How
Do I Find
a
Good Dream / Symbol Dictionary? |
 |
 There
are many, many dream dictionaries on the market and on the internet. Most
of them are not well done and can lead a dreamer astray. A good dream
dictionary will have several possible meanings for a word. Often the meanings
are opposites. For example: in Schertz (2001) Dictionary of Dream
Symbols, fire has a list of 22 possible meanings from rebirth and
transformation to wrath and anger. As the dreamer, you choose the words
or phrases that fit your circumstances and fit the reoccurring images
in the dream.
|
| An
inadequate dream dictionary (which I purchased as an example of what not
to buy) says that dreaming of a fire which you put out denotes that you
will be surprised very unexpectedly. It then goes on to give 2 other possible
meanings. Three possible meanings for fire is a long way from 22 possible
meanings. |
| Just
like the books, there are many internet dictionaries which are inadequate.
Though it doesn’t compare with Schertz’s book, www.symboldictionary.com
is better than several other dictionaries I found on the internet. |
| Besides
Schertz’s book and Jung’s Collected Works, I personally like
and use the following: |
| Biedermann,
H. (1992) Dictionary of Symbolism: Cultural Icons & the Meanings
Behind Them. (J. Hulbert, Trans.) New York: Meridian. |
| Freiburg,
H. (9186). The Herder Symbol Dictionary. (B. Matthews, Trans.).Wilmette,
Il: Chrion. (Original work published 1976). |
| Schertz,
J.M. (2001) Dictionary of Dream Symbols. South Bend, IN:
Joyce M. Schertz |
| |
