The Curious Dreamer’s Practical Guide to Dream Interpretation

by Nancy Wagaman

Pay attention to your dreams and they can change your life...if you can just figure out what they mean. Like a personal dream coach, this book walks you step-by-step through interpreting your dream, finding the value in it, and using it to make positive changes in your life. Choose from 40 powerful techniques to customize a robust interpretation experience.

Demystify Your Dreams: From the creator of The Curious Dreamer’s Dream Dictionary, this guide takes the mystery out of dream interpretation. You’ll learn:

- How to apply analysis and intuition to find dream meaning.
- How dreams point to areas of yourself and your life that need attention.
- How dreams reveal your hidden strengths, greatest joys, and opportunities you might otherwise miss.
- How to discover and transform limiting factors, such as self-defeating patterns and judgments.
- How to use what you learn from your dreams to heal, improve your relationship with yourself, and create more of what you want in your life.

Answer Important Dream Questions: You may be surprised by the answers to questions such as whether your dream is likely to come true, why a dream keeps recurring, why you dreamed about a former love interest, and how to deal with nightmares.

Unlock the Power of Your Dreams: Your dreams are telling you what you need to hear every night. This book teaches you to understand them and unlock their transformative power.

"A dream uninterpreted is like a letter unopened." - Ancient Proverb

Genres: Nonfiction

334 pages, Paperback

Published November 8, 2017

About the author

Nancy Wagaman is a human technologies innovator specializing in personal growth and transformation. Her practical techniques enable people to transform self-limitations and improve their lives. Rooted in science and intuition, Nancy’s transformative techniques are practical and easy to use. Nancy began developing human technologies during her early career at Bell Laboratories, and she has also consulted and conducted research for corporate, university, and private clients. Her work has been featured in magazines, radio, and television. Nancy holds advanced degrees in applied psychology and communications, and bachelor’s degrees in psychology and biology. She is the author of Soul in the Storm: Stress Management through Mindfulness and Inner Transformation, The Curious Dreamer’s Dream Dictionary (TheCuriousDreamer.com), The Curious Dreamer’s Practical Guide to Dream Interpretation, and has written extensively on applied psychology, intuition, and other personal growth topics. (More at NancyWagaman.com)

Reviews

[Jannelies (living between hope and fear) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I've read Nancy Wagaman's other book about dreams... I can honestly say that I do not have as many toxic dreams as I used to have. What's more, they are forgotten almost the moment I wake up. So, although this 'practical guide' is very interesting to read, when you cannot remember your dreams it is not alway 100% useful.
Is this bad? No, it isn't. I'm happy that I've learned from Nancy Wagaman's other book how to try and tone down my horrible nightmares.
These books are not a 'cure', but when you read them carefully and try and work with them, they will help you a lot.

[ella ☆ any pronouns · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

**I received a free PDF copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are mine and 100% honest.**

I haven't ever personally been into dream interpretation or dream recording as I forget my dreams almost immediately when I get up, but this sounded like something that would be interesting to read about, and it sure was.

This gives a lot more in-depth explanations and thought to dream interpretation, but, at the same time, none of them seemed too far-fetched or unrealistic, which is nice, as sometimes that can happen when it comes to interpreting dreams. This reads less like a dictionary than a lot of books on this subject/idea do, which makes it that much more enjoyable while reading.

Not only does Wagaman go over the importance of dream recording, but also the different ways you can record your dreams, and I have to say, there are some pretty creative options to make it more fun to do.

I wasn't a fan of the writing, however, as, at some points, it seems so stretched out and unrelieved, not to mention monotonous, that I got bored with it at some points (not too often, but occasionally it would), hence why I took off a half a star.

While chances are, I will not use this for my own purposes of delving into the world of dream interpretation or recording, I still think this would be a helpful guide for anyone who is interested in doing so but wants/needs to learn more before they can officially start.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating read into the complex idea of dreams. We don't always know what they mean but this gives a good insight into what they could, A great book to have on the shelf for reference. A very interesting book.

[Ann T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Books Go Social and Netgalley for this ARC.

I have been enjoying using this book regularly and. Would highly recommend it for anyone wanting to have a better understanding of their dream life.

Easy to read and a great accompliment to the authors dictionary.

[SundayAtDusk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the years, I have read many dream books, and although I'm not into interpreting my dreams that much these days, I thought I'd still read yet another dream book. This one by Nancy Wagaman is excellent, too, and would be a very helpful read to those starting off recording their dreams; those who want some new motivation to continue their dream work; and those who want to explore new techniques to remember and analyze dreams. Ms Wagaman of course explains the importance of dream journaling, but also describes other possible useful methods, such as drawing dreams, writing dialogue discussions of dreams, acting out a dream dialogue by going from one chair to another, etc.

Her work is a mixture of psychology, spirituality and practicality. The spirituality is limited, though, so this is not a book for those mostly looking for deep spiritual dream work; but for those who are looking for dream work that will help them with everyday life, and hopefully improve and enhance their everyday life. Nevertheless, Nancy Wagaman is not like the totally scientific Stephen LaBerge and tells you that you could not possibly have talked to a deceased loved one in a dream, since dead is dead, but were actually just talking to yourself. Ms. Wagaman believes you may have indeed encountered a deceased loved one in a dream, or you may not have. She believes only you can fully understand your own dreams, but individuals, such as herself, can help you understand how to do so, can show you the way.

(Note: I received a free e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher or author.)

