Dream dictionaries and glossaries are a fun and easy way to determine the meanings of your dreams. Whether they are accurate is up for debate; but, a dream dictionary can possibly give you some insight into the dream symbols and their meanings that may be applicable to the images you experience during sleep.
What Is a Dream Dictionary?
Most people dream. Interestingly, we may all think that we have unique dreams. However, although there are different types, most tend to focus on very similar themes.
According to dreammoods.com, the most common types of dreams are:
- Chase dreams
- Test and exam dreams
- Falling dreams
- Flying
- Nudity
- Teeth dreams
Within each of these common dream themes are symbols and scenarios which have been reported by large numbers of dreamers. For example. some people recall scenarios with guns, or staircases, or winding roads. A dream dictionary takes all of these themes, symbols and situations and arranges them alphabetically along with their associations - hence the name "dream dictionary".
Dictionaries versus Interpretation
Dream dictionaries are an easy way to research the meaning of your dream. Selecting a dictionary can be a tough choice since there are so many available both online and at your local bookstore. You can find dictionaries that only give short explanations of the most commonly held dream interpretations - or you can search out the more comprehensive dictionaries that cover a large assortment of dream symbols and themes, conveying in some level of detail the most commonly held interpretations.
A dream dictionary typically lists the most commonly held interpretation of a symbol or theme. For example, the dictionary might have a listing for "baby" or "pregnancy" in which a general interpretation is listed for each term. If you are having dreams about babies and pregnancy and you want more than a cursory explanation of your dream, you should consider having your full dream interpreted by a medical professional. They will ask you about your dream, what's going on in your life, what you think the dream means and then, based on your conversation, he or she will help you decide on the best interpretation for your dream.
Dream Experts
Psychologists and psychiatrists have theorized for many years on the interpretation of dreams. Two famous names - Sigmund Freud and Carl Gustov Jung - are frequently seen as the medical experts in the dream community. Their theories live on in their books:
- The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud
- The Undiscovered Self: With Symbols and the Interpretation of Dreams by Carl Gustav Jung
Both books give valuable insight into the many factors of dream interpretation; but, they are not able to provide the quick, easy-to-read information that is available in a dream dictionary.
Selecting a Dream Dictionary
You can purchase a dream dictionary in a book format or use one of the many online dream dictionaries. If you compare the entries between various dictionaries you will probably find variances, particularly in the length and detail of the entries. Since dream interpretation is an art, not a science, you may want to consider researching your dream in several dream dictionaries. You may be surprised at the various interpretations that are listed for the same dream symbol or scenario.
Online Versions
There are many online dream dictionaries. Look for one that is free to use and that offers information on a wide variety of dream symbols and scenarios. For example:
Books
Printed dream dictionaries often offer general information and tips about dream interpretation as well as the actual dictionary of dream symbols. These two books offer a large number of entries and interpretations:
- Dream Images and Symbols: A Dictionary - Includes 2500 dream images and symbols as well as 10,000 interpretations
- The Complete Idiot's Guide Dream Dictionary - Includes 15,000 entries
- The Illustrated Dream Dictionary
Fact or Fiction
Is a dream dictionary as accurate as another type of dictionary? Probably not; however, the fun and mystery of this type of dictionary is the way you can quickly receive an interpretation of a recent or recurring dream. This can be a very interesting book to keep by your bedside.
