The other day, a man shared his dream in which he won a lottery jackpot of $100,000. The specific amount struck a chord of excitement in him because he bought tickets for a local lottery drawing in which the winning jackpot was $100,000. The dreamer wanted my expert opinion as to whether I thought the dream was precognitive. He confessed he was wishing, hoping and already making plans for how to spend the money. He even consulted with another psychic who saw him with a new car. He said that, in fact, he desperately needs a new car because his is on its last leg. Although there are several stories of lottery winners dreaming they had won before the drawing, the majority of dreams like this one have nothing to do with precognition. They are merely wish fulfillment dreams.
In the subconscious, our desires take shape. Often they are merely in the form of a fantasy of how nice it would be if we had that one thing we wanted most, especially when we feel like we have been given the short end of the stick recently or have been met with a mountain of problems to which the solution is an uphill climb.
Sigmund Freud was the first to identify dreams as wish fulfillment fantasies. In fact, early in his career he believed it was the primary function of all dreams to fulfill desires through which the dreamer could derive pleasure. In New Introductory Lectures on Psycho-Analysis Freud wrote, “in every dream an instinctual wish has to be represented as fulfilled. The shutting-off of mental life from reality at night and the regression to primitive mechanisms which this makes possible enable this wished-for instinctual satisfaction to be experienced in a hallucinatory manner”.
Freud was particularly obsessed with dreams that he believed were of an infantile sexual nature, probably because he himself was fixated on the topic. Although dream experts agree that some dreams do represent wish fulfillment, it is not the only function of our dreaming life to fulfill desires.
In contrast to Freud, Carl Jung, the father of analytical psychology, contended that most dreams are attitude-compensations. The attitudes that dreams compensate are those of the ego. Jung said that compensatory dreams “add to the conscious psychological situation of the moment all those aspects which are essential for a totally different point of view.”
Compensatory Dreams
Dreaming of indulging in a box of donuts after two weeks of strict dieting or experiencing passionate intimacy with a mysterious lover are undeniably pleasurable scenarios. These dreams, while they may appear to fulfill a deep desire, serve a more significant psychological purpose: they act as compensatory dreams. This concept suggests that the subconscious mind creates these vivid, gratifying experiences to compensate for the deprivation or unmet needs in the dreamer’s waking life.
When the subconscious grows weary of restraint and self-denial, it crafts an idealized narrative to fulfill the hunger for what has been missing. These dreams are not merely escapism; they are the subconscious striving to restore balance, or homeostasis, to the psyche. By presenting an imagined version of happiness, the mind subtly signals what is lacking in the dreamer’s reality and nudges them toward a more fulfilling existence.
Sexual dreams, in particular, are a common manifestation of this psychological phenomenon. They often occur when an individual has gone without romantic or physical intimacy for an extended period. The frequency and intensity of these dreams can increase the longer this unmet need persists, highlighting the depth of the unsatisfied instinctual urge. These dreams are more than fleeting fantasies; they reflect a profound and innate drive, reminding the dreamer of the importance of connection and fulfillment in achieving emotional and psychological well-being.
Reconciliation Dreams
Life Fulfillment Fantasy Dreams
I once had a dream that was both funny and revealing: I had just been elected President of the United States and stood confidently before a cheering audience, delivering a long and impassioned victory speech. As I reflected on this dream, it became clear that it represented my deep desire to make a meaningful impact on the world and to be recognized as a leader. The dream tapped into a universal longing many of us share—the aspiration to achieve greatness, to step out of the ordinary, and to be celebrated for our contributions.
Whether it’s excelling in a career, accomplishing a creative endeavor, or simply being acknowledged by our peers, the quest for significance is a fundamental human drive. When reality falls short of fulfilling this desire, our subconscious steps in to create a dreamscape where the barriers of limitation fall away, allowing us to experience the recognition and success we crave.
An artist who hasn’t sold a painting in months might dream of a gallery opening where every piece is purchased for a fortune. A struggling musician might envision themselves as a rock star, performing in front of a roaring crowd of thousands. Similarly, an author may dream of their book soaring to the top of The New York Times Best Seller list. These vivid fantasies are not just wishful thinking; they serve an important psychological purpose. They allow us to experience the joy of success and recognition, even if only for a fleeting moment, and remind us of the possibilities that lie beyond our current struggles.
But why does the subconscious create such grandiose and uplifting fantasies? As Carl Jung proposed, it is partly to challenge limiting beliefs and affirm the potential for extraordinary outcomes. These dreams act as a gentle push from the subconscious, encouraging the dreamer to see beyond the constraints of their circumstances. More importantly, they serve as a means of emotional nourishment. By crafting scenarios of triumph and joy, the subconscious uplifts the dreamer’s spirit, pulling them from despair or monotony into a state of temporary happiness and inspiration.
At its core, the subconscious is a harmonizing force. Its ultimate goal is to foster peace, joy, love, and a sense of purpose, even in the face of adversity. Through these dreams, it reminds us of our intrinsic worth and our capacity for greatness, planting seeds of hope and resilience that may one day flourish in waking life.
Other Spirituality Articles by Ariadne Green
- The Characters in your Dreams
- Kindred Friends and Spiritual Alliances
- The Darker Areas of Your Soul
- Are You a Woman Warrior?
- Loving Compassionately with Boundaries
- When a Little Anger Is Good
- Visiting Sacred Spots
- When Angels Walk on Earth
- The High Road to Happiness
- Developing Enlightened Spiritual Attitudes
- The Power of Your Name
- Alleviating Stress the Enlightened Way
- Finding Sacred Moments in Nature
- Natural Disaster Dreams
- Awaken to the Magic of Life
- A Child Can Be Your Guru
- Animal Powers in Dreams
- Critical Thinking as a Spiritual Practice
- The 5 Most Common Dreams
- Renewing Your Life After a Loved One’s Death
- The Metaphysical Qualities of Your Birthstone
- Dream Precepts: Unraveling the Meaning of Your Dreams
- Manifesting Your Dreams: Wishful Thinking or Not?
- Are Spirits Knocking on the Door of Your Dreams?
- Pregnancy Dreams: A Glimpse Into the Creative Process