The Connection Between Dreams and Memories
Dreams have long fascinated humanity, serving as portals into our subconscious mind. One of the most profound aspects of dreaming lies in how our personal memories shape the narratives we experience during sleep. Each dream can be seen as a reflection of our past, blending emotions, experiences, and lessons learned.
When we dream, it is not merely a series of random images; instead, it often stitches together elements from different moments in our lives, configuring them into compelling stories. Understanding how memories influence our dream narratives gives us a deeper appreciation of our inner lives and can help illuminate our waking experiences. This exploration unveils how retaining memories can evoke emotions that play out in our dreams, revealing deeper truths about ourselves and guiding us on our spiritual journeys.
Through the lens of classic dream interpretation, particularly the teachings of the esteemed Ibni Sirin, one can find meaning in these potent dream memories as they reflect our values, fears, and aspirations.
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- Understanding that memories play a significant role in shaping our dream experiences.
- Recognizing the difference between true and false dreams influenced by personal desires.
- Valuing the deeper spiritual meanings and messages behind dream narratives.
Symbols
- vision
- Askance:
Eyes in a dream represent one’s religion or wealth. If one sees grass growing all over him but does not cover his ears or eyes in a dream, it means prosperity. One’s eyes in a dream also represent his faith and the road to victory in this life and in the next.
One’s eyes in a dream also could represent his guidance or his heedlessness. Having many eyes throughout one’s body in a dream represents one’s piety, vigilance and excellence of character. If one sees the eyes of his heart in a dream, it means that he sees with the light of clarity.
If one sees a man looking at him with a side glance in a dream, it means that he will suffer from an adversity, mistrust, disapproval, suspicion and disdain at the hand of such a man. If such a man opens his eyes and looks at him straight forward in the dream, it means that he will help him in his business or support his interests. If one’s eyes turn into iron in a dream, it means distress, a scandal or serious suffering from one’s community.
If one sees himself looking at women in his dream, it means that he commits adultery with his eyes by looking and desiring what is unlawful. If one looks at someone’s eyes in a dream and likes them, it means that he will suffer from an adversity, religious corruption or jealousy. If one sees himself having an extra eye inside his body in a dream, it means that he is an atheist.
If one sees himself having an extra eye over his shoulder in a dream, it means that he will be named to receive money in absentia. If one sees his eyes transfixed in a dream, it means that he looks suspiciously at a relative or someone else’s wife. Black eyes in a dream represent a religious person.
A bluish-black eyes in a dream denote opposing one’s religion. Blue eyes in a dream mean religious innovations. Green eyes in a dream mean a religion which is different from all religions.
Sharp sight in a dream means blessings, while weak sight means joblessness and living from the generosity of others. If a father sees weakness in his sight in a dream, it means that a sickness will inflict his children. If one loses his eyes in a dream, it means the death of his children.
If a poor person or a prisoner sees that in a dream, it means that he will never become free again, or see any light for the rest of his life. If an oppressed person sees weakness in his eyes in a dream, it means that someone will help him overcome his adversities. If a traveller sees that dream, it means that he will DICTIONARY OF DREAMS 149 never return to his homeland.
If one sees that his eyes belong to an unknown person in a dream, it means that he will become blind. If he recognizes that person in the dream, it means that he will be married to his daughter. If one’s eyes fall into his lap in a dream, it means the death of his brother or son.
The eyes of a human being in a dream also represent his beloved, his son or his faith. Any defect in them in the dream may reflect in such people. Having one hundred eyes in a dream means money.
The eyes of a ruler represent his spies. Eyes in a dream also represent a controller, a man or a spring. Treating one’s eyes with medicinal ointment in a dream means correcting one’s religious life or begetting a son who will become the jewel light of his father’s eyes or if one’s brother is exiled or deported from his homeland, it means that he will solicit him and entrust him with duties toward his family.
