Portland 6/16/2015 3:14:06 PM
Sex Is a Common Dream Symbol, Says Dream Analyst, David Rivinus
Sexual behavior in dreams, either graphic or implied, is
quite common in dreams, says dream analyst, David Rivinus. “Dreamers are often
startled—either pleasantly or disconcertingly—about sexual activities they are
engaged in in their dreams.” According to Rivinus, having a dream about illicit
sex can be particularly disturbing to someone in a wholesome committed
relationship. But he advises dreamers not to become too alarmed. “These
unsavory scenes that we dream about are rarely to be taken literally,” he says.
According to Rivinus, author of the book “Always Dreaming,”
dreams speak in metaphors. “It’s important to examine each dream symbol for its
most generic, general meaning,” he says. For example, sex is a form of bonding,
and bonds can take place on many levels. Another word describing the sex act is
“intercourse.” Says Rivinus, intercourse can imply many different things
metaphorically, from conversation to commerce to social activity.
One of the biggest mistakes a dreamer can make, according to
Rivinus, is to confront a colleague or an acquaintance who made an appearance
in a sexual dream. “This tends to lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings,”
he says, “or worse, to fuel conjectured interest in a sexual affair.” Usually
such assumptions are incorrect.
Rivinus offers the following case history. A young male
employee dreamed that he had sex with his female employer. But he had sense
enough not to discuss this dream with her. Instead he came to Rivinus for an
interpretation. What emerged was that the employer was the dreamer’s symbol for
the work experience. He had been struggling at his job for a while, but
suddenly had a success which boosted his confidence and changed his attitude
about his employment. “The dream was pointing out to him that he was bonding
with his work environment at a more fulfilling level; this dream had nothing to
do with making love to a woman.” Rivinus adds that, had he made advances to his
employer based on his dream, it would probably have been disastrous for his job.
Rivinus advises dreamers not to jump to conclusions about
sexual symbolism in dreams. “Don’t be alarmed,” he says, “but don’t act as if they
are intended literally, either. It’s better to get some dream advice.”
David Rivinus is a dream analyst with over four decades of
international experience. For more information, visit www.teacherofdreams.com