Jung proposed that the average dream is similar in structure to a drama, comprising of four distinct stages:

(1) ‘Exposition’ – The opening scene which introduces place, characters and the situation that the dreamer will face (an issue or problem expressed metaphorically).
(2) ‘Development’ – The emergence of the plot.
(3) ‘Culmination’ – Something significant happens, the main character responds.
(4) ‘Lysis’ – The conclusion of the dream. The ending of the dream is regarded as the most important stage. It signifies how the dreamer might deal with the problem or issue that was expressed in the first stage (exposition). In essence, the dream-work creates a solution or result for the dreamer. Continue >>

Our true nature is always hidden. In order to protect our inner self we each present an image or personality in public which meets the expectations of others. This ‘mask’ also determines how we see ourselves. However, there are parts to our personality which we do not recognise, parts which are unconscious. These could be raw desires and emotions or thoughts and experiences which we are too ashamed to admit to. These will likely be dark aspects of our character which have been rejected or repressed due to our upbringing, or a disapproving society. Jung described this side of the personality as the shadow. Continue >>

Freud maintained the notion that the dream fundamentally acts as the guardian of sleep. When we go to bed, the curtains are drawn, the lights are turned off and in effect we are attempting to disconnect from our reality by extinguishing all external stimuli. During the night, the mind protects the sleeper from being disturbed by reacting to further external stimuli (noise, temperature, light, the need to urinate, numb arm/leg, pain, etc) as well as all internal stimuli (emotions, fears, dissatisfaction, desires, previous day’s activity) by manufacturing dreams. Continue >>