If one sees his sight better than what people think in the dream, it means that his inner character is better than what people think, or if he sees his sight weakened though people do not know about it in the dream, it means that he keeps his faith to himself. If one’s eyes become white in a dream, they represent sorrow, or loss of a beloved. If one sees his eyes white, and if the white veil is lifted in the dream, it means that he will be reunited with his beloved and his distress will be dispelled.
The right eye in a dream represents one’s son and the left eye represents one’s daughter. If a father sees one of his eyes being transposed to mix with the other eye in a dream, and if he has a son and a daughter, he should separate their bedrooms. Eating someone’s eye in a dream means steeling his money.
Seeing one’s eyes without eyelashes in a dream means defying God’s laws. If one unplugs his eyelashes in a dream, it means that he will expose himself to his enemy. Seeing beautiful eyes in a dream could denote, sorcery, black magic, life or death.
Eyes in a dream also represent one’s family, relatives, children or workers. Eyes in a dream also signify mourning someone or they could denote a sickness. Smearing one’s eyes in a dream means calamities, sufferings and punishment for one’s sins.
To guard one’s eyes from looking at what is unlawful in a dream means heeding God’s commands.
- Transfixed:
Eyes in a dream represent one’s religion or wealth. If one sees grass growing all over him but does not cover his ears or eyes in a dream, it means prosperity. One’s eyes in a dream also represent his faith and the road to victory in this life and in the next.
One’s eyes in a dream also could represent his guidance or his heedlessness. Having many eyes throughout one’s body in a dream represents one’s piety, vigilance and excellence of character. If one sees the eyes of his heart in a dream, it means that he sees with the light of clarity.
If one sees a man looking at him with a side glance in a dream, it means that he will suffer from an adversity, mistrust, disapproval, suspicion and disdain at the hand of such a man. If such a man opens his eyes and looks at him straight forward in the dream, it means that he will help him in his business or support his interests. If one’s eyes turn into iron in a dream, it means distress, a scandal or serious suffering from one’s community.
If one sees himself looking at women in his dream, it means that he commits adultery with his eyes by looking and desiring what is unlawful. If one looks at someone’s eyes in a dream and likes them, it means that he will suffer from an adversity, religious corruption or jealousy. If one sees himself having an extra eye inside his body in a dream, it means that he is an atheist.
If one sees himself having an extra eye over his shoulder in a dream, it means that he will be named to receive money in absentia. If one sees his eyes transfixed in a dream, it means that he looks suspiciously at a relative or someone else’s wife. Black eyes in a dream represent a religious person.
A bluish-black eyes in a dream denote opposing one’s religion. Blue eyes in a dream mean religious innovations. Green eyes in a dream mean a religion which is different from all religions.
Sharp sight in a dream means blessings, while weak sight means joblessness and living from the generosity of others. If a father sees weakness in his sight in a dream, it means that a sickness will inflict his children. If one loses his eyes in a dream, it means the death of his children.
If a poor person or a prisoner sees that in a dream, it means that he will never become free again, or see any light for the rest of his life. If an oppressed person sees weakness in his eyes in a dream, it means that someone will help him overcome his adversities. If a traveller sees that dream, it means that he will DICTIONARY OF DREAMS 149 never return to his homeland.
If one sees that his eyes belong to an unknown person in a dream, it means that he will become blind. If he recognizes that person in the dream, it means that he will be married to his daughter. If one’s eyes fall into his lap in a dream, it means the death of his brother or son.
The eyes of a human being in a dream also represent his beloved, his son or his faith. Any defect in them in the dream may reflect in such people. Having one hundred eyes in a dream means money.
The eyes of a ruler represent his spies. Eyes in a dream also represent a controller, a man or a spring. Treating one’s eyes with medicinal ointment in a dream means correcting one’s religious life or begetting a son who will become the jewel light of his father’s eyes or if one’s brother is exiled or deported from his homeland, it means that he will solicit him and entrust him with duties toward his family.
