Dreams can last as long as the REM period, which lasts between five and 45 minutes. Animals dream, since they also have REM phases. REM periods occur every hour or so, which means that you have many dreams every night. Light sleepers remember their dreams more easily. Recurring dreams signify that something's bothering you and they usually subside once you deal with the issue. Dreaming in black and white indicates a merge between your conscious and unconscious selves, which means you're benefitting from an internal change.
When all is said and done, we must ask ourselves; what is the true significance of our dreams? Is it a message from God or the great beyond? A message from the future? A message sent telepathically by a friend? Or perhaps it's a message from our own unconscious mind?
As far as science goes -- and there's been a lot of research on the subject -- there is no clear answer. The only apparent conclusion scientists can draw is that the interpretation must be based on a dreamer's individual thoughts and emotional history.
So archive your dreams and evaluate them in the long term to see how the above dictionary may apply to you specifically. And good night.
For many people who think that sleeping is a waste of time, dreams are what make the whole process worthwhile. This involuntary emotional experience occurs during the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which occurs about 90 minutes after you've fallen asleep. Experts, however, are still at a loss to explain why humans dream. They think that dreams are the result of neurological and behavioral aspects of human life. It's believed that 64% of dreams are associated with anxiety, anger or gloom, 18% are exhilarating and joyful, and only 1% are of a sexual nature.
Purpose of Dreams
Psychologists -- especially Sigmund Freud, a pioneer in this field -- believe that dreams are loaded with symbolism and are windows to our unconscious minds. In fact, dream interpretation is inherent to psychoanalysis, the therapy that focuses on unconscious forces and repression.
The emotions felt in dreams may very well reflect a person's character traits as well as his situation in everyday life. Through dreams, a person may feel insecurity, megalomania, love, envy, panic, or other feelings that testify to that person's mental state.
Still, many academic psychologists are of the opinion that there's no deep meaning to be found in dreams. For instance, Carl Jung believed that dreams do have meaning, but they're so subjective and different for everyone that making sense of it all would be impossible. As you can see, there are many schools of thought on the subject.
Some are of the opinion that the reason we dream is to purge certain thoughts, emotions and memories from the unconscious mind, or to eliminate superfluous data that could upset the brain's perfect chemical balance.
Of course, sometimes dreams merely represent images we've seen during the course of a day or in a movie. For example, you may dream of grade school after having run into a childhood friend the previous afternoon.
Dictionary of Dreams
There are psychologists who specialize in the science of sleep, and the people at DreamMoods.com have established some broad definitions for specific dreams. It might be an adequate place for you to start in the analysis of your own dreams.
Balcony
You dream that you're standing on a balcony.
Meaning: This refers to your desire to be seen by the world and noticed for what you are. It can also mean that financial gains are in your future.
Chase
In your dream, you're being chased by unsavory characters. You are running, hiding, trying to outwit someone who wants to hurt you.
Meaning: This usually happens when you're dealing with feelings of anxiety in your waking life. You're dealing with stress and fears, and you'd rather avoid this situation than confront it.
Death (someone else)
You dream about people who have been dead for a long time or you see loved ones dying.
Meaning: Seeing dead people in general is a sign that you're hanging around and being influenced by the wrong people. Dreaming of a person who has been dead for a long time may mean that you need to end your current relationship. If you dream about the death of a loved one, it may mean that you lack the qualities that this person has.
Death (yours)
Certainly one of the most upsetting dreams of all, you may see or feel yourself dying, no matter the method.
Meaning: Obviously, this can cause anxiety, but the dream itself is positive, as it signals that your life is about to change for the better. There are important changes ahead. Still, it may also mean that you have a destructive lifestyle or that you're in an unhealthy relationship.
Drowning
You're swimming and suddenly you're being pulled under water. You can't breathe; you're drowning.
Meaning: This literally means you're going under, emotionally. Repressed issues are coming back to haunt you. If you die from the drowning, there will be an emotional "rebirth." If you survive, you'll get through your troubles.
Ex-girlfriend
Even though you're in a relationship with someone new, you dream of your ex-girlfriend.
Meaning: This may remind you that she was your feminine ideal or that you're repeating an old pattern in your current relationship.
Falling
A common dream is one in which you're falling. You might or might not be frightened by it.
Meaning: If you're not afraid of the fall, it could mean that you won't have any problem overcoming your difficulties. If you are afraid, it may mean that you're feeling out of control and are afraid to fail.
Fight
You dream that you're fighting with somebody. It might even be to the death.
Meaning: You may interpret this as an indication that you're experiencing inner turmoil. Ideals within you are competing for attention. If you fight to the death, it could mean that you're not willing to acknowledge a conflict in your waking life.
Flying
Another very common dream is seeing yourself flying, floating through clouds or dashing through the air like a bird.
Meaning: Essentially, this indicates that you're feeling free because you're in complete control. Being powerful, you'll find success in all your enterprises.
Gambling
In Las Vegas, Atlantic City, or some backroom game, you're having fun gambling the night away.
Meaning: This could mean that you're participating in some high-risk activities and that perhaps you're not taking responsibility for your actions. If you're not a gambling man by nature, this dream may signify that you need to take a chance.
Kissing
In a romantic gesture, you see yourself kissing a beautiful woman. Perhaps you're even kissing a woman you hate.
Meaning: In general, kissing relates to love, tranquility and harmony. If you're kissing a close friend, it means you care for them deeply. Kissing an enemy can indicate betrayal and hostility. Kissing a stranger may mean that you need to get to know yourself better.
Money
With our lives so centered around money, you may definitely dream about it, whether in terms of financial gains or unscheduled spending.
Meaning: If you dream about winning money, it could mean that prosperity is within your grasp. It also illustrates self-confidence and power. However, if you dream about losing money, this can symbolize vulnerability and you may experience short-term unhappiness.
Nudity
It's quite possible that at some point in your life, you will dream that you are at work or school without any clothes on and feeling embarrassed about it.
Meaning: This public display of nudity can mean that you're afraid of being exposed for your shortcomings. You're feeling vulnerable and you may experience a loss of ambition.
Paralysis
A very frightening dream is when you're trying to move but find that you just can't; you're paralyzed.
Meaning: This dream may occur as a direct reflection of your immobility during the REM phase of sleep. Still, it may also indicate that you're emotionally paralyzed. You're unable to deal with a problem you've been facing.
Running
Similar to the chase scenario, you're running away, but in slow motion.
Meaning: If such a dream plagues you, it could be because you lack self-confidence. Interestingly, it may also reflect an actual state of REM paralysis while in the dream state.
Teeth
For some odd reason it is common to dream about your teeth, whether they're rotting away or falling.
Meaning: Should you see your teeth decaying, it could indicate that your business is in financial trouble. When your teeth are falling, you should be more assertive because it's believed to be a sign that you feel powerless. Swallowing one of your teeth is a sign that you will soon have to eat your words (admit you were wrong about something).
Yelling
Whatever other activities you may be doing in your dreams, you may find yourself screaming.
Meaning: Whether it's you or someone else who is yelling, it represents repressed anger. You may be in pain or feeling enthusiasm. You may feel a strong need to express yourself and release your emotions. If you're trying to scream but no sound is coming out, it may mean that some situation needs your immediate attention.
