Understanding Dreams Shaped by Our Memories

Dreams are windows to our subconscious, reflecting our inner thoughts, fears, and most importantly, our memories. Often, the dreams we experience can be traced back to significant events, people, or feelings from our past. These memories can mold our dreams, creating a tapestry woven from our life's narrative.

When we sleep, our minds can revisit these moments, processing them in a unique way that often leads to insight and understanding. The way we perceive these dreams can be revealed through the teachings of Ibni Sirin, who emphasized the connection between dreams and the hidden depths of our personalities. Our past experiences, even those seemingly forgotten, play a crucial role in shaping the dreams we experience.

By examining the specific symbols that arise within our dreams, we can gain a deeper understanding of our current emotional state and the echoes of our past. Thus, this exploration of dreams shaped by memories can lead to profound personal revelations and a stronger connection to our inner selves.

• Dreams often reflect our deepest memories and emotions.
• Recognizing patterns in dreams can lead to personal insights.
• Memories can serve as guides to emotional healing and understanding.
• Interpretations can vary based on cultural and personal backgrounds.
• Engaging with dreams can enhance self-awareness and spirituality.

Symbols

• The Role of Emotions in Dreams
• 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:

• remembrances
  • Sympathy:

    Expressing one’s sympathy or condolences to a well-to-do person in a dream means adversities, while it means a blessing to a person in dire need. Expressing one’s sympathy to a person who is experiencing difficulties in a dream means glad tidings.

  • 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.

  • 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• Insights from Dreams
• 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.

• Cultural Perspectives on Dreams

Practical Tips for Exploring Dreams Shaped by Memories

• Keep a Dream Journal

  One of the simplest yet most effective ways to explore the dreams you have is by keeping a dream journal. Each morning, as you awaken, make it a habit to jot down any dreams you remember, even if they're just fragments. Over time, you'll begin to notice patterns, recurring themes, and prominent figures in your dreams.

  This practice can help you identify which memories are surfacing and why they might be significant. Remember to describe not only the events of the dream but also your feelings during it; this will provide deeper insights into your emotional state and how past experiences may be influencing you. Reflecting on your journal can encourage self-discovery and meaningful conversations with others who share similar experiences.

• Reflect on Emotional Resonance

  After waking from a dream, take a moment to reflect on the emotions you experienced during the dream. What feelings were most prominent? Were you happy, scared, or confused?

  By understanding your emotional responses, you can start to connect them to specific memories or experiences in your life. For example, if you dreamed of a comforting figure from your childhood, consider what that person represents in your life now. Creating a link between your dreams and your emotions can be a powerful way to navigate personal challenges, cultivate awareness, and foster emotional healing.

  Consider discussing these reflections with a trusted friend or a therapist to gain additional perspectives.

• Engage in Meditation or Mindfulness

  To unlock deeper layers of your impressive dreams, consider practicing meditation or mindfulness techniques. This can enhance your overall awareness of both your dreams and waking life. Meditation allows you to quiet the mind, making space for memories and feelings that may not surface during the hustle and bustle of daily life.

  When you meditate, try to focus on the emotions or situations you frequently encounter in your dreams. This practice can clarify what you may need to address in your waking life or reveal past experiences that still hold emotional weight. Regular mindfulness practices can illuminate connections between your memories and your dream life, enriching your personal journey.

• Discuss Dreams with Others

  Engaging in discussions about dreams with friends, family, or in a dedicated group setting can open up new avenues of understanding. Sharing your experiences allows not only for personal reflection but also aids in seeing things from different perspectives. Others might point out symbols or emotions you didn't consider, enhancing your overall interpretation.

  By allowing this collective wisdom to permeate your understanding of dreams shaped by memories, you invite greater clarity and insight. This journey of exploring dreams doesn't have to be a solitary one; the shared experience adds richness and depth that can greatly enhance your personal insights.

FAQs

• What does it mean if I dream about places from my childhood?

  Dreaming about childhood places often signifies a longing for safety and comfort. These dreams allow us to reconnect with our past experiences and may highlight unresolved issues or cherished memories that still affect us emotionally. Reflecting on these places can provide insight into current feelings of security or insecurity in your waking life.

• How do emotions affect my dreams?

  Emotions play a crucial role in shaping the content and tone of your dreams. Feelings of joy, sadness, or anxiety can inform the narrative of your dreams, making them rich with symbolism. By paying attention to your emotional state during these dreams, you may uncover connections to significant memories or experiences that need addressing.

• Can my dreams guide me in my daily life?

  Yes, dreams can serve as insightful guides by reflecting your subconscious thoughts and emotions. They often reveal areas in your life that may require attention or healing. By interpreting your dreams and understanding the memories behind them, you can gain valuable perspectives that can guide your decisions and actions in your waking life.

• Why do I have recurring dreams about past events?

  Recurring dreams about past events typically indicate unresolved feelings or situations that need your attention. Your subconscious brings these memories to the forefront to help you work through emotions associated with them. Investigating these dreams encourages self-exploration and can pave the way for healing and closure.

• Do dreams have universal meanings?

  While certain symbols in dreams can carry universal meanings, such as flying representing freedom or falling reflecting insecurity, personal context is vital. The interpretation of any dream largely depends on your personal experiences and feelings. It is important to consider your unique memories when interpreting dreams, as they shape the meaning behind the symbols.

References