Newbie here! This looks like a cool place. I look forward to input on a dream I have been having two or three times a month over the last two years.

In the dream, I'm entering a huge structure that is on my parent's property (IRL my folks live in a 1920 school building and the structure I enter is next door to their house and is in similar era-style).

There are two hallways in the structure I enter; they are both dark, dilapidated, and forbidding. However, I know that there are important rooms down these halls, so I proceed through the spookiness; sometimes I have someone with me.

The first room is a breathtakingly gorgeous bedroom, as one might find in a 19th century manor: walnut paneling, wainscotting, built-ins, tapestries, stone fireplace -- simply magnificent. However, as soon as I step into the room I have a horrific dread come over me and I know that the room is haunted and I need to get out. Occasionally, a spooky entity or person will appear in the room, underlining my need to get out.

I usually then progress to the next room down the hall, which is an equally lovely library/office space. The same thing happens: dread, sometimes apparition(s), and get out and run back down the hall.

There are variations on this dream. For example, last night I sent some people I know from my past down the hall to see the rooms. I knew they would be terrified, but the rooms are so beautiful I want them to see the spaces.

This dream has become so familiar that at the beginning, when I'm standing at the mouth of the dark hallways that I can recall the strong feeling of "here we go again!"

In the dreams I long for the rooms, as they are so beautiful and I feel a certain entitlement to them; however, I'm always chased out by the hauntings.

Thoughts?

Rooms in dreams could represent different parts of the subconscious. The fact that they are "haunted" means you have some hidden memories that are appearing or making their presence known.

Are you "haunted" by memories of something or someone from an old house, school, or other such ominous structure? It could be a death of someone close--a grandparent, a former classmate, etc.

I also see a contrast between the safety and pleasure you would get from these rooms and the danger that lurks within. Is there someplace you felt safe but no more? Is there a sanctuary in your life where you go to try to forget your past or troubles?

Thank you for your smart observations and questions, SS. I have just started to emerge from four years of nearly unremitting stress and trauma (death of a brother, two major moves cross country, and the break-up of a 10-year relationship). So, yes, I have been "haunted" by troubles and memories.

I'm trying to make my house, which I shared with my partner, more "mine" by discarding furniture, repainting, remodeling, and so on; I would say I haven't had a sanctuary for four or five years and I'm trying to create one now. I'm working to infuse my life with positivity and empowerment,and this dream always takes me down a notch -- I awake terrified and sweating and it bothers me for several days.

Any suggestions on trying to control this dream and/or get rid of it permanently? I imagine this dream sounds rather banal, but it is absolutely terrifying; I don't have the language to describe the deep dread it contains.

Thanks, Shark

Dream experts suggest trying to communicate with the troubling disturbance. This may take some doing and you may experience the dream a couple more times before you may be able to do this, but the next time you have the dream, try to talk to the presence that is there. Ask it, What do you want? Why am I frightened? A good time to do this is when you say "Here we go again." That could be your cue to communicate with the person or entity. You may be pleasantly surprised by what the dream figure tells you.