There are three fundamental principles to understand the world of dreams.

1. Subconscious Knowledge

Each individual subconsciously knows what their dreams mean because the dreams originate from their unconscious mind. Understanding dreams is a process of tapping into this subconscious knowledge. It may sound simple, but it is a profoundly personal and subjective process that requires patience and introspection.

2. Dream as Stories

Dreams are essentially narratives or stories, albeit sometimes bizarre and not adhering to conventional logic. Just as one would dissect a novel or movie, dreams too can be analyzed in a similar manner. Dreams that don't follow a storyline are more akin to a sequence of images and sensations experienced during sleep, which may not hold significant meaning. However, dreams that weave a story are always meaningful and engage our thoughts and emotions.

3. Symbolism in Dreams

Dreams communicate through the language of symbols. The unconscious mind processes various inputs - memories, emotions, perceptions, physical conditions, etc., and transmutes them into symbolic representations in dreams. An exception to this rule occurs when dreams create direct representations, which are not symbolic.

These three principles will serve as your foundation for embarking on an exploration of the intriguing and exhilarating world of dreams. Dream imagery is often figurative, not literal, and even the most shocking and absurd dream subjects can be symbolic.

Remember, the journey into understanding your dreams is not about learning something new, but remembering what you already subconsciously know.