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The Complete Guide to Dream Interpretation: A Simple, Step-by-Step Process to Biblical Interpretation

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Thoroughly grounded in Scripture, this simple but comprehensive approach to dream interpretation lays out a concise step-by-step process and gives you real, modern-day examples of dreams and their meanings. It also includes one of the most extensive dream symbols dictionaries on the market, with over 3,800 entries, most with biblical references.

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2018

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Marsha Trimble Dunstan

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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Shannon.
650 reviews42 followers
June 21, 2018
I have to say that not only is this the first book I have ever read but dream interpretation, but I think the first one I have ever encountered that focused on dream interpretation from a Biblical standpoint. In the first half of the book, the author talks about dreams in general, the meaning of dreams and how to break them down to understand what they are trying to tell you. The second half of the book contains a really large index of individual things in a dream that you can look up and is divided into sections such as animals, transportation and people and beings.

I am a Christian and I certainly believe that God speaks to us in many different ways. The thing that I didn't really like about this book or understand, is how it could be so specific about so many small details. Just a random example, while I was looking through the indexes at the back, it indicates that if you are dreaming of a genie, you are dreaming of Satan and if you are dreaming about a Nazi, you are dreaming about a demon or a bad angel. My problem with the book being this specific, is that there are outside influences that may determine what you are dreaming about. For example, I often have dreams similar to what I was watching on TV or reading that evening. The author does caution the reader that these guides "might" indicate or "might" mean a certain thing. But I wonder if someone might just look up what they were dreaming about in the index and just take it at face value. That being said, I may be the unpopular opinion about this book, as the few ratings it has on Goodreads seem to be around 4 stars.

It was certainly an interesting book and I definitely believe that God speaks to us and responds to our prayers in a variety of different ways. I caution anyone reading this book to realize that it is very specific about the meanings and there are outside factors that influence what we dream about.

Thank you to the publisher, Chosen Books, for sending me a review copy of this book.

Profile Image for Amanda.
500 reviews64 followers
July 1, 2018
I dream almost every time I sleep and sometimes my dreams can be very strange so I was very eager to find a book that discusses dream interpretation from a Biblical perspective. I truly believe that God still speaks to people through their dreams but sometimes it’s difficult to understand what He’s saying.

This book is very informative and provides a lot of insight into interpreting dreams as well as deciphering whether the dreams are from God.

The author provides many examples of dreams with the interpretations, which really helped me to understand and grasp the process easier.

There is also a very large dictionary of dream symbols in the last half of the book that gives the Biblical symbol and the Biblical reference.

After reading this book, I still feel that dream interpretation is a difficult process but I definitely feel like I have more knowledge and tools to learn more about what my dreams mean.

I highly recommend this book to Christians who may feel like the Lord is speaking to them through their dreams but doesn’t know how to understand them.

My Rating: 4 stars
I received this book from the publisher to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Ashley Ethridge.
36 reviews
May 2, 2022
Marsha is truly such a gift. We've all had dreams before and to have someone be able to break down in detail how to discern if your dream is of your body/mind, God or Satan is so valuable especially because she emphasizes to seek the Holy Spirit first in everything because all interpretations belong to the Lord. This was incredibly eye opening and brings a lot of peace and revelations about God's forms of communicating. Highly recommend for everyone as we all will have dreams that raise questions or concerns at some point in our lives.
Profile Image for Desarae.
197 reviews2 followers
January 27, 2022
Highly recommend! This book will be just as valuable to you as a traveler's phrasebook on vacation to a foreign country. What a fabulous tool for understanding and interpreting dreams, even for beginners! The extensive index in the back of items, people, colors, numbers, actions etc. with their possible meanings along with Bible verse references for each is invaluable! It is like a cheat sheet to help you jump start understanding your dreams.

If 90+ percent of our dreams are actually God talking to us (according to the author), then it is highly beneficial that we learn to understand this language of dreams that God is using to give us confirmation, comfort, direction, warning, and correction!

The author makes her case for the Biblical foundation of dreams and their interpretations in the beginning chapters of this book. This is designed for the skeptic still on the fence, or those who need hard proof, and she does a great job and providing that. I was already a believer in the importance of dreams and didn't need the convincing, so I skimmed over it quickly. The rest of the chapters break down her step by step process of how she records and then dissects dreams; different types of dreams with their functions and characteristics; and then many examples of actual dreams and their interpretations so the reader gets a feel for how this works.

The whole book is great, but I would recommend this book solely on the basis of the index, if nothing else, because it is a quick reference and starting point for understanding the messages God is giving you while you sleep. How cool!!

