Although dreaming is now a common, everyday occurrence, dreams were actually viewed as important messages from supernatural beings in ancient history. Usually considered prophetic, those with special powers were called upon to interpret their mysterious messages. These priests and interpreters based their interpretations solely on symbols that appeared in others' dreams. For example, if a fox appeared in one's dream, it signified that an enemy is lurking amongst the dreamer's friends. Such seemingly meaningless symbols have become the basis for traditional dream interpretation dictionaries and web blogs.

Here is a sampling of a few common dream situations and meanings as defined by Dream Dictionary: The Meaning of Dreams (http://petrix.com/dreams/index.html):

Aliens: If you're kidnapped by aliens, you may fear a change in your environment or a loss of your home and family.

Dragons: A dragon represents a need for greater self-control.

Falling: Falling indicates a loss of honor and power as well as a fear of failure.

Films: If you're watching a movie in a dream, you're actually observing your own life and distancing yourself from events.

Suicide: Committing suicide in a dream means you need to let something or someone go.

Suffocation: Suffocation indicates a need to grow and is usually associated with restriction and anxiety.

Test: Dreaming about failing exams is a common dream usually associated with insecurity. It's also occasionally a sign to introspectively examine yourself.