Techniques

Closely related to the dream journal techniques, using these standards can help you to better recall dreams, thereby influencing your awareness when in the dream state.

Look for patterns and recurring themes in your dreams.
If you don't "get it" the first time, your brain often sends you the same dream-message again. Many people experience recurring dreams, or even recurring nightmares. That's just your brain, trying to get your attention and convey an important message to you!

View each character in the dream as an aspect of yourself.
For example, if there is a "devil" in the dream, see what happens if you view that character as "the devilish/destructive part of myself". Even if the character is someone you know "in real life" try using this technique. Instead of your mother, maybe the character represents the motherly part of you, or a part part of youthat is like your actual mother.

Explain your dream in the simplest terms possible.
Pretend that you are explaining it to a Martian, who needs you to define almost every word. So forexample, if your dream involved a car, imagine that a Martian doesn't understand what a "car" is. You must explain that acar is a device you use for transportation--to get from one place to another, to move forward. You may besurprised by the meaningsthat are revealed!

Use dream-interpretation dictionaries.
These books contain general "definitions' of dream symbols. They are based on simple psychology, but are not always reliable, because dreams are so personal. Take what they say with a grain of salt!

Try role-playing various dream characters.
Some people find it helpful to imagine that they have returned to thedream, and then they engage dream characters in imaginary conversations. So if you dreamed about a mysterious shadowed figure, you might question the figure, asking, "Who areyou?"..."Why do you hide yourself from me?"..."Why haveyou come to me?"

Share your dreams with others, and get their input.
Do not accept a friend's interpretations unless it feels right to you, giving you an "aha!" feeling of recognition.