The title of this book promises quite a bit. However, after considering dozens of other alternatives, I was left with the conclusion that the title should say as simply as possible just what I hoped to accomplish in writing this book. I want you, the reader, to have a sense of confidence that you can take that sometimes bizarre experience we call a dream and make some sense of it.This book has two purposes: first, it is an effort to explain a theory and a philosophy of dreams and dreaming. In the long run, it is probably not to our advantage to jump immediately into techniques without a clear understanding of the assumptions and background on which they are based. The primary source materials that I have used in developing the theoretical framework are the psychic readings of Edgar Cayce. In the hundreds of dreams he interpreted from a selfinduced altered state of consciousness, there emerges a sophisticated understanding of why and how we dream. A second purpose of the book is to develop applicable tools and techniques which you can use to interpret your own dreams. Many of these have been drawn from Cayce's interpretations; others have come from various dream theories or from my own experience. When you finish this book I hope you will have acquired specific skills that you can use to understand better and to apply your dreams.The Edgar Cayce readings, as well as many other sources, clearly indicate that this topic of dreams is worthy of our careful consideration. The following statement from the readings came in 1923; it holds true for me today.In this age, at present, 1923, there is not sufficient credence given dreams; for the best development of the human family is to give the greater increase in knowledge of the subconscious, soul or spirit world. This is a dream.This principle is beautifully illustrated in a dream brought to Edgar Cayce for interpretation. In the dream experience the man was crossing an avenue, asleep and yet conscious. That is, he was aware of the trolley cars and vehicles that were endangering him. All around him things were dreary and rainy, and he felt his way about, unable to awaken to his surroundings. Finally a policeman guided him to safety and the dreamer simply rested on him, relying and trusting in him fully. Cayce's interpretation of this dream states that it demonstrates that the dreamer is 'awakening to the possibilities of the use of the unseen forces.' These influences from within the subconscious mind can be relied upon for guidance and direction. Especially through the study of his dreams which come from the subconscious mind, this dreamer and each of us can expect to find a reliable source of understanding and direction.In many ways most books are autobiographical. I can say, without reservation, that dreams have been a potent source of guidance and direction in my life. What I hope to share with you, the reader, in this book is a chronicle of my emerging understanding of the adventure of dreams and their application.This book may not appear to be autobiographical because there is not a chronological development. However, my life, like yours, grows in ways other than through time. There are patterns perhaps far more important than the orderly flow of days and years. There is a pattern of meaning that reveals itself to us in its own time and in its own way.This special pattern is one which leads to fulfillment in life -- not only higher states of awareness but also a rich and joyful appreciation of life, oneself and others. It is a progression or an unfoldment that was suggested in the psychic readings of Edgar Cayce as A Search for God. In essence itis a step-by-step development of qualities of consciousness: cooperation, selfknowledge, ideals, etc. We can expect that it is relevant to the wide range of endeavors, including small group dynamics, personal growth, building institutions, and even dream study. Although there are twenty-four lessons or steps in the A Search for God sequence, it has seemed to me that some of them are more directly relevant to dream study than are others. And so, I have selected about half of the two dozen progressive steps and formulated a developmental approach to working (and playing!) with your dreams. The reader who has already studied the A Search for God material will quickly recognize the respective lessons by glancing at the table of contents of this book.Since the A Search for God readings of Cayce have most frequently been used in the small group format (i.e., a nationwide Study Group program), the question will naturally arise as to whether or not a purpose of this book is to start dream study groups. The answer is no. It is my hope that many of you will work with the concepts in this book through an involvement in a Search for God small group. In fact, you will notice that many of the exercises at the ends of chapters suggest this kind of format. However, it has not been my intention to start a new and separate study group program which concerns itself merely with dreams. The reason for this lies right at the heart of the approach to dream interpretation you will find in this book. Stated briefly, it says: we can never work only on a dream; we must concern ourselves with the dream and the dreamer.Another way of expressing this fundamental element of my approach is that we cannot have a mere technology of dream interpretation. For example, I doubt that we could ever build a computer system to interpret a dream in the fullest sense of what that should mean. Not only must we include the individual associations the dreamer might have with the dream symbols, but more importantly we must appreciate that there is an on-going element in most every dream. The dream does not end when we wake up and write it down. It is an illustration of something going on within us and to work on interpreting a dream also means a willingness to work on ourselves, the dreamers.A way in which we work on ourselves is to get involved in some type of regular effort at self-understanding and spiritual growth. There are many approaches to do this; one excellent method in my own opinion is to join a Study Group that includes prayer and meditation as part of its consistent discipline. The A Search for God Study Group program sponsored by the Association for Research and Enlightenment is a good example of this. Groups such as this may choose to work with dreams as part of their weekly meeting, perhaps using a book such as this one as a resource. However, in my opinion, it is important that the group refrain from becoming simply a dream discussion group. Including the prayer and meditation is particularly important if group members are to deal most effectively with the dreams and themselves as dreamers. Most likely a portion of each meeting devoted to theA Search for God textbook itself will provide a helpful 'balance' to the study of dreams. For those of you unable to join a Study Group, the same principle holds true. As you work with the skills and techniques of this book, be sure also to include regular periods of study, prayer and meditation. It is just this combination -- appreciation for the dream and the dreamer -- which can make working with one's dreams an adventure well worth the taking.