Dream Analysis is a fascinating and complex subject, and why we dream has been a mystery to us since Adam first breathed life. Dreams often contain significant information for us, putting light on what has happened in our lives, or what is happening and providing insights about our future. Dreaming has been associated with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, a lighter form of sleep that occurs during the latter portion of the sleep cycle. It is characterized by rapid horizontal eye movements, stimulation of the pupils, increased respiratory and heart rate, and temporary paralysis of the body. It is believed that dreaming and REM sleep are controlled by different brain mechanisms. Research by Mark Solms suggests that dreams are generated in the forebrain, and that REM sleep and dreaming are not directly related. Dream analysis informs us in a visual language about repressed experiences and other process of the unconscious.

Dreams are a succession of images, thoughts, or emotions passing through the mind during sleep. They are thought to be a result of the spontaneous firings of neural patterns while the brain is undergoing memory consolidation during sleep. Many dreams are believed to be a product of "dissociated imagination". One controversial dream analysis is that they can create new ideas through the generation of random thought mutations. Most dreams at the end of the night may last as long as 15 minutes, although these may be experienced as several distinct stories due to momentary interruptions of your sleep as the night ends. During a typical lifespan, a human spends a total of about six years dreaming (which is about two hours each night).

Dreams were historically used for healing (as in the asclepieions found in the ancient Greek temples of Asclepius) as well as for guidance or divine inspiration. Dreams while sleeping in ancient Greek temples were used as guidance for healing the ill. They also aided in their practice of medicine, sending sick people to particular temples in those places where the "gods of the body" had their shrines. Some believe they can also give you the courage to recognize and pursue your divine purpose in life.

Dream symbols are the images that are featured in a dream.   While there are many dream symbols that are apparent in a dream, it is common for different people to see the same symbols.   Most dream symbols are not to be taken literally, but rather metaphorically.  In most instances you should use the symbols as references to the dreamer's condition and not a literal interpretation.  To fully understand the message in the dream you must apply the interpretation of the symbol to your personal situation.  Using a free dream interpretation dictionary to look up your dream symbols can help you piece together the meaning of your dreams.  While using a dream dictionary is an excellent method for trying to understand your dreams, you should also keep a personal journal.

While many scholars have done their best to understand the complexity of the human mind and explain why we have specific dreams, it’s fair to say we do not fully understand the meaning of dreams.   Dreams are seen as projections of parts of the self that have been ignored, rejected, or suppressed.  Dreams of absent-minded transgression (DAMT) are dreams wherein the dreamer absentmindedly performs an action that they been trying to stop (an example would be of a smoker having dreams of lighting a cigarette).   Many times they can link to actual sensations, such as hearing a phone ringing in a dream while it is ringing in reality, or dreaming of urination while wetting the bed.  We do understand that dreams can usually be recalled if a person is awakened while dreaming.  Dreams are very personal and speak to the specific emotional life of the dreamer, and are believed to be the gateway to an inner world, a world just as real as the one outside.

Lucid Dreams are dreams in which you become aware of the fact that you are dreaming at which time you gain consciousness and control of your dreams. You are actually dreaming while you are aware that you are dreaming. Once you are aware that you are having a lucid dream you can usually gain some power over the dream. In a lucid dream you can cause yourself to fly, make things appear, and even change into someone else. It is as if you are the director of your own movie. Learning to lucid dream is not difficult, but it does take some practice. Many good books have been written about lucid dreaming, and are available online, at your favorite book store, or at your local library. Many people like to fly in lucid dreams and are able to move items with their minds. A common lucid dream is to spend time with someone you know or admire, and passionate or sexy dreams are very common. These experiences are only happening in your dream of course. Lucid dreaming can allow you to explore your mind and confront many issues. It is considered an excellent method of exploring your mind to learn more about your true self.

A dream interpretation dictionary can be very helpful when you are attempting to find the meaning of a dream.  While it is a useful tool for interpreting dreams, you must keep in mind that it is just an insight into the symbolism of dreams.  Think about how the interpretation of the word pertains to you, and do not just accept the general interpretation in the dictionary.  These descriptions are just suggestions, and you should apply them to the theme of the dream and your own personal situation.  Keeping a small journal by your bedside to record dreams when you awake will help you get a grasp on how your dreams influence your life.