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Defining the term -

A precognitive dream is best defined as one that "seemingly includes knowledge about the future that cannot be inferred from actual available information."

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Common characteristics -

Precognitive dreams tend to have certain common characteristics. For example, they often have considerably more detail and clarity than normal dreams.

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Common characteristics -

They also tend to feature specific people, scenes, or events that later occur in real life. For this reason, they often have a strong emotional impact on the person experiencing them.

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Affected groups -

According to research, precognitive dreams are relatively common in the general population. However, some groups of people may be more affected than others.

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Affected groups -

In one study from 2015, more women than men reported having precognitive dreams. We may also experience fewer precognitive dreams as we age.

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How do precognitive dreams work? -

So how does this strange phenomenon work? Firstly, it is important to note that dreams are not actually able to predict what will happen in the future.

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Focusing the mind -

Rather, precognitive dreams serve as a way for your subconscious mind to zone in on something important that may be happening in your life or in the world around you.

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Expert opinion -

According to clinical psychologist Shelby Harris, when we dream our brains are creating a sort of file on past experiences, in case we have similar experiences in the future.

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How it feels -

In this way, it can seem that our dreams are able to foresee what will happen in the future. However, they do not necessarily predict events before they occur.

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Interpreting dreams -

When interpreting your dreams, it can be helpful to consider them in a broader context. Reflect on your current life circumstances and emotional state in order to situate the dream.

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The influence of wider trends -

You may also consider whether there are any societal or global trends that could influence your dreams. Indeed, there is often a connection between large-scale events and the personal subconscious.

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The role of journaling -

If you are looking to gain a greater insight into your precognitive dreams, it also can be a good idea to keep a dream journal. Note down the main elements of your dream as soon as you wake up.

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Mindfulness meditation -

Moreover, meditation and mindfulness can help people gain further insight into the symbolism of their dreams and the dreams’ potential implications.

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Difficult to believe -

If you have never had a precognitive dream, they may sound like a myth. Indeed, the idea that a dream can predict what will happen in the future is quite eerie.

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Real-life examples -

However, there are plenty of examples of precognitive dreams affecting important figures in history. For instance, US President Abraham Lincoln.

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Abraham Lincoln -

A few days before he was assassinated, he told several people that he’d dreamed about walking into the White House to find a group of mourners grieving over the body of an assassinated president.

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Carl Jung -

The psychologist Carl Jung, who also focused a lot of his work on dream theory, is also said to have experienced various precognitive dreams.

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Carl Jung -

He apparently had a dream that predicted his own mother’s death, as well as a few dreams about the demise of Europe, which he said predicted WWI.

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Busting the myths -

When it comes to understanding precognitive dreams, there are a few misconceptions that tend to obscure their real nature and potential.

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The myth -

The biggest myth, of course, is that they can actually predict the future. Of course, precognitive dreams are not actually future telling, but that does not mean they are not significant.

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The reality -

While they cannot predict what will happen in the future with any accuracy, they nonetheless present important symbolic messages that require interpretation.

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The myth -

Another common misconception about precognitive dreams is that they can never actually affect the future actions or events in our lives.

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The reality -

This is not true: when we look at our dreams and interpret them, this can have an impact on the course of action we choose to take.

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Real-life example -

For example, if you dream about performing exceptionally in a job interview and securing your dream role, you may be more likely to apply for that coveted role and be successful.

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Practical applications -

Indeed, according to psychologists, precognitive dreams can have a number of important practical applications and implications.

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Encourage positive action -

As previously mentioned, they can help encourage positive action and stimulate personal growth in people who may be experiencing a period of stagnation.

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Raise consciousness -

They can also help raise our consciousness, encourage us to focus our attention on the present, and cause us to reflect on important issues.

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Indicate medical issues -

Finally, there is evidence to suggest that, in some cases, precognitive dreams are able to offer insights on medical issues, in particular mental health and decline.

Sources: (Verywell Mind)

See also: The most common dreams by country (and what they mean)

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