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The Curious Dreamer's Dream Essentials
Dream meaning is so powerful that one dream can change your life. Discover 11 keys to interpreting your own dreams in this book from the author of The Curious Dreamer's Dream Dictionary. With these practical tips, translation tools, and analysis techniques, you'll be free to explore your dreams and unlock their transformative power. Dream Interpretation Follow a practical 4-step process to interpret and benefit from your dream. Symbolism Discover common symbolism patterns pointing to dream meaning. Intuition as a Dream Learn how to recognize intuition and use it as a personal dream translator. Powerful Dream Analysis Choose from step-by-step techniques to explore dream and symbol meaning. Symbol Categories Translate any dream symbol based on clues from its symbol category. A Concise Dream Explore meanings of top dream symbols defined for personal growth. Working with a Dream Learn how to select a qualified dream professional and get the best results. Understanding Subconscious Find out what dreams reveal about your subconscious mind and how it works. Remembering Your Discover tips to enhance dream recall and retrieve subconscious details. Learn how to interpret and recover from nightmares and avoid certain triggers. Dream "How-To": Find tips, answers, and resources to help you understand your dreams and what they reveal about you. Includes an excerpt from The Curious Dreamer's Dream Dictionary!
- GenresNonfictionSelf Help
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2019
20 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Wagaman
4 books11 followersNancy 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)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 7, 2020
Today I’m reviewing something a little bit different. When asked to review this book about dream interpretation, I was curious (just like the title!) to see what I could gain from it. Whilst it was not completely to my typical fiction tastes, I can see how this would appeal to those who would like to start out with interpreting their dreams, without the unnecessary, convoluted jargon.
Picking up this book, I thought about several recurring dreams that I have, keen to see if there was any under-lying meaning to them. Regularly I dream about old school acquaintances – who remain fixed as their teenage selves, whilst I am the older adult; being incredibly late and despite either using a car or running, it is like going through treacle as I never reach my unknown destination; having to sit my History A-Level exam again for which I have never prepared for. These dreams frequently occur and I have always wanted to know why. Why do I dream about them so often? What do they mean? In addition, I was conscious of a more recent, random dream where I was drifting in a hot air balloon, going over the motorway to avoid a traffic jam. In my dream my hand was trailing out of the air balloon basket, which then gets randomly bitten by a horse (!). I find myself queuing up at the doctors, like it is a supermarket, with a very sore hand. Bizarre.
So, some may say that I went into this book with rather high expectations. Not at all, I was very open-minded and wanted to explore this market of interpreting dreams. For me, interpretations come with literature and reading texts, so this abstract nature that links to your subconscious was very interesting. Wagaman helpfully chunks down the chapters meaning it is easily a book for reference that you can go back to. There is little theory and scientific jargon which should appeal to all sorts of dreamers – from beginners to those more experienced.
However, at times I felt it quite repetitive and there were times when I thought that phrases were repeated unnecessarily. Furthermore, there are frequent references to Wagaman’s other books. I appreciate that this is so the reader can use this text as a spring-board to more detailed self-help books. However, at the same time it felt like an advertising platform and not an opportunity for the reader to explore the meaning behind their dreams.
I guess the question you are asking yourselves is whether I found the answers to my bizarre, random dreams. To be honest, I had already figured out most of them (just not the horse-biting one!) and was curious to see if there was anything I had missed. I don’t tend to dream very often – I’m too tired and fall into heavy sleep. Yet, my examples gave me an opportunity to consider alternative ideas. Also, I feel a bit more prepared for any new symbols in further dreams. Of course, I wasn’t expecting specific answers because interpretations are relevant to the dreamer, but it was quite interesting nonetheless.
If you are up for recording and analysing your dreams, this should certainly appeal. Particularly if this is new to you, Wagaman explains everything in easy-to-digest terms with helpful examples. Personally, I’m happy to keep my wacky dreams as something to entertain the husband with the next morning, rather than obsess on implied meanings.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Picking up this book, I thought about several recurring dreams that I have, keen to see if there was any under-lying meaning to them. Regularly I dream about old school acquaintances – who remain fixed as their teenage selves, whilst I am the older adult; being incredibly late and despite either using a car or running, it is like going through treacle as I never reach my unknown destination; having to sit my History A-Level exam again for which I have never prepared for. These dreams frequently occur and I have always wanted to know why. Why do I dream about them so often? What do they mean? In addition, I was conscious of a more recent, random dream where I was drifting in a hot air balloon, going over the motorway to avoid a traffic jam. In my dream my hand was trailing out of the air balloon basket, which then gets randomly bitten by a horse (!). I find myself queuing up at the doctors, like it is a supermarket, with a very sore hand. Bizarre.
So, some may say that I went into this book with rather high expectations. Not at all, I was very open-minded and wanted to explore this market of interpreting dreams. For me, interpretations come with literature and reading texts, so this abstract nature that links to your subconscious was very interesting. Wagaman helpfully chunks down the chapters meaning it is easily a book for reference that you can go back to. There is little theory and scientific jargon which should appeal to all sorts of dreamers – from beginners to those more experienced.
However, at times I felt it quite repetitive and there were times when I thought that phrases were repeated unnecessarily. Furthermore, there are frequent references to Wagaman’s other books. I appreciate that this is so the reader can use this text as a spring-board to more detailed self-help books. However, at the same time it felt like an advertising platform and not an opportunity for the reader to explore the meaning behind their dreams.
