Dreams are clues from your unconscious mind about what's bothering you in the waking world. Check out these 16 symbols from slumberland.

1 Aeroplane This usually means two things: one, wanting the freedom to 'fly solo' towards a destination, and two, defying gravity and, by association, thumbing your nose at convention.

2 Animals If you dream about ants, it means you're diligent. Owls represent a question that's puzzling you, while snakes symbolise transformation (consider how a snake sheds its skin).

3 Car To understand your dream, see the car as a symbol of yourself and the trip as a metaphor for your life. Is the car shiny or dented? Were you alone? In an accident?

4 Climbing This represents the opportunity to grow, to rise to a different level in life, to conquer new challenges.

5 Dogs Dreaming of 'man's best friend' means you're in a situation where loyalty and/or friendship are important or threatened. Dog dreams also mean guidance and protection.

6 Egg A lucky omen, a symbol of rebirth: maybe you are 'resurrecting' yourself from an old relationship? Finding several eggs means extra money for a 'nest egg'.

7 Fish Strongly associated with sex and/or wanting children, because their slippery nature is associated with sperm. Catching fish means success for a new project, though being swallowed by a fish means you are feeling helpless.

8 Flowers These generally mean love and friendship, although tearing petals off means destroying happiness and dying flowers indicate your feelings are hurt. Give yourself sunshine, food and water – and let your confidence grow.

9 Grave Don't worry! In dreams, the earth symbolises creation. A grave means you need to let go of something to solve a problem, not that your life is in danger. Climbing out of a grave means a crisis is over.

10 Hair This usually signifies concerns about desirability and ageing. Hair that turns black means danger; silver signals abundance.

11 House Dream houses represent inner desