Meanings of 11 Common Dream Symbols

There are dreams that our conscious minds never register. There are dreams that seem clear when we first awaken but are forgotten as the day goes on. And then there are dreams so strange and jumbled that they stick with us for days and even years at a time. These are the ones full of objects and odd occurrences that practically demand interpretation (or an appointment with a therapist). Dream dictionaries claim to unlock the meaning behind our sleep sagas. But, based on the sheer multitude of entries, it's clear that everything we dream about is ripe for symbolism. And often, our dreams allude to emotions or situations we need to confront in our waking hours.