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A Little Course in Dreams
This is a hands-on manual for anyone who is interested in dreams. At the same time, it is the story of a personal journey through the dream world by the author and several of his patients and students. Robert Bosnak offers exercises and strategies for studying dreams,
• Remembering and recording dreams
• Analyzing a written dream text
• Studying a series of dreams for its underlying themes
• Using the techniques of active imagination and amplification
• Working on dreams alone, in pairs, and in groups
Through this Little Course in Dreams it becomes clear that the imagination is a powerful force that simultaneously "poisons" us and provides the remedies to the soul's ills. Dreamwork thus opens the way to the healing and transformation of the soul.
• Remembering and recording dreams
• Analyzing a written dream text
• Studying a series of dreams for its underlying themes
• Using the techniques of active imagination and amplification
• Working on dreams alone, in pairs, and in groups
Through this Little Course in Dreams it becomes clear that the imagination is a powerful force that simultaneously "poisons" us and provides the remedies to the soul's ills. Dreamwork thus opens the way to the healing and transformation of the soul.
121 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 7, 2017
This mysterious and strange little book is a great primer in Jungian dream work. My reading notes:
Memory Exercises:
1. Take stock and know that you are awake. Now realize that you also think you are awake when you are dreaming. Know that you feel like you are awake, but this does not mean that you are not dreaming. Proceed from the viewpoint that you are actually dreaming. This is like welcoming the unconscious into the conscious.
2. Examine an object, then close your eyes and try to meticulously recall the object in your mind.
3. Closely examine a small room or area, then close your eyes and try to recreate the space in your mind.
Dream text:
Once you get to the point that you have actually recorded a dream text, even fragments, process that text till it yields metaphor. List all the dream components then seek out associations for those components. Ask yourself, or the dreamer, what the components mean or bring up. Now shuffle the components around and make as many connections as you can.
Listening to a dream:
listen to your body as you listen to a dream— where does it hurt, where are the blockages, where do you feel good? Take initial stock of your body, then listen for changes. Metaphors often present themselves as literal symptoms. Don’t translate the dream into daytime logic, that does not do the dream justice. Try to trip up the daytime consciousness and unhinge fixed positions. Watch for when you get bored or lose interest— this represents resistance. Listen to the rhythm of the telling. Watch for transference in reciprocal dreamwork and avoid falling into roles. Consider that dreams often pertain to sexual and power problems. The dreamer should discover what the dream is about, it is not a matter of interpretation. When clear-cut opinions present themselves ask yourself “who is saying this? Which inner voice is expressing this conviction?” Watch for alchemical imagery (see below)
Active Imagination:
Returning to the dream reality by way of daytime consciousness is an act of the imagination and contrasts with daydreaming. After meticulously recreating a dream, it is possible to continue with the dream. Let the dream speak for itself, don’t fabricate stories. Stick with the image. (look up in Art as Medicine)
Alchemy:
There are connections between dream images and alchemical images. In alchemy there is a black world (death) a white world (feminine) and a red world (masculine).
Nigredo
Rot, stink, downward movement, shadow, entropy, desolate wastelands, depression and despair. Dark animals, destructive forces, rifts, sickness, sinister forces. In alchemy and dreams these images represent the initial phase of every process in which a transformation of form takes place.
Albedo
Non-virginal whiteness that surfaces from Nigredo. The moon, reflection, mirrors, cleaning agents, poems, letters, non rational language, drifting, cold light, cold landscapes, snow, basins, receptacles mind altering drugs, transvestites, transexuals, incubation, eggs, glasswork, fantasy, night birds, moths, butterflies, white animals, night animals. technology media, unsteady balance, water, change, disintegration and dissociation. Consciousness returning from the world of darkness.
Rubedo
first light, dawn, sunrise, heat, gold, valuation, worth, meaning, hierarchies, reason, measure. Summer, lion, mountains, regulations, stop lights, orders. Power, power-hunger. Blood, endurance. Birds of prey, eyesight, telescopes, math, computers, fire, red meat, tyrants, smoking, coffee, sugar, stimulants, tall people, pointed objects, Burnout and decadence and lead back to nigredo and decline of power.
Atmospheric Pressure
There is a connection between the atmospheric pressure that can be put on a relationship and the depth of the relationship. A relationship that withstand great pressure can handle explosive pieces without going to pieces. When working with dreams you can perceive a change in depth in terms of a difference in pressure, atmospheric pressure and mood.
A specific emotional distance between habitual consciousness and the dream figure seems to be imagined as a physical distance between the two, a distance that sometimes must be physically bridged in order to get in touch with the dream figure and the emotions.
