Interpreting dream messages correctly takes practice. It also requires some spiritual maturity. Our dreams are not interested in our egocentric agendas, but rather our authentic soul growth and maturity. It is a good idea to keep this in mind when we first attempt dream interpretation.
As interesting and meaningful as dreamwork can be, it can also be difficult. Dreams can point to our destructive tendencies and those things that we are avoiding. It can be unapologetic in its requirement for change around these things. But as a foundational principle, we should make sure that we are interpreting our dreams correctly.
There are a few ways to probe if we are indeed interpreting our dreams correctly. The first is probably the most obvious: We can reflect, journal and question. Is this really what the dream is saying? Do I have some blind spots concerning this?
The second thing to aim for when interpreting dreams is an inner knowing. The difference between thinking you understand the message and knowing you understand the message, is huge. That said, it might not be evident if you have been separated from your own inner knowing for a while. Inner knowing can feel like an aha moment. It can feel like a sudden realisation. It is a sense that says, Yes, this is right.
Lastly, our dreams are there to aid us. When it comes to dream interpretation it is important to hold this idea at the centre of our awareness.
Our dreams will not deceive us. (Here’s a related post). Our dreams are there to help us grow. Even nightmare and warning dreams have a profound purpose beyond fear. These dreams often force us to become aware of things that we’ve been avoiding and neglecting for months or years. Importantly, we should realise that we have agency over outcomes. We should not feel victimised by persistent nightmares.
Knowing that our dreams are profound messages that guide and aid us, changes our relationship to them. It makes us less likely to ignore them. And it makes us more inclined to remember and write them down. Even if your dream recall is lousy, dream recall and interpretation is something that you can cultivate and improve. It’s a skill. It simply requires jotting down dreams in a journal and reflecting regularly.