Death in Dreams Signifies a Rebirth Says Dream Analyst David Rivinus

At a recent lecture in Portland, Oregon entitled “The Principles of Dream Interpretation,” dream analyst David Rivinus clarified the symbol of death when it occurs in dreams. Contrary to what many believe, a dream plot involving death does not bode poorly for the dreamer. “Nothing ever really dies in dreams,” says Rivinus, who is the author of the book “Always Dreaming” published by Ozark Mountain Publishing. “As a rule of thumb, if there is a death in a dream, whoever dies has to re-emerge in another form.” 

At the lecture, which was given at a branch of the Multnomah County Public Library, Rivinus gave the example of a young woman who dreamed that her best friend had died. The dreamer was upset because she thought the dream might be prophetic. Rivinus simply asked her to describe her friend. Her response was telling. The dreamer said, “My friend is one of the nicest people I know, but she tends to be scattered and a bit irresponsible.” 

Rivinus then explained that all dream symbols are parts of the dreamer herself. He asked her if there was a part of her that, like her friend, was scattered and irresponsible. The dreamer replied that this had been true in the past, but that she had worked hard to overcome her own flightiness. Rivinus pointed out that, according to her dream, she had succeeded. “Your dream was congratulatory,” he said. “It was telling you that your flightiness has died.” 

Rivinus went on to predict that she would soon have another dream that, in some form, would contain symbols of a rebirth. “Something will replace your tendency toward being scattered, and that, too, will be expressed through the dreaming process.” 

According to Rivinus, many dreams serve to give warnings or to reprimand us if we need a course correction. He said it is always nice when a dream is congratulatory. “Even though this dream seemed sad and upsetting, it was really giving the dreamer a compliment,” he said. “Dreams sometimes use harsh symbolism because it helps the dreamer remember the dream when they awaken.” 

Rivinus has begun a series of lectures on dream interpretation that will be given throughout the Portland, Oregon region. His next scheduled talk is for Saturday afternoon, January 9, 2016, at the Sellwood library branch. For more information, visit www.teacherofdreams.com.