If one sees his sight better than what people think in the dream, it means that his inner character is better than what people think, or if he sees his sight weakened though people do not know about it in the dream, it means that he keeps his faith to himself. If one’s eyes become white in a dream, they represent sorrow, or loss of a beloved. If one sees his eyes white, and if the white veil is lifted in the dream, it means that he will be reunited with his beloved and his distress will be dispelled.
The right eye in a dream represents one’s son and the left eye represents one’s daughter. If a father sees one of his eyes being transposed to mix with the other eye in a dream, and if he has a son and a daughter, he should separate their bedrooms. Eating someone’s eye in a dream means steeling his money.
Seeing one’s eyes without eyelashes in a dream means defying God’s laws. If one unplugs his eyelashes in a dream, it means that he will expose himself to his enemy. Seeing beautiful eyes in a dream could denote, sorcery, black magic, life or death.
Eyes in a dream also represent one’s family, relatives, children or workers. Eyes in a dream also signify mourning someone or they could denote a sickness. Smearing one’s eyes in a dream means calamities, sufferings and punishment for one’s sins.
To guard one’s eyes from looking at what is unlawful in a dream means heeding God’s commands.
- Spy glass:
(Spy glass; Telescope) In a dream, binoculars represents a notable person or the person who is looking through them. Looking with binoculars from a distance in a dream means victory over one’s adversary, attainment of one’s goals, rising in rank, spying, or happiness. If a merchant looks through binoculars in a dream, it means sovereignty, prosperity, presiding over his fellow merchants and gaining power.
Bird’s nest:
- Askance:
- narratives
- Story:
In a dream, a storyteller may represent the Imam of a mosque, or the Khat'ib who delivers the Friday sermon. A storyteller in a dream also may represent one’s livelihood, or intestinal and bowel problems, or he could represent travels. If the stories are new, then they mean disturbances in one’s life.
If they are stories of chivalry, then they represent a war. A pleasant story one tells to a king, or to man of authority in a dream represents wealth, or great profits which are distributed equitably. As for a merchant, hearing a pleasant story in a dream represents easy and quick profits from his business, and for a craftsman, it represents a sizeable contract, or an important new account.
- Storyteller:
In a dream, a storyteller may represent the Imam of a mosque, or the Khat'ib who delivers the Friday sermon. A storyteller in a dream also may represent one’s livelihood, or intestinal and bowel problems, or he could represent travels. If the stories are new, then they mean disturbances in one’s life.
If they are stories of chivalry, then they represent a war. A pleasant story one tells to a king, or to man of authority in a dream represents wealth, or great profits which are distributed equitably. As for a merchant, hearing a pleasant story in a dream represents easy and quick profits from his business, and for a craftsman, it represents a sizeable contract, or an important new account.
- Outer:
(Manifest)
- Story:
- stories
- Story:
In a dream, a storyteller may represent the Imam of a mosque, or the Khat'ib who delivers the Friday sermon. A storyteller in a dream also may represent one’s livelihood, or intestinal and bowel problems, or he could represent travels. If the stories are new, then they mean disturbances in one’s life.
If they are stories of chivalry, then they represent a war. A pleasant story one tells to a king, or to man of authority in a dream represents wealth, or great profits which are distributed equitably. As for a merchant, hearing a pleasant story in a dream represents easy and quick profits from his business, and for a craftsman, it represents a sizeable contract, or an important new account.
- Storyteller:
In a dream, a storyteller may represent the Imam of a mosque, or the Khat'ib who delivers the Friday sermon. A storyteller in a dream also may represent one’s livelihood, or intestinal and bowel problems, or he could represent travels. If the stories are new, then they mean disturbances in one’s life.
If they are stories of chivalry, then they represent a war. A pleasant story one tells to a king, or to man of authority in a dream represents wealth, or great profits which are distributed equitably. As for a merchant, hearing a pleasant story in a dream represents easy and quick profits from his business, and for a craftsman, it represents a sizeable contract, or an important new account.
- Humorist:
(Comedian; Storyteller) In a dream, a humorist represents frivolity, prankishness, satire, falsehood, deceit, or sarcasm.
