Why Pay for Dream Interpretation?

Why Pay for Dream Interpretation?

Since my recent blog writing addresses the Whys and the Hows of dream interpretation, I thought it would be perfect timing, if such a thing is possible, to process the oft-repeated touchy question, “Why do you charge for dream interpretation?” 

 

I try not to get defensive when people ask.  After all, I do a lot of outreach—free stuff—but those venues often cost me beaucoup  buckaroos.  I built and maintain my dream website that is packed with lots of really cool, FREE stuff—but it costs money to host it. Dream interpreters have bills to pay, just like everyone else. 

 

Why should my massage therapist charge for her massages?  What gives lawyers the right to charge for their expertise?  Why should I have to pay for haircuts?  Anyone who provides service most likely comes from a background of training, practice, and a wealth of experience. 

 

Perhaps the main reason folks balk at paying for dream interpretation is the mindset that if it is a ‘spiritual’ service, it should be free.  People have told me, “You have freely been given a gift, so therefore, you should also give it away—freely.”  True, and most ministers I know do—give, give, give.

 

If following this reasoning, pastors, teachers, spiritual counselors, any kind of minister should devote all their time to helping people without hoping to receive any compensation.

 

It requires great personal resources to develop insight and accuracy—much of my money and time were invested in learning to develop my gift of dream interpretation and to train other interpreters.

 

How does one put a price on their gift?  

 

Currently I charge $20 for a dream interpretation on my website, a figure quite low compared to most of my other colleagues.  We keep costs low for interpretations--and classes.  One friend of mine on the web charges $400 per interpretation and she seems to be thriving.  

 

It is not so much about the money—though everyone needs money to make ends meet in the world.  My husband and I have been taught to honor the ones who bless us—both with words as well as with money.  If they have ‘sown’ good things into us, then we will benefit by ‘sowing’ or giving back into their lives…so that they can continue doing what they do best.  We recognize value by putting our 'stamp of approval' on it. 

 

If someone spends time pouring wisdom into my life, rather than sporting a ‘gimme’ attitude on my part, I want to bless them back, and giving money is a good way to say, “I think you are a good, quality source in life for me to support.”  

 

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject! 

What Goes Into a Dream Interpretation?

What Goes Into a Dream Interpretation?

When someone asks me to interpret their dream, I take their request very seriously.  Sharing their dream with me instantly puts us both on ‘holy ground', because dreams reveal crucial and timely issues in the dreamer’s life, often surprising things the dreamer might not realize at the time. We enter into sacred space—something I always choose to honor, respect, and keep confidential.

Even most of the ‘weird’ dreams, the ones that the dreamers are tempted to dismiss as pizza dreams, can be symbolic and potentially important. 

Personal interaction with the dreamer, either face-to-face, or online, is the treasure of it all for me.  I love solving puzzles, hearing Spirit’s revelation about a dream, and sharing what I sense with the dreamer. 

To interpret a dream, an interpreter learns to ‘walk’ through the dream as the dreamer tells the story….we put ourselves in the place of the dreamer, to imagine the action, to see it, hear it, smell it, to feel it. We need to experience the WHOLE dream, not just a piece.  

The internal questions flow.  Here are just a few that quickly tick through an interpreter’s mind: When did the dream happen?  Who is the focus or the central character?  Who is the dream about? Is the dream about this person?  What is the source of the dream, light or dark, or self?  What type of dream is it?  What purpose does it serve?  What is the main theme?  What are the main symbols, and what do they represent?  What are details that are important, or not important, and what do they mean? Is this a recurring dream?  What was/is going on in the dreamer’s life? And so forth….

Often, symbols require study or research. (Like, what does a lion represent? In our culture?  In ancient writings? In another culture?  Is it positive or negative in the dream? What color is it?  What are its characteristics? What is it doing? What does it mean to the dreamer?) A good interpreter has many symbolic possibilities memorized, but it still takes time to determine the most ‘weighty’ choice in any given dream. 

