Reveal the Meaning of Any Dream
By Neal Szpatura

Both ancient and modern beliefs view the winter period as a time for reflection. For example, ancient Celtic spirituality taught that the year ended at Hallowe'en and did not begin again until Imbolc (Candlemas) in early February. The months between were used as a fallow time – a time for hibernation, rest and recovery. This was considered an especially fertile time to plan for and dream of the future. Traditions from many times and eras teach that this period of holidays (holy days) is a space when the barriers between earthly life and intuitive or spiritual guidance are weak, so our ability to receive guidance about life and the future is strong. During this magical, empowering season turn to your dreams for help, healing and life direction. If you have not already developed an ongoing dreamwork practice, answering these 12 questions may help you reveal the meaning of any dream.

1. What were you just thinking? For some people (especially those new to dreamwork) the question “What      did I dream?” can seem heavy and fraught with consequence. It may be easier to begin with a gentle “What      was I thinking?” as you wake up to help start the process.

2. What is your mood? How you are feeling, not only physically but also emotionally and spiritually, can be a      valuable indicator about the meaning and the importance of the dream. For example, if you dream of being a      gladiator in the ring, there will be a tremendous difference to the dream's meaning if you wake up feeling elated      and empowered rather than battered, hopeless and defeated.

3. What pops into your mind? Do you have any immediate associations (strong or not) prompted by any of the      persons, images or situations in the dream?

4. What has been on your mind lately? What has been going on in your life, and what themes have been      surfacing in your personal, emotional, physical and spiritual evolution? Your dreams offer you a safe process      to work out your changes, as well as provide insight and guide you.

5. What if it is real? Sometimes dreams are warnings (or portents of something good). How closely does the      dream correspond to something that actually could literally happen exactly as illustrated?

6. What makes up the cast of characters? In addition to considering the people involved in a dream, many      dreamwork traditions specify that every object in a dream is a character, too (similar to the dancing brooms or      talking teapots in a Disney movie). Note the ones that resonate for you in a special way. What do they mean      to you and/or say to you?

7. What symbols speak to you? Anyone and anything in a dream may be symbolically important – a chair, a bird      or a motor-cycle, let alone a cave, a highway, a snake. Before you run off to Google “snow leopard,” ask      yourself, “What does a snow leopard represent to me?” Work it through and see what this new awareness      brings to the dream. Then seek additional cultural insights if you wish.

8. What would you do if…? If you could go back into the dream, how would you change it? Who and what      would you question, and what would you ask to correct the situation or obtain deeper meaning?

9. What layers can you perceive? Every dream has multiple meanings. Are these truths readily perceptible? If it      is a really juicy dream with a lot to it, what meanings and what levels do you perceive as you go back to      explore it again and again?

10. What wisdom is offered? Does the dream answer any questions? Provide any transformative guidance? If       your dream were an angelic being sent directly to you for healing, comfort and growth, what would be its gift?

11. What would give life to my dream? Consider how to get closer to your dream and bring its vibration into       ordinary reality. Perhaps you could write it as a poem, draw it, sing it, dance it or obtain an object that       reminds you of it.

12. What will honor my dream? How might you wish to change your day, your attitude and your life to take       advantage of the wisdom and healing the dream has brought? What will you do?

© 2007 Neal Szpatura

Neal Szpatura is a shamanic practitioner/teacher, dreamwork counselor and tarot reader. He can be reached at (216) 371-3433 or nealdragon@aol.com.