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SOUL FUTURE DREAM INTERPRETATION TUTORIAL
Interpreting Your Dream
Dream interpretation should flow easily and naturally once you've completed the preceding dream analysis phase. You will now begin to interpret your dream using the information gathered so far. The dream interpretation dictionary may at this stage help you interpret the individual dream symbols, but use it sparingly. Your own symbolic associations will unquestionably deliver the best results.
STEP 1
Deciphering common threads
In order to save time, it makes sense to first establish your relationship with the common threads extracted in Step 4 of the dream analysis phase. Often, once you've done this, the dream message becomes clear without needing to decipher individual symbols. In the example provided under Phase 3, the common thread between the symbols is water, so it makes sense to explore your association with water a little further before attempting to interpret the other symbols. If clear connotations do not spring to mind easily, try the following exercise:Close your eyes and try to recall water-related memories at a feeling level. Remember that your focus is the water itself, so tap into the feeling that the water brought about, rather than the surrounding events. Now ask yourself what water means to you, and keep repeating this with each added association (see example below).
Continue with this step until you're satisfied that you've interpreted all the common threads to the point where the meaning resonates with you. If the message of the dream is still not apparent to you, proceed to step 2.
STEP 2
Interpreting individual symbols
Everybody carries different associations with individual dream symbols. It is not uncommon to carry several associations with a particular symbol, such as the sea, which may include associations of holiday, seasickness, cold, danger etc. If you have several associations with a symbol or are using a dream dictionary, gloss over each meaning individually, noting how it feels within you. If it feels right, it usually is right. Don't worry if isn't in keeping with the theme of the dream, trust your instincts. First work with the dominant symbols, one at a time e.g. house = my body, kitchen = nourishment, orchard = abundance.STEP 3
Make a story
Next, use your symbolic associations to make up a story. Look back over the rest of information such as the question incubated, the day's events or the emotional response for further clues. Keep playing with it until something comes to you. See if your symbolic associations could, in any way, provide an answer your question. An incubated dream makes dream interpretation considerably easier in that it often serves to guide your story. If your dream still does not make sense to you, proceed with step 4.STEP 4
Bring your dream characters to life
Focus on individual characters within the dream, one at a time, and have a "conversation" with them. An example may be a man who's chased you throughout the dream. In your mind, ask him what he wanted from you. Again, don't give the response thought, just note what springs to mind. This is a great way of gaining insight not only in terms of the dream, but in terms your beliefs too. Have fun and don't force it, just let it flow.If, after following all the above steps, you are still unable to interpret your dream, let it go. Often one receives sudden insight several days later. Failing this, if the dream feels particularly important to you, is recurring, or holds strong emotional charge, it may be worth your while to apply for a professional dream interpretation.
Dream interpretation takes some practice. If the first few attempts fail, don't give up - it is a skill that is easily learned by anybody who is willing. Keep recording your dreams and continue the deciphering process nonetheless. If the desire is there, your breakthrough will come, and you will be pleasantly surprised when it does. Irrespective of whether or not you succeeded with interpreting your dream, if the dream feels important to you, record it in your dream journal. Phase 5 of this tutorial provides some guidelines that will help you record your dreams in a meaningful way.Copyright © Carine Rudman 2002. All Rights Reserved. http://www.soulfuture.com