I guess the question you are asking yourselves is whether I found the answers to my bizarre, random dreams. To be honest, I had already figured out most of them (just not the horse-biting one!) and was curious to see if there was anything I had missed. I don’t tend to dream very often – I’m too tired and fall into heavy sleep. Yet, my examples gave me an opportunity to consider alternative ideas. Also, I feel a bit more prepared for any new symbols in further dreams. Of course, I wasn’t expecting specific answers because interpretations are relevant to the dreamer, but it was quite interesting nonetheless.
If you are up for recording and analysing your dreams, this should certainly appeal. Particularly if this is new to you, Wagaman explains everything in easy-to-digest terms with helpful examples. Personally, I’m happy to keep my wacky dreams as something to entertain the husband with the next morning, rather than obsess on implied meanings.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2019
The author presented a straightforward, step-by-step approach to interpreting dreams. The tools needed for understanding the voice that speaks to us at night was well explained. Putting them to practice provided me with a good place to start. What's more, a background in the psychology of dream interpretation is not required to receive the full benefits from this relatively short but comprehensive handbook.
Many mornings upon awakening, if lucky, there'd be remnants of a partial recollection of what I'd dreamt about. Many a time, in an attempt to interpret the meaning, all too often I'd come up short. The depth achieved at trying to unravel the meaning of my inner thoughts were at best - shallow. That's just the way it goes for everyone, and simply, there was nothing that could be done about that; so, I thought. The information within this book taught me otherwise.
What's been lurking within the shadows of my mind had always appeared to be nothing short of a science fiction movie, and of course, I was the star of the show. The sequences and events experienced were nothing like anything in my waking life. Are they ever?
After reading this well-written guide, I'm more prepared for being able to capture the hidden meaning of what my mind's been trying to tell me. Well-armed, now I know what to look for. It's easier than I had ever imagined. Helpful examples and numerous tips provided the building blocks for unlocking the meaning of my dreams.
Kudos to Nancy Wagaman for helping me find the pathway to capture the significance of what plays over in my mind, night after night. No longer will they come to elude me. Now, after all this time, I've begun to just uncover what's been lying beneath the surface.
Discover the subconscious you that never leaves your side. It's time to stop trying to put the square peg in the round hole. Give it a try. It's never too late to start. This book comes well recommended.
Many mornings upon awakening, if lucky, there'd be remnants of a partial recollection of what I'd dreamt about. Many a time, in an attempt to interpret the meaning, all too often I'd come up short. The depth achieved at trying to unravel the meaning of my inner thoughts were at best - shallow. That's just the way it goes for everyone, and simply, there was nothing that could be done about that; so, I thought. The information within this book taught me otherwise.
What's been lurking within the shadows of my mind had always appeared to be nothing short of a science fiction movie, and of course, I was the star of the show. The sequences and events experienced were nothing like anything in my waking life. Are they ever?
After reading this well-written guide, I'm more prepared for being able to capture the hidden meaning of what my mind's been trying to tell me. Well-armed, now I know what to look for. It's easier than I had ever imagined. Helpful examples and numerous tips provided the building blocks for unlocking the meaning of my dreams.
Kudos to Nancy Wagaman for helping me find the pathway to capture the significance of what plays over in my mind, night after night. No longer will they come to elude me. Now, after all this time, I've begun to just uncover what's been lying beneath the surface.
Discover the subconscious you that never leaves your side. It's time to stop trying to put the square peg in the round hole. Give it a try. It's never too late to start. This book comes well recommended.
June 7, 2019
Having read Nancy Wagaman's previous two interesting books about how to interpret your dreams, I am happy to say that this short book is a very good start for people who may think the other books are too complicated.
They are not, but they provide an awful lot of information that may be a bit much for some. For me, they were very useful and therefore I think it's good this third (small) book is on the market now. Nothing can keep you now from starting to work with your dreams.
I received a digital review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
They are not, but they provide an awful lot of information that may be a bit much for some. For me, they were very useful and therefore I think it's good this third (small) book is on the market now. Nothing can keep you now from starting to work with your dreams.
I received a digital review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2019
This book was amazing. If you're interested in learning how to interpret your dreams or if, like me, you've been interested/already doing it for years, then you've come to the right book! Nancy Wagaman explains everything perfectly in a tone that isn't boring but is instead very interesting.! This book talks about looking beyond the obvious, letting intuition be your guide, and the two other most important aspects when trying to interpret your dreams; context and personal meaning. I love the way the Kindle version of this book provides links to similar symbols. I, however, can't wait to buy a physical copy of this book so that I can flip through and find what I'm looking for even quicker. I plan on this book becoming one of my main sources for dream interpretations.
I received a free copy of the book via Booksiren in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of the book via Booksiren in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2019
A very comprehensive and in-depth way to analyze your dreams. One section I had never seen before is : How to ACT on your dreams.
Chapters are broken down well and are highly organized. Intensive explanations are given along with dream examples.
Highly Recommend!
Many Thanks to Nancy Wagaman and NetGalley for a great reference!
Chapters are broken down well and are highly organized. Intensive explanations are given along with dream examples.
Highly Recommend!
Many Thanks to Nancy Wagaman and NetGalley for a great reference!
