Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-10-29

ID ECENT psychological discussion Of dreams and
N the Interpretation thereof reminds of Solo
mons saying that there is nothing under the
strange is it to find the twentieth century scien
fist pulling the meaning of dreams and refusing to
accept matterof-fact ignoring OF them as mere fan
tastc broderies on the skirts OF sleep.
Yet although the modern psychologist seems to be
at with the ancient and mystic who read Dreams
he is in reality at the opposite pole from him. For the
mystic sought in the dream means of communication
with a supernatural world and With supernatural pow
ers, while the modern scientist finds dreams significant
just because they the product of natural
just because the dream revelation of given temper
arnent reacting upon given experience.
The difference between the ancient and the modern
point of view may be neatly illustrated by Joseph's
dream of the and the moon and the eleven stars
that made obeisance to him. The ancient interpreter of
dreams would find in the vision revelation OF the future
destiny of Joseph, thus divnely revealed to him. The
modern reader of dreams would say that the present
grew of Josephs of superiority and
his yet unconfessed desire to be master of men.
Modern students of the dream showing how
closely it is related to the intimate life of the dreamer.
Freund, the German psychologist, would have it, in
deed that dreams the expression of suppressed
desires. Desires wishes, that would reject with
scorn if they much brushed waking thoughts,
hold sway during sleep and reach dramatic reallza
ton Thus we may steal the crown jewels of England
neighbours wife. We may murder the who
stands between and fortune dance at his funeral,
rejoice to his coffin dicappear yawning chasm.
So deeply rooted, however, are the instincts of the
moral lte of real intent to do harm,
that the unacknowledged forces within must veil
themselves with if consciences remain
peaceful Hence the dream drama develops compli-
Gated plot with ingenious masquerade of characters.
Innocent appearing substitutions to throw you
the drcamer) off your guard. You hate John Smith;
but in your dream YOU a sword through the Rev.
John Bennett, most inoffensve gentleman who be-
comes Smiths dream scapegoat only because he too
to the John. Or it may be that you envy
your sister her hat of the many plumes and in your
dream you rob your neighbours chicken coop.
So cunning, in fact the irresponsible forces that
the dream that often they create personages
by telescoping of several of your acquaintance.
Here's the face of friend the dress of another the
umbrella of a third AS likely as not the umbrella is
the identifying mark of the masked character; for
cording to Freund it is in the seemingly trivial and
important details that must look for the key to
Interpretation of the whole Hence the difficulties that
beset in Interpretation of the
dream; not to mention the fact that the
more reprehensible the desire that the
!; :: g.: !: !: rs
that dreams may originate in a confessed IV~l
desire well in suppressed one.
Your open ambition to be orator may
set up dream in which you starte great u
audiences by your eloquence. Or the TS
dream may embody nonfulfllment of S-S
desire. You (the orator. may find your on.AlS-