Then, there’s the prayer part.  If the dream is from God, it takes time to pray through it and listen for Spirit’s message to the dreamer—straight from the heart of God. What does God want the dreamer to know? Why is the dream given? To miss out on reaching this part is to miss out on the true purpose of dream interpretation. 

Interpreting dreams doesn’t have to be a totally serious or heavy process, but in most cases, it takes a lot of time and mental energy to do it right. Those of you that I have worked with know that I work a dream thoroughly, often diagramming it out, searching diligently to find accurate, encouraging wording to convey my interpretation. And if I’m sensing anything else about the dreamer, I might find a way to add those ideas as well if it is appropriate.

(Subliminal hint:  Everyone, including dream interpreters, only have a certain amount of time and mental energy per day, so they can’t possibly say “Yes” to interpret the many dreams that people email or send through Facebook.  See my 'Preamble to Dream Interpretation' Blog).     

I love to banter with dreamers, asking and answering quick dream questions, and our dream team does a lot of interpreting on the spot during our dream reach-outs. 

But if I agree to interpret your dream, I would be remiss to not give it my full energy. Even with lots of training and practice, I’ve learned that every dream—and every dreamer—is unique.  No two dreams are exactly alike, and they deserve individual focus. And I’ll give yours my very best—it’s a precious labor of love.

P.S.  Click here if you are reading and would like to experience an interpretation for one of your dreams...by Destiny Dreamz

Preamble to 'What Goes into a Dream Interpretation'

Preamble to ‘What Goes into a Dream Interpretation’

The subject of dream interpretation elicits conversation nearly everywhere. Mention that you interpret dreams and get ready to listen for a while, as mostly everyone wants to share their dreams. Sweet connection and joy is sure to follow—as folks eagerly reveal intimate details of their lives, even with a complete stranger.  

Every year, hundreds--if not thousands--of dreams seem to land on my desk from people wanting help unlocking their night-time messages. 

Some people are just curious and perhaps even dubious. They might not even care about dreams but may be a little curious about the subject.

Some people know their dreams are important but don’t know why—they don’t know where or how to begin to understand.  They would love it if you interpret their dreams AND train them how to do it.  These are the people who will hand me their entire dream journal and ask me to go through it and interpret every dream for them!  (This is why we teach dream interpretation classes—so we don’t have to interpret FOR people—we teach them how to do it themselves). 

Once, a lady stopped me in the ladies’ restroom—I was halfway into a stall, with my pants already unzipped, when she said, “I’ve been wanting to ask you about my dream!  I dreamed that I was ….” And she wouldn’t leave until I listened and muttered a quick interpretation.

Other folks have studied and practiced and trained, but need other crazy dream interpreter cohorts to help in further understanding. We love to discuss dreams for hours. We sharpen each other as we delve deep into spiritual principles and patterns we’ve studied together.  We tell stories, share difficult dreams and dilemmas we face in dream ministry.  

If you have a gift, training, love for people, and a heart to help, you’ve also got to know how to manage the demand. 

I’m learning that I have to discern a person’s level of interest and need BEFORE I agree to interpret--to determine how much effort to give. How many hours have I spent working on a dream for someone—thinking, praying, deliberating, writing it out, and sending it, never to hear from them again?

It makes you wonder if you made any difference for them, or if you both just wasted lots of time. Maybe it’s like an artist fashioning a customized piece of artwork for someone who didn’t order it or even really want it in the first place. 

I admit, I value feedback! I want to know if my insights hit the mark, or not.  Sometimes you can’t tell what’s going on with a dreamer. Quite often, though, I hear YEARS later how one of my interpretations helped change a life. 

If I’m going to be intentional about giving my time and my best interpretive work for someone, I think it would be wise to make sure the dreamer is intentional to some degree about receiving what I have to offer.

I believe nearly every dream is worthy of time and attention, and I love helping folks find dream 'enlightenment'.  After all, a dream un-interpreted is like a hand-written letter unopened.  

Share your thoughts!  In what areas of your life are you gifted?  How do you manage your time and energy in releasing to others?

Next blog:  What (actually) Goes into a Dream Interpretation?