Plan Some Time Off For Yourself Soon

Dear Nancy: Normally my dreams are positive, but recently I had two dreams that greatly disturbed me.

My life has changed dramatically this last year with the great success of two books I’ve recently published. This requires travel and many speaking engagements. I am also working under a difficult deadline with my publisher for my next book and have been under a lot of stress because of that. I have been fighting a chronic prostate infection, and antibiotics don’t seem to be working. While I am reveling in this success, I realize that I have simply overcommitted myself. - Martin

I am suddenly aware that my throat has been slit and I know that I will die.

I am with my wife and children. We are all aware that a deadly virus is approaching us from across the country and that there is no escape. We will all die.

Dear Martin: Death, in dreams, is often a sign of a person’s readiness to let go of the past and move on to new things. But given your circumstances, I believe your dreams are warning you about your health. They are both portraying danger to your physical body.

In your first dream, your throat has been cut. The throat is the center of communication and it is the location of the voice box. If you become ill, wouldn’t you have to stop speaking? Neglecting or ignoring your illness could be the “death” of your speaking engagements.

In your second dream, the images are much more straightforward and you realize a deadly virus is advancing toward you. There is no escaping it. Again, we have a direct message from your psyche, a warning that you must take care of yourself. Your family may be with you in the dream as a reminder that they too will be affected by your illness.

When we spoke on the phone, you indicated that a few days after these dreams you contacted a new doctor, who was able to help you. Often dreams will lead us to action even when we are not fully conscious of the dream’s message. I am sure that you understood the significance of these dreams on a deep level and knew you needed help.

I hope you will give yourself a break very soon and remember to be more diligent about not overcommitting yourself. Be thankful to the dream world for these warning dreams. They may have saved your life!

Reader tip: Scalpels, hospitals, injections and doctors are symbols often found in the dreams of people who are ill or facing surgery. These dreams are caused by the anxiety and fears felt during this challenging time.

After surgery or illness, our dreams can show us the healing and recuperation of our bodies and spirits in ways that might be surprising.

Some of the most common symbols of healing and restoration are:

Remodeling or reconstructing a home or other building, including repairs to the electrical, plumbing or other systems.

Young and healthy animals often shown as frisky and happy.

A vibrant healthy plant or a thriving garden.

New clothing. The dreamer may be shopping for or receiving new clothes as a gift. He may find himself mending some of his clothes.

New vehicles, often sport cars with all the extras. This can also be shown as repairs to older vehicles. The sense in the dream is that they will run well and be reliable.