I've always considered dreams a sort of 'private bed story', perhaps because my dreams are usually very vivid and rich in detail. And like any good story, setting is key. It's not only what is happening in the dream that matters, but where. Today we will be discussing twelve of the most common dream settings and what they really mean.
Cemetery-Now let me start by saying that finding your "dream self" in a cemetery is not always a bad thing. It could, in fact, mean that a sick friend or relative will recover from their ill health. If you are feeling peaceful as you are walking through the cemetery, it could mean that change is coming your way. If you happen to be reading the inscriptions on the headstones, this is an indication that you will have many friends in your life. Of course, not all is positive, as one might expect when dealing with cemeteries. It could also be symbolic of sadness and unresolved grief.
Desert-The desert may be beautiful to look at, but it is a bad place to find yourself when dreaming. It signifies loss, misfortune, barrenness, loneliness, feelings of isolation , and hopelessness. It may be symbolic of your own feelings of being deserted and being left behind. Likewise, it may also indicate that you are suffering an attack on your reputation. If a young woman dreams about being alone in a desert, it is warning her to be more discreet about her actions, as her health and reputation are being jeopardized by her indiscretions. However, a desert could also be a place of quiet contemplation and revelation, so all is not gloom and doom.
Forest-To dream of walking in a forest signifies that change is coming your way. It is advising you to listen to your own instincts and pay heed to that 'little voice' inside your heart that is guiding you. It could also be a call to simplify your life and rid yourself of unnecessary clutter, both mentally and physically. Likewise, if you are lost in the forest, it means that you are seeking a better understanding of your true self. It is also a sign of prosperity, unless you are viewing the forest from a distance. This is an omen of lost property, so beware. It may also be telling you to quit being so focused on the little details that you forget to see the big picture. It can symbolize the fear of the unknown or unseen. It may be telling you to push yourself out of your comfort zone a little and explore what life has to offer.
Hospital-Hospitals are no fun when you're awake, much less when you are sleeping. It is an indication that you or someone you know needs to take steps to improve health, both mental and physical. On the bright side, it could mean that these steps are already being taken, and the hospital is symbolic of that healing process. If you are visiting someone in the hospital, it is symbolizing that your relationship with this person needs to heal. If you find yourself working in the hospital (for example as a doctor or nurse) and that is not your waking life professional calling, it may be reminding you that you have the power to heal yourself and others by your behavior. If you dream that you are an orderly, it is probably suggesting that you get your life in order; organization is the key!
Prison-Finding yourself in prison has dual meaning in dreams. One on hand, it signifies that you are being censored in some way and that you are unable to express your true self, leading to misfortune. However, take this a step further and it becomes a positive sign, meaning that you will soon have the leisure time to pursue personal pleasures such as hobbies, for example. Escaping from prison symbolizes liberation from oppression, from something obsolete, unnecessary, or unwanted. Dreaming of someone else in prison while you remain free is generally a bad omen, signifying coming disappointment.
Mountain-A mountain in your dream symbolizes obstacles that you will have to overcome. If you are on top of the mountain, it means that you have already achieved your goals; if you are climbing the mountain, that is a symbolic of your determination and ambition. It is important to note whether the mountain is snow capped or not. Snow capped mountains are a good omen, meaning that the obstacles will be (or have been) overcome. If there is no snow on top of the mountain, however, you should abandon your present goal, for it will ultimately lead to failure. Better to save your strength and efforts for another day, another battle. If the mountain is dense with forest, then someone you love will betray your trust. Likewise, if the mountain has no plants at all, it is signifying that there is some disturbance in your life.
Party-A party symbolizes your social life, both how you interact with others and how they perceive you. Dreaming that you are at a happy party indicates that you will overcome whatever obstacle is standing in your way. If you happen to be the one throwing the party, then your dream is speaking to you of future success and happiness. If you are invited to the party by someone, this person will give you a helping hand when needed; just don't forget to return the favour. On the flip side, if the party you are attending has people who are being unpleasant to you, your dream is warning you that you have enemies in your waking life. It is important to identify what you are doing that might be offending them. If it is a wild party with a lot of drunk people present, then you should schedule that check up with your physician, your dream is urging you to do so.
Restaurant-Dreaming of being in a restaurant is not necessarily always a good thing. It could be indicative of being overwhelmed by decisions/choices that you need to make. It could also be symbolic of your need for emotional support. If it is a r recurring dream, then quite bluntly, your dream is telling you to clean your house! It could also be a subtle warning to be more frugal with your money. Likewise, if the restaurant is located in a foreign country, it is telling you not to trust strangers. Cheery, huh?! But do not despair, there is some good to come out of this after all. It can also be symbolic for prosperity and family values. And if your taste runs to the exotic and expensive in the food choices you make, this is an indication of a close relationship with a dear friend.
School-To dream of school means you have unresolved childhood issues and are perhaps feeling particularly insecure. It may well be symbolic of your worry over your performance and abilities. Just like in real life, your dream school may be a metaphor about lessons you are presently learning (or need to learn). Likewise, looking for a school in your dreams symbolizes your desire for learning and your drive to expand your knowledge. If you are at a new school, then perhaps you are feeling out of place in a certain situation, or it could also be another indicator concerning a new lesson that you need to learn. Running away from school is a bad thing, even in dreams. It means that you have not learned from the mistakes of your past, or you are not receptive to new ideas and concepts. If your childhood school is in ruins, it is another symbol of unresolved childhood issues. It is time to put the past behind you and move on with your life.
Zoo-The zoo in your dreams is symbolic for a loss of freedom; there is an aspect of your life where you feel caged in. It can also be indicative that your talents are going unnoticed by those around you. It is a sign of chaos; there is a situation in your life that needs 'tidying'. Visiting a zoo in your dreams reflects disappointment, anxiety, and annoyance. However, if a child is begging you to take them to the zoo, it is a sign that you need to put more of your focus on loved ones and less on 'getting ahead'. If the zoo has animals escaping it, beware. Not only may they eat your 'dream self', but more importantly, they are a warning that you need to be on extra guard against temptation. But if you are feeding the animals, that is a sign of contentment in your family life. However, if you are living in the zoo, this is a sign that you are extremely unhappy with your present living conditions/the people in your life.
Island-Who wouldn't like to escape the stresses and cares of everyday life and spend some quality time on a nice tropical island?! Your dream self agrees, because dreaming of being on an island indicates your need for rest and relaxation. It's time to start packing for that well-deserved vacation! However, beware, because it could also mean that you are running away from your problems instead of confronting them head on. It could also be symbolizing that you feel cut off from society or your life is stuck in the proverbial rut. If you are swimming toward the island, this is a symbol of your growing independence. However, the island itself could also be a sign of your feelings of isolation and loneliness. If it is a large island filled with people, this is a sign that you need to be involved in some sort of cause or working toward making a positive influence in the world. Any problems you may be facing will be overcome, so take heart.
Airport-The airport in your dreams is a metaphor for both birth (arrivals) and death (departures). It is also a symbol of fulfilled hopes, plans, and aspirations; a good time in your life to start filling some of those dreams. If the airport in your dreams is busy/crowded, then it is symbolizing your need for freedom, high ideals, ambitions, and hopes. It could be a foreshadowing of a change coming in your life. This could be indicative of a new career, relationship, or the fulfillment of your plans. If the airport is empty, however, it means that you will be experiencing some setbacks or that your plans may be delayed or changed in some way. If you miss your flight, this is indicative of being trapped in a certain situation. A plane crash indicates that your goals are too lofty; get back down to earth, Sunshine.