An Overactive Subconscious Meets the Dream Dictionary, Round One

This all started with Rupert Grint and Walmart. No, I take that back -- it started much longer ago. Here's the deal: as long as I can remember, I've had some pretty peculiar dreams. And I almost always remember them. In fact, I was genuinely surprised when I found out that this isn't the case for everyone.

Occasionally, I can trace the themes of my night capers back to fleeting moments of the day that my subconscious apparently latched on to -- for who knows what reason -- but in other cases, I'm at a loss for how the ol' noggin comes up with some of the plot lines it regales me with as I helplessly slumber.

Case in point: two nights ago, I dreamt that I was hanging with the Harry Potter crew. No, not like the actual actors -- I dreamt I was actually in Harry Potter's world. I haven't read anything HP-related in a good month or two, so the dream left me feeling slightly perplexed and, yes, incredibly nerdy.

That is, until the next morning when the radio DJ announced that it was Rupert Grint aka Ron Weasley's birthday. I began to feel slightly less nerdy and a bit more prophetic.

Last night's gem: It was pouring cats and dogs -- no, not literally -- and I sought refuge in a local Walmart. My roommates soon appeared and tried to convince me that, yes, it would be a good idea to go on a road trip to New Hampshire for a wicked-awesome party. Nobody listened to me when I explained that, really, there would probably be a better party in California -- and it would save us loads of gas money.

I can't place my finger on a single element of that dream that correlates to my real life. Except for maybe the part about wanting to run away to California. That part sounds entirely plausible, actually.

Perhaps my subconscious is trying to tell me something important. Perhaps I am supposed to move to the northeastern regions. Perhaps I need to shop at Walmart more. (Uh oh, brand placement in my inner psyche?)

I turned to my dear friend Google for some concrete answers. Google, in turn, referred me to the Dream Moods website for the info I desperately sought.

What I discovered:

1. Harry Potter has his own entry in the dream dictionary. Who knew dreaming about the spectacled boy wonder was such a common occurrence?
2. Dreaming about Harry Potter symbolizes either the potential to overcome obstacles and accomplish amazing things, or the desire to escape reality and live in my own fantasy world. I'll take a double serving of both options, please.
3. The rain in my second dream primarily signifies forgiveness, sadness, fertility or renewal. If I had dreamed about actually getting wet from the rain, it'd be a symbol of washing my problems away. Unfortunately, I was hiding safe and dry inside Walmart. Thanks for getting in my way of ultimate peace and renewal, wally world.
4. The road trip apparently symbolizes my life journey. If the trip had been smooth, things should be peachy keen in my waking hours. If it'd been chaotic, I've apparently got some issues. What does it mean if I wouldn't even go on the trip? Riddle me that, oh wise dream dictionary.
5. Dreaming about my roommates should be a sign that I have unresolved issues with them that require confrontation. I would like to disagree, but if they are plotting to take me to New Hampshire... then yes, we probably need to chat.
6. However, dreaming about heading in an eastward direction connotes that I have inner wisdom and I am heading in the right direction in life. Lovely!
7. But, dreaming about California is a sign that I desire copious wealth and fame. I prefer to think that I desire warm weather and copious beach-side hot dog stands, but I suppose the dream dictionary doesn't lie.

So there you have it. More than you ever wanted to know about my inner psyche. Do stay tuned for more tales from Katie's nightly escapades.

Also, I'm curious - what have you dreamed about recently? What does the dream dictionary analyze about your soul? Do tell.

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