There’s an equally strong consideration that says our own subconscious mind will do whatever it can to get information passed to us, including disguising itself as a dead person. Either way, the message is likely to be an important one. Sometimes we dream that people close to us are dead. This is more likely to be a typical anxiety dream rather than a premonition dream.
If you dream of a dead animal, then the part of you that is represented by that animal might be dead for the time being. For example, if you dream of a dead bird, then perhaps you feel grounded, unable to “fly,” metaphorically speaking.
DEAF
To dream that you are deaf, or that you are dealing with deaf people, means that you either can’t get someone to hear what you are saying or that you are not listening to what someone is telling you. Pay attention, either way, and find a new way of communicating if necessary.
DEATH
Death signifies an end. If you dream that someone you know is dead, it’s not necessarily a warning that you’ll need to buy a black suit anytime soon. Rather, it might be that the useful parts of your relationship with this person have come to an end, and that it’s time for you to acknowledge this.
If you dream that you yourself are dying, this is not an omen or an indication that you are near death. It means you’re undergoing a profound series of changes that will see you advance in every way imaginable. It’s not nice seeing your body in a coffin, but if you do, see this as an exciting precursor to a whole new you!
DECAPITATION
What we’re really talking about here is someone losing his or her head. If it’s you, perhaps there is a decision you regret or an ill-advised choice that you’ve made that needs rectifying.
DEFORMITY
Essentially, a deformity is something that’s wrong, something that’s amiss. To dream of such a thing (be it a physical, emotional, or mental deformity) would imply that there’s something similarly “wrong” with a situation in your life. A deformity doesn’t necessarily have to be fixed; rather, we need to find ways to work with it or around it.
DÉJÀ VU
If you experience déjà vu during the course of your dream, this is a good indicator that your dream is about to go “lucid.” (See Lucid Dreaming in LUCID DREAMING: THE ART OF CONTROLLING YOUR DREAMS).
DEMONS
Carl Jung, one of the greatest influences on dream analysis, said that we each have a shadow side—a side that remains hidden. Devils, demons, and the like represent that shadow side, the aspects of ourselves that we might be ashamed of and that we prefer not to disclose to the world. It’s also worth bearing in mind that we need to face our demons in order to understand them. Perhaps it’s time to consider a little more integration and a little less distraction?
DENTIST
There’s usually a degree of anxiety about seeing a dentist, even if we have a perfect set of gnashers. One of the most common anxiety dreams is about teeth falling out (see THE AWARD FOR “MOST POPULAR DREAM” GOES TO…), and a dentist dream also falls into the anxiety category.
DEVILS (See Demons)
DIAMONDS
Lovely! Generally speaking, it’s good to dream of anything so beautiful and valuable. The diamond symbolizes strength, integrity, and clarity. So again, the context of the diamond is all. If you find a rough diamond, then there might be aspects of your character—or skills—that you feel are not being exploited. If you lose diamonds, then you’re anxious about losing something of value in your waking life. Diamonds are, of course, given as a symbol of marriage, too, so this could also be a desire dream.
DINOSAUR
Possibly the most powerful symbol we have of outmoded ideas. Is there something you need to let go of?
DISGUISE
If in your dream you find yourself in a disguise, then you might not want people to know it’s you. Try to remember your disguise as this could help you figure out what you’re trying to hide, if anything. You have all these answers within you.
DISNEYLAND
Disneyland is something akin to a freaky dream itself. You may enjoy finding yourself in a fantasy full of pastel-colored castles and ten-foot high mice, or you may find the whole thing a surreal nightmare. Either way, the dream is an indication that it’s time for you to embrace a new way of looking at things, to unexpect the expected, and to let your inner child come out to play.
DOCTOR
This is a guidance dream. As with any dream featuring a figure of authority, the doctor signifies the need for expert, trusted advice. It’s most likely that your subconscious mind throws you in to visit a medical doctor, but it could be another kind. The issue you’re facing need not be medical at all, but it does indicate that you need advice in an area of your life. The context of the dream will help you determine the type of advice needed.
DOG
Man’s best friend packs a very powerful symbolic punch when he appears in a dream. We’ve always imposed important significance on these creatures; for example, in many societies they’re considered to be “psycho—pomps,” that is, animals that escort human souls to the next world. A black dog is thought to be a symbol of depression. Your dream doggie could also represent faithfulness, generosity, loyalty, and protection. It’s important to recognize the context in which the dog appears in your dream. It might be barking at you as though it wants to tell you something. It might bite you, which would suggest that you need to pay attention to something. You might find that the dog appears to be guiding you somewhere; this is a strong signal for you to follow your intuition.
DONKEY
What’s the word you most associate with this animal? Stubborn, perhaps? If you feel the animal is an aspect of yourself, then maybe you’re being a bit stuck in your ways. The donkey could also represent a situation that’s been frustrating you. If, however, you’re leading the donkey in the dream, then you’ve got a tricky situation under control.
DONUTS
Tasty, delicious, and fattening donuts speak of illicit desires—in particular, sexual ones.
DOVE
The world over, this little bird is symbolic of peace, harmony, contentment, gentility, and fertility. The white dove signifies spirituality.
DRESS (See Clothing)
DROWNING
Drowning dreams frequently end as the sleeper wakes suddenly; the feeling of panic unbearable. Being submerged in water and unable to breathe is a horrible feeling, and to dream of this is a powerful way for your subconscious mind to rap sharply against the door of your conscious mind, telling you to express your fears and anxieties in your everyday life. One dream might be enough for you, but if you dream repeatedly that you’re drowning, then it might be worth seeking professional advice about confronting your fears.
DRUMMING
If you’re drumming in the dream, then you’re in control of your life. If you have to follow someone else’s rhythm, however, then the opposite is true. You might be happy with this state of affairs, or you may not. What you do about it is up to you.
DYNAMITE
A good friend and a devastating enemy, dynamite represents very powerful aspects of yourself that you feel might endanger you in some way. The most powerful tool we have as human beings is that of speech. Words can be used like dynamite, equally explosive. Is there something you’d like to say that you’ve been sitting on for a while? Are you afraid of the consequences? Sometimes an explosion can clear the air, so long as you take care not to get hit by shrapnel.