Books on Dream Interpretation

Different types of books on dream interpretation can help you explore dreaming and its possible meanings. Some texts are organized like dictionaries with entries that include images and symbols as well as their possible meanings. Others cover psychology, most predominantly in psychoanalysis, that explore theories about why we dream.

Perhaps the most influential books about interpreting dreams is The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud. The text explores dream psychology, and theories about dreaming. Detailed dream analysis and case histories involving dream experiences offer examples for the reader to consider.

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The subconscious mind is a driving force behind dream interpretation, and the notion that this realm of the mind is often hidden may inspire people to explore their experiences with dreaming. The original version of The Interpretation of Dreams, Die Traumdeutung, was first published in 1899, and the translated version was published in 1953.

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Another book that explores the unconscious mind through dreams is Jungian Dream Interpretation: A Handbook of Theory and Practice by James A. Hall. The book explores Carl Jung's theories about dreams, and it is written as a guide for people practicing psychology, so it may be a bit dry and terse for individuals who are not familiar with Jungian analytical psychology.

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Dream dictionaries offer standard symbols and images as well as their possible meanings. You can explore different interpretations of the symbols, and find which ones make the most sense to you. I Had the Strangest Dream: The Dream Dictionary for the 21st Century is a modern guide to consider.

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Books on dream interpretation include encyclopedias that offer in-depth information about dream symbols and their possible meanings. The Dream Encyclopedia by James R. Lewis is an exploration of dreaming that includes psychological aspects, historical and cultural views, and mythologies.

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Some books about interpreting dreams are designed for specific audiences. You can find titles on the subject for children and teens, Christian audiences, and Spanish-speaking audiences.

While no other person can tell you what your dreams mean, some reference books can be helpful in gaining an understanding of the unconscious and subconscious mind's influences on your psyche. See What Is My Dream Trying to Tell Me for more ideas about dream interpretation.