Five top dream themes

1 Having sex with an unlikely person like a celebrity or your partner's   best friend

  Hidden meaning: Don't feel anxious about such dreams as they are classic wish   fulfilment. They reveal secret desires you wouldn't act out, especially when   it comes to celebrities in sexy dream images. Your mind is playing out fantasies.

  What you can do: Such pleasurable dreams are meant to be enjoyed and should   never make you feel guilty. If they become recurrent though, say about someone   like a married colleague, tread carefully - don't put yourself in temptation's   path.

  2 You suddenly become rich

Hidden meaning: Such dreams reveal deeper symbolism about you enjoying something   good that's happened to you - possibly little to do with money. You may be in   a new life phase and it symbolises "emotional wealth". Or it may be   classic wish fulfilment for wealth.

  What you can do: This is a great starting point for thinking about what makes   you feel "emotionally wealthy". Build in more of the things that make   you feel good about yourself.

  3 Finding yourself in a top job

Hidden meaning: Dreams of being prime minister, a company director or an international   star often symbolise a desire for more recognition. Your inner self doesn't   want to be overlooked and you'd like more respect from others.

  What you can do: Do you want to make yourself stand out more? Do you tend to   be the shrinking violet? Take an assertiveness training course or set yourself   some interesting challenges to make you feel more accomplished. Sing your own   praises, for example if you know when you've done a good job at work.

  4 Flying through the air

Hidden meaning: These wonderful images reveal increased personal confidence,   often about trying something. new. Sometimes they symbolise the first phases   of love when you're in a new relationshipand your heart is soaring.

  What you can do: Use this period of increased confidence to improve any area   of your life. that you've struggled with. Now is the time to face previous difficulties.

5 You have stunning good looks or a figure to die for

Hidden meaning: These images that enhance what we actually have can again be   about classic wish fulfilment - wanting to feel more desirable. But they can   also reveal that subconsciously you're aware you're overlooking some of your   amazing qualities, not necessarily physical ones, but other attributes that   you have to offer as a person.

  What you can do: Let such dreams guide you into focusing on the inner you and   what you have to offer others. Appreciate your personal strengths and don't   fret about the lumps, bumps and little flaws that we all have.

Five top nightmare themes

1 Teeth crumbling, falling out or being spat out

Hidden meaning: Such dreams are usually about communication problems. It could   be with your partner, family or someone at work. It reveals anxiety about getting   your words out, symbolised by teeth images.

  What you can do: Whether at work or in your personal life, plan for any conversation   you've been putting off. Practice makes perfect so think about what needs to   be said, make notes so you don't forget key points. Preparation gives you confidence   to speak.

2 A life-threatening situation like you're about to plunge from a building   or are actually dead

  Hidden meaning: Such powerful nightmare images reveal a feeling that you can't   cope with issues in your life. They show that, emotionally, it feels like your   world might fall apart. A nightmare image of death can signal the end of something   like a relationship. If it's not unpleasant, it can also symbolise rebirth.

  What you can do: Don't keep worries to yourself. Open up to a loved one and   sound them out on any issues you face. Getting support will help you get your   emotional strength back.

3 Standing naked somewhere in public or being caught naked

Hidden meaning: Such images reveal that you feel vulnerable. Maybe you wonder   where a new relationship is going and you're anxious about letting them into   your heart. Or you fear people are talking about your work. It may also relate   to an upcoming demand like public speaking.

  What you can do: If in a new relationship, have confidence to take your time   getting to know them. Trust isn't built overnight. If facing something you're   worried about, like a presentation, ensure you know the topic well and rehearse   it.

4 You do something you'd never do, like yell at your boss

Hidden meaning: You have angry emotions churning inside, probably where this   person is concerned. These feelings cannot be ignored.

  What you can do: Why is this relationship causing you anger? What can you do   to improve it? Angry images can go both ways and part of you may be angry with   yourself for not speaking up. Try seeing this person in a new light.

5 Chased by a stranger, monster or a frightening shape

Hidden meaning: These classic images symbolise feeling overwhelmed, usually   with responsibilities or pressures. Phantom shapes catching up with you are   about inner fears that you're getting behind. Or they can symbolise feeling   "got at" by a particular person.

  What you can do: Review your responsibilities and explore how you can better   meet them. Break big demands into small steps that are less daunting. Don't   be frightened of saying no if people ask favours.