Divination Class
Lesson Four
Dream Interpretation
Some scientists believe that the brain operates selectively, going through masses of details that bombard it during the waking hours, categorizing and sorting relevant information and dumping irrelevancies. Most of this takes place during the day, discarding unwanted material immediately. They say the brain also needs a period of consolidation when it can give full attention to clearing the backlog and this is what takes place during sleep. In dreams, the fragments of the material being categorized and dumped emerge into sleep consciousness, jumbled together and this mess of random images is what we dream�this theory is called "psychic garbage."

First, it is incorrect to claim that dream content is meaningless. Dreams have shown to provide vital insights into both psychological and possibly physical health, and they can also be an invaluable aid to problem solving. Finally, although most dreams are indeed mysterious in their significance, some of them prove so memorable that for years later they are as fresh in the mind as the major events of waking life.

Sadly, those who believe the "garbage" theory stop them from studying the content of their own dreams, which would lead them to disregard the very evidence that would discredit their ideas.
Dream research is one of the few remaining areas where the lay person (you and me) is as competent as the professional is. It requires no equipment beyond a notebook and pen for writing down dreams and some guidance on dream interpretation (symbols, etc.). Armed with these, all of us can explore deeper and deeper into our dreams and reach our own conclusions as the function and meanings of these dreams in our life. To interpret other's dreams, we must have some knowledge of the dreamer's life, after hearing your subject's recount of the dream, the first question you must ask is "What do you think it means?" Pay close attention to their description of the emotional tone of the dream, the significance of the characters and the setting. These elements are particular to the dreamer, but within every dream there are parts with specieswide meanings.

In our next lesson, we will start the Dream Guide. What I would like you to do is start a "dream journal". Write down your dreams right after you wake. Keep a pen and paper or a small notebook by your bed and jot down what you remember - then write one word, the emotion you got from the dream.
 Example:
I dreamed I had to get somewhere, it was very important and I had to hurry. I was in my car trying to drive, but it was raining so hard I couldn't see. The wipers weren't working very well and I was all wet from running to the car in the rain that water was running down my face, between that and the wipers, I just couldn�t' see! Emotion: frustration
Quiz:
True or False

1. "Psychic garbage" is the brain dumping unwanted material.

2. It is a mistake to think dream content is meaningless.

3. Some dreams are so powerful, we may remember them years later.

4. Professionals can only do dream research.

5. When interpreting other's dreams we need to ask them what they thought it meant.

6. To interpret dreams, the equipment is simple, a pen and paper.

7. Yes or no, do you find these classes interesting?

8. Yes or no, do you think they are too hard?

9. Yes or no, are you learning something from them?

10. Yes or no, do you have a dream that you remember from long ago?
To send your answers or questions through my crystal ball. . Remember to add your name, house, and to which lesson you are responding to, thanks!
As with all lessons, you must be resgistered student to attend. Click the cards to the Divination homepage and from there back to the corridor of the North Tower...and to the Entrance Hall of Hogwarts.
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