How to interpret your dreams (without losing your mind at 3 am)

Dreams are one of the oldest forms of magic. Long before oracle decks, astrology apps, and moon calendars, humans looked to the dream world for guidance. Dreams are portals, messages, mirrors, and sometimes… pure chaos. One night you meet your childhood pet who gives you life advice. The next night you’re trying to eat a cloud (that was my dream and I need to admit that the cloud was very delicious 😉). Welcome to dream work.

If you’ve been wanting to dive deeper into your inner world and to understand what your dreams are trying to tell you, this guide is for you.

Dreams are not random or meaningless. They’re your subconscious speaking its own language, rich in symbols, emotions, archetypes, and intuitive nudges.

Sometimes dreams confirm what you already know but haven’t admitted. Sometimes they warn you, inspire you, or bring you clarity.

And in my opinion the secret to understanding dreams lies in one thing… the dream journal!

Your most important tool in the dreamwork: the dream journal

If you want to work with your dreams seriously, you need to write them down.  Ideally, immediately after waking up. Not later. Not when you have time.  Otherwise, you might forget your dream. Your dream journal doesn’t have to be fancy. Use a notebook, your phone, a voice memo - whatever works. The act of recording a dream is what opens the door. I bought a beautiful notebook with lots of pages, but I’ve also wrote dreams down in my phone notes or on a napkin.

Keeping a dream journal helps you spot patterns, notice recurring themes, and remember your dreams more clearly. I also love flipping back through old entries and discovering dream I no longer remember.

And don’t worry if you forget to write a dream down now and then. Dream work should feel like a pleasure, a nice ritual and not another task on your to-do list. I do not write down all the dreams, mostly the ones I remember the most or feel important to me.

How to interpret your dreams (my version)

1. Write down everything - even if it seems weird or not important. Even if you remember just one word or color. Dreams communicate in metaphors. What seems silly at first may turn out to be the key symbol.

2. Think how you feel in the dream. Do you remember the emotion? Did you wake up scared, happy or confused? Emotions are important.  A dream about falling that feels peaceful means something very different than one that feels terrifying.

3. Look at the main symbols - objects, people, animals, mystical creature. Does this particular symbol mean something to you? You can absolutely check a dream dictionary to get some ideas and see what resonates, but in my experience, symbols are usually very personal.

   For example, when my dad dreams of his mother (she passed away many years ago, far too soon), he always says the day after is peaceful and pleasant. You won’t find that in any dream book - it’s his unique meaning.

   It can also be fun to ask your family about dream symbols. My grandma, for instance, used to say that dreaming of teeth falling out meant illness. Maybe your family has its own dream lore or symbolic traditions too.

4. Think what is happening in your life - dreams often mirror our situations, desires, and fears. For example, when I was stressed about some event at work, I dreamed about ...work of course! Write down any notes or feelings that come up. You can revisit them at the end of the day (or even much later) to see if a new layer of meaning reveals itself.

5. Add some witchcraft to it - if you are not sure about the meaning or just would like to know more, you can pull a card, meditate on the symbol or connect with your Spirit Guides and ask.

I don’t remember my dreams… what can I do?

Dream recall comes and goes for everyone. Some nights you wake up with a full fantasy movie trilogy in your head… and other mornings you’re like, “Did I even dream?”

Here’s what could help:

✨ Set the intention before sleep - literally say out loud (or in your mind): “Tonight I will remember my dreams.” It sounds simple or maybe even weird, but intention is powerful

✨ Keep your dream journal within arm’s reach - if your notebook is across the room, your dreams don’t stand a chance. The moment you wake up, write anything: a feeling, a colour, one word. That tiny thread often pulls more memories forward

✨ Slow down your morning - don’t jump out of bed or grab your phone right away. Stay in that foggy in-between state for a minute. I know, easier said than done. The second my alarm rings, my cat starts meowing for food like she hasn’t eaten in years. So I just lie there, eyes half-closed, petting her and trying to steal one extra peaceful minute to remember whatever dream fragments I can

✨ Support dream recall with tools - herbs like mugwort or lavender, crystals like amethyst, moonstone, or labradorite can gently enhance your dream world. Please a crystal on your nightstand or create a tiny bag with herbs and crystal and place it under your pillow or next to your bed

And remember: the more you practice remembering your dreams, the more your mind starts delivering them. It’s a relationship and it gets stronger when you show up for it.

You don’t need a psychic, a book of symbols, or a dream dictionary (though those can help).  What you need is curiosity, consistency, and a willingness to listen. Your dreams speak your language - the language of your soul. And with a dream journal and the courage to explore your inner realms, you’ll uncover a powerful source of guidance that has been with you all along.

Do you record your dream?

P.S. In my family, it’s also said that your first dream in a new place is special and worth remembering. Does your family have any dream traditions or beliefs too?