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Dreaming ahead of Time By Gary Lachman

 

"A pun in a dream is a way of sugar coating some pill of self-knowledge that would otherwise be difficult to swallow." 
 
The book opens with examples of seemingly trivial signs and symbols—nothing of real significance, yet this is how many people begin their journey into dream interpretation, whether intentionally or not. Recognizing these elements from a dream can be an entry point. 

The author shares an intriguing experience: 
 "There were times when I felt I was walking in a kind of ‘synchronicity cloud’, in which parts of my dream and everyday life were fusing into some state that was neither one nor the other, with coincidences and precognitive flashes going off around me for a week at a time, accompanied by the feeling that the partition between my inner and outer world had become extremely porous." 

This passage is captivating, and it sets a promising tone for the book. The author also offers a truth bomb: 
 "Most ‘dream interpretation’ books, telling you what it means if you dream about a cat or your teeth falling out, are worthless, as the important question is what a cat or losing teeth means in your life." 

Many seasoned dreamers recognise this truth—after all, "Only the dreamer knows the dream." 

The second chapter provides a history of dreams, which, while not directly related to the book's title, may be new and interesting for some readers. Personally, I found myself getting a bit bored because I have read them a dozen times already in other books, but I can understand why the author would include familiar stories from scientists, as they can be enlightening.

Chapter 3 delves into the concept of time and the distinctions between the left and right brain. This section is intriguing, though I admit I found it challenging to follow at times due to its complex quantum themes. The next chapter discusses time travel and why it may not be possible, along with anecdotes about ESP and pendulums. I found myself puzzled by the connections made between pendulums and precognitive dreams. This is where the author truly begins to share a wealth of stories. 

Subsequent chapters explore various topics such as synchronicity, the I Ching, time travel, ghosts, psychometry, and the Akashic records—yet much of this seems to stray from the central theme of precognitive dreaming. I found myself skimming through pages filled with anecdotes. This wasn't because the stories lacked interest; rather, I was eager for insights specifically on precognitive dreaming. While the author does share personal experiences, many of the tales recounted are borrowed from other writers or dreamers, some (actually most) no longer alive. 

While historical accounts can be fascinating, I believe there are countless contemporary stories waiting to be told, especially given the vibrant communities and resources available today. In conclusion, while I wouldn't recommend this book if you're specifically seeking insights into precognitive dreaming, it could be enjoyable for those interested in a broader exploration of dreaming and ESP, especially with its rich historical anecdotes.

★☆☆☆☆

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