Another common feature in the presence of former homes in our dreams relates to the “honoring” or “fearing” of our former life. When we dream about a former residence, it can symbolize specific aspects of our past that are “grounded” in this specific home. Our past homes hold profound emotional memories and emotions, making them powerful symbols in dreams. Dreaming about a former residence might represent nostalgia for a certain period in our lives or a longing for a sense of familiarity and comfort. Our past home can also provide a vehicle for our dream-based reflections on past experiences. We seek to understand how these experiences have shaped our beliefs, aspirations and sense of self. As I will soon note, a past home can also be the “battleground” for addressing long-standing, focal conflicts in our life.
Some of the more positive interpretations of the presence of past homes in our dreams feature a former home as a place (or at least symbol) of personal growth and transformation. Our past and present homes represent an important aspect of our identity. Our home tells us something about how we chose to see ourselves and how we hope other people will see us.
Revisiting a former residence in a dream can indicate that we have moved on from that previous version of ourselves. We have entered a new phase of life—whether or not this new phase is of our choosing or is forced upon us. The previous home may symbolize a desire for change, especially if this home is threatened with destruction (as was the case in some of my dreams) or is presented in a highly distorted manner. Our departure from this home in our dream might also represent our recognition of the progress we have made.
In addition, if the dream of a former residence is accompanied by a sense of unease or discomfort, it could point to unresolved issues from the past. This dream may be a reminder to address these unresolved emotions or circumstances and find closure. It could be an opportunity to reflect on the lessons learned from our past experiences and to let go of any lingering negativity. Additionally, the specific condition of a former home in one’s dream can offer further insights.
For example, if the house appears dilapidated or in disrepair, it may symbolize neglected aspects of one’s past life or more indirectly one’s present life. Feelings of regret might reside in this condition of neglect. On the other hand, if the former residence is well-maintained or renovated, it may indicate personal growth and positive changes that have taken place since that time. Feelings of success and care might reside in the portrayal of a home that has been well preserved.
It seems deep personal significance can reside in past homes about which we dream. We can relive our life in these homes and try out alternative behaviors. We can feel things that we never felt when actually living in these homes. Alternatively, we can savor how we actually lived our life in these homes and the rich emotions that accompanied our life in these homes. Dreams about former lives lived in former homes can yield valuable insights into our past, present, and future. Whether it evokes nostalgia, represents personal growth, or signals unresolved issues, our dreams that incorporate former homes may provide us with guidance as we seek to better understand ourselves and navigate our lives with greater clarity and purpose.
I pause at this point, because these often-optimistic perspectives on dreams incorporating former homes don’t always take into account our complex inner world of conflicting forces and deeply entrenched defensive mechanisms. We can’t completely ignore Sigmund Freud’s view that dreams are as much in the business of hiding as they are in the business of revealing or providing significant insights. As I turn to my own dreams, I need to remind myself that there is still much to be learned about dreams from Dr. Freud and other observers of all dimensions in the human psyche. So, before considering dreams in which I have incorporated former homes, I wish to offer a brief review of dream structures as presented by Sigmund Freud and other psychoanalysts.
