In the history of human kind the oldest language, by far, is the language of dreams. 

They are mentioned in literature as far back as 2000 BCE in the epic of the Sumerian king Gilgamesh. Greek poet Homer used a dream as a plot device in his masterpiece the Iliad circa 760 BCE, while Shakespeare created enduring plots and quotes about the subject. “We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep.” Prospero’s line from The Tempest is only one of many that appear in Shakespeare’s plays including Hamlet, Henry IV, Romeo and Juliet, and of course, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Surviving written evidence shows that dreams have been interpreted since Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt. Regarded as messages from the gods and oracles of the future, they appear on clay cuneiform tablets, written on papyri and carved into stone more than two thousand years old.  

It is the way our subconscious mind speaks to us when we’re most receptive: during our sleep state. And countless studies have shown that humans share a common dream language made up of symbols. When we correctly decipher these symbols we learn the message our inner most psychic realm is trying to tell us. 

This inner realm always knows what’s best for us. It also provides warnings of where we’re headed and nudges toward our potential for greatness. Too often we miss these signposts or ignore them in our conscious lives because of surface distraction. In our dream-state these vivid images play out when our conscious mind is at rest.

For over two decades I have studied dream interpretation with experts in the field. The lessons I’ve learned and applied to my own dreams have shifted my life in dramatically positive directions. Unrecognized fears have been brought to light, the need to let go of specific things and encouragement to continue on certain paths have all been revealed to me.

By following the advice of my dreams I’ve not only accomplished significant goals, I feel more clearheaded and profoundly less weighted down psychically. I’m convinced everyone can see amazing results from interpreting their dreams.

Because dream language is universal we can explore common themes that can then be linked together to get the entire message. Think of how the ancient Egyptians wrote out their language on the walls of their temples and pyramids in pictures of animals and symbols to create a whole thought. Dream imagery works the same way.

Take for example a common dream where you are in a car riding in the backseat (or front passenger’s seat) even though you’re driving. You’re feeling out of control because you know that you’re not in the right seat to be handling the automobile properly. Let’s add to this scenario the realization that you can’t find your purse. This is a frustrating dream presenting a potentially dangerous situation. 

The interpretation is that a car represents your physical body. It’s a conveyance for you just like your body is a conveyance for your soul (true self, higher self). Your subconscious is telling you that you’re not feeling in control of your body. Could it be that you’re not getting the exercise you need? Have you contracted the flu? Do you need to visit a doctor? Only you can answer that question but the fact is that something is out of sorts. Now add to that the loss of your purse. This represents the loss of value. Not only are you feeling less than great about some physical aspect about yourself, you’re aware of it and feel less valued by yourself or perhaps by others because of it. 

This is a simple interpretation of very common dream elements. Once you understand what each symbol means, the car, the purse, then you can link the images together to form the message. You apply the message specifically to your life as only you can. 

You will know when you’ve connected the dots because a moment of recognition washes over you. Instinctively you realize you’ve gotten the correct message. Your subconscious mind will have transferred its important information to your conscious mind. Fabulous things can happen when this connection is made. It’s like someone has whispered an incredible secret in your ear that changes your life forever.

Next month we will begin exploring common dream symbols and their meanings. In the meantime, begin writing down your dreams. The best time to do it is when you first awaken. Images from dreams get diluted or lost as we enter our conscious minds, especially the details, which are very important. If you have trouble remembering your dreams, give yourself the conscious message right before you fall asleep to remember what you dream that night. It’s a simple trick but it works.

Before you know it, you can master this new language and open some exciting new doors into your future.