Dream Theory Of Dreams

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Blind, deaf or mute, every single human being dreams. People over the age of ten often dream four to six times per night. As we all know from experience dreams can take us to familiar or unfamiliar places ranging anywhere from your own home to other realms. Dream interpretations vary from person to person. Some believe dreams are meaningful while others believe they are meaningless. Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, Alfred Adler, Calvin Hall, Frederick Perls, Allan Hobson and Robert McCarley were all dream theorists who proposed different ideas as to why dreams exist and how they can be interpreted. Sigmund Freud was an Austrian neurologist and author of The Interpretation of Dreams, a book published in 1899 that revolutionized the study of dreams. Freud’s theories continued to be modified over a long period of time and became known as the father of psychoanalysis due to his advanced knowledge and understanding of the human mind. Freud categorized the aspects of the mind into three parts: the id, the ego, and the superego. The id is “the impulsive (and unconscious) part of our psyche” which is described as direct and immediate instincts centered on pleasures, desires, and wish fulfillment (McLeod). In 1923, Freud describes the ego to be “that part of the id which has been modified by the direct influence of the external world” (Freud). Although the id and ego are similar in the sense where they both seek pleasure and avoid pain, the ego focuses more on bringing forth a “realistic strategy to obtain pleasure” and is focused more on the conscious, rational, moral and the self-aware aspects of the mind (McLeod). The superego is influenced by the values and morals of society, which can be learned by parents, teachers, peers, etc. The super... ... middle of paper ... ...s” that can be displayed by ones creativity, vulnerability and hopelessness, as well as aspirations and inherent genius represent the divine child (Adams). A doctor, father, teacher or any authority figure that may provide you guidance or words of wisdom with gifts like magical healing powers are represented as the wise old man/women. The great mother appears as a female who helps, protects and nurtures, and provides positive reassurances. She may also be the opposite and negatively affect one in their dreams by becoming one associated with death or dominating loved ones. The trickster can be the model of illusions, deceptions, or misjudgments. The trickster symbolizes all that cannot be tamed or civilized and can be found in dreams during uncertain situation where choices are being made. The trickster often embarrasses or mocks one and can sometimes be diabolical.

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