The Secret Language of Dreams: A Visual Key to Dreams and Their Meanings

by David Fontana

Book Overview

The interpretation of dreams and the images that pervade them is a perennially popular subject that has challenged philosophers, psychiatrists, and lay people for centuries. In The Secret Language of Dreams, author and psychologist David Fontana combines the theories of Freud, Jung, and others -- as well as his own years of experience in leading dream work-shops -- with a unique, visual approach to dreams and dream symbolism. At the heart of this...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0811807282
• ISBN13: 9780811807289
• Release Date: November 1994
• Publisher: Chronicle Books
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 8.7" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Great introduction

I've been really interested in symbols and this book gives a good overview of a wide variety - it cuts across all sorts of religions and categorizes symbols into chapters that make comparison easy. I particularly like the chapter on the Natural World where elements such as trees are discussed across many cultures. Really neat. I have the 1993 edition and the pictures are terrific. I say that this is an intro to symbols because I'm sure a whole chapter or book could be written on something like sun, moon and stars which in this book is given two pages. Great overview though. I really like how comprehensive it is in terms of breadth.

more than a dictionary

this book works with the more mystical aspects of dreams by using great visual imagery. great book to learn more about the spiritual world, Freud and Jung.

A terrific visual guide to symbols and their meanings...

This is a splendid book. It's chock-full of wonderful illustrations covering topics as diverse as can be, from astrology to Heraldic animals, the four elements to the Kabbalah. In the introduction we are given an overview of various schools of thought about symbols, including Jungian as well as various culteral perspectives.The chapters of the book include: The Power of Symbols; The World of Symbols; The Uses of Symbols; and Symbol Systems. Covered topics include: Gods; Myths; Ritual, Magic and Prayer; Dream Symbols; Mandalas and Yantras; Mazes and Labyrinths; Numbers and Sounds; Colors; Animals; Dragons and Serpents; Hybred Creatures; Trees; Flowers and Plants; the Elements; the Sun, Moon, and Stars; Good and Evil; Gods and Goddesses; Witches, Priests and Wizards; the Tarot; Astrology; Chakras; the I Ching; and more.There is also an excellent index, glossary, and suggested further reading list. All in all a wealth of information, both written and visual well worth buying.

A guide to life-affirming poetry & metaphor.

A wonderful book. The highly readable text & awesome selection of fine arts illustrations make "The Secret Language of Symbols" one of the best in its genre. While it will serve well as an introductory book to various oracular & spiritual symbols, it offers much for the expert, also. It is extremely important that everyone who relies on oracles & predictive astrology go behind those useful functions to the deep foundations of life-affirming poetry & metaphor that are always present. You will feel closer to the natural world no matter where you live, & your heart & your brain will be more cooperative with each other. Bob Rixon

Dream Interpretations

A wonderfully illustrated book! An imaginative approach to dream interpretation. Includes a 100 page dream directory. Also offers construcive advice. Well written and insightful.