The Reiki Cafe 

Dear Friends,

Dreaming has long been a source of introspection for me as my dreams are typically very vivid involving amazing uraban sttings, people and 3 parts plots (begining, middle, end).

I've done a bit of astral traveling as an accidental tourist and the totallity of it all to this point makes me wonder about a few things.

I have some reason to theorize that some of the characters I encounter in these vivid scenarios dream constructs are not just constructs but actually Guides, departed loved ones and others from outside this plane.

I guess I'm looking for input from others with similar passport stamps and more about this buisiness of levels of Dreaming.

Eyes open.

Namaste,
michael

Hi Michael,

I also have had a few of these types of dreams. In ones where the characters are intuited as Guides, the dreams seem to be incredibly vivid, and for some reason I have no doubt which of the characters are guides. In the dreams with departed loved ones (both human and animal) the characters come in with their own unique personality traits.

I find these dreams are ones in which the smallest detail is easily remembered, and they are accompanied by a feeling of "knowing" that it is a dream of communication or guidance.

Sweet Dreams,
Featherpoint

Dear Featherpoint,

Yes indeed. It is those same strong intuitive sentiments that I have felt.

Namaste,
Michael

I've had a handful of dreams where I find little room for misinterpretation. In other words, when I have these particular dreams, I have little doubt as to the message held within. They are quite vivid relative to context, and the feelings that I experience - sometimes emotional, and sometimes quite intensely physical.

I don't know if these qualify as being of the "astral" type - I don't really understand the definition of astral dreams. But, these dreams are "different from the norm" (for me", and I do experience a "knowing", about them.

Any comments, feedback, understanding?

Love and Blessings,
Janessa

[Groan] Another fascinating board to become sleep-deprived over!

Most emphatically, I have had dreams that are very clear and unequivocal, that they are telling me something important.

I don't know if there are distinct levels, as much as varying degrees of awareness, but did you ever find yourself waking from a dream only to find you're in another dream, wake up from that one to yet another dream, then find yourself in bed, wondering how you can tell you're finally in the physical? Quite amusing when that happens.

Sometimes I do bump into "passed over" loved ones, including those who have watched out for me for a long time. Good to have companions along.

Have had some adventures that might border on astral, very lucid.

In general, I prefer to "do" dreaming rather than interpret symbolism. The key is to be able to share the dream with someone, ideally a loved one but a journal is fine (I never had the discipline to stick to it). And, assume that dreams are REAL, and you have FREE WILL in them, and you can CREATE a new reality every time you dream.

Went to a lecture a few years ago on dreaming, and took exception when the expert said there was no free will in dreaming. He was right in a way -- if you assume you have no free will in dreaming, then none will ever show up. If you assume you do, well, sooner or later, you'll learn how to exercise it.

Woops! Bedtime! Happy, no, JOYFUL dreams!

Blessings,
Aronaya

Dear Michael,

It is my understanding that dreams that have a logical sequence of events (as you said...a definite beginning, middle and end) can be generally thought of as having a different significance than dreams which seem quite nonsensical or fragmented upon awakening. Possible explanations of these dreams would include astral travels, prophetic dreams or past life dreams.

Of these, I have never had a prophetic dream (that I remembered) but have experienced the others.

One of my most fascinating dreams occurred a few years after a loved one had passed over. I had grown increasingly worried about whether or not he was at peace. One night he came to me in a dream and very simply said, "I will show you where I am so that you will no longer worry." With that, he showed me visions of the other side that moved me deeply and stay with me to this day. Perhaps some would say this was a wish-fulfillment dream. But the logical sequence of events, combined with the vividness of the places he took me to, make me sure that this was a very special trip I took.

Dreams...a most fascinating subject! I am looking forward to hearing the opinions and interpretations on this new dream board.

A wonderful night's sleep (and dreams) to all,
Lesley