NOTE: Since reading this book, my dreams have increased and I have made a point to remember and write them down, and the meanings and messages behind them have been simply amazing!
Profile Image for Tonya.
585 reviews133 followers
May 16, 2018
The Complete Guide to Dream Interpretation is a well written, organized guide to dreams for beginners who want to explore the meaning and symbolism in dreams from a Biblical perspective. I really like the dream/vision examples and interpretations that the author, Marsha Trimble Dunstan uses in her book. Her humble explanations make sense to me and the tone is informational and conversational. I learned quite a bit about the symbols in dreams. I like her logical and practical approach to interpreting dreams!

There are two dictionaries for dream symbols included in this book: General Symbols and Theme Symbols. The dictionary of terms is surprisingly large and includes scripture reference so that the reader can turn to the Bible and see the context of how the word is used.

Important: The caution for Christians is an important one: sometimes dreams come from our own minds/souls and sometimes they do not come from God and are meant to lead us astray. Does the message you believe you are receiving line up with God’s word? It is important to test them with scripture and The Holy Spirit.
664 reviews23 followers
September 22, 2018
I have never before read a book on the topic of dream interpretation.  That’s why I was very excited to pick up “The Complete Guide to Dream Interpretation” by Marsha Trimble Dunstan.  This book is a unique addition to the Christian non-fiction market, and as the title tells us, it is on the rather controversial topic of understanding the reason, message, and significance of these scenes that play through our minds as we sleep.  

This book takes us through topics such as types of dreams, steps of interpretation, common questions,  and of course many examples to illustrate the topic in discussion.  It provides us with a well-thought-out approach to better understanding where our dream came from (whether from God, the enemy, or ourselves), what it means, and what we can learn from it.  Also, it includes one of the most extensive symbol dictionaries available to help you understand and interpret the metaphoric nature of dreams within a Biblical context.

As I stated earlier, many examples of dreams are included in order to reinforce a topic that the author is discussing  These examples bring the book to life and are very beneficial to the reader.  That being said, some of the examples are very personal, and can sometimes feel inappropriate.  On the one hand, I can understand why the author chose these particular examples since they do reinforce the point being made, but on the other hand I would recommend you be aware that a few examples can be uncomfortable to read.

I have long believed in the merit of dreams as a form of communication between God and His children.  After all, there are numerous examples of exactly that in the Bible itself.  I understand, however, that not everyone is open to the idea of dreams having very real and significant meanings.  I would recommend this book not only to those who already believe in the merit of dreams, but also to those who are skeptical, as it is written in a way that will help to remove that doubtfulness, and replace it with a confidence that some dreams can actually be tools to improve our lives and bring us closer to God.

“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.”
Profile Image for Joan.
4,365 reviews127 followers
May 4, 2018
We know that God has used dreams to communicate. We see that in the Bible. But what about today?

Dunston is an engineering professional. When she experienced a dream that coincided with a friend's need, she began to investigate dreams and their meanings. She first looked at the secular material and then studied biblical methods of dream interpretation, such as the principles of allegories and symbols. She has been studying and teaching this information for the last two decades.

I like Dunston's thorough investigation into dreams and their meaning. She shares many of her own dreams and how she interpreted them as well as many dreams others have had. It was good to read how she went through the interpretation process with a variety of dreams. I also like how she explained the difference between dreams and visions. Visions are snapshots of actual happenings, either in the present or the future. Dreams are metaphors, symbols, or analogies and one must look at the symbols to determine their meaning.

An extensive dictionary of general symbols for dreams is included, about two thirds of the book, actually. Dunstan does caution that one must first seek guidance from the Holy Spirit before determining the symbolic meaning of dreams. She mentions the necessity of the work of the Holy Spirit several times.

The final take I have on this is that one certainly needs to be cautious when it comes to dreams. Many times Dunston suggests that an example dream “might” indicate or “might” mean a certain idea. And she reminds us that some dreams come from our own soul, such as a result of our own intense feelings. Also, Dunston notes that false dreams may be “implanted by a dark spirit.” We should not trust dreams on their own merit, she writes. “There should always be a confirmation from another source.” (86)

This book is for people who believe that God speaks to them today, through His Word primarily but also occasionally through dreams. You'll get some good teaching and lots of resource material to discern and understand the meaning of dreams.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Profile Image for Monica H (TeaandBooks).
846 reviews85 followers
June 12, 2018
I often remember my dreams and I wonder what they mean. Maybe you do too? The Complete Guide to Dream Interpretation by Marsha Trimble Dunstan is a great tool for the Christian to use to interpret dreams.


The Complete Guide to Dream Interpretation is part the author explaining how to interpret your dreams and part dreamer's dictionary to explain what common dream symbols mean. Dunstan explains that she has been studying and teaching others about dreams and interpretations for nearly two decades. She says that she sees her book as a tool that needs to be used correctly by the reader through discernment, faith and a good relationship with the Holy Spirit. She shares common dream questions she has answered over the years, the steps to interpreting dreams and some example of types of dreams and their interpretations.


