How to interpret your dreams

Dream experts have much to say about the meaning of common dreams. Ultimately, it's up to the dreamer to figure out how a dream applies to his or her life.

Flying dreams

Lauri Quinn Loewenberg, author of "So, What Did You Dream Last Night,?" says these are really good dreams, and the most common childhood dream. They are about learning a new skill, realizing a new ability, feeling powerful and elevated.

Charles Lambert McPhee, who has a nationally syndicated radio show called "The Dream Doctor," writes in his book "Ask the Dream Doctor" that dreams about "flying freely — without difficulties staying aloft or the presence of obstacles — are indicators of self-confidence and high self-esteem. ... If your flight is a struggle, work to identify the obstacles that stand in the way of your goals."

Falling dreams

This is the most common dream, Loewenberg said. It has to do with feeling out of control, hopeless. "It's a message telling you something in your life, something within your life, is going rapidly in the wrong direction. It's a red flag. If we heed it, we can redirect the situation immediately."

McPhee writes about falling: "Ask yourself what event recently caused you to lose your sense of support. Are you worried about the future?"

Dreaming that you die

No, it doesn't mean you're dead or about to die. "It means that something in your life or something within you is coming to an end," said Loewenberg.

Writes McPhee: Death is a "symbol for change and separation that should not be interpreted literally. Dreams about the death of a child, sibling, friend or other family member symbolize change in the quality of the relationship, or a fear of separation."

"When we are chased in a dream, it's a very good indication that we are avoiding something in waking life — that there's a confrontation that we need to deal with. It will nag you to death until you take care of the issue," said Loewenberg.

McPhee writes, "successful confrontation of a pursuer indicates confidence in one's ability to face challenges in life."

Cheating dream

"When our mate is cheating, and we wake up and smack him or her in the face," said Loewenberg, "rarely is this pointing to an actual affair, unless there is good reason to believe there might be. This dream happens when our mate is spending too much time, when their attention is focused, on something else. They are working too much or spending too much time on the computer or with friends, causing us to feel jealous or cheated.

"If you are cheating in the dream, it's a good indication you aren't giving your spouse the attention he or she needs, and you are feeling a little guilty."

Both scenarios are a good opportunity for change.

Writes McPhee: "Betrayal dreams often reflect our insecurities, rather than being literal indicators of betrayal. Before you accuse a partner of wandering, perform an inventory of your own self-esteem."

Teeth falling out

Teeth in dreams are about your words and how you communicate, said Loewenberg. If your teeth fall out of your mouth, she said, it may indicate that you've been gossiping too much and that there are words that should remain unsaid.

McPhee said loss of teeth also can be associated with concerns about appearance and deterioration. They often occur in the wake of romantic breakups or divorces or in the midst of social or professional problems.