Understanding Dream Analysis and Interpretation
While it is true that no one knows the exact origins of dream
analysis and interpretation, it is safe to assume that there has
been some sort of dream analysis going on as long as their have
been dreams. It is also a safe bet that dreams have been around
as long as human beings have, and maybe even before. For
instance, some animals, such as cats and dogs, are known to
dream, so it is probably true that our ancient ancestors had
dream worlds of their own.
No one knows the content of these early dreams of course, or how
early humans reacted to them. At first, humans probably reacted
with fear to find themselves in unfamiliar territory, facing
unfamiliar objects and places. It is known that many ancient
cultures saw no distinction between the world of dreams and the
world of physical reality. In these cultures, the dream world
was simply an extension of the physical world.
As a matter of fact, many cultures throughout history have
placed a greater level of importance on the dream world than on
the physical world. Dreams were often imbued with magic powers,
and many people thought that dreams were a way for the soul to
commune with the spirit world while the body got its much needed
rest.
Dream interpretation may have been around for as long as dreams
have been, but archeologists have discovered that dream
interpretation is at least 5000-6000 years old. That is because
clay tablets dating back to 3000-4000 B.C. have been found, and
these tablets detail dreams and their interpretation.
Even in today's world, dream analysis and interpretation
continues to be a source of wonder, inspiration and even
healing. Psychologists and therapists often use dream analysis
as part of their careers, and dream interpretation has been used
in modern times to treat victims of trauma and help them heal.
In the ancient world, dream interpretation has a long and
storied history. Some of the earliest mentions of dreams and
dream analysis occur in the Bible, and the Bible contains more
than 700 references to dreams and their meanings.
The world of the ancient Greeks and Romans was also fascinated
with dreams and what they meant. The Greeks and Romans often saw
dreams as a way for their gods to connect with mortals, and the
messages contained in dreams were carefully examined and taken
very seriously.
Greek and Roman politicians and warriors employed dream
interpreters to provide analysis of the dreams of soldiers,
generals and politicians, and the results of this dream analysis
was used to influence political and military decisions.
The ancient Egyptians also saw religious significance in dreams,
and those who could interpret and analyze dreams, as well as
those whose dreams were particularly vivid or significant, were
given special status in Egyptian society.
Dream interpretation and analysis continues to enjoy a special
place in the modern world. After Sigmund Freud revolutionized
the world of dream analysis more than a century ago, a new era
of dream interpretation was ushered in, and dream research
continues to evolve and grow at a rapid pace.