotions.

Pay attention to the details of each dream and what emotions they caused you, so you can better understand them. Check out the following possible dream meanings that are commonly reported, from dreaming of spider, baby and bicycle to dreaming of blood, frog and betrayal.

Meaning of dreaming of spider

The spider is a symbol of feminine power. It also brings a maternal sense and to dream of a spider is related to insecurities that may be hindering some area of your life.

On the other hand, the spider can represent a powerful warning about self-destructive behavior. The meanings of dreaming of a spider can vary depending on the details of the animal, such as size and color, as well as whether you were attacked by it and what part of the body was bitten.

Meaning of dreaming of baby

Dreaming of a baby is not necessarily a warning about motherhood and its meanings can be complex and quite varied, so stick to the specific details of the dream. In general, dreaming of a baby brings a sense of purity, renewal of life and joy of life.

It may also be an indication that new ideas need attention, just as a baby needs care. In addition, vulnerability is still a representation of this dream in a sense of naivety and innocence that the baby figure represents.

Meaning of dreaming about bicycle

To dream of a bicycle brings a strong sense of freedom and balance. It signals that you are satisfied with the direction your life has taken and that with effort and balance, you will achieve your goals. It may also symbolize that there is a need to equalize certain things in your life for the sake of future plans and endeavors.

Again, we emphasize the need to pay attention to the details of the dream, because this will imply the real meaning of it. If, for example, you dream you were riding a bicycle, but looking back, signals that something from the past still holds your attention and prevents you from moving forward.

Meaning of dreaming of hair

In general, dreams about hair have to do with health issues. The nature of the warning varies greatly depending on the details. If you dreamed that your hair fell out or was thinning, it may be a warning of short-term health problems.

But if you dreamed of voluminous and abundant hair, it signals vigor of physical health. The variation in hair style and hairstyle also influence the meaning and can bring warnings in areas such as affective life, for example.

Meaning of dreaming of a dog

To see the image of a dog in a dream symbolizes loyalty, protection and friendship. It also indicates good prospects in the social and affective field, as well as strong friendships.

To dream of a dog brings a very positive meaning, but the variations of the dream can bring valuable warnings about the lack of care before loved ones and even falsehood in friendships that you consider true.

Meaning of dreaming of marriage

To dream of the union of two people signals changes and that a new phase of your life is approaching. Perhaps it is time for you to commit to some project or goal and the dream comes as a warning for this.

These changes, represented in a dream about marriage, may be bad and this will depend on the details of how the dream happened. It may also indicate that there is a need to equalize antagonistic issues that may exist in your life. In this case, the dream marriage represents the union of two parties in harmony in some specific aspect of your life.

Meaning of dreaming of a car

To see a car in a dream usually refers to decision making and goal setting. The sense of freedom, control and speed that the car carries should be taken into consideration when interpreting the dream.

Depending on the context and the details of the dream, it may mean a lack of attitude toward endeavors, relationships and goals sought. Try to remember how this dream happened, its details and the way you interacted with the car in the dream.

Meaning of dreaming of snake

To dream of a snake is a strong warning for various issues in life, whatever the area. In general, dreaming of this animal of strong symbolism brings urgent warnings and their meanings will vary greatly according to the details of the dream.

If you dream that you were attacked by a snake, the place where the bite occurred may be the clue to understand its meaning. If in the dream you were bitten in the mouth, for example, signals that you should pay attention to how you have communicated.

Although it may seem negative, dreaming of a snake can also signal good things. The snake is also synonymous with renewal and health, and is even one of the symbols of medicine.

Meaning of dreaming about confusion

To dream of confusion can be unpleasant and in general is not a good sign. The act of fighting brings negative feelings of anger, hurt, competition and misunderstanding. It signals that some of these feelings need more of your attention.

On the other hand, this dream may have a more positive meaning, being a warning from the subconscious mind regarding personal development and ego. Perhaps it is time to rethink the directions taken and the dream with confusion comes in this direction.

The variations in the details and context of the dream will dictate its meanings, so stay alert and try to remember everything.

Meaning of dreaming of a child

To dream of a child, in general, has an optimistic meaning, being related to good prospects about the present. The figure of the child, in its representation of hope, joy and purity, can also be interpreted with good eyes regarding the near future.

This dream is full of more specific meanings, varying according to each person and situation portrayed in the dream. To dream of a child says a lot about maturity and personal development, so it is important to pay attention to how you have dealt with your personal values and experiences.

Meaning of dreaming of tooth

There is a multitude of interpretations about dreaming of teeth, being considered one of the types of dreams that has more meanings. In a positive way, one can relate to beauty and self-esteem. Good feelings and joy of life are also positive characteristics of dreaming of teeth.

In a not so positive light, dreaming of a tooth may be related to health problems, as well as a need for maturation and growth in some area of your life.

