Reading Your Dreams

When we dream, it has been said that we are looking deep into our minds to seek out what we really want. Dreams can often be interpreted in a variety of ways. Much of what we dream must be decoded from symbols instead of reading what’s on the surface.

A neat little guide to help you work out your dreams is the Fortune-Telling Book of Dreams by A.M. McCloud with illustrations by Jason Schneider (204 pages, Chronicle Books, $9.95). This book provides and alphabetical listings of common symbols that appear in dreams and short explanations on how these symbols can be interpreted. Since many symbols can mean multiple things, sometimes more than on explanation is given. For example, under the symbol “Door” the entry reads: “A closed door symbolizes a missed opportunity. Move on. An open door predicts the actualization of goals.”

Though this book isn’t a complete guide to enlightening yourself on what all the symbols in your dreams mean, it does have a fun way to amuse yourself or others. The only disappointing thing about this book is that many common symbols are left out completely. But what the text lacks the illustrations and design really make it up to the reader. The simple design of the covers and the 1930s throwback design on the inside makes this a great little coffee table/end table book.