| The interpretation of dreams by dream experts may | | | | dreams were even seen as the work of demons, |
| be almost as old as dreaming itself. We know that all | | | | meant to confuse and trouble the dreamer. |
| humans, and many animals, dream every night, and | | | | Dreams were so important that they often dictated |
| humans have always been fascinated to learn what | | | | the actions of political and military leaders, affecting |
| causes dreams and what they mean. | | | | everything from the prosecution of a battle to the |
| The interpretation of dreams dates back at least as | | | | outcome of a political decision. Dreams were also |
| far as 3000-4000 B.C. We know that because the | | | | thought to provide vital clues to healers, and they were |
| interpretations of dreams were recorded in permanent | | | | used in the diagnosis and treatment of all manners of |
| form on clay tablets. It is thought that many primitive | | | | illness. |
| peoples were unable to initially distinguish between the | | | | Dreaming was often looked upon by indigenous |
| real world and the dream world. | | | | peoples as a way to commune directly with gods and |
| In many cases, these people looked upon the dream | | | | spirits, and dreams are still used in this way by cultures |
| world as an extension of the physical world around | | | | around the world. Many people believed, and some still |
| them, and in many cases they saw the dream world | | | | do, that during dream sleep the soul leaves the body |
| as more powerful than the waking one. | | | | and communes with the spirit world. |
| Dream interpretation was such an important field to | | | | The Chinese were one culture who believed that the |
| the ancient Greek and Roman world that dream | | | | soul left the body each night during dream sleep. They |
| interpreters often accompanied generals and other | | | | believed that if the dreamer were suddenly awakened |
| military leaders into battles. Dreams were taken | | | | the soul may not be able to return to the body. That is |
| extremely seriously, and the Greeks and Romans in | | | | why some Chinese are still leery about the use of |
| particular often viewed dreams as messages sent by | | | | alarm clocks. This is just one example of how ancient |
| their gods. | | | | legends can linger into the modern world. |
| Dreams also had a religious content in ancient Egypt, | | | | Some Mexican and Native American societies share |
| and priests their doubled as dream interpreters. | | | | this ancient view of the importance of dreams, and |
| Dreams were among the items recorded by the | | | | share the belief in a separate dimension that is visited |
| ancient Egyptians in the form of hieroglyphics. | | | | during dream sleep. These people believed that their |
| Those whose dreams were especially vivid or | | | | departed ancestors lived in their dreams, and that they |
| significant were thought to be blessed and were given | | | | were able to take forms like animals and plants. |
| special status in these ancient societies. Likewise, | | | | Thus dreams were seen as a way for them to |
| people who were able to interpret dreams were | | | | commune with their recent and ancient ancestors, and |
| thought to receive these gifts directly from the gods, | | | | to gather wisdom and knowledge that would serve |
| and they enjoyed a special status in society as well. | | | | them in their waking lives. Dreams were also seen as |
| There are over 700 mentions of dreams in the bible, | | | | ways to gather information about their purpose or |
| and people in biblical times saw dreams as very | | | | mission in life. |
| significant. Dreams and their interpretations are | | | | The respect for dreams changed radically early in the |
| mentioned in many of the most significant books of the | | | | 19th century, and dreams in that era were often |
| bible and other holy scriptures. | | | | dismissed as reactions to anxiety, outside noises or |
| In many cases, dreams were often seen as a form | | | | even bad food and indigestion. |
| of prophecy. People often interpreted their dreams as | | | | During this period of time, dreams were thought to |
| omens or warnings, and adjusted their activities | | | | have no meaning at all, and interest in dream |
| accordingly. Dreams were often thought of as omens | | | | interpretation all but evaporated. This all changed, |
| from deities, as messages from spirits, or as | | | | however, with the arrival of Sigmund Freud later in the |
| messages from departed souls. In some cases, | | | | 19th century. |