October 20, 2019
This is a well written book. I learned alot about my dreams from this book. The author has done a remarkable job on researching with this book. The language is simple. Narration is also simple. The entire book is properly divided for easy understanding. And the plus point is it is even linked to each other. The dictionary given is also very helpful. I loved the book. I can't wait to read more of her works to know about my dreams.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
December 28, 2020
The Curious Dreamer’s Dream Essentials:
The All-in-One Dream Interpretation Book and Concise Dream Dictionary by Nancy Wagaman
BookSirens
June 4, 2019
Digital, review copy, spiritual
Rec’d 1/7/20
Read: 1/14/20-1/16/20
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from Book Sirens in exchange for an unbiased review.
www.thecuriousdreamer.com
“Your dreams speak to you every night. Unless you pay attention to them and learn their language, you’ll miss insights into yourself and your life that might otherwise be lost. This book encapsulates the essentials of practical dream interpretation to help you find the value in your dreams.”
This book is for anyone who has ever wondered whether dreams have any significance in the light of day. The author explains the process of dream interpretation by exploring the symbolism presented in dreams. You will learn how to review, record, analyze and act on your dreams.
There are a lot of references to using one’s intuition as a guide. It may be difficult for some people to understand just what that might mean. There are several explanations provided to assist with determining a definition suitable for you.
“As you work with any dream analysis technique, keep in mind that the goal is intuitive recognition of the true meaning.”
Personally, I found it rather complex and not the first book I would grab for a basic dream interpretation. I feel this book is more suited for those more connected with their spiritual side.
The All-in-One Dream Interpretation Book and Concise Dream Dictionary by Nancy Wagaman
BookSirens
June 4, 2019
Digital, review copy, spiritual
Rec’d 1/7/20
Read: 1/14/20-1/16/20
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from Book Sirens in exchange for an unbiased review.
www.thecuriousdreamer.com
“Your dreams speak to you every night. Unless you pay attention to them and learn their language, you’ll miss insights into yourself and your life that might otherwise be lost. This book encapsulates the essentials of practical dream interpretation to help you find the value in your dreams.”
This book is for anyone who has ever wondered whether dreams have any significance in the light of day. The author explains the process of dream interpretation by exploring the symbolism presented in dreams. You will learn how to review, record, analyze and act on your dreams.
There are a lot of references to using one’s intuition as a guide. It may be difficult for some people to understand just what that might mean. There are several explanations provided to assist with determining a definition suitable for you.
“As you work with any dream analysis technique, keep in mind that the goal is intuitive recognition of the true meaning.”
Personally, I found it rather complex and not the first book I would grab for a basic dream interpretation. I feel this book is more suited for those more connected with their spiritual side.
August 6, 2019
As a complete n00b and skeptic of dream analysis, this is a great introduction to the practice. Wagaman makes her approach crystal clear: there is no right or wrong meaning of one's dream. However, the process of looking at your dreams can help bring about more clarity regarding what your subconscious may be working through while you sleep. She provides some strategies to process the dreams and increase your recollection of any dreams you have. She stresses throughout the book that the right answer for you will be the one that is intuitive or just feels right to you.
By taking the mysticism out of dream analysis, it became more approachable for me. I found myself noticing things in my dreams without even actively applying her strategies. If I set my mind to trying to engage in dream recollection, I have no doubt I could learn about some of my deeper-seated beliefs and issues.
It was a thorough, digestible introduction to a topic I've always written off as kind of wonky, to be honest. The only criticism I have is that it was very repetitive, and I got a little tired of reading certain concepts over and over again regardless of how important they were.
*In exchange for an honest review, I received an advanced copy courtesy of Nancy Wagaman and BookSirens.
By taking the mysticism out of dream analysis, it became more approachable for me. I found myself noticing things in my dreams without even actively applying her strategies. If I set my mind to trying to engage in dream recollection, I have no doubt I could learn about some of my deeper-seated beliefs and issues.
It was a thorough, digestible introduction to a topic I've always written off as kind of wonky, to be honest. The only criticism I have is that it was very repetitive, and I got a little tired of reading certain concepts over and over again regardless of how important they were.
*In exchange for an honest review, I received an advanced copy courtesy of Nancy Wagaman and BookSirens.
December 2, 2019
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a practical guide which helps you analyze your dreams based solely on the idea that dreams come completely from your subconscious and are based on your own experiences. I think the tools outlined in this book are good for analyzing those types of dreams.
Personally, I tend to think that while most of our dreams are from our subconscious, there is a spiritual world too, and in my opinion, some dreams come from God for various reasons. This book doesn't go into the spiritual world at all. What The Curious Dreamer's Dream Essentials does do is help you look more clearly into your own subconscious and analyze what in your life situation and experiences may have caused you to have a particular dream.
If you are interested in self analysis for dream interpretation, and not in the spiritual side of dreams, this book will be very beneficial to you. This author also references their other books for further study.
This is a practical guide which helps you analyze your dreams based solely on the idea that dreams come completely from your subconscious and are based on your own experiences. I think the tools outlined in this book are good for analyzing those types of dreams.
Personally, I tend to think that while most of our dreams are from our subconscious, there is a spiritual world too, and in my opinion, some dreams come from God for various reasons. This book doesn't go into the spiritual world at all. What The Curious Dreamer's Dream Essentials does do is help you look more clearly into your own subconscious and analyze what in your life situation and experiences may have caused you to have a particular dream.
If you are interested in self analysis for dream interpretation, and not in the spiritual side of dreams, this book will be very beneficial to you. This author also references their other books for further study.
