Dream Interpretation

Podcast
Written By Camille Saunders

Divination & The Harry Potter Series

Season 13 of Every Day Tarot is all about divination, and today, we explore dream interpretation. We’ll touch on the history of dream divination, how it appears at Hogwarts, and what the tarot can teach us about the dreaming mind.

What we explore in this episode:

  • The history of dream interpretation across cultures and philosophies

  • Famous reflections on dreams, from Socrates to Zhuangzi to Salvador Dalí

  • How dream interpretation appears in Divination class at Hogwarts

Dreams and The Dreamer

For thousands of years, dreams have sparked wonder and debate. Were they visits from the gods? The soul wandering beyond the body? A glimpse into the future? Ancient Greek philosophers like Socrates even questioned whether waking life or dreams were more real. Chinese philosopher Zhuang Zhou famously asked if he was a man dreaming of being a butterfly, or a butterfly dreaming of being a man.

Modern psychology often describes dreams as ways of reworking unresolved emotions, stitching together the fragments of our daily lives. No matter the interpretation, dreams continue to unsettle, inspire, and invite us to question what is real.

Dream Interpretation in Harry Potter

At Hogwarts, dream interpretation (or oneiromancy) is introduced by Professor Trelawney as one of the “most important” forms of divination. Students are asked to keep dream diaries and analyze symbols using The Dream Oracle textbook.

Of course, Harry and Ron take a far more skeptical approach. They joke their way through class, inventing tragic endings to please Trelawney, while Lavender and Parvati embrace dream interpretation with full enthusiasm. 

Dreams in the series act as both personal anxieties and cosmic warnings, a reminder that what happens in the dream world can echo in waking life.

Tarot Cards

To explore the energy of this episode, I pulled cards from Therapists Who Tarot Deck, Prompts by Dreya Blume and Images by Rebecca Bloom

  • Nine of Cups - comfort, fulfillment, and satisfaction

  • Queen of Cups - calm, compassion, and intuitive insight

  • Seven of Cups - illusion, choice, and possibility

Deck referenced from left to right:

If you haven't listened to my other seasons yet, go check them out!

  • Season 1 - Tarot basics

  • Seasons 2 & 3 - Major Arcana and 4 suits

  • Season 4 - Tarot in Pop Culture

  • Season 5 - Tarot Spreads

  • Season 6 - Suit of Wands

  • Season 7 - Suit of Pentacles

  • Season 8 - Suit of Swords

  • Season 9 - Suit of Cups

  • Season 10 - Tarot and Witchcraft

  • Season 11 - Tarot and Plant Allies

  • Season 12- Tarot and Animals

💭 Today's Tarot Pull:

From It’s Grow Time deck by Chantelle Davis-Gray, I pulled “Write down three wins from the last month. They can be tiny wins. Yes, they still count.”

Dreams remind us that time is fluid, but waking life asks us to pause and notice progress. As we enter Virgo season, this card encourages reflection: to honor small victories, celebrate growth, and release what no longer feels important.

Reflective prompts on this card:

  • What three wins can you name from the past month?

  • How do your dreams reflect both your fears and your triumphs?

  • Where can you bring gentleness to the goals you’re still carrying?

A 12-Week Tarot for Transformation Journey

Starting at the end of September, join me for a 12-week live course based on Tarot for Transformation!

We’ll spend three months together, working through the major arcana as archetypal guides. Each week, we’ll:

  • Focus on one major arcana card and the life themes it highlights.

  • Explore journaling prompts and exercises from Dreya Blume’s book.

  • Share experiences and support each other in a safe, witchy, and affirming space.

  • Participate in live one-hour calls (with replays available if you can’t join live).

This is not just about learning tarot — it’s about using tarot as a vessel for real, meaningful change in your life.

If you've ever longed for a supportive community to explore big personal shifts, or if you’re ready to commit to discovering your most authentic self, this journey is for you.

You can sign up to receive more information (no FOMO!). We’re planning to begin at the end of August, so there’s plenty of time to get ready.

📥 Sign up for the 12 Week Live Course of Tarot for Transformation here!

If you sign up before September 12, 2025 get 25% off with code Early Bird!

Ways to Connect & Support:

  • Get my Tarot Card Creation Workshop including the full hour long recording with my step by step method, examples of the tarot cards I’ve created, journaling questions, and PDF to walk you through it for just $33. Click here to purchase now!

  • Join my 12-week Tarot for Transformation Live course starting this fall where we will be deep diving into the Major Arcana to Discover Our Best Selves and Create a Life Worth Living. If you’re interested, sign up here!

    • If you sign up before September 12, 2025 get 25% off with code Early Bird!

  • Patreon: For new moon readings, tarot Q&As, individual card pulls, and behind-the-scenes peeks, join the Every Day Tarot Patreon family.

  • Newsletter: Get my FREE 2025 5-Card Tarot Spread PDF + weekly musings, event invites, and magic straight to your inbox.

  • Support the Podcast: If you love the show, the best way to support it is by listening daily, leaving a review, and subscribing or following in your favorite podcast app.

  • Book a Consultation: I’m a sex & relationships therapist working virtually across Washington. I specialize in helping queer, kinky, polyamorous, and witchy folks navigate anxiety, chronic illness, communication, and identity work. If you’re looking for a therapist and I seem like a good fit, please reach out and book a free consultation: camilleasaunders.com

Camille Saunders
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