Is your sleep unsettled by fears about selfies, broken mobiles and unsent texts? If so, a leading expert can help with this guide on: How to interpret your e-dreams

  • Theresa Cheung has reprinted her Dream Dictionary for a tech-savvy audience
  • The author and expert revealed interpretations for common unsettling dreams
  • Dreaming of your nude photos could be a sign of oversharing in waking life 
  • Dreams of being in a video game suggests you feel manipulated in real life

Why are we so endlessly fascinated by dreams? The first evidence of dream interpretation dates back to the ancient Sumerian civilisation of the 31st century BC, and, some 5,000 years later, we still rush to tell each other our dreams as soon as we wake up.

Surely it’s because, though we laugh at their bizarre plots and apparently random characters, most of us are convinced there is meaning in there somewhere.

We dream in symbols that reflect our waking lives. And, since we now spend a lot of time online, it’s not surprising that our dream imagery has changed in recent years to reflect that.

Leading expert Theresa Cheung who is a bestselling author, revealed interpretations for unsettling tech-savvy dreams (file image)

Leading expert Theresa Cheung who is a bestselling author, revealed interpretations for unsettling tech-savvy dreams (file image) 

In the new reprint of my bestselling Dream Dictionary, I’ve updated my dream interpretations for a tech-savvy audience — the Sumerians did not dream of texting, but we very much do.

For example, what does it mean when we dream of taking a selfie, or of an online celebrity influencer? When our mobile phones are broken, or the letters are jumbled on a computer keyboard?

Understanding their meaning can help you better interpret all your other dreams. Here’s how to do it . . .

TEXTING

In general, texts, texting and other forms of phone or computer messaging tend to represent your hidden thoughts and emotions, the things you can’t openly communicate, or which, for some reason, remain unexpressed in your waking life.

Your dreaming mind is showing your true feelings, which is a positive and cathartic process, so take notice of the content of the message.

If it doesn’t make sense, this suggests you are struggling to understand your true feelings. If the text is unfinished, then there may be difficult emotions, such as anger, guilt or feelings of rejection, that you need to work through as soon as possible.

Typically, there will be a sense of urgency in texting dreams that you should heed.

If you dream you are sending the text, this suggests you need to take care of the most important relationship in your life: the one you have with yourself.

Theresa says dreaming of emojis is your mind's way of encouraging you to take yourself less seriously (file image)

Theresa says dreaming of emojis is your mind's way of encouraging you to take yourself less seriously (file image)

EMOJIS

Whenever emojis (icons used in messages) appear in your dreams, they are typically associated with the people and things in your life that lift you up, rather than drag you down.

Your dreaming mind is encouraging you to take yourself a bit less seriously. Even if the emoji is negative, such as the frowning emoji, the theme is still light-hearted and suggests you are worrying needlessly about something or someone in your waking life.

COMPUTERS

Although computers generally represent the need to be logical and clear in your thinking, if they do astonishing things in your dream that often suggests the way forward is for you to add a little creativity and adventure into your life.

Dreaming about computer screens or monitors represents a sense of unlimited possibility. Pay attention to what you see on the screen, as it may offer you a sense of direction.

Keyboards are associated with emotions and how emotionally intelligent you are: are you typing with ease, or struggling to locate the letters?

The expert claims taking selfies in your dream is an indicator of self-confidence and you may need to spend more time concentrating on what you believe about yourself (file image)

The expert claims taking selfies in your dream is an indicator of self-confidence and you may need to spend more time concentrating on what you believe about yourself (file image)

SELFIES

Taking selfies in your dream can indicate self-confidence, but if you feel anxious when taking the photo, the message is that you need to spend more time concentrating on what you believe about yourself, rather than what others think.

SOCIAL MEDIA

If social media platforms, networking groups or chatrooms feature in your dreams, pay attention to what these circles stand for in waking life. Are they ways to connect with friends or discuss particular interests? Your dreaming mind has chosen these images for a reason.

Dreaming about gaining ‘likes’ and followers may be a wish-fulfillment image sent by the dreaming mind to show you need greater self-belief, especially if you feel lonely.

If you see online nude pictures of yourself in your dream, you may be oversharing online in your waking life and could benefit from some time unplugged and switched-off.

PRINTERS

Printers are a manifestation of your plans, and blank printing paper a symbol of hope or despair — the opportunity to create ideas, or the sense of having no ideas.

Theresa says dreaming of characters from TV series could be a sign that the show has underlying themes that could teach you a life lesson (file image)

Theresa says dreaming of characters from TV series could be a sign that the show has underlying themes that could teach you a life lesson (file image) 

TV SHOWS

If your dream features characters or scenes from iconic TV series such as Game Of Thrones or The Crown, this could, of course, mean that you are a superfan of the show — but it is more likely to suggest that the underlying themes of the series have something to teach you about yourself. What life lessons can you learn?