Meaning of dreaming of money

To dream of money is a sign of good omens, because something good will come to you. Whether it is a goal to be achieved, a financial gain or professional improvement.

On the other hand, dreaming of money may indicate the need for caution about how you have dealt with financial matters. Both the positive and negative sides of dreaming of money should be interpreted, taking into account the details of the dream and the context of the dreamer's life.

Meaning of dreaming of scorpion

To dream of a scorpion is not a good sign. This is a treacherous animal, its sting is extremely painful and in this sense, dreaming of this animal may be a warning about a betrayal that will cause you much pain.

Another important aspect about this dream is about internalized feelings, because the scorpion also brings a sense of reflection on deep and negative feelings that may hinder the evolution of an individual.

The sense of self-protection is also one of the characteristics that this dream carries and may be a warning for the dreamer to be vigilant and protect themselves from something that will harm them.

Meaning of dreaming of famous

To dream of famous has a strong reference to professional recognition. It is considered a good omen and indicates growth in a short period of time.

It also signals that your qualities have caught the attention of those around you in an inspiring way. Your efforts are being recognized and will not be in vain. To dream of famous also brings a sense of responsibility because, as a celebrity, your example can influence those around you.

Meaning of dreaming of faeces

Although it may seem unpleasant, dreaming of feces in general carries good meanings. It is considered a dream that brings good luck and abundance for the future.

On the other hand, it can mean that there are things that need to be eliminated. Just as the body eliminates feces, there is something internalized that needs to be removed from your life. Another warning that this dream can carry refers to everything that we somehow reject, but that we need to face.

Meaning of dreaming of escape

To dream of escape is a very clear warning about difficult situations that we cannot handle. In a non-conscious way, the mind alerts with this dream that there are issues that need to be faced.

Often, we experience problems of such complexity and magnitude that we simply avoid even thinking about them. Take an overall look at how your life is going and whether any serious or serious issues need to be addressed and resolved.

Meaning of dreaming of a cat

To dream of a cat can have reference to the current emotional state of the dreamer, being interpreted as a sign of insecurity and anxiety. Distrust of people of his esteem is another interpretation of a dream of this type. A restlessness, reflecting fear of being without action in his life, is another possible symbolism.

Meaning of dreaming of pregnancy

To dream of pregnancy is often not necessarily an omen of some birth in the family or in your immediate social circle. This dream is a sign that good and great changes are on the way.

Just as the baby represents the new, this dream brings a sense of renewal and quite positive expectations.

Meaning of dreaming of alligator

The symbolism about alligator in a dream can be positive or negative, according to the context. In general, it refers to the difficulty of dealing with people or even a sign that you need to be careful with the people around you.

On the other hand, the alligator can also be interpreted as a sign of strength, fertility, survival, and depending on the details of the dream, it may be a sign that you will be able to overcome future problems in your life.

Meaning of dreaming of death

Despite being the only certainty of life, death is scary. When found in a dream, it can be terrifying. But if you had such a dream, rest assured that the symbolism can also be positive.

To dream of death may represent that something internalized was resolved and died. It may also indicate that you need to "kill" some feeling that somehow causes you harm. Another interpretation of dreaming of death may have to do with the need to close some cycle and move forward.

Meaning of dreaming of fish

Having strong symbolism about the sentimental aspects of the being, the fish brings a sense of expression of the deepest feelings. That which was internalized arises and makes necessary to be processed.

In general, dreaming of fish shows that the individual is able to get in touch with their own emotions or that some of them need to be worked on.

Meaning of dreaming of lice

The first thing that comes to mind when it comes to lice is the annoyance that this parasite causes. To dream of lice is a warning to rethink the roles that the people close to you play in your life. Just as the louse is annoying, the dream warns that there is something out of place when it comes to relationships and this needs to be rethought.

The positive meaning of dreaming of lice occurs when in the dream you get rid of them. This symbolizes that you will be able to get rid of relationships that cause you harm, but that consciously you do not realize.

Meaning of dreaming of falling

Feeling vulnerable and helpless is the general meaning of a dream about falling. It indicates that you unconsciously find yourself in a complicated situation to deal with. In whatever area of your life, something is bothering you and bringing insecurity.

Disappointments in relation to some person, loss of confidence in some project or even some consolidated ideal can be other interpretations of this dream. Its more specific meanings will vary according to how the fall occurred in the dream, as well as its details.

Meaning of dreaming of blood

Without blood, there is no life. Because of its importance, to dream of blood deserves special attention. The nature of the warning is strong and the details should not be overlooked. If, for example, you dream that you are bleeding, it means that you should avoid conflicts with people of your acquaintance.

In the same way, blood can be considered a symbol of sacrifice. So, a dream with blood can indicate that it will take a lot of effort to achieve something or overcome some moment in your life.

