A dream dictionary is a tool made for interpreting images in a dream. Dream dictionaries tend to include specific images which are attached to specific interpretations. Generally these dictionaries assume that dreams are meaningful and reflect knowledge that is primarily available on a subconscious level.

History

Since the 19th century, the art of dream interpretation has been transferred to a scientific ground, making it a distinct part of psychology. However, the dream symbols of the "unscientific" days --the outcome of hear-say interpretations that differ around the world among different cultures -- continued to mark the day of an average human-being, who is most likely unfamiliar with Freudian analysis of dreams. In this aspect, dream dictionaries that are available on print and online could be examined in two groups:

• Scientific (Uses scientific definitions from psychology)
• Traditional (Uses the myths and conventional interpretations)

For both the traditional and scientific types of dream dictionaries, there is little evidence that these documents reflect the true meanings of dreams. Just like the traditional interpretations, psychological interpretations are also far from totally deciphering the meanings of dreams, as they are regarded as mere theories of the scientists of the last two centuries. However, one should realize that the practice of dream analysis developed by Sigmund Freud is regarded as the correct interpretation by many psychologists, as it has not been possible over the last century to disprove his theories. It is important to note that among psychiatrists and psychologists, even Sigmund Freud's interpretations are disputed in terms of their scientific values. It is true that Freud based his theories on his long list of patients' experiences, which were recorded by him during his psychoanalysis sessions; however, whether this a few number of patients could be enough to theorize such specific statement in dream analysis is still under discussion by scientists.

For those with traditional leanings, particularly they of a Judeo-Christian background, there are several dream dictionaries on the market today--most of which have grown out of the Charismatic Movement. However, though some are considered "dream dictionaries proper," others are Biblical symbolism dictionaries which can serve the same purpose. The following are examples of Biblical symbolism and/or Christian dream dictionaries:

1. The Prophet’s Dictionary, by Paula A. Price
2. Understanding the Dreams You Dream, by Ira Milligan
3. Illustrated Bible-Based Dictionary of Dream Symbols, by Joe Ibojie
4. Preaching from the Types and Metaphors of the Bible, by Benjamin Keach
5. Dictionary of Biblical Imagery, ed. Leland Ryken
6. Figures of Speech Used in the Bible, by E. W. Bullinger
7. Interpreting the Symbols and Types, by Kevin Connor

References

External links

• Dream Interpretation at Freud and Jung

Further reading

• Mary Summer Rain, In Your Dreams: The Ultimate Dream Dictionary. (2005) ISBN 0440237076.
• Mary Summer Rain, On Dreams. Hampton Roads Pub Co Inc. (1996) ISBN 1571740422.
• Tony Crisp, Dream Dictionary : An A to Z Guide to Understanding Your Unconscious Mind. (2002) ISBN 0440237076
• Rosemary Ellen Guiley, The Encyclopedia of Dreams. (1995) ISBN 0425147886
• Sigmund Freud, The Interpretation of Dreams, Avon, (1980).
• Carl Jung, "Man and His Symbols", Doubleday, (1964),
• Robert Van de Castle, "Our Dreaming Mind", Aquarian, (1994),
• Norman MacKenzie, "Dreams and Dreaming", Bloomsbury Books, (1989),
• J. A. Hadfield, "Dreams and Nightmares", Penguin, (1954)