Dreaming about adultery is a very common theme at bedtime. If you or a loved one have been covering this ground at night, you may have questions about what it all might mean. As part of a Huffington Post series on dreams and their meanings, we spoke to Ally Mead, who has studied dream analysis at the Jungian Institute of Los Angeles and offers channeled readings in addition to dream analyses, to get expert advice about the meanings of your or your loved one’s dreams about adultery. Note: While dream analysis is highly subjective, this post might provide some insight into why this dream occurred or is recurring.
What do dreams about adultery mean?According to Mead, when we're dreaming, there is no such thing as marriage. Marriage, she explains, "is a social construct of our waking world." In that sense, dreaming about being with someone besides your significant other represents a trait you desire or admire in someone else -- not about cheating. "This could be a quality you desire in your current mate or one your subconscious feels you need to develop in yourself," she notes.
What can I learn about myself from dreaming about this subject?"The best thing to do after having a dream about adultery is to think about what your partner in the dream means to you," suggests Mead. For example, ask yourself if the person represents a physical attribute (like athletic ability) or an emotional trait (like nurturing). If so, Mead says to examine yourself and try to apply the trait to yourself. "If you dream that someone is cheating on you instead, you may need to address general anxieties about the relationship itself," notes Mead.
Are there any tricks to avoiding or inducing dreams about adultery?If you desire to have an adulterous dream, focus on the type of person -- or specific person -- you're attracted to before sleeping. "To avoid this type of dream," says Mead, "focus on your existing mate."
Beyond analysis, what cultural symbolism can be found in dreams about adultery?Mead says that she is not aware of any cultural symbolism in adulterous dreams.
Who tends to have dreams about adultery most frequently?Dreams that involve "cheating" on your mate are pretty common. Both males and females, especially those who are in committed relationships, may have these dreams.
What does it mean if I'm in a relationship, but I'm not with my partner at all in my dream?"Generally, this signals ambivalence about wanting to be in a relationship," says Mead. "Balance is required to help fulfill both needs in a healthy way."
A psychic since her childhood, Ally Mead offers a friendly, empowering approach in her work as the Sassy Psychic. She offers astrology, tarot, channeled readings and dream interpretations to clients and is also the author of "Searching for Sassy: A L.A. Phone Pyschic's Tale of Life, Lust & Love." Mead has studied dream analysis at the Jungian Institute of Los Angeles and has provided readings to celebrities at the Academy Awards.