- Story:
- dream
- Spook:
DICTIONARY OF DREAMS 407
- Varanidae:
DICTIONARY OF DREAMS 459
- Tuberculosis:
In a dream, it represents an illness, debts, a journey that necessi¬ tates living a simple life, being filthy, or it could represent a rare form of art.
- Spook:
- aspiration
- Incline:
(Incline; Mountain road; Steep incline) If one sees himself climbing a steep incline in a dream, it means toiling to succeed in both his material and spiritual life, or it could mean trying to gather the benefits of both worlds, though with great strain on him . An ascent in a dream also could signify a difficult woman or a stern man who can only be handled with kindness, gentleness and love. An ascent in a dream also represents one’s associate, or a business partner who cannot be trusted with one’s money or life.
An ascent in a dream also represents the road to salvation or the dangers one may have to cross and the deeds that can save him from hell-fire. An ascent in a dream also could represent adversities, difficulties and dangers. Ascending a steep incline in a dream means danger and descending a steep hill means reaching safety.
An ascent in a dream also could represent a bridge, an underpass, a wife, a woman, or a scorpion. Walking through a steep incline in a dream also means rising in station because of one’s knowledge, politics, good conduct, fulfillment of one’s duties, his caring for others or wisdom. Falling through a steep hill in a dream means falling in rank, losing one’s prestige, losing one’s money, denying the truth, objecting to one’s religion or walking into darkness.
Climbing in a dream always means attainment of one’s goals. Climbing flat on one’s back in a dream has negative connotations. Descending from a steep hill, or from a ship, or coming down form a castle or a mountain in a dream also mean that one’s goal will not materialize.
- Mountain road:
(Incline; Mountain road; Steep incline) If one sees himself climbing a steep incline in a dream, it means toiling to succeed in both his material and spiritual life, or it could mean trying to gather the benefits of both worlds, though with great strain on him . An ascent in a dream also could signify a difficult woman or a stern man who can only be handled with kindness, gentleness and love. An ascent in a dream also represents one’s associate, or a business partner who cannot be trusted with one’s money or life.
An ascent in a dream also represents the road to salvation or the dangers one may have to cross and the deeds that can save him from hell-fire. An ascent in a dream also could represent adversities, difficulties and dangers. Ascending a steep incline in a dream means danger and descending a steep hill means reaching safety.
An ascent in a dream also could represent a bridge, an underpass, a wife, a woman, or a scorpion. Walking through a steep incline in a dream also means rising in station because of one’s knowledge, politics, good conduct, fulfillment of one’s duties, his caring for others or wisdom. Falling through a steep hill in a dream means falling in rank, losing one’s prestige, losing one’s money, denying the truth, objecting to one’s religion or walking into darkness.
Climbing in a dream always means attainment of one’s goals. Climbing flat on one’s back in a dream has negative connotations. Descending from a steep hill, or from a ship, or coming down form a castle or a mountain in a dream also mean that one’s goal will not materialize.
- Steep incline:
(Incline; Mountain road; Steep incline) If one sees himself climbing a steep incline in a dream, it means toiling to succeed in both his material and spiritual life, or it could mean trying to gather the benefits of both worlds, though with great strain on him . An ascent in a dream also could signify a difficult woman or a stern man who can only be handled with kindness, gentleness and love. An ascent in a dream also represents one’s associate, or a business partner who cannot be trusted with one’s money or life.
An ascent in a dream also represents the road to salvation or the dangers one may have to cross and the deeds that can save him from hell-fire. An ascent in a dream also could represent adversities, difficulties and dangers. Ascending a steep incline in a dream means danger and descending a steep hill means reaching safety.
An ascent in a dream also could represent a bridge, an underpass, a wife, a woman, or a scorpion. Walking through a steep incline in a dream also means rising in station because of one’s knowledge, politics, good conduct, fulfillment of one’s duties, his caring for others or wisdom. Falling through a steep hill in a dream means falling in rank, losing one’s prestige, losing one’s money, denying the truth, objecting to one’s religion or walking into darkness.
