Dreams are said to be where we are closest to heaven, without the actual act of crossing over. Mysterious messages that are received in dream-states are also said to be from the soul and of the spirit realm.

The Old and New Testament are filled with stories of dreams, and they have guided the actions of kings and challenged the understanding of philosophers for centuries. Some cultures continue to base their most important decisions and decision-making processes on symbols, messages and guidance received in dreams.

In the Native American Shaman tradition, dreams were and still are used to transcend the physical earth-bound realm in gaining wisdom from the spirit world and to achieve power from the animal kingdom in healing rituals and ceremonies.

It is current thought from scientific research that dreams originate in the unconscious, or the "id." Our psyche is made up of three parts: the "ego" (our consciousness), the "superego" (our conscience), and the "id" (our unconscious).

Studies have proven that everyone dreams, even though some insist they never dream. In fact, we are capable of dreaming anytime we sleep. About every 90 minutes during normal sleep cycles, we enter a rapid eye movement (REM) state during which dreams occur and are most vivid.

There are many different types of dreams. There are creative, healing, warning, teaching, visionary, and prophetic dreams. Through interpretation, dreams can teach us why we are who we are, what possibilities reside within us, how to solve conflicts, and how to best reach our highest aspirations and goals.

Some philosophers believe the one who is having the dream is usually best suited to interpret the dream based on issues or events they are currently involved in. However, there are multitudes of books and scientific studies on symbols found in dreams, and for assistance on their interpretations.

The key to understanding and interpreting dreams is to remember them; and then ask yourself the four simple questions listed below to assist dream meanings to be opened up to you.

             ASK YOURSELF FOUR SIMPLE QUESTIONS
            TO ASSIST IN INTERPRETATING YOUR DREAMS

    
         •   How did the dream make me feel emotionally?

         •   When do I have these feelings in my waking life?

         •   What is the overall content theme of my dream?

         •  How does the dream theme relate to my waking life?
    

   To enhance the reception of dreams

    Dream Exercise Before Bedtime:
    •   Create a comfortable and quiet sleeping environment.
    •   Choose a special notebook or journal for your dreams.
    •   Situate a pen, flashlight, and dream journal at bedside.
    •   Date a page of the dream journal prior to bedtime.
    •   Write down any key events or concerns from the day.
    •   Proclaim the desire to dream, or to dream about a specific issue.
    •   Proclaim the intention to remember your dreams upon waking.
    •   Sleep with your hands open as a symbol of reception.

   To enhance the recollection of dreams

    Dream Exercise Upon Awakening:
    •   Lie still when first waking.
    •   Close your eyes for a few minutes, without going back to sleep.
    •   Think about your dream and expect it to flow into your awareness.
    •   Immediately write down everything remembered from the dream.
    •   If you only remember fragments of the dream, write them down.
    •   Remember and write down any feelings or emotions of the dream
    •   Give the dream a title in order to reference it more easily.
    •   Remind yourself that dreams are an important to you, and that,
        you will remember more of your dreams every day.
    •   Throughout the day, take a few moments to remember your dream.