There is a section of the Tong Shu or Chinese Almanac on interpreting dreams. It is called “Zhou Gong’s Book of Auspicious and Inauspicious Dreams”.

Zhou Gong is believed to be the same Duke of Zhou who is reputed to have assisted significantly in the development of the Yi Jing, (Book of Changes), an ancient divination text.

We are not sure if he was personally responsible for the dreams interpretation. It is quite common to associate a piece of work with an authoritative figure to lend credibility. And Zhou Gong is certainly an authority on divination!

There are seven categories in Zhou Gong’s Book of Auspicious and Inauspicious Dreams. Within each section the dream interpretation is expressed in poem-like text!

The first category has to do with the planets and weather. For example if you dream of the sun or moon rising, your family will be prosperous, educated and will have good jobs. On the other hand it the sun or moon is setting, then you may be cheated by your friends or subordinates.

The second category deals with the home and surroundings. For example if you dream of bamboo trees growing healthily in your front yard, there will be good news. Or if you dream of walking about with your wife, it means that you will be buying a property.

The third category deals with gods and spirits. For example if you dream of visiting a temple, seeing the status of Buddha it means very good fortune. Have you dreamt of seeing a dead person rising out of a coffin? Do not worry. It is a good sign. It means that you will be earning a lot of money!

The fourth category deals with person or body. If you dream of going out with another woman, it means that you will lose money. It seems logical but here comes the interest part. If you dream that your wife is pregnant, it means that she will or is having an affair. And if you dream of yourself and your wife honouring each other, it means that you will be divorce!

The fifth category deals with music and disharmony. For example, if you dream of someone blowing a flute or hitting a drum it means that a party is imminent. Killing dreams are interpreted in a very interesting manner. If you dream of someone killing a chicken, goose or duck, it is a sign of good fortune. Killing a pig is even better fortune but killing a goat is a sign of evil and danger.

The sixth category deals with living creatures. If you dream of a snake becoming a dragon, it means you will get help from someone. If the snake bites you, you will receive a lot of money. Generally speaking if you dream of a dragon, phoenix or peacock it implies good fortune.

The last category deals with clothing and jewels and other miscellaneous items. If you dream of a golden hairpin, it means that you will have a noble son. However if you dream of expensive hairpins knocking together, it means that you wife will leave you. If you dream of your cloths dirty and covered with mud, it means your wife’s pregnancy will be problematic. Finally it is a sign of good fortune if your dream of picking money!

Visit my dreams dictionary for a more detail list of dreams.