What does it mean when someone who has died shows up in your dream?

In the course of our lives, the loss of a cherished individual is an experience shared by all. Such a profound and enduring loss can impact us in ways beyond our anticipation.

A prevalent occurrence after the departure of a loved one is the appearance of dreams featuring the deceased. These dreams harbor meanings that delve deeper than what we may have ever contemplated. As we sleep, our subconscious mind takes the reins, presenting us with the presence of the departed loved ones in our dreams, both comforting and perplexing.

Coping with grief is an intimately personal journey, unique to each individual. Some may outwardly express their sorrow through tears, while others may retreat inwardly, avoiding discussions about their emotions. However, dreaming of those we have lost is a shared experience, offering a glimpse into our emotional state and a poignant reminder of the profound bonds we once shared.

Dreams occasionally entail messages from departed loved ones, a phenomenon aptly named visitation dreams. The insightful Patrick McNamara, an esteemed associate professor at Boston University, has delved deeply into this concept. He eloquently explains that visitation dreams manifest when a deceased individual appears in the dream as if still alive.

Known as “Dream Catcher” on Psychology Today, McNamara’s rich insights into dreams and their meanings have intrigued many. He posits that visitation dreams serve a specific purpose for the dreamer.

These dreams are believed to provide solace and aid in coping with grief, loss, and sadness. By experiencing visitation dreams, individuals may discover comfort and a profound sense of connection with their departed loved ones.

In a blog post, McNamara candidly shares a visitation dream he had after the passing of his parents. This profound dream led him to ponder the possibility of life after death. Despite his scientific skepticism, McNamara found himself unable to dismiss the profound notion of having communed with his deceased parents. He believes this conviction would be even stronger for someone less skeptical about dreams.

McNamara’s fascination is far from isolated, as numerous studies have undertaken a more extensive exploration of this captivating phenomenon. A study published in 2014 by the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care delved into the impact of grief dreams. The findings shed light on the commonality, profound meaning, and potential healing properties of dreams involving the departed.

Themes in these dreams revolved around past events, the peaceful passing of those who succumbed without sickness, memories of their illness or death, visions of their serene and healthy afterlife, and the conveying of messages.

In 2016, Canadian researchers conducted a study involving 76 individuals who had lost someone dear. Their research demonstrated that 67.1% of these individuals found their dreams about the departed solidifying their belief in an afterlife. Approximately 70% regarded their dreams as “visitations,” and 71% felt an intensified closeness to the departed through these dreams.

Another eminent psychologist, Jennifer E. Shorter from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in Palo Alto, CA, has also made notable contributions to our understanding of dreams and their connections to grieving.

In her research, titled “Visitation Dreams in Grieving Individuals: A Phenomenological Inquiry into the Relationship Between Dreams and the Grieving,” she astutely highlights the uncertainty surrounding the prevalence of visitation dreams.

These dreams may occur shortly after or long after the passing of a loved one. Shorter’s findings reveal that visitation dreams exhibit four principal features:

1. The apparitions in the dream bear a striking resemblance to how the individuals looked when they were alive, often appearing healthier or more youthful.
2. The departed individual often imparts a sense of their current state, signifying that they are alright.
3. The message conveyed in the dream is perceived more as a mental connection than a physical presence.
4. The dream itself exudes an aura of peace and harmony, offering a sense of orderliness.

The intricacies of dreams, especially those involving the departed, continue to be a subject of deep fascination and contemplation for both scholars and individuals seeking solace in their grief. Embracing these dreams with open minds and hearts allows us to find comfort, insight, and perhaps even a connection to the eternal realm of our cherished loved ones.