Sunday, December 9, 2001		Dream theme

Hearing voices in dreams
Vinaya Katoch Manhas

— George Macdonald

WE usually talk of ‘seeing’ dreams, that is we imply the use of the sense of sight. So when we take voice as the main theme or symbol of a dream, we underscore its importance. The sound can be that of an animal a human being or a machine. Many times people claim to hear someone speaking from behind them or not being able to see the face of the speaker in their dreams.

In the Indian context such dreams where sensations are strong are called indryaparak dreams. Should you hear the sound of happy laughter in your dream then such a dream foretells that bad times lie ahead. Should you hear the sound of crying then good-will extended by others will give you a reason to celebrate. Should you hear gentle music flowing out to you from a distance, it foretells a long life and happiness. It also means that your subconscious in trying to bring your hidden talents to the fore.

As per western theology to hear voices in dreams denotes pleasant reconciliations if these voices are calm and pleasing. Angry voices shouting at each other signify disappointments and unfavorable situations. To hear the sound of crying warns you to control your temper as anything done in haste could harm a near relative. To hear the voice of God foretells that you shall win admiration from others. For a mother to hear the voice of her child is a sign of approaching perplexing situations and grievous doubts. Should you hear a call of distress or a voice warning you of impending danger then serious misfortune shall befall you or someone close to you.

Psychoanalytically speaking, sounds occur in our dreams when we suppress certain parts of our personality. These aspects of our personality then surface in our dreams as disembodied voices. Hearing God or angels speak to us is a subconscious warning against wrong actions or an exhortation to do the right thing. Voice, as we know, is one of the tools of expression. Many times we are aware of something but find it difficult to talk about it or disclose the truth. While sleeping we let our defences down and whatever we are trying to avoid surfaces. People with paranoid tendencies often hear voices of people planning or scheming against them.

A 24-year-old once dreamt that he was speaking to his father very rudely. He was shouting at him and blaming him for having been irresponsible and never having truly loved any of them. The father of the man had passed away when he was just 10 years old. The reason for the dream lay in his need for a father figure at this crucial stage in his life when he was taking his first few steps towards independence. He needed a father to advice him and guide him. Thus the dream signified his regret at having lost his father and the shouting was his way of giving vent to his anger and distress.