|
Dream Test Questions continued...
7. Most dreams, when discussed in depth, end up usually being about sex.
8. Dreams don’t predict the future.
9. Dictionaries of symbols are invaluable for understanding dream images.
10.
Nightmares are an indication of an unhealthy or deeply disturbed person.
11.
Dreams are mostly “made up” from our fears and anxieties.
12.
Spiritualized dream interpretations are popular in New Age circles, but they are usually incorrect.
13.
One should endeavor to recall as many dreams as possible, because not remembering them means something is gravely wrong.
14.
If you dream sexually about a person, it means you really have feelings of attraction you don’t want to face.
15.
People who are good at dreams usually know what they mean when they wake up.
16.
It’s ideal to understand the meaning of basic symbols, so when you dream about an image (e.g.flying means being ungrounded), you know what it means.
17.
Silly, weird and embarrassing dreams are probably better ignored, especially if they are extremely ridiculous.
18. Waking life events are usually not related to the meaning of dreams.
19.
Dreams rarely reveal information we don’t actually know.
20.
After understanding the basic structure of dreams and their symbols, dreams are truly quite easy to understand.
21.
People make the mistake of seeing too much meaning in dreams.
22.
Unfortunately, it takes an expert to tell you what your dream really means.
Dream Test Answers
1. FALSE: Dreams always mean something: however, the dream’s meaning is often elusive. A favorite defense of the ego is to declare a dream meaningless, bit it is only the limited state of our mostly blind ego that can’t get to the meaning. Don’t fall for the trap. It is okay to say, “I don’t know what this dream means. ”Sometimes the meaning will come years after the dream arrives.
2. & 3. FALSE: Medications and spicy foods may affect dreaming, but to ignore the dreams that come during those times would be like going on a fasting vision quest only to ignore the dreams inspired by the quest. Medications can and will encourage colorful or powerful dreams. These dreams are especially important to track, because they may come from a deeper layer of psyche.
4. FALSE: There are trillions of memories, fantasies, thoughts, feelings and experiences from which a dream may have been drawn, so every specific dream image has a significant association. You have to ask why the dream-maker selected those particular images for your nighttime drama.
The remaining answers to the True/False questions
can be found in “Sacred Dream Circles”
ORDER NOW!
|
Interview with Tess continued...
"What happened?"
Most of what happened is told in Threads, Knots, Tapestries. To summarize: I found that the members of dream groups became personally close, connected and loyal to one another, that dream material did affect most who hear it, and that dream group members manifested a “tribal unconscious” in which their dreams interlaced, overlapped and impacted one another.
"Is this something people can try without a Jungian Analyst?"
Yes. However, I strongly urge that, if at all possible, each group contact a Jungian analyst or a Jungian-oriented therapist for some consultation, or, ideally, to lead and facilitate the group. To be a Jungian analyst, one must be certified by the International Association for Analytical Psychology (I.A.A.P.). You can find listings on the Internet, or you may write or e mail me for a referral.
Some analysts may not be comfortable doing group work, and that is certainly their prerogative. However, most, when introduced to my book and handbook, are quite willing to try a dream group, even if they are not already running one.
You may find that your group wants only an occasional visit, or an hour here or there, so your group may use an analyst as an occasional consultant rather than a facilitator at each meeting.
What people who have been in dream group say:
“Actively listening for symbols and metaphors in others’ dreams has helped me better discern my own dream symbols.”
“I found so many synchronicities when other people shared their dreams. My insights were far greater than I would have accomplished solo in the same period of time.”
"Dream group is different than individual analysis, which I have engaged in over the years. In group the dream is let loose in the room and it forms a web of connection between the group members…”
"Do we have to read the whole book from beginning to end or can we jump around and pick and choose?"
Sacred Dream Circles is designed to be read from the beginning, each chapter roughly covering one dream circle session. Some chapters, however, may take several sessions for your circle to complete, since each group will vary widely. Going slowly, taking your time is my recommendation.
Additionally, each chapter has at least one exercise to help anchor the concepts being addressed. Some groups might prefer to opt out of some exercises, but each one has been tested and found to bear productive results in analysis, dream circles and dream retreats.
"Is it really possible to have this kind of success in a leaderless dream group?"
Yes it is. This is why Sacred Dream Circles was written: as an aide for analysts, therapists and group members with no training. Following the rules provided, all of which are discussed in this handbook, will make your experience worthwhile.
Good luck, and enjoy!
Tess Castleman
|