September 26, 2019
I am a curious dreamer -- and always have been. I read this book hoping to dive deep into the rich, sensual images that I enjoy nightly--and was disappointed when I realized this book did not provide the detailed, insightful perspective that I expected. Apparently, these essentials were covered in the author's previous books. Considering the vague, cursory, and uninspiring insight of this book, I'll go no further. In sum, a pretty cover on a book that does not deliver as promised.
July 8, 2019
Dream interpretation is something which has always fascinated me. I'm the kind of person who has lucid dreams on a regular basis and often wonders just what some of the more confusing or fantastical elements might mean. Thus, when I came across this book, I knew I had to give it a chance. After all, it claims to be the "all-in-one dream interpretation book and concise dream dictionary" and that seems like a very useful tool to have.
Unfortunately, it's not really ALL in one, as the semi-frequent mentions of this author's other, larger books containing dream analysis guides make abundantly clear. This is more of a small refresher and a newbie's guide, I'd say. So keep that in mind while proceeding; you won't be getting the be-all, end-all guidebook here. But that's not really what this book wants to be, and thus I question the subtitle quite a bit. This book is fairly upfront from the start that it's meant to lead you into the process of interpreting and recognizing symbolism in your dreams - not to be some magic book which tells you definitively what everything means.
In that regard, I found the book to be quite refreshing. Unlike some other sources I've found over the years, it doesn't pretend that we don't know our own minds better than some stranger's dictionary of dream elements might. The author reminds her readers that, because dreams are manifestations of our worries and subconscious thoughts, the symbols we find may not mean what they commonly do for others and, ultimately, we should listen to our intuition. If the gut instinct is, "no, that's not what this means to me," then we should listen. I wish I could go back in time and hand this advice to my teenage self, who was led down a scary path of thinking her dreams meant certain doom because of what online dream interpretations insisted the darker symbols meant.
Overall, I'm happy with the guide to dream analysis and the advice it gives. However, it could use a bit of polish here and there. For example, it sometimes reads as if the author is trying to pad paragraphs for length like a student desperate to finish an essay, and that can get repetitive quickly. (eg. "Intuition is key in understanding dream meaning because it is the part of you that recognizes the truth. It's through your intuition that you recognize the true meaning of a dream.") I ended up skimming through a few paragraphs, if only because it felt like I was having a Groundhog Day moment - the same thing, over and over, just presented with slight variations.
The symbols dictionary section contains fifty things ranging from very common (cats, words, being naked) to slightly more obscure (wallet, being rescued, things/people being next to other things/people), along with some useful information on what each might mean. However, it feels rather lacking compared to what I expected from a book proclaiming to be an All-In-One. It feels more like a basic primer, and honestly contains details anyone could find online for free.
Don't get this book for the sake of the dream dictionary; you'd be wasting your money. But if you want a primer for dream analysis and some useful insight on how to make sense of what you dream, this may very well be useful for you. I'd dare say, though, that it might be a better deal to go for one or both of the author's larger books instead if you already know you're very seriously interested in dedicating time and energy to analyze your dreams; this book seems at times more like a preview for those, right down to including a sizable excerpt from one.
(Note: I received an Advance Review Copy of this book for free from Book Sirens, and have chosen to provide honest insights on what I've read within. I do consider the book to be worth the current Amazon list price of slightly under $3.)
Unfortunately, it's not really ALL in one, as the semi-frequent mentions of this author's other, larger books containing dream analysis guides make abundantly clear. This is more of a small refresher and a newbie's guide, I'd say. So keep that in mind while proceeding; you won't be getting the be-all, end-all guidebook here. But that's not really what this book wants to be, and thus I question the subtitle quite a bit. This book is fairly upfront from the start that it's meant to lead you into the process of interpreting and recognizing symbolism in your dreams - not to be some magic book which tells you definitively what everything means.
In that regard, I found the book to be quite refreshing. Unlike some other sources I've found over the years, it doesn't pretend that we don't know our own minds better than some stranger's dictionary of dream elements might. The author reminds her readers that, because dreams are manifestations of our worries and subconscious thoughts, the symbols we find may not mean what they commonly do for others and, ultimately, we should listen to our intuition. If the gut instinct is, "no, that's not what this means to me," then we should listen. I wish I could go back in time and hand this advice to my teenage self, who was led down a scary path of thinking her dreams meant certain doom because of what online dream interpretations insisted the darker symbols meant.
Overall, I'm happy with the guide to dream analysis and the advice it gives. However, it could use a bit of polish here and there. For example, it sometimes reads as if the author is trying to pad paragraphs for length like a student desperate to finish an essay, and that can get repetitive quickly. (eg. "Intuition is key in understanding dream meaning because it is the part of you that recognizes the truth. It's through your intuition that you recognize the true meaning of a dream.") I ended up skimming through a few paragraphs, if only because it felt like I was having a Groundhog Day moment - the same thing, over and over, just presented with slight variations.
The symbols dictionary section contains fifty things ranging from very common (cats, words, being naked) to slightly more obscure (wallet, being rescued, things/people being next to other things/people), along with some useful information on what each might mean. However, it feels rather lacking compared to what I expected from a book proclaiming to be an All-In-One. It feels more like a basic primer, and honestly contains details anyone could find online for free.