I found The Complete Guide to Dream Interpretation to be an interesting book. I especially like that this book comes at the topic from a Christian angle since my faith is an important part of who I am, like many Christians. I like the author's comprehensive approach to interpreting dreams from the Christian point of view. She helps guide the reader through different types of dreams and where they could originate. I also like the dreaming dictionary from the Christian point of view. I have looked up dream symbols on the Internet before and they are often on astrology sites with an entirely different point of view. I would encourage any Christian interested in dream interpretation to get this book, read it and make good use of it. I know I will keep The Complete Guide to Dream Interpretation as a reference for a long time.


I received this book from Chosen, A Division of Baker Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review.
Profile Image for Karen Palmer.
13 reviews
August 8, 2018
In The Complete Guide to Dream Interpretation, Marsha Trimble Dunstan offers readers a simple guide to understanding and interpreting dreams.

In the book, Dunstan reviews her own journey as a Christian trying to uncover the truth about dreams, answers common questions about dream interpretation, reviews the steps to dream interpretation, explains the types of dreams, and then offers readers several examples from her experience to illustrate the process. The book concludes with an extensive, though not exhaustive, interpretative dictionary with common symbols. The dictionary lists many possible meanings for a symbol, including reference Bible verses.

I enjoyed the tone of this book, which, while affirming that God does speak through dreams, also cautions readers that not every dream is from Him and that dreams must be carefully interpreted with the help of Scripture and the Holy Spirit. I also appreciate the constant reference to referring to Scripture and prayer in order to accurately interpret dreams.

If you are wondering whether your dreams mean something or would like to learn more about dream interpretation, I encourage you to give this book a read.

Karen

PS Looking for more resources? Check out this post.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Chosen in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for C.E. Hart.
Author 8 books43 followers
May 13, 2018
I have very vivid dreams—sometimes I forget them shortly after I wake, and other times they linger with me for some time. I know that they can hold powerful messages, for I’m shown that time and time again in the Bible. But I also believe dreams can oftentimes stem from demanding, stressful, or highly anticipated events or circumstances in our lives.

The Complete Guide to Dream Interpretation serves as a tool to help us understand the meaning of our dreams and how God directs us through them. The author displays many of her own personal dreams as well as those told to her, and how she interpreted them.

Although I found some of the information interesting, I’m cautionary with its advice. After all, the guidance is, in large part, in my opinion, a matter of opinion.

Almost fifty percent of the book provides a Dictionary of General Symbols and a Dictionary of Theme Symbols. These sections are the most interesting, to me. The definitions are clear and concise, with corresponding Scripture verses.

Cover: Okay
Title: Okay
Pages: 336
Publisher: Chosen Books
First Line: In my dream, I floated above my body and watched myself sitting quietly on the swing.
I received a complimentary copy from Chosen Books.
Profile Image for Rebecca Burnsworth.
71 reviews
June 2, 2018
Have you ever wanted to know why you had a dream? There are so many times that I have written down what dream I had and then tried to decode it myself. I was always blown away with what information I could find about the meaning of my dream.

Now take a look at this book above. This book goes a little more in depth than just your ordinary “this is why you are dreaming of falling” type of book. It gives a Biblical interpretation of your dream as well as a physical response to your surroundings. The author also goes into detail on how you can keep track of your dreams, their meaning and also how you can apply this to listening to God in your life.

I highly recommend this book to all who are interested deciphering their own dreams. With this book, you are able to go through the steps of dream decoding and grow spiritually and emotionally. Just about anything you can dream about is in this book and has scripture to go with it. This is just amazing how well she is able to pick out scripture for every dream. I suggest you take a look at this book. It is worth every word.

Please note; I received a free copy of this book from Chosen Blogger Review Program in exchange for my review. All thoughts about this book are my own.
Profile Image for Carrie Ann.
169 reviews16 followers
April 24, 2022
This was a great book on dream interpretation that not only gave me a practical way to approach dream interpretation, but also I enjoyed the writing. The author was also good about explaining parameters, boundaries, and warnings in approaching dream interpretation the right way. The stories were gripping!
187 reviews2 followers
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September 28, 2020
We all know that God spoke to people through dreams during the Bible times, but does he still do that today? This book is meant to be used as a guide to support that topic.

The author goes into much detail about what certain symbols in dreams mean and a majority of this book is a list of dream symbols and their meanings. While this book is backed up by Scripture, I still could not fully get on board with its teachings. I see lots of room for people to use this book as a misrepresentation and find false messages from God in their dreams. According to this book, the symbols in dreams can mean multiple things, so who can really know for sure if the dreams are being interpreted correctly? I just feel a bit uneasy about the path this book could lead people on if they take it the wrong way.

