Death and dying are not comfortable topics. Although someone close to me has a terminal illness, I hesitated to begin reading this book. To my surprise, once I picked it up I had difficulty putting it down, reading 65 pages in the first sitting.

Grubbs' main inspiration for this writing was the sudden, tragic loss of her own son at a young age. She had little knowledge of or skill in dream interpretation at the time but felt it important to document the dreams she had in the years following his death. Attending the C.G. Jung Institute in Zurich ten years later, she was able to analyze the dreams that had brought her so much comfort.

Through the myth of Gilgamesh and his quest, personal stories, cultural history and dream research, Grubbs' explains how, when and why these dreams are likely to occur. Those who have experienced these dreams will take solace in the view that these dreams are actual "visitations" from departed loved ones. These dreams offer healing for both living and dead, creating opportunities for closure and marking transition points during the grieving process. Most impressive is Grubbs' emphasis in an early chapter on the fact that these dreams are to be respected and cherished as gifts from the Divine, the departed or one's own subconscious as an avenue for healing for both living and dead. The author firmly cautions that this is an area that should not be "played" with, a critical point given the current media and public fascination with psychic mediums and clairvoyance. While we can open the door to welcome these visits, we should never impose upon the dead by banging loudly on their door without an invitation, or at least a good reason.

If you are a serious student of dream interpretation, this book is required reading. If you have been dreaming of a departed loved one and are ready to explore these dreams, this is an excellent resource. This topic area seems to be somewhat neglected in the dominant material, possibly because it's an uncomfortable one for many of us. I was pleasantly surprised to find that instead of bringing up negative emotions, this material casts a serene light on the topic of death and the grief process and loss. Grubbs also presents comprehensive information on dreams based on her own and others' research and expands on symbolism.

Resources:

The Bereavement Site at Bella.

May all your dreams come true!

Parthena Black is a professional social worker and ordained minister with experience in tarot and runes. For private spiritual counseling and intuitive readings via e-mail, please visit her at oymygoddess.com.

---