Don't get this book for the sake of the dream dictionary; you'd be wasting your money. But if you want a primer for dream analysis and some useful insight on how to make sense of what you dream, this may very well be useful for you. I'd dare say, though, that it might be a better deal to go for one or both of the author's larger books instead if you already know you're very seriously interested in dedicating time and energy to analyze your dreams; this book seems at times more like a preview for those, right down to including a sizable excerpt from one.
(Note: I received an Advance Review Copy of this book for free from Book Sirens, and have chosen to provide honest insights on what I've read within. I do consider the book to be worth the current Amazon list price of slightly under $3.)
June 4, 2019
"Wow! I just had the strangest dream. It felt like it was real." How many times have you awaken with just that very thought? We've all done that. But here's the thing, they are real to some extent. Maybe not in a literal sense but those dreams of yours are a part of your psyche sending you messages or working out real life concerns within your waking life. They are clues, or the keys as Nancy Wagaman calls them, to your subconscious mind.
Nancy's book, The Curious Dreamer's Dream Essentials is a guide to help you explore and understand what all that nighttime entertainment is all about. She presents you with your own set of keys to enter your mind so that you can receive a wealth of understanding about what is going on inside of your head. First you unlock the door inside your house, or mind, and then you use the remaining keys to unlock the doors of the many rooms, or parts of your thinking process, to discover what lies inside.
One of the first things that struck me as I started reading the book was just how amazingly organized Wagaman is as a writer, as well as a teacher. Dream analysis can be rather confusing and daunting when you start to pick the pieces apart and yet try to understand them as a whole in relation to whatever sort of experiences the dreamer is going through. This is a step-by-step guide that starts with the basics and works its way up to an easy to understand method of the core of how one can interpret their dreams for a healthier and more satisfying life.
Included in Wagaman's explanations are negatives as well as positives. In other words, what particular aspects of your dreams are not as well as what they are. This helps to define, in a more specific manner, what you should not make of your dreams as well as what they may very well, in fact, indicate. There are a lot of beliefs out there by some whom either misunderstand or have been led down a whole different path of what your dreams are meant to be. She does not address any of these concepts at all but it is evident that this is a nuts and bolts method based on scientific study without all of the heavy jargon and more advanced neuropsychological theories.
If you have any interest in the art of interpreting your dreams, The Curious Dreamer's Dream Essentials is the perfect primer to start your journey. It's organized, concise, yet brimming with all of the basics you need to pack to take along with you on your exploration into the wilds of your inner psyche. Just let your intuition be your guide.
Nancy's book, The Curious Dreamer's Dream Essentials is a guide to help you explore and understand what all that nighttime entertainment is all about. She presents you with your own set of keys to enter your mind so that you can receive a wealth of understanding about what is going on inside of your head. First you unlock the door inside your house, or mind, and then you use the remaining keys to unlock the doors of the many rooms, or parts of your thinking process, to discover what lies inside.
One of the first things that struck me as I started reading the book was just how amazingly organized Wagaman is as a writer, as well as a teacher. Dream analysis can be rather confusing and daunting when you start to pick the pieces apart and yet try to understand them as a whole in relation to whatever sort of experiences the dreamer is going through. This is a step-by-step guide that starts with the basics and works its way up to an easy to understand method of the core of how one can interpret their dreams for a healthier and more satisfying life.
Included in Wagaman's explanations are negatives as well as positives. In other words, what particular aspects of your dreams are not as well as what they are. This helps to define, in a more specific manner, what you should not make of your dreams as well as what they may very well, in fact, indicate. There are a lot of beliefs out there by some whom either misunderstand or have been led down a whole different path of what your dreams are meant to be. She does not address any of these concepts at all but it is evident that this is a nuts and bolts method based on scientific study without all of the heavy jargon and more advanced neuropsychological theories.
If you have any interest in the art of interpreting your dreams, The Curious Dreamer's Dream Essentials is the perfect primer to start your journey. It's organized, concise, yet brimming with all of the basics you need to pack to take along with you on your exploration into the wilds of your inner psyche. Just let your intuition be your guide.
December 24, 2019
The biggest strength of this book is that it highlights how you are the storyteller in dream interpretation. There are no right or wrong ways about it, because dreams are unique to what's going on in your life. The author talks about how her suggested dream symbol meanings are possibilities rather than hard fast answers to a dream. Good point. I also like how there are lots of tips for dream recall. Since reading the book, I've been remembering my dreams vividly and more often. I think the hierarchical, Caveman, and other dream analysis tools are also interesting, creative, and useful.
The book overall, though, was hard for me to get into. There was too much cross referencing to the author's first book (a dream dictionary), which interrupted the flow of the writing and made it sound like this book is an afterthought. The abridged dictionary in the book, containing the most common dream symbols that people experience, was a good idea. However, the definitions felt overly simplified and obvious instead of exploratory. For example, the listing for encountering a 'Celebrity' in a dream mentioned that in real life, you may have seen this person on T.V. or in social media. I think most people would make this connection on their own. It left me wondering, "So, what else?"
Also, the section on intuition was too complicated on what is and isn't considered intuition, and I didn't agree with some of the points. I can't believe that intuition is just a "knowing" that never comes with a physical sensation. Intuition is part of a person, and a person has a body that senses stuff. Intuition spans the mind-body connection and isn't just ethereal. The book was a mixed bag for me. There was some cool detective work into dream interpretation, which was interspersed with confusing explanations and some over-dissecting of dreams.