Amplification
Let the dream image resonate with other imagery borrowed from the collective consciousness, recorded or unrecorded, in the memory of mankind. This is not primarily concerned with the meaning of the images. Ask what an image is similar to, look for resemblances. Let the imagination reflect on the image and deepen the metaphors. Dreamwork is work on the imagination.
Mercury - imagination as healing poison
Mercury in a bottle provides the reflective and healing amplification of the imagination. Mercury outside of a bottle is a bloodthirsty god and poison. In dreams we let destructive impulses develop till they could actually be put into action. Then, at the last moment, we capture the shadow sides of mercury in a reflection. The imagery is lived through but not acted out. We experience the destructive impulses but don’t identify with them. Imagination gets subject to itself (amplification) and concentrated. The metaphorical force of an image is strengthened and the impulse to literally express the image goes away. Concentrated imagination is more potent and we tap into the healing power of Mercury, god of wondrous change. The destructive force of Mercury is avoided, cheated out of action. Find the reflection.
Memory Exercises:
1. Take stock and know that you are awake. Now realize that you also think you are awake when you are dreaming. Know that you feel like you are awake, but this does not mean that you are not dreaming. Proceed from the viewpoint that you are actually dreaming. This is like welcoming the unconscious into the conscious.
2. Examine an object, then close your eyes and try to meticulously recall the object in your mind.
3. Closely examine a small room or area, then close your eyes and try to recreate the space in your mind.
Dream text:
Once you get to the point that you have actually recorded a dream text, even fragments, process that text till it yields metaphor. List all the dream components then seek out associations for those components. Ask yourself, or the dreamer, what the components mean or bring up. Now shuffle the components around and make as many connections as you can.
Listening to a dream:
listen to your body as you listen to a dream— where does it hurt, where are the blockages, where do you feel good? Take initial stock of your body, then listen for changes. Metaphors often present themselves as literal symptoms. Don’t translate the dream into daytime logic, that does not do the dream justice. Try to trip up the daytime consciousness and unhinge fixed positions. Watch for when you get bored or lose interest— this represents resistance. Listen to the rhythm of the telling. Watch for transference in reciprocal dreamwork and avoid falling into roles. Consider that dreams often pertain to sexual and power problems. The dreamer should discover what the dream is about, it is not a matter of interpretation. When clear-cut opinions present themselves ask yourself “who is saying this? Which inner voice is expressing this conviction?” Watch for alchemical imagery (see below)
Active Imagination:
Returning to the dream reality by way of daytime consciousness is an act of the imagination and contrasts with daydreaming. After meticulously recreating a dream, it is possible to continue with the dream. Let the dream speak for itself, don’t fabricate stories. Stick with the image. (look up in Art as Medicine)
Alchemy:
There are connections between dream images and alchemical images. In alchemy there is a black world (death) a white world (feminine) and a red world (masculine).
Nigredo
Rot, stink, downward movement, shadow, entropy, desolate wastelands, depression and despair. Dark animals, destructive forces, rifts, sickness, sinister forces. In alchemy and dreams these images represent the initial phase of every process in which a transformation of form takes place.
Albedo
Non-virginal whiteness that surfaces from Nigredo. The moon, reflection, mirrors, cleaning agents, poems, letters, non rational language, drifting, cold light, cold landscapes, snow, basins, receptacles mind altering drugs, transvestites, transexuals, incubation, eggs, glasswork, fantasy, night birds, moths, butterflies, white animals, night animals. technology media, unsteady balance, water, change, disintegration and dissociation. Consciousness returning from the world of darkness.
Rubedo
first light, dawn, sunrise, heat, gold, valuation, worth, meaning, hierarchies, reason, measure. Summer, lion, mountains, regulations, stop lights, orders. Power, power-hunger. Blood, endurance. Birds of prey, eyesight, telescopes, math, computers, fire, red meat, tyrants, smoking, coffee, sugar, stimulants, tall people, pointed objects, Burnout and decadence and lead back to nigredo and decline of power.
Atmospheric Pressure
There is a connection between the atmospheric pressure that can be put on a relationship and the depth of the relationship. A relationship that withstand great pressure can handle explosive pieces without going to pieces. When working with dreams you can perceive a change in depth in terms of a difference in pressure, atmospheric pressure and mood.
A specific emotional distance between habitual consciousness and the dream figure seems to be imagined as a physical distance between the two, a distance that sometimes must be physically bridged in order to get in touch with the dream figure and the emotions.
Amplification
Let the dream image resonate with other imagery borrowed from the collective consciousness, recorded or unrecorded, in the memory of mankind. This is not primarily concerned with the meaning of the images. Ask what an image is similar to, look for resemblances. Let the imagination reflect on the image and deepen the metaphors. Dreamwork is work on the imagination.
