www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Dream Interpretation

Dear Friends,

It's almost inevitable, but whenever my extended family gets around a table, the subject of dreams will come up.

My dreams sometimes get to me and I've even looked at books pretending to interpret symbols in dreams - this was actually part of a social psychology course I once took.

I've had dreams about people here on this forum, dreams that I've been told sometimes accurately conveys the situation they are in.

But, most recently, I had a dream that literally shook me - and that feeling is still with me.

I dreamed I had a crucifix in my right hand and an image of the Mother of God in the other.

Then, the figures on both began to move and someone shouted, "They're miraculous!"

I woke up happy, excited, surprised and then . . . wondering what that was all about.

In your view, are such dreams worth being troubled about?

Are they trying to tell one something? Or are they simply irrelevant figments of the imagination?

Is it sinful to even consider whether such dreams have any meaning in terms of future events?

I once read that to dream of a crucifix means that misfortune is on its way.

But surely this is a pagan, anti-Christian interpretation?

Alex

Alex,

In general, dreams are simply the mind's way of unwinding. There have been numerous attempts at doing dream analysis to see if they mean anything but I think that there is little scientific evidence that such analysis is universally applicable.

Certainly, at times, our dreams can reflect our own fears, ambitions or simply situations in which we find ourselves. Because the mind works the same in virtually everyone, there are certain images (falling, being naked, etc.) that are common to virtually all people at some time in their lives. There have been some meanings given to these things that appear to be generally useful in doing dream analysis.

I generally do not remember my dreams, even when I want to. On the other hand, some are quite memorable and easy to recall for an hour or so after I awaken, but they generally disappear after that unless I recount them.

One of the most vivid dreams I ever had related to my ordination -- and took place nearly five years before I even entered the diaconal formation program. The strange thing about the dream is that the priest who vested me in my dream was someone I didn't know -- but who turned out to be my pastor at the time of my ordination! Or, at least, who had the build of the priest in my dream.

Edward, deacon, day-dreamer and sinner.

Bless, Father Deacon,

Yes, my day-dreams often lead me into (venial) sins . . .

Then how does one explain it if one has a dream of a person the day before that person dies?

This has happened to me more times than I can remember.

It is said that to dream of a bishop is to have good luck immediately (unless you're an EC seminary candidate who wants to be a married priest, I presume . . .).

The only time I dreamed of a bishop, I received a very large sum of money the next day.

And the cheque is coming on February 12th . . .

?

Alex

Very interesting, and my Baba also interpreted dreams, but she also said that when a dog was digging a whole someone was to die.
Lauro

Dear Lauro,

Well, I was certainly going to the dogs for the last little while . . .

Alex

Alex,

Because dreams are a part of our mental makeup, they can certainly reflect what we know, or think we know. They can be utterly false, contain a kernel of truth, or actually appear to predict something -- but the latter usually falls into the category of interpreting what we thought we saw in our dream. In a sense, it's much like deja vu -- simply something similar.

Edward, deacon and sinner

Bless, Father Deacon!

Thank you - but I do get a sense of forboding with respect to the last dream I had.

I think it foretells good fortune.

Perhaps I just need a vacation in Florida.

Wait . . . my wife just called to say . . .

Alex

Alex,

They ARE miraculous. Not necessarily those two specific objects, of course....


Sharon

I frequently have had dreams come true. However, it is the source of the dreams that must be considered. Because a dream comes true does not mean that it was sent by God. In fact, the opposite is more likely to be true. Once we begin to rely on signs and portents viewed in dreams, we are that much closer to fortune-telling, and other devices of the Evil One...things that turn our attention and focus from Christ and onto the "future"...to the detriment of ourselves, and our souls, and possibly our free will as we strive to subtley alter our lives to conform to the dream...

So who sends the dream images?

The Fathers tell us to be wary of such.

I feel that advice is sound.

I have a variety of dreams, some result from what I saw on TV, some are answers to problems I'm experiencing, some are just foolishness. I've never dreamt of Our Lord or Our Holy Mother, but have awaken with them on my mind and have experienced tremendous joy.

Maybe it's silly, but every night I ask my guardian angel to look over me while I sleep and to not let me sin involuntarily in my dreams.

Not silly at all.


In fact, the prayer of Antiochus the Monk, is a part of Compline - the Church's original and best "Tuck me in, Lord" service.


From memory, so please forgive if I've inadvertently amended something:


Now that we are about to lie down to sleep, grant us O Master, the repose of our souls and bodies. Preserve us from the dark slumber of sin, and against any impure satisfaction that roams around in the darkness of night. Quiet the assaults of our passions, arrest the darts that the evil one insidiously throws at us, still the commotions of our flesh, and calm all earthly and worldly feelings within us.

Grant us O Lord, a watchful mind, innocent thoughts, a sober heart, a gentle sleep, free from evil dreams. At the hour of prayer, arouse us, strong in the practice of your commands, and ever mindful of your desires.

Grant us the grace to sing your praises throughout the night, to praise, bless and glorify your all-holy and magnificent Name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.


Best,

Sharon

1 Empty and false are the hopes of the senseless, and fools are borne aloft by dreams.
2 Like a man who catches at shadows or chases the wind, is the one who believes in dreams.
3 What is seen in dreams is to reality what the reflection of a face is to the face itself.
4 Can the unclean produce the clean? can the liar ever speak the truth?
5 Divination, omens and dreams all are unreal; what you already expect, the mind depicts.
6 Unless it be a vision specially sent by the Most High, fix not your heart on it;
7 For dreams have led many astray, and those who believed in them have perished.
8 The law is fulfilled without fail, and perfect wisdom is found in the mouth of the faithful man.

Sirach 34:1-8

Sharon, funny you should say:

because I must be singing while I sleep (though I don't remember it),when I awaken, I'm in the middle of a song that we sing at Litugy.

There's ample evidence from Scripture that God has used dreams to communicate with us on occasion. However I'd say that the most important thing to do when interpreting a dream is to heed the words of 1 St John 4:1 "Beloved do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are of God". Obviously God would never be responsible for a dream that entices us to do or act contrary to his word.

Personally I have experienced a few dreams in my life where God has given me nightmares over sins that I previously refused to come to terms with. I certainly would never consider all dreams to come from God though.

Dear Friends,

O.K., I'll forget about the dreams!

Alex