The book overall, though, was hard for me to get into. There was too much cross referencing to the author's first book (a dream dictionary), which interrupted the flow of the writing and made it sound like this book is an afterthought. The abridged dictionary in the book, containing the most common dream symbols that people experience, was a good idea. However, the definitions felt overly simplified and obvious instead of exploratory. For example, the listing for encountering a 'Celebrity' in a dream mentioned that in real life, you may have seen this person on T.V. or in social media. I think most people would make this connection on their own. It left me wondering, "So, what else?"
Also, the section on intuition was too complicated on what is and isn't considered intuition, and I didn't agree with some of the points. I can't believe that intuition is just a "knowing" that never comes with a physical sensation. Intuition is part of a person, and a person has a body that senses stuff. Intuition spans the mind-body connection and isn't just ethereal. The book was a mixed bag for me. There was some cool detective work into dream interpretation, which was interspersed with confusing explanations and some over-dissecting of dreams.
June 8, 2019
Do you dream? Do you remember them? Are they joyous or terrifying? What is your brain trying to tell you while you sleep?
Dreams are strange things to me. Sometimes they are happy, most of the time they are bizarre and confusing and on rare occasions, the fear and panic are so intense I fear I may never wake and escape it.
Nancy Wagaman is a qualified psychologist and has been an expert in dream interpretation since the ’80s, so there isn’t a lot she doesn’t know about interpreting dreams and ridding yourself of the bad ones.
Dream Essentials is exactly that. A beginners guide to understanding your dreams and how they can assist you in your waking state using Nancy’s essential dream interpretation tools. You’ll learn how to navigate your dreams and pick the symbols or events to explore further. For example; dreaming of a cat may symbolise one thing to a person, but to another, they may just really love cats! Not all symbols and events are literal, in fact, most are to be assessed in context with many other factors such as your home life, type of work you’re in and what stress levels you are under.
If you’re experiencing vivid, reoccurring, or difficult dreams, The Curious Dreamer’s Dream Essentials is an excellent starting point to explore what happens to your mind while you sleep.
Dream Essentials is a quick, informative read and a great lead into The Curious Dreamer’s Dream Dictionary which offers 1500 symbols to start you on your way to dream interpretation Nirvana!
Dreams are strange things to me. Sometimes they are happy, most of the time they are bizarre and confusing and on rare occasions, the fear and panic are so intense I fear I may never wake and escape it.
Nancy Wagaman is a qualified psychologist and has been an expert in dream interpretation since the ’80s, so there isn’t a lot she doesn’t know about interpreting dreams and ridding yourself of the bad ones.
Dream Essentials is exactly that. A beginners guide to understanding your dreams and how they can assist you in your waking state using Nancy’s essential dream interpretation tools. You’ll learn how to navigate your dreams and pick the symbols or events to explore further. For example; dreaming of a cat may symbolise one thing to a person, but to another, they may just really love cats! Not all symbols and events are literal, in fact, most are to be assessed in context with many other factors such as your home life, type of work you’re in and what stress levels you are under.
If you’re experiencing vivid, reoccurring, or difficult dreams, The Curious Dreamer’s Dream Essentials is an excellent starting point to explore what happens to your mind while you sleep.
Dream Essentials is a quick, informative read and a great lead into The Curious Dreamer’s Dream Dictionary which offers 1500 symbols to start you on your way to dream interpretation Nirvana!
June 11, 2019
While Freudian therapy is far less efficient than modern techniques, many of the old boy’s insights are still valid. The power of what goes on below consciousness is one of them. I think of the conscious mind as a monkey riding an elephant. The elephant does all the work, but the monkey gives it directions. I prefer to talk with the elephant through hypnosis, but dream analysis works equally well. So, analyzing your dreams is not an idle pursuit, but a means to resolving painful issues, and a path to personal growth.
Think of this book as a textbook on dream interpretation, and you won’t be far wrong. Nancy Wagaman explains the relevant concepts, techniques and caveats as well as I’ve ever seen. She has a knack of explaining complex, vague concepts in clear words. Her chapter on intuition is an example.
This little book is intended as a free or low-cost giveaway, with two purposes. It is a lead-in to the author’s more comprehensive books, and an introduction to the concepts. All the same, an intelligent, thoughtful reader with no previous experience should be able to carry out significant dream analysis based on this book alone.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Think of this book as a textbook on dream interpretation, and you won’t be far wrong. Nancy Wagaman explains the relevant concepts, techniques and caveats as well as I’ve ever seen. She has a knack of explaining complex, vague concepts in clear words. Her chapter on intuition is an example.
This little book is intended as a free or low-cost giveaway, with two purposes. It is a lead-in to the author’s more comprehensive books, and an introduction to the concepts. All the same, an intelligent, thoughtful reader with no previous experience should be able to carry out significant dream analysis based on this book alone.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 6, 2019
I received a copy of this book via Booksirens in exchange for an honest review.
I have been interested in the meaning of dreams since being a teenager and have read countless books on the subject. This book is easily the best book on the subject that I have ever read. The book is easily digestible and guides you step by step through the process of analysing dreams. What I love about this book is that it is pointed out that all symbolism is unique to you and only to use Dream dictionaries as a guide. It is even pointed out that some dreams may just be a result of your mood when you went to bed, something you ate, something you saw on television or toxins. I totally agree with that. I will be definitely coming back to this book time and time again to use the techniques suggested to analyse my dreams.
