Dream Symbol: dream within a dream

dream within a dream

Dreaming that you go to sleep and have another dream can be a device the subconscious mind uses to indicate a change in context or timeframe within the original dream, such as:

  • A review of an earlier or later situation than that of the original dream
  • A change to a different level of detail, consciousness, or mood of the dreamer
  • A portrayal of a "what if" scenario, perhaps that is a bit of a stretch for the dreamer to imagine
  • A temporary diversion in the dream itself, or representing an actual temporary diversion in the dreamer's life
  • An aspect of the dreamer's life that the dreamer tends to compartmentalize or to see separately from the rest of their life
  • A matter that the subconscious mind suddenly decides to explore
  • A typical shift from one event in a series to the next, then happening to return to the first event
  • Some other shift in reality or perception

Using this Dream Dictionary

Tips to Understand Dream Meaning

Dream symbol meanings are different for each person. It's IMPORTANT to consider:

  • Personal meaning - What the dream symbol means to you, what it reminds you of, how it makes you feel.
  • Context - How the dream symbol appears in the dream. For example, in a dream about a bee - what was the bee doing, how and where it was doing it, and how did you feel about it?
  • Look beyond the obvious - A dream is often about something other than its obvious meaning. Physical events in the dream commonly represent mental or emotional matters.

What Does Your Dream Mean?

About Dream Symbols

This dream dictionary gives suggested meanings of dream symbols. A dream symbol often means something different in different dreams. There is no standard meaning of a dream symbol or dream that is accurate for all dreams. Dream meaning is very subjective, and your dream symbol may mean something completely different from the meaning listed in this dream dictionary.


IMPORTANT: This dream dictionary gives suggested meanings of dream symbols. There is no single "standard meaning" of a dream symbol or dream. Dream meaning is very subjective, and your dream symbol may mean something completely different from the meaning listed in this dream dictionary. I am not a therapist. If you are experiencing physical or psychological problems, or if you are distressed, consult a medical professional.