Climbing in a dream always means attainment of one’s goals. Climbing flat on one’s back in a dream has negative connotations. Descending from a steep hill, or from a ship, or coming down form a castle or a mountain in a dream also mean that one’s goal will not materialize.
- Incline:
- memories
- Captivated:
Feeling captivated by something in a dream represents one’s love for money and wanting to amass the wealth of the entire world if he could. If one is fond of his own hair or ties, or if he sees himself as a collector of fine ties in the dream, it means that he is a professional business person who amasses large sums of money.
- Paintings:
(Art; Picture; Portrait) In a dream, paintings represent memories, guidance, or advice. Paintings in a dream also denote the passing of time, advancing of years, or the days of one’s life. As for an immigrant, paintings in his dream mean reunion with his family, beloved, or commanding good and forbidding evil.
- Spikes:
(Fishbones) DICTIONARY OF DREAMS 405
- Captivated:
- accounts
- Astringent:
In a dream, an accountant represents an astringent person who also has the power to carry sentences. If his accounting is strict and detailed in the dream it means that his sentence will be severe and painful. (Also see Ac¬ countability)
- Employee:
- Employment:
- Astringent:
- recollections
- Heedful angels:
(Angels; Spiritual) Representing the heedful angels in charge of guarding the writings of the Preserved Tablets, and the heavenly beings or scribes in charge of recording peoples’ deeds. In a dream, the blessed angels in charge of keeping peoples’ records represent the gnostics, the renowned people of knowledge, religious scholars and the trustworthy ones. Seeing the scribes of the records in one’s dream brings him glad tidings in this life and in the next.
If the person lives a pious life, it means that the heavenly paradise is his final abode, but if he is impious, it could represent a clear warning. Meeting the blessed angels in charge of keeping peoples’ records in a dream also means facing adversities, then becoming free from one’s trials.
- Notebook:
(Records) In a dream, a notebook means managing one’s expenses, or remembering the past. A notebooks in a dream also represents an estate, a treasure chest, benefits, profits, distress, burdens, or bad comments. If an unemployed person sees a notebook in his dream, it means that he will find work.
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- Requital:
(Retaliation; Retribution) In a dream, requital means longevity, departure from one’s past, or it could mean instituting justice, or performing penance that will purify the person from his sins, such as prayers, voluntary fasting and alms giving.
- Heedful angels:
- reminiscences
- Requital:
(Retaliation; Retribution) In a dream, requital means longevity, departure from one’s past, or it could mean instituting justice, or performing penance that will purify the person from his sins, such as prayers, voluntary fasting and alms giving.
- Mourning the dead:
(Mourning; Wailing; Yowling) Lamenting and desiring something in a dream connotes evil. Lamentation in a dream also represents a preacher or it could represent a putrid odor that comes from opening the door of a filthy lavatory. Lamentation in a dream also represents dogs’yowling, drum beating, the ringing sound of cymbals, or it could mean a wedding.
Sitting in a place where people are lamenting and mourning their dead in a dream means that an ominous evil may take place in that locality, or perhaps it could mean separation between families and friends. If one sees himself mourning a deceased person in a dream, it means that harm will come to him from the descendents or family of the departed person. Lamenting with great pain and sorrow and mourning over a deceased person in a dream also means waking up to a great joy and happiness.
Lamenting in a dream also means adversities which are driven by the person who is lamenting. It also means going astray, or it could denote a flute, as the flute denotes lamenting in a dream. Lamenting in a dream also represents the work of ignorance.
- Wailing:
(Mourning; Wailing; Yowling) Lamenting and desiring something in a dream connotes evil. Lamentation in a dream also represents a preacher or it could represent a putrid odor that comes from opening the door of a filthy lavatory. Lamentation in a dream also represents dogs’yowling, drum beating, the ringing sound of cymbals, or it could mean a wedding.