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always interpreted my own dreams, but I also, have several dream books that I consult from time to time, especially if I have doubts.. This is one of the most reader friendly books I have ever used. The index makes looking for a specific topic easy. When you find what you are looking for, it is explained in terms anyone can follow. I was very impressed with the author taking time to explore the subject one may see in a dream. If anyone is looking for a very usable book about dreams, this is the book for you. I received this book from Net Galley and BooksGoSocial for a honest review and no compensation otherwise. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Vnunez-Ms_luv2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book about dreams and various ways to analyze/think of them. i found it very easy to read as well as understand. I was able to relate some of the advise from this book to a recurrent dream I am having. I also will be keeping a "dream journal" as suggested. This book is a must for anyone interested in dreams and desires a book that can possibly help them with interpreting that dream. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review.

[Sandy Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very comprehensive guide and good introduction for beginners. My little problem is I can’t recall most of my dreams or record them fast enough in a notebook to make any meaningful interpretation; I guess practice makes perfect. It’s a good book to start if you’re someone who is curious about your dreams (as the book title so aptly put it).

[Amy Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful

If you can record all or part of your dreams, this book looks into interpretation. It gives a great in-depth look into interpreting the content and symbolism of dreams. It's a well-written, well-researched book, and it brings to mind what is in our subconscious when we sleep. I found the topic and the writing very interesting.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and how it gives an in depth look into symbolism and interpretation of dreams. This was my first book about dreams and by this author and it is easy to follow along. I am looking forward to finding out what my dreams mean. This is a well written, easy to read and very informative book. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helps you to recognize the value in what you dream. The author was a pleasure to interview and is in the spotlight on my book blog.

[Emma Beckerle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn’t finish this book- was hoping for my psychology behind this but it was fairly fluffy and extremely repetitive/ not that well written. One star because of the fact that I didn’t finish it.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were a lot of enlightening elements as well as a lot of encouragement and feel-good pieces; some dream examples were included as well. A really enjoyable read - I got a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura]

This is not the typical Dream Meaning dictionary. The author explains that symbols and images in a dream each carry personal messages and won't mean the same thing to everyone. A rose is not a rose is not a rose. It could have meaning to one based on beauty and another based on the thorns.
Very comprehensive, this is not a book to be read in one sitting. There are exercises to take on to improve your ability to interpret your own dreams.
This is a book for personal growth and transformation. Various sections of the book are repetitive. The purpose is to develop deeper understanding, to learn to trust and listen to your intuition.

A great jumping off point to further study.

[Audrey Stars in Her Eye · Rating 3 out of 5]

I originally requested an ARC of this book because it played off Alice in Wonderland and assumed that it would be a fun take on dream interpretation. But the cover is as Wonderland as it gets I was disappointed.
As far as dream interpretation goes it is pretty basic but what makes it stands out is the variety of methods Nancy Wagaman includes. There are many different ways that will fit your personal style. I would never talk to my dream symbol method but would happily take the literary review approach.
For those interested in dream interpretation, this is a handy guide that can be useful no matter your analysis style. Just don't expect it to be very Wonderlandy.

[Susan Underbrink · Rating 3 out of 5]

A big thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is a different type book for me. I sometimes dreams and thought this would be an interesting read. I did find it interesting and a bit overwhelming. There were leaps that I just didn't understand. For example, you dream about a purple giraffe-you realize that the giraffe represents your sister-in-law. What???? How did I come up with that? That's the leap, I couldn't figure out. This good thing is there are lots of examples and a glossary of terms at the end. Overall, a very interesting book. I rate it a 3.

[Rain · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting interpretations book that goes beyond the usual x = y. It delves deeper and gives more thorough explanation for analyzing dreams. The reader will appreciate that the author does not just say “if you are dreaming about falling, that means this.” The book is more of a guide on how to think and train your thoughts for interpretation. A good book to add to anyone’s collection particularly if they are interested in dream interpretation. The only downside is that the writing can become tedious and longwinded.

[Tiffany Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the title of this book, "The Curious Dreamer’s Practical Guide to Dream Interpretation". It isn't like a dream dictionary, but rather guides you to interpreting your dreams yourself and discovering what the symbols in your dreams mean to you. We are encouraged to keep a dream journal as well. I really enjoyed this book and if you are interested in dream interpretation you will too.

I would like to thank Netgalley, the author and publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion of it.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a complete guide to know how to successful read and decode the the the dreams for any level of experience. The pictures are amazing and the tutorials well explained. I recommend to use this book with the companion dictionary The Curious Dreamer’s Dream Dictionary by the same author.

#TheCuriousDreamersDictionary #NetGalley #TheCuriousDreamersGuide #NetGalley

[Mrs Julie Gargett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very interesting and informative, it's a much more in-depth look at interpreting dreams then Nancy's previous book and I loved it!
Just make sure that you have a note book and pencil handy by your bed to make sure that you remember to write down as much detail as you can.
Thank you

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting look into dream interpretation that some may find helpful. I could easily see giving this as a gift to friends or relatives with an interest in the subject. I liked the format and the ease of looking up topics, and the interpretations didn't seem outlandish or strange.

[RedRobinXXX · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am reviewing this book for Nancy Wagaman, BooksGoSocial, and NetGalley who gave me a copy of their book for an honest review.
A book about analysing what you are dreaming about. Reccommends keeping a dream journal to help you make sense of all your dreams.

[Holly Senecal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating read. I enjoyed learning about dream interpretation and had quite a time analyzing my own!

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a frequent dreamer, I couldn't wait to get into this book. This is one I'll be keeping close to my bedside, ready to interpret any dreams my family or I might have.