Understanding Repeated Symbols in Dreams: Personal Dream Journals and Their Meanings

The Significance of Recurring Symbols in Dreams

You may find that certain symbols keep cropping up in your dreams. Perhaps your mother always appears carrying a first-aid kit, or you are consistently aware of clocks in your dreams. Repeated elements in your dreams are likely to be personal symbols, conveying meanings beyond their universal interpretations. For example, a clock is a universal symbol of time, but for you, it may suggest that time is running out or that you need to keep things in order.

Context Matters in Dream Interpretation

The context of your dream is crucial in determining its meaning. Keeping a personal dream journal or dictionary can help you identify recurring personal dream images and their deeper meanings. Here are some guidelines to help you get started:

Creating Your Personal Dream Dictionary

• For one week, write down as many images as you can recall from your dreams. Use single words for each image (e.g., dog, cup, spoon, etc.). Do this as soon as you wake up while the images are still fresh in your mind.
• Beside each symbol, jot down any associations or meanings that come to mind.
• If a symbol reappears multiple times, mark it and note whether the context was different in each instance.
• At the end of the week, organize your list alphabetically and see which images appear most frequently.
• Repeat the process for another week to expand your personal dream dictionary.

Dream Symbols Evolve with Life Changes

Bear in mind that dream symbols can change as you go through life. You may encounter new or altered meanings during pivotal moments, such as leaving school, starting a new job, or getting married. These transitions often bring new symbols to your dreams.

Focusing on Key Dreams and Symbols

If you find yourself overwhelmed by the number of symbols or messages in your dreams, try focusing on one or two significant dreams. Concentrate on those dreams that stand out to you because of their power or the emotions they evoke.