“Dreams provide the most interesting information for those who take the trouble to understands their symbols. The results, it is true, have little to so with such worldly concerns as buying and selling. But the meaning of life is not exhaustively explained by one’s business life, nor is the deep desire of the human heart answered by a bank account.”

C.G. Jung, Man and His Symbols

Working with Dreams

Votive relief from the sanctuary of Amphiaraos, a god of healing and oracles, who was associated with Asclepius.

It is impossible to know how long humans have been guided by dreams. Our earliest recorded history goes back 5000 years to a time when the ancient Sumerian Kings of Mesopotamia received them as important—even divine—messages.

In Ancient Greece there was a sacred healing practice known as dream incubation (enkoimesis). By sleeping within the sanctuary of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing, one hoped to receive a dream that would link spiritual connection, psychological insight and physical treatment. Healed individuals often left inscribed plaques (iamata) detailing their miraculous recovery, serving as public affirmations. This foundation of Western medicine is still seen today in words such as health, hygiene, and panacea as well as the symbol of the World Health Organization.

You might be surprised to learn of the numerous modern day inventions and discoveries in science, chemistry, engineering, art, literature, and mathematics that have been inspired by dreams:

  • The Structure of the Atom

  • DNA Double Helix

  • Periodic Table of the Elements

  • Benzene Ring Structure

  • Chemical Neurotransmission

  • Sewing Machine Needle

  • The melody for Paul McCartney’s Yesterday,

  • Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

  • Smart Card Technology

  • Google Search Engine

Photo: Lisa Holien

Dreams are source of insight, inspiration and support available to all who are curious.