I have been interested in the meaning of dreams since being a teenager and have read countless books on the subject. This book is easily the best book on the subject that I have ever read. The book is easily digestible and guides you step by step through the process of analysing dreams. What I love about this book is that it is pointed out that all symbolism is unique to you and only to use Dream dictionaries as a guide. It is even pointed out that some dreams may just be a result of your mood when you went to bed, something you ate, something you saw on television or toxins. I totally agree with that. I will be definitely coming back to this book time and time again to use the techniques suggested to analyse my dreams.
July 2, 2019
Unfortunately, I remember about 85% of my dreams. Most of the dreams I remember are very vivid and clear. I have always been curious about what my dreams mean but I never wanted to read a big thick book with a bunch of psychology terminology. I wanted to find a book like Dreams for Dummies. I must say this book is the simplest and most easy to understand. This book describes the meanings of dreams like emotions and importance. Who knew there were dream analysis tools and dream symbols. Did you know there are dream professionals who can interpret your dreams? My big issue is what to do with the dreams I remember. The best advice I got from this book is creating a dream journal. Write down my dreams! This book was great source of information and very easy to understand. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 13, 2020
Learn how to remember your dreams since it is believed they come from your subconscious and may be acted upon.
This book provides helpful tips on how to remember your dreams and concentrate on the significant parts. After recording the dream, the reader can use The Curious Dreamer’s Dream Dictionary to help discover the meaning.
The author suggests creating a dream journal to record important elements of a dream and subsequent interpretations. Since it is her belief that dreams come from the subconscious, having the ability to analyze your dreams over a period of time is essential.
I received an ARC from BooksGoSocial through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.
This book provides helpful tips on how to remember your dreams and concentrate on the significant parts. After recording the dream, the reader can use The Curious Dreamer’s Dream Dictionary to help discover the meaning.
The author suggests creating a dream journal to record important elements of a dream and subsequent interpretations. Since it is her belief that dreams come from the subconscious, having the ability to analyze your dreams over a period of time is essential.
I received an ARC from BooksGoSocial through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.
June 4, 2019
A fascinating read. It's not exactly a dictionary, although it does include some of the most common symbols; it's more about the act of interpreting your dreams, giving tips and hints about your state of mind, rituals to help you remember and much more. I think once you've read it through once you'll probably be dipping in and out of it, but that's no harm and it's a very handy one to reference. I've started using it on my dreams! (No, I'm not telling you the meanings.) It includes suggested further reading if you're interested in the topic at all.
A great book for beginners or for dream aficionados.
I received a free copy and chose to write an honest review.
A great book for beginners or for dream aficionados.
I received a free copy and chose to write an honest review.
November 1, 2021
This is one of those books I label as a "marketing book": one whose purpose isn't really to give a lot of information or be comprehensive on a subject, but just enough to entice you to buy another book or purchase a service. I really didn't come away from it knowing much more about dream analysis than I already know. The good news? It's short.
I also found the profusion of internal links a bit annoying. It's a hundred and some-odd pages. Do you really need dozens of internal links? But then, that's par for a marketing book.
I also found the profusion of internal links a bit annoying. It's a hundred and some-odd pages. Do you really need dozens of internal links? But then, that's par for a marketing book.
June 12, 2019
This was a very nice condensed book that highlights the important things of the other two books - good for those who would like to get into dreams but not sure if they want to read the other two lengthier books, and for those who have read the other two books and would like a refresher or reminder. I got a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2019
This book did not really evoke any emotion or interest in me, but that is not the writer's fault, maybe I've read too much on the subject previously. There was nothing really new here, or even an interesting angle.
I also got the impression that is is just a way to refer to and to advertise her other books.
Thank you for the opportunity though.
#Netgalley
I also got the impression that is is just a way to refer to and to advertise her other books.
Thank you for the opportunity though.
#Netgalley
October 12, 2019
An interesting insight into the meaning of dreams.
A good book to be able to dip into and explain the reasons of what our dreams are trying to tell us.
A good book to be able to dip into and explain the reasons of what our dreams are trying to tell us.
May 27, 2020
This book was a good resource to use while I was researching the meanings of dreams. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 28, 2019
The Curious Dreamer's Dream Essentials is a great resource if you are interested in interpreting your own dreams. The book gives a great overview of ways to record and decode your dreams. There is a section specifically for decoding certain icons (fo more in-depth look, you can read the book's companion). This guide is easy to read and understand; I think it will be a great tool to understand your own dreams.
June 3, 2019
This is the book to start with if you have any interest in learning to interpret your dreams. She explains in a logical fashion the conscious/subconscious connection and the most common symbolic elements of dreams and the practical application to you, the dreamer. Her other 2 books contain more detailed information and instructions but this one is a good introduction to beginning a dream journal as well as possibilities of why you dream what you do and how to determine what it means to you as an individual.
September 12, 2019
You all know how much I love reading about occult-type things, and this guide is no exception. I have the WEIRDEST dreams, and am always trying to interpret them. At the beginning of the year, I received a copy of The Curious Dreamer’s Dream Dictionary, and since then I’ve been able to look up some of the symbols in my dreams, as well as better interpret them. Then, about two months ago, I received an email about the supplemental mini-book The Curious Dreamer’s Dream Essentials. It took me some time to get to this book (life, ya know), but I’m so glad I finally got to it because it’s such a handy reference.
