Why We Dream

Your dreams are about you, the dreamer. A friend, a dream interpreter, or a book may suggest possible meanings to you, but the real discovery of their meaning must be made by you. 

The full significance of the words and images in the dream is unique to you. Your subconscious chose them out of an infinite reservoir for a reason, because they convey its message better than other words and images. And only you can know the full impact of their emotional content. 

Also, awareness comes when we discover a truth for ourselves. Others may have told us things about ourselves for years that we accept intellectually, but the light comes on when we really feel it and understand it on a “gut” level. 

So why do we dream? Why is our subconscious sending us messages? The answer is not simple because there is no universal agreement about the true purpose of dreams. 

Scientists have developed theories that have evolved over time, and mystics and psychics have added their own perspective. For Freud they represented our repressed fears and desires with deep sexual overtones. Carl Jung took a more enlightened approach and saw them as representing our heritage and our potential. 

Edgar Cayce gave many readings on dreams, and in the view expressed in the readings, dreams were for the “benefit of the individual.” They serve a problem solving function and lead to the discovery of new talents and abilities. 

However, this assumes the individual is sincerely trying to improve his or her life. Otherwise, the dreams are likely to be chaotic and of little use. I found that my dreams are the clearest when I meditate on a regular basis, establishing my purpose as one seeking help from the spiritual forces.