Nevertheless, I am thankful to Chosen books and the author for the chance to read and review this book and offer my honest opinions.
34 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2018
I had never heard of the author before this book, but seeing that the foreword was written by Mike Bickle, I thought it was worth a try. In The Complete Guide To Dream Interpretation, Marsha Trimble Dunstan introduces the reader to a method of dream interpretation that looks at symbols in dreams and tries to interpret these symbols using biblical metaphors. For example, a sword could represent the Word of God and wind could represent the Holy Spirit.

In addition to providing this method of biblical dream interpretation, Dunstan also attempts to give a biblical basis for prophetic dreams, answer common questions about dreams, and clear up any misconceptions people might have concerning dreams. She also shares her personal journey with dream interpretation and gives many examples of dreams and their interpretations. One of the most interesting things about this book is the dream symbol dictionary at the end. It contains over 3,800 entries and almost all of them have biblical references. Even so, the author warns that this book is meant to be a tool to assist in dream interpretation and is obviously not infallible. She says that every dream that seems to have a symbolic meaning should be interpretated with the help of the Holy Spirit . I highly recommend this book but caution the reader not to rely solely on it and not on the Holy Spirit.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Melissa.
115 reviews12 followers
December 9, 2018
I have read a couple books on prayer and I love the approach Dunstan took. She brings fresh revelation and insight through scripture on how we can understand our dreams. Going deep into the different types of dreams and I am not just talking about the basic, God dream, demonic dream, and body dreams. She talks about falling dreams, courage dream, and spiritual warfare dreams, just to name a few. Dunstan keeps it simple by giving a clear path on how we can interpret dreams and understand symbols. And she gives tons of examples of dreams and their interpretations. It was very eye opening to me to see how she unlocks the meaning of dreams.

Half of the book is a dictionary of symbols that is uniquely broken up into general symbols and then themes. Instead of searching for a color by its first letter you can go straight to the color section and be able to look up multiple colors at one time. It’s a great way to look things up faster.

Overall, The Complete Guide to Dream Interpretation is an excellent book to add to your dream books. It has personally got me really thinking differently at how I have looked at my dreams. I hope the author writes more on this topic in the near future!
Profile Image for Carol.
733 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2018
The Complete Guide To Dream Interpretation Is a wonderfully informative book about dream interpret tation. I have read as a late. She goes into detail about her experience with dream and documentation and then goes into explanation about it and how you can do it with only GOD's help - How to identify where it came from, then in the back she put symbols that you could have dreamt and what it means - like Flint = hard, then follows it up with Scripture. Another one is Footstool = GOD's Earth. Isn't this all tremendous? I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did. I received a copyfrom the Publisher ; all of the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.

if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com
Profile Image for Dianne.
77 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2018
The Complete Guide in Dream interpretation- Marsha Trimble Dunstan

The idea of a book on dream interpretation which is christian in bias is very unusual. Most books tend to be strongly influenced by the early phychologists.

The book has a large section at the back containing lists of items and their meanings arranged by theme and alphabetically.

The first part of the book tells the background to the author's experience as an interpreter of dreams. This is followed by several methods to use in interpreting a dream, each method illustrated by examples of dreams and how they could be interpreted.

I found this book very illuminating. This will be a greatly useful book to refer back to in years to come: a wonderful reference book.
Profile Image for Tanya.
90 reviews
May 19, 2018
To me this is the best guide to Biblical dream interpretation that I have ever read. It is not overly heavy on the Bible quotes, it has a good balance between a sound Christian foundation and understanding dreams. It is not religious or preachy, it has many examples of people's dreams, which is what makes this book stand out. It dissects different aspects of a dream and gives a simple yet intelligent explanation of symbols. I like that there are different symbol dictionaries and the author is flexible in every situation.
Profile Image for Ashley Montgomery.
88 reviews4 followers
May 15, 2018
This book is would be excellent for people who are new to dream interpretation. The author lays out the scriptural basis for dreams and dream interpretation quite well. She also includes a basic dream dictionary which a reader would find helpful.
Profile Image for Tamii.
73 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2018
I have always found dream interpretation interesting, this book gives simple to understand biblical interpretations.
The format of the book makes looking dreams up easy and scriptures are given in each instance. This was a well researched
228 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2020
Really interesting and informative, this would be good on almost everyone's bedside table as a good reference book to understand your dreams.
Thank you netgalley
Profile Image for Carol.
733 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2018
The Complete Guide To Dream Interpretation Is a wonderfully informative book about dream interpret tation. I have read as a late. She goes into detail about her experience with dream and documentation and then goes into explanation about it and how you can do it with only GOD's help - How to identify where it came from, then in the back she put symbols that you could have dreamt and what it means - like Flint = hard, then follows it up with Scripture. Another one is Footstool = GOD's Earth. Isn't this all tremendous? I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did. I received a copyfrom the Publisher ; all of the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.

if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com
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