Mercury - imagination as healing poison
Mercury in a bottle provides the reflective and healing amplification of the imagination. Mercury outside of a bottle is a bloodthirsty god and poison. In dreams we let destructive impulses develop till they could actually be put into action. Then, at the last moment, we capture the shadow sides of mercury in a reflection. The imagery is lived through but not acted out. We experience the destructive impulses but don’t identify with them. Imagination gets subject to itself (amplification) and concentrated. The metaphorical force of an image is strengthened and the impulse to literally express the image goes away. Concentrated imagination is more potent and we tap into the healing power of Mercury, god of wondrous change. The destructive force of Mercury is avoided, cheated out of action. Find the reflection.
June 2, 2025
Tokia mažytė kompaktiška knygutė, o šitiek daug talpinanti simbolių, koncentruoto aiškinimo, vaizduotės panaudojimo, net praktinių pratimų, kaip geriau įsiminti sapnus. Labai patiko!
Rekomenduoju!
Rekomenduoju!
September 8, 2022
Labiausiai patiko knygoje vietos, kur Bosnakas rašo, kaip jam nesiseka analizuoti sapnų.
October 31, 2023
If you’re in a Jungian analysis, as I am, this is an interesting book, especially the chapter on alchemy. If you aren’t, it’s not going to help you with your dreams. Despite what the subtitle says, it is not a basic handbook.
July 20, 2014
Norėtųsi išsamiau, bet pavadinime parašyta "trumpas". Norėtųsi nuosekliau, bet gal tematika nepasiduoda. Norėtųsi mažiau vertimo ir rinkimo klaidų, bet čia lietūs lyja. Nepaisant viso to - buvo įdomu.
January 8, 2022
A strange little book that reads like a textbook, an alchemy primer, a worksheet and a surreal novella all at once. I found myself dreaming wild stuff as I was reading it, and the immediacy of the text helped me understand my own head a little better.
November 10, 2010
i guess i was expecting something different when i picked this book up to read, and although i was not necessarily disappointed, didn't come out of the reading wih a new wealth of knowledge regarding dreams.
it is written as a learning tool for a dreams analyst, rather than as a tool for analysing ones own dreams. i found the first couple of chapters insteresting, the next few boring and jargon-ish, and the last few chapters were great.
it is written as a learning tool for a dreams analyst, rather than as a tool for analysing ones own dreams. i found the first couple of chapters insteresting, the next few boring and jargon-ish, and the last few chapters were great.
September 5, 2011
Some valuable techniques early on and a solid rendition of Jungian based dream analysis. Later in going over group interpretations of dreams I found it less compelling and the examples couldn't be lively because they are after the fact of the experience of interaction for the reader
June 28, 2014
Bene geriausia lietuviškai pasirodžiusi knyga apie sapnus. Smagiai ir naudingai skaitosi. Įdomu tai, kad jokiuose kituose knygynuose, išskyrus Mindaugo "Maxima" (Vilnius), jos nemačiau.
December 15, 2017
This is the first book on dreams that I really really enjoyed. My greatest problem with dream analysis is that it always sounded too rational and literalist to me. The analyst rips the dream apart with discursive thought and, even if some meaning arises, the dream is utterly destroyed. This is true even of Jung's lectures on dream analysis where he mechanically establishes certain elements as the anima or animus.
I've been meaning to read Hillman for some time but I haven't had the opportunity yet.
But back to Bosnak - the first time I ever heard about him I was reading an essay titled "Dream work as Theurgy" by Gregory Shaw and I was enticed by the idea of looking at the dream as an untranslatable symbol. Of course we can analyse it and have some ideas about possible meanings and associations, but Bosnak's revolutionary take on dreams is to look at them from an active imagination perspective and let the dream talk to you as it is. There is a long description of a dream involving a rabbit that has no coherent "interpretation offered" but the way Bosnak guides the dreamer through his own dream leaves him deeply moved. This "emotional realisation" is very important even if it can't be totally translated in classical psychoanalytical terms.
This book is a short introduction where Bosnak discusses plenty of dream material, both his own and from people he has worked with. The material is lively, interesting and deep. It is a very short book that would give most people the basic tools to start exploring their own dreams in an organized fashion.
I've been meaning to read Hillman for some time but I haven't had the opportunity yet.
But back to Bosnak - the first time I ever heard about him I was reading an essay titled "Dream work as Theurgy" by Gregory Shaw and I was enticed by the idea of looking at the dream as an untranslatable symbol. Of course we can analyse it and have some ideas about possible meanings and associations, but Bosnak's revolutionary take on dreams is to look at them from an active imagination perspective and let the dream talk to you as it is. There is a long description of a dream involving a rabbit that has no coherent "interpretation offered" but the way Bosnak guides the dreamer through his own dream leaves him deeply moved. This "emotional realisation" is very important even if it can't be totally translated in classical psychoanalytical terms.