Do some research and see what change in perspective it can offer you. For example, Game Of Thrones teaches that it is never too late to redeem yourself and that you don’t need the validation of anyone else.

DATING APPS

Phone apps now play a large part in most of our lives and, as a result, are increasingly appearing in our dreams. If you dream of a phone app, it is generally an optimistic sign, as it suggests you are taking steps to make things happen in your life: you want to take action.

Dating apps suggest the need for partnership or working with someone to reach your goals.

CELEBRITIES

If you watch online videos in your dreams, these are likely to reflect your everyday thoughts and responses.

The author revealed dreaming of a phone that you're unable to answer suggests that people are struggling to get through to you in real life (file image)

The author revealed dreaming of a phone that you're unable to answer suggests that people are struggling to get through to you in real life (file image)

The content of what you are watching is very important. See if anything relates to your waking life.

If you find yourself watching a celebrity or reality star, what is it about that person or their viewpoint that resonates? If you dream of Madonna, for example, what is it about her that inspires you? Is it her drive, her ambition, her feistiness, or her ability to reinvent herself?

Spell out in your mind all the qualities this person stands for, then consider the implications.

RINGING MOBILE

In our dreams, phones are symbols of communication, or the desire to make contact with an aspect of yourself or someone else.

Mobile phones have the added association of urgency, emergency, or the fear of being left out or not included in your close circle of friends.

If you cannot or will not answer your phone in your dream, this suggests people are finding it hard to get through to you in real life.

BROKEN PHONE

If there are problems with your phone due to poor signal, it may be that a relationship in your life is suffering as a result of poor communication.

Theresa says dreaming that you're in a video game is related to feelings of manipulation in waking life (file image)

Theresa says dreaming that you're in a video game is related to feelings of manipulation in waking life (file image)

If the phone is broken or its screen cracked, a relationship from your past may be broken beyond repair, or perhaps you have beliefs that are holding you back in some way.

A dated or slow phone indicates something is holding you back in your waking life. You are not able to express yourself and are running out of patience.

VIDEO GAMES

Research shows there is a link between playing video games and an active dream life — the more people play them, the likelier they are to have lucid or intense dreams.

Dreaming that you are in a video game suggests you feel manipulated or controlled in some area of your waking life.

5 most common dreams decoded 

1. SECRET ROOM

Dreaming of an empty, secret or unused room suggests you are discovering hidden talents and potential within yourself.

If you find a forgotten room full of fascinating things, this could be your dreaming mind encouraging you to reclaim a neglected part of your life.

Dreaming about unopened boxes also suggests something important is hidden inside you and needs to be explored.

2. TEETH FALLING OUT

In dreams, teeth can symbolise confidence, so losing them can reflect real-life feelings of insecurity. Such dreams often occur at transition times in a person’s life. According to the psychoanalyst Carl Jung, if a tooth is being pulled out in a woman’s dream, this represents giving birth, and has associations with some kind of painful experience or loss that will lead to a new beginning.

It can also express anxiety about ageing or appearance.

3. FLYING

Dreams about flying are very common. Typically, dreamers don’t go on long or high flights — instead they hover about 100 or so yards from the ground.

The simplest explanation was made by physician Havelock Ellis, who said it is our breathing while asleep that suggests to the unconscious mind the idea of flying (and falling). Meanwhile, Freud suggested dreams of flying represent a desire for sexual freedom.

Others believe such dreams symbolise a new perspective or the ability to see the bigger picture. If you are having trouble flying, this suggests you’ve set yourself very high goals.

4. FALLING IN LOVE

often, this is a dream about self-discovery — the key is identifying what it is about your ‘dream’ lover you need to acknowledge or integrate into yourself to feel whole.

Falling in love can also have more literal interpretations. If the dream lover was your real partner, your dream may have been reaffirming your affection, or reminding you of what first drew you to them.

Dreaming you’re in love with someone who, in waking life, is a friend, colleague or someone you see on your commute may be unsettling. It’s possible that you feel drawn to them in some unconscious way but are ignoring those feelings as you deem them inappropriate.

5. TAKING AN EXAM

Sitting a test in your dream shows you feel challenged in real life — it is telling you that the secret to success is to stay focused. Not knowing where to go for the exam, or feeling unprepared, though, suggests a lack of confidence in your ability to handle a situation.

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Adapted by ALISON ROBERTS from The Dream Dictionary From A-Z by Theresa Cheung (£14.99, Thorsons) © Theresa Cheung 2019. To order a copy for £12 (20 per cent discount), call 01603 648155 or visit mailshop.co.uk. P&P is free. Offer valid to December 16, 2019.

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