The idea behind dream interpretation is simple: decipher the symbols in your dreams and you will understand what you are unconsciously struggling with. no matter how bizarre your visions may seem on the surface, like walking naked on the subway or an nsfw with your boss (ouch!), champions of dream interpretation promise that there is a deeper meaning behind them. If you’re curious to know more, maybe it’s time you turned to one of these dream books.
many people dream about the same things (family, money, job) and there is a good reason for it. Dreams, as many psychologists and scientists theorize, help the mind deal with and process everyday emotions, conflicts, and stress. In other words, understanding your dreams could help you understand yourself.
You are reading: Books about dreams and their meanings
Still not convinced? don’t hit it until you’ve tried it. Even if you’re not completely sold, it can still be fun and informative to see what experts from around the world have to say about the life of your dreams. So do you think you’re ready to learn how dreams can relate to your waking life? Check out these 13 books on dream interpretation below.
1. the interpretation of dreams: the complete and definitive text of sigmund freud
as sigmund freud said in this now classic work, “the interpretation of dreams is the royal road to knowledge of the unconscious activities of the mind.” dream interpretation is no longer taken as gospel in the psychology community, but it is still fascinating to read freud’s very particular guide to dreaming, which covers everything from dream theory to dream interpretation, complete with case studies from their own practice.
2. sleeping, dreaming and dying: an exploration of consciousness by tibet’s dalai lama
The Dalai Lama’s book Sleep, Dream and Die explores the ways dreams have been examined in the Eastern world, as well as how these historical threads relate to Western studies of the subconscious. as the title suggests, his holiness focuses on three key areas of the human experience: sleep, dreams, and death.
3. psychology of the unconscious by carl jung
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carl jung, like his mentor freud, helped bring the study of dreams into the mainstream. the Swiss psychologist has a number of published works on dreams, and the psychology of the unconscious is one of his most famous works. Written in 1912, this book lays out Jung’s theories about how our subconscious symbolically manifests itself in consciousness and how it affects the human psyche as a whole.
4. shadow work journal and workbook for black women for unlimited abundance
This journal and workbook lets you be the author. Designed specifically for black women, the shadow journal and workbook explains the art of “shadow work,” which helps users access the most repressed parts of their subconscious minds. With over a hundred journaling prompts to help readers do just that, and plenty of blank pages to fill in with thoughts and feelings that arise in the process, this book promises to help beginners master the basics. /p>
5. where dreams come alive: the alchemy of the african healer by lynne radomsky
In this book, clinical psychologist Lynne Radomsky delves into the world of indigenous Zulu healers from South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. where dreams come to life, the author describes how these healers have historically helped channel “a creative individuation that demonstrates the autonomy of deep psychic processes,” a practice the author says has parallels in Western scholarship.
6. lucid dreaming: gateway to the inner self by robert waggoner
If you’ve ever been curious about lucid dreaming (that’s dreaming knowing you’re dreaming), Robert Waggoner’s book Lucid Dreaming: Gateway to the Inner Self is a great place to start. Told autobiographically, Lucid Dreaming breaks down the five phases of lucid dreaming and explains how to master them all. Intriguing and inspiring, this is a helpful guide for beginners and experienced lucid dreamers alike.
7. the definitive dream language dictionary by briceida ryan
The Definitive Dream Language Dictionary is a handy handbook to have on hand. Briceida Ryan’s book is an alphabetical guide to interpreting dream imagery: Whether you want to understand what it means when you dream of sex, violence, or great white sharks, this extensive and easy-to-search tome is sure to have the answer. With 25,000 possible dream symbols listed and analyzed, it is among the most comprehensive books of its kind.
8. the art of dreaming by carlos castaneda
Anthropologist Carlos Castaneda (allegedly) spent over a decade following a Yaqui “sorcerer” in the mid-20th century. Castaneda imparts some of what he learned in the art of dreaming, which is intended to teach readers how to control their consciousness while they sleep. the key is to master “full awareness” of the subconscious, which can be achieved in seven steps. Whether or not Castaneda actually spent all that time with the Yaqui “sorcerer” is still up for debate, but The Art of Dreaming is a fascinating read nonetheless.
9. the oracle of the night: history and science of dreams by sidarta ribeiro
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“what is a dream?” It is the central question of Sidarta Ribeiro’s oracle of the night. ribeiro, a neuroscientist and founder of the brain institute at the federal university of rio grande do norte in brazil, analyzes evolution, social factors, and the personal subconscious to explain the nature of dreams. From ancient cave drawings to today’s leading scientific theories, The Night Oracle offers a comprehensive chronicle of how dreams have shaped humanity and the world.
10. the dream and the underworld of james hillman
In a nutshell, Jung walked so James Hillman could run. Hillman’s studies extend Jung’s theories of archetypal psychology and he is credited with founding the movement associated with such ideas. Combining his earlier work with the myth of psychology analysis and revision, Hillman’s 1979 book The Dream and the Underworld delves into Jung’s original findings and argues that dreams are not randomly formulated. he also argues that the “soul” plays an important role in the human psyche.
11. The Pagan Dream Guide: Dreamtime Imagery Symbolism and Ancient Wisdom by Pat Regan
Have you ever dreamed of something so wild or outlandish that it makes you briefly doubt your sanity? The Pagan Dream Guide aims to clarify the often confusing images seen in dreams. While the author argues that the dreamer has the highest authority to interpret her subconscious, this comprehensive guide can help readers work through their dreams and the subconscious feelings that underlie them.
12. why we dream: science, creativity, and the transformative power of dreams by alice robb
In her book, former New Republic staff writer Alice Robb attempts to answer an age-old and intractable question: Why do we dream? Although all humans dream, and an overwhelming number remember their dreams the next morning, much of this universal experience remains a mystery. Why We Dream draws on years of scientific research to explain why dreams are important and how readers should interpret their own night visions.
13. exploring the world of lucid dreaming by stephen laberge & howard rheingold
exploring the world of lucid dreaming by stephen laberge and howard rheingold examines the phenomenon in depth and also offers tools for maintaining awareness while in a dream state. This tome is based on Laberge’s own research at Stanford University and cites studies from a myriad of sources, from Tibetan yogis to internationally renowned dream scientists.
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