Meaning of dreaming of toad

To dream of a frog is a reference of the relationship between reason and emotion. The ambiguity of environments where the frog lives (terrestrial and aquatic) brings a reflection on how we are divided between our emotions and the more rational aspects of existence.

Another interpretation comes from the mutable character that the frog carries. Thus, transformations may happen in your life.

Meaning of dreaming of betrayal

The betrayal itself is already a traumatic experience to human beings and to dream about it symbolizes, in general, traumatic experiences being extravasated by the subconscious. Although it can generate distrust before the people of our conviviality, to dream about betrayal refers more to ourselves than to others.

There is some internalized emotion that needs attention. It may also be a sign of self-esteem problems and that somehow the dreamer has betrayed his own essence.

Other information about dreams

The fascination that dreams cause in human beings results in an infinity of curiosities and details not so well known about them. Modern science has increasingly dedicated specific studies about dreams, which increases even more the interest on the subject.

Next, we will see, for example, if people dream every night and if dreaming is exclusive to human beings. We will also see if dreams happen at any stage of sleep, what are the factors that can influence them and some tips to remember more about each dream.

Do people dream every night?

Regardless of age, one thing is certain: All human beings dream. Most of them occur in the REM phase, where there is intense brain activity and complete relaxation of the body.

Taking into account that we have five to six sleep cycles, formed by phases 1, 2, 3 and REM sleep, it is believed that, on average, the human being dreams 05 or 06 times a night.

Is dreaming exclusive to human beings?

Neuroscience is increasingly studying the mechanisms of dreams and it has been proven that they are not exclusive to humans. Birds and other mammals also go through the REM phase during sleep, which indicates that they are also capable of dreaming.

It is believed that it is through sleep that experiences lived during the day are processed, generating memories and training the brain to absorb what was experienced throughout the day. In animals, dreaming possibly has this brain function.

Do dreams happen at any stage of sleep?

Sleep is divided into 5 different distinct stages. These 5 stages together are called the sleep cycle and it is repeated about 5 times a night.

In the first stage, sleep is lighter and we can be woken up easily. It is where the first sensations of sleep start. Then, there is a reduction in heartbeat and body temperature. This is the second stage of the sleep cycle, it lasts from 5 to 15 minutes and it is where the muscles relax and it becomes difficult to wake up the person.

The third stage consists of a greater depth and in the fourth stage the individual is in complete muscular relaxation. In this stage we reach deep sleep. After that, the person returns to stage 3, then to stage 2 and then enters the REM stage of sleep.

Dreams can occur in all phases of the sleep cycle, but the most significant experiences, the ones we remember in greatest detail, occur in the REM phase.

What factors can influence dreams?

Assuming that dreams have a subconscious character, the emotional state directly and intensely influences them. Everything that the mind has difficulty processing consciously will dictate the intensity and type of each dream.

Besides that, it is common sense that the sensorial senses of the body influence dreams, for example, noises and smells of the environment where we sleep, especially in the REM stage of sleep, where most dreams occur. The cerebral oxygenation can also influence this process and varies according to the position in which we sleep.

It is advisable to sleep in quiet, dark environments and in positions that provide good breathing to allow total relaxation during deep sleep.

Tips for remembering dreams

Perhaps more important than the dream itself, is the ability to remember them in detail, because they are where the important meanings reside. There is no specific formula for remembering dreams, but some tips are valuable.

Try to write down your memories of a dream as soon as you wake up. The strongest and most detailed memories usually occur as soon as you wake up, and as the day progresses, you gradually forget most of them. Getting into the habit of writing down everything you remember about a dream goes a long way toward helping you understand its meaning.

If you want to dream about something in particular, the tip is to concentrate on the subject before going to sleep. In this way, the subconscious mind is suggested to dream about a certain subject. Another suggestion is to try to wake up as naturally as possible. This way, the sleep cycle is not interrupted, which helps to have more clarity about what was dreamed.

How can dreams reflect our feelings?

When it comes to dreams, there is still much to be discovered. For millennia, humanity has cultivated the world of dreams, but the more serious position of the scientific community regarding them and how they contribute to important cerebral processes is recent.

As for their meanings, more and more humanity is moving towards a widespread view that dreams, in reality, are a kind of road or pathway connecting the conscious to the subconscious.

Throughout our lives, we are bombarded by information in a variety of sensory forms, and the processing of this information is done through dreams.

Our fears, insecurities, life purposes, relationship with other individuals and even our hidden joys and desires are transmitted to the conscious mind through dreams. It is the way the brain finds to try to resolve issues, feelings and more intimate questions, bringing to the surface everything that, for some reason, remained hidden in our subconscious.

The dream experience, above all, is a journey of self-knowledge, a window into yourself. Whatever the dream you had, try to remember the small and strange details and reflect on how they relate or apply to your current life context.