At only 87 pages long, this book takes up very little storage space on your device, so I downloaded my copy to my phone, which is pretty much the first thing I check in the morning. This made it super easy to look up portions of my dream without having to fire up my Kindle, and then scroll through pages. Since the book is short, it was a very fast read, and the information is clear and concise, despite it’s topic of interpretation.
Instead of specific words like the dictionary, Dream Essentials has more information focused on interpretation of overall themes. So, for instance, in one of my dreams, I cut off my cat’s nose because it was too long. I know- weird right? However, according to this book, the overall sense of the dream can be referencing responsibility of the cat, and too much or too little of it. For me, this meant my dream reflected my inner guilt at shirking my cat-mom duties.
Since the Dream Essentials mini-book is available in Kindle format, I highly suggest it as a reference for anyone to keep on their phone’s Kindle app. It’s inexpensive, comprehensive but concise, and the perfect introduction to the world of dream interpretation- even for the naysayers who think it’s too “woo-woo”! You never know what your dreams are trying to tell you, unless you look into them!
At only 87 pages long, this book takes up very little storage space on your device, so I downloaded my copy to my phone, which is pretty much the first thing I check in the morning. This made it super easy to look up portions of my dream without having to fire up my Kindle, and then scroll through pages. Since the book is short, it was a very fast read, and the information is clear and concise, despite it’s topic of interpretation.
Instead of specific words like the dictionary, Dream Essentials has more information focused on interpretation of overall themes. So, for instance, in one of my dreams, I cut off my cat’s nose because it was too long. I know- weird right? However, according to this book, the overall sense of the dream can be referencing responsibility of the cat, and too much or too little of it. For me, this meant my dream reflected my inner guilt at shirking my cat-mom duties.
Since the Dream Essentials mini-book is available in Kindle format, I highly suggest it as a reference for anyone to keep on their phone’s Kindle app. It’s inexpensive, comprehensive but concise, and the perfect introduction to the world of dream interpretation- even for the naysayers who think it’s too “woo-woo”! You never know what your dreams are trying to tell you, unless you look into them!
May 2, 2020
This was a hard book to write a review on since it is the first non-fiction book I’ve read that I’m writing a review for and because the material is very personal to each reader. I also struggled a bit with the descriptions and explanations for the possible meanings of dreams. Although Ms. Wagaman is very thorough, the verbiage comes across a bit condescending at times. I’d definitely consider this an introductory book about dream analysis.
The key points about dreams are definitely touched on here, but overall if you’ve read one book about dreams then you’re probably already ahead of this book. So much of this book was spent referring the reader to another one of her books, it made me want to just be finished with the current one already.
There’s definitely some good points made here though. I like that the dream journal is thoroughly discussed and explained. I appreciated the Toxic Dream chapter but I did feel that there was a little bit too much emphasis put on outside influences such as drugs, alcohol, food etc. This is a type of dream that I have suffered from all of my life and this chapter is the closest anyone’s ever come to explaining what may be occurring but I don’t agree with the suggested causes.
Overall I get this book 3.5 out of five stars. A few points are not to be missed here but again there’s nothing really new if you’re familiar at all with dream interpretation.
Thank you to BookSirens for the e-copy of this book to read and review voluntarily.
The key points about dreams are definitely touched on here, but overall if you’ve read one book about dreams then you’re probably already ahead of this book. So much of this book was spent referring the reader to another one of her books, it made me want to just be finished with the current one already.
There’s definitely some good points made here though. I like that the dream journal is thoroughly discussed and explained. I appreciated the Toxic Dream chapter but I did feel that there was a little bit too much emphasis put on outside influences such as drugs, alcohol, food etc. This is a type of dream that I have suffered from all of my life and this chapter is the closest anyone’s ever come to explaining what may be occurring but I don’t agree with the suggested causes.
Overall I get this book 3.5 out of five stars. A few points are not to be missed here but again there’s nothing really new if you’re familiar at all with dream interpretation.
Thank you to BookSirens for the e-copy of this book to read and review voluntarily.
March 28, 2021
•3.5 Stars•
What I love about this book is,it's simple and clearly explained. All you really need is a pen,a journal and a little bit of intuition to understand your dreams, this way you can keep getting better at recalling your dreams an help you find the hidden messages your subconscious mind is trying to send you.
But best of all is you need not to be psychic to understand your dreams, this book tells you dreams are mystery,as variable as they are from person to person,you yourself are the best key to unlocking your dreams.
Recommended to anyone who is interested in topic regarding human dreams or need a guide on how to record amd decphir one's own dreams. Last but not least,it's a very useful self help guide.
"I received an advance review copy for free from booksiren, and I am leaving this review voluntarily."
What I love about this book is,it's simple and clearly explained. All you really need is a pen,a journal and a little bit of intuition to understand your dreams, this way you can keep getting better at recalling your dreams an help you find the hidden messages your subconscious mind is trying to send you.
But best of all is you need not to be psychic to understand your dreams, this book tells you dreams are mystery,as variable as they are from person to person,you yourself are the best key to unlocking your dreams.
Recommended to anyone who is interested in topic regarding human dreams or need a guide on how to record amd decphir one's own dreams. Last but not least,it's a very useful self help guide.
"I received an advance review copy for free from booksiren, and I am leaving this review voluntarily."
November 10, 2019
Not a dream dictionary - even though there is a small chapter on a few symbols/meanings. But it does focus on keeping track and analyzing the dreams you may have. So it can help further one's dream interpretation for oneself or for others. It does look like it is part of a series she has done if you like her writing style.
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