The Barest Basics of Dream Analysis I

In my last Gumshoe Guide post, I mentioned the power of dreams as a method to tap into what’s going on in the unconscious mind, to help in healing. And then I was going to write a quickie post to sketch out “Dream Analysis 101.” But once I started writing, it became way longer than a single post.

So this will be the first in a 5-part series on dream analysis that will include: Preparation, Recording, Symbols, Themes, and Synthesis. (Plus, knowing me and how I can’t shut up about this topic, there will probably be a follow-up post.)

Yes, I know that means that there are now two ongoing series on this blog. But hey, that’s why I came up with the fancy new graphic! To differentiate.

Okay, so part one.

Preparation

Let’s start with a fangirl shout-out to my my favorite soul teacher, who says everything way better than I ever could but unfortunately never had a blog:

I have no theory about dreams, I do not know how dreams arise. And I am not at all sure that my way of handling dreams even deserves the name of a “method.” I share all your prejudices against dream-interpretation as the quintessence of uncertainty and arbitrariness. On the other hand, I know that if we meditate on a dream sufficiently long and thoroughly, if we carry it around with us and turn it over and over, something almost always comes of it. This something is not of course a scientific result to be boasted about or rationalized; but it is an important practical hint which shows the patient what the unconscious is aiming at.

–C. G. Jung

(How can you not love someone who says “quintessence of uncertainty and arbitrariness“? *swoon*)

You may be looking to your dreams in order to untangle something in your life, or to shed light on an issue (like depression.) If you think about it, the idea is kind of revolutionary. By trying to remember your dreams, you’re trying to open up a pathway between your rational mind and your psyche/soul—this unknown, numinous, amorphous place. A place that will do what it will, with no concern for rational planning or argument.

So, uh, your rational mind may be a little….resistant to this happening. Because if this pathway opens up, the rational mind may have to cede some control over your behavior and mood. And I’m pretty sure that the rational mind’s most-favoritest-thing ever is control.  So what I like to do is come at it sideways. Peripherally. With some stuff that might seem obvious. (If your rational mind starts rolling its eyes at all of this, that’s a good sign. That means you just might be able to sneak past it.)

1) Set an intention to remember your dreams. Even if the phrase set an intention makes you gag on patchouli, simply thinking consciously “I would like to remember my dreams” plants a little seed in your unconscious mind. Even better, write that down or draw it in a notebook you keep by your bed.

Another way to set an intention is to make a plan to discuss/analyze your dreams at a particular place and time. I used to always have the craziest dreams on Sunday nights. Because I had my psychotherapy appointment on Mondays and I think my psyche was all okay, here’s something I reeeeally want to tell you! So maybe making a plan with a friend, or marking a date on your calendar will set that in motion.

Even reading this blog post is setting an intention in a way. It’s all about planting little seeds that your unconscious can pick up on.

2) Be prepared to record your dream. Have a notebook or a little recorder by the side of your bed. And this is going to sound like a giant duh but have the notebook open to a blank page with the pen right there, or the record button ready to go. I can’t tell you how many dreams I’ve lost because in my sleepy fog I couldn’t find the next blank page (more about the sleepy fog in the next post).

Next time: Recording the dreams, and what if I never remember them?

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