This book is a short introduction where Bosnak discusses plenty of dream material, both his own and from people he has worked with. The material is lively, interesting and deep. It is a very short book that would give most people the basic tools to start exploring their own dreams in an organized fashion.
January 4, 2018
"This is destiny: to be opposites,
Always, and nothing else but opposites." R.M. Rilke
A Little Course in Dreams is exactly what its name implies. Its a really short book that, at the same time, gives practical exercises (and examples) for dreamwork and a theoretical frame in which this activity can be placed - which can appeal both for people interested in theory and for people who wants guidance in practice.
It is very interesting even if one is weary of Jungian psychology and has some beautiful insights about alchemy and how its concepts can be applied in a therapeutic context.
Always, and nothing else but opposites." R.M. Rilke
A Little Course in Dreams is exactly what its name implies. Its a really short book that, at the same time, gives practical exercises (and examples) for dreamwork and a theoretical frame in which this activity can be placed - which can appeal both for people interested in theory and for people who wants guidance in practice.
It is very interesting even if one is weary of Jungian psychology and has some beautiful insights about alchemy and how its concepts can be applied in a therapeutic context.
April 14, 2018
I wasn't sure about this little unassuming text, and even a few pages in I wasn't sure it was going to be something I found helpful, as it starts with the author recalling a dream he had as he's driving into work. But as you get into the book, it gets better and better. The integration of the three worlds of alchemy and the rich symbolism represented in those worlds and how that can inform the evolution of consciousness and processing on deep psychological material present in dreams is very rich and useful to refer back to again and again, as either a dreamer or as an interpreter of dreams.
June 30, 2017
I know his whole thing is analysis, but I wish the dream examples had been a little shorter. Otherwise, this is a book that seems to be the basis for a lot of current dream teachers ideas. Give credit where credit is due, I say to those teachers. Give credit to Robert Bosnak for coming up with wording and processes that you've tweaked slightly and called your own.
January 18, 2018
This was a required text for a course I took about Dream Tending. A quick short read, overall I liked it. The author made it pretty personable, a general good guide for those interested in utilizing dreamwork in therapy with clients.
November 18, 2021
It's a good introductory book for the ones just starting on this path, but if you already into it, I would not recommend. The begin is very good, but by the end looks like the author just needed more pages.
June 4, 2020
Grundläggande handbok i Jungiansk drömbearbetning
August 1, 2022
No esperaba mucho de esto. Me alegro no haberlo hecho.
April 9, 2023
Useless to me
December 8, 2023
This dude writes like a noir detective.
Fascinating, and I could have read another 500 pages.
The most interesting idea I took from this book was dividing dream symbols into alchemical stages.
Fascinating, and I could have read another 500 pages.
The most interesting idea I took from this book was dividing dream symbols into alchemical stages.
December 14, 2024
The initial presentation of the ancient-medieval memorization device seems quite useless for our age. The rest of the book however is a veritable gem.
August 6, 2025
Really practical, concise introduction to dream work.
March 31, 2018
Loved it! Will likely read again; lots of good stuff.
December 1, 2015
Some great concrete tips on delving deeper into dreams. (Also some fascinating ideas on what our ability to dream means, which feeds into a bigger question I have about the weird link between religion and violence.) I'm not sure how well I can apply the dream exercises without a dream group as suggested by the author, but I'm grateful for a push in the right direction. After reading this book, I've been feeling much more aware of my embodied experience and the imaginative thoughts that come throughout the day.
January 17, 2008
Some of the most lucid and powerful writing on alchemy and its counterparts in the dream world. Also a lot of good ideas on how to get out of your box when attempting to re-enter a dream. I would reccomend this as a good second course on dreams after Robert Johnson's "Inner Work".
December 4, 2010
Well, it has a lot of images, is kind of creative, and gives me a sense maybe of how I might start to work with dreams. But it all sounds so fluffy, I'm unlikely to want to.
December 11, 2010
Some insight about dreams. I find fascinating
October 10, 2013
Pretty heady stuff but fascinating.
December 8, 2013
Introductory-level book about recording and understanding your dreams.
This is a short and easy book, maybe good for the person who is daunted
by Jung's weighty tomes.
This is a short and easy book, maybe good for the person who is daunted
by Jung's weighty tomes.
April 16, 2016
Sakyčiau, pernelyg ezoteriška. Aišku, ko norėti, turint omenyje, kad remiamasi Jungu. Po šios knygos kilo noras surasti moksliškesnių sapnų analizės metodų.
January 1, 2020
Interesting ideas on interpreting dreams. How they can assist in creating writing.
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