Dreams are associated with the subconscious and seem to be without rhyme nor reason - however they can be interpreted in any number of ways according to the personal life experience of the 'viewer'. As an interpreter of dreams in the daily publication The Advertiser, a Wagga based newspaper, I was given the opportunity to give extraordinary clarity and meaning to those who were baffled by seemingly nonsensical images. The analyses always related to what was happening in the life of the dreamer which translated into symbolic narrative. Most analysts will give general meaning to symbols, nevertheless each individual will attach significance to these symbols according to their own experiential journey. For example, one person might see a snake as something to fear, someone else may view this as an opportunity for transformation. All is in the eye of the beholder!

Why do we dream? The physical body needs to release the stresses of the daily grind - we have the means to do this when we are the most relaxed - in our sleep, whereby we can concoct a scenario that organises our thoughts, fears and ideas into a kind of strategy or solution. What about scary nightmares - how do they solve anything? As you will see in the published analyses below, things are not quite what they seem. What appears frightening may actually be a wakeup call to challenge our thoughts and actions, and in fact offer a positive opportunity for reflection on what we worry about and fear the most.

Query 1: I have had a number of dreams in which I have witnessed catastrophic plane crashes, but I am not involved in the crash itself. What does this mean?

Answer: The plane is symbolic of personal freedom. At times we take our strengths and abilities for granted where others seem to buckle under pressure. This dream reminds you that you are in control and need not worry about problems that arise, as you can handle any situation with openness and honesty.

Query 2: I often dream about weddings but I'm not thinking of getting married - I don't even have a boyfriend! What does this mean?

Answer: Weddings are symbolic of great happiness and success for all concerned, so really you are bringing a little joy into your own life via the subconscious, as you need a boost at times. Simple as that!

Query 3: I have just had my second dream in which I tell myself I must wake myself up or I'll die, which I have managed to do. The second time it was much harder to wake myself than the first. This was traumatic and terrifying, but how did I know I was dreaming?

Answer: This scenario is really to do with your fear of facing up to the real world. Let me first reassure you that this is only a dream and will not eventuate. You are undergoing changes in your life at the moment, therefore the dream tells you that it is better to confront these full-on rather than bury your head in the sand where you will symbolically 'die'.