Sunday, September 23, 2001		Dream theme

Dreaming of alcohol
Vinaya Katoch Manhas

FOR a man to dream of alcohol does not necessarily mean that he himself should be a drinker, just as you need not have committed a crime to dream of one. Even women and children can dream of this symbol and its meaning and interpretation will differ accordingly. It is acceptable for a man to dream of it but for a woman to dream of it is socially unacceptable the interpretation being that the woman is of bad character. In a child a dream of alcohol, could either portray a fear in connection with an experience, such as a drunken father, or it may be related to some other experience in his life.

As per Indian theology, to dream that a cocktail is of several drinks is being made foretells fights and conflicts in the near future. Should a person dream that he has drunk liquor then he shall gain in respect and his health too shall improve. But should the person see that even without having liquor he is drunk then he shall face disrespect and could face punishment. Should he dream about making lots of commotion after become totally drunk then also he stands to lose his wealth and property. Should a gambler see such a dream then he face the fear of losing all his money and wealth in gambling.

Should a young man or woman dream that they are taking alcohol together then they shall soon tie the knot. Should a married woman dream of alcohol then all her marital problems shall disappear. Should a man dream that he hates drinking then he shall have good health, gain in wealth and respect and fame. As per great Indian historian Charak, to see yourself drinking alcohol is a lucky sign for the dreamer.

As per western thought, to dream of buying liquor denotes selfish usurpation of property upon which you have no legal claim. If you sell it you will be criticised for niggardly benevolence. Should you dream that you are drinking it, you shall come into doubtful possession of wealth, but your generosity shall draw friends around. For a woman to dream that she drinks liquor predicts a happy existence, but shallow-mindedness on her part.

As per psychoanalysts, drinking in our dreams may indicate our need for comfort and sustenance. As a basic requirement for life, drinking symbolises the interplay between the inner need to sustain life and external availability of nourishment. There is the recognition of the potential for emotional confusion out of which can come clarity. It can also portray the putting down of emotional constraints, which prevail in our waking life.

A woman used to often dream that she is totally drunk and misbehaving in party. Everyone is watching her and she is totally dishevelled. The dream would often leave her embarrassed. In real life, she never had drinks or even desired to do so. The reason for the recurrence of the dream were the constraints imposed on her by her upper class existence. Drinking alcohol for her was a symbol of freedom from these constraints.