Sitting in a place where people are lamenting and mourning their dead in a dream means that an ominous evil may take place in that locality, or perhaps it could mean separation between families and friends. If one sees himself mourning a deceased person in a dream, it means that harm will come to him from the descendents or family of the departed person. Lamenting with great pain and sorrow and mourning over a deceased person in a dream also means waking up to a great joy and happiness.
Lamenting in a dream also means adversities which are driven by the person who is lamenting. It also means going astray, or it could denote a flute, as the flute denotes lamenting in a dream. Lamenting in a dream also represents the work of ignorance.
- Requital:
Practical Insights for Understanding Dream Narratives
- Keep a Dream Journal
Maintaining a dream journal is a powerful practice that can enhance your connection with your dreams. By writing down your dreams each morning, you provide yourself with a space to reflect on the narratives that arise. Record not just the main events, but also the emotions you felt and any memories that may have influenced your dream.
Over time, you may notice patterns or recurring themes that reflect unresolved feelings or past experiences. This practice not only cultivates mindfulness but also invites deeper spiritual insight into your waking life, helping you understand how past memories shape your present reality.
- Engage in Reflection Time
After waking, take a few moments to quietly reflect on your dreams. Consider the symbols and events and how they might connect to your memories. This reflective practice allows you to gain insights into how your experiences from the past influence your dreams.
You might recall a scenario or person from your past that resonates with the feelings experienced in your dream. Such reflections can be profound and lead you toward greater clarity about your emotional life and personal growth. It’s about creating a dialogue with your inner self, understanding the memories that occupy your mind and how they affect your daily existence.
- Explore Connection Between Feelings and Dreams
Consider the emotions that arise during your dreams. Do they align with feelings you’ve had about a specific memory or situation? Exploring this connection enhances your understanding of how your unconscious mind communicates with you through dreams.
Recognizing these links can help guide you in processing past experiences. For example, if you dream of a loved one and feel a profound sense of loss, it may be a reflection of unresolved feelings about that relationship. Acknowledging these emotions helps pave the way for healing, allowing you to foster a better relationship with both your memories and your future.
FAQs
- What do dreams influenced by memories mean?
Dreams that seem to draw on past memories often signify a deep-seated connection between your current emotional state and experiences you've had. According to traditional interpretations, these dreams may hint at unresolved emotions, lessons waiting to be acknowledged, or even nostalgia for certain moments in your life. It's essential to approach these dreams with an open mind, as they can provide profound insights into your emotional landscape, guiding you toward healing or closure.
- Can memories from childhood impact my dreams?
Yes, childhood memories significantly influence adult dreams. The influence of formative experiences often manifests in dreams as representations of feelings associated with those memories. For instance, a dream involving a childhood home may evoke feelings of safety or insecurity based on your early life experiences. Engaging with these childhood memories through dreams can lead to self-discovery and healing as you reflect on how they shape your current identity.
- How can I differentiate between a true dream and a false dream?
In dream interpretation, a true dream is considered to carry a significant message or insight, often originating from a divine source, while a false dream may stem from personal desires or anxieties. To discern the nature of your dreams, reflect on the feelings associated with them: do they resonate with inner truths or are they influenced by momentary desires? Keeping a dream journal and practicing self-reflection can help you identify these patterns.
- Why do certain memories recur in my dreams?
Recurrent memories in dreams often indicate unresolved feelings or issues that your subconscious seeks to process. These dreams may serve as a means of reminding you to address aspects of your past that require emotional resolution. By recognizing these patterns, you can actively engage with those memories in your waking life, contributing to personal growth and emotional well-being.
- What role do emotions play in dreams influenced by memories?
Emotions are central to the narrative of dreams influenced by memories. They not only shape the content of the dream but also highlight the significance of the memories being processed. Dreams can serve as a mirror, reflecting the emotions you may need to confront, heal from, or embrace. Acknowledging and understanding these emotions can empower you to work through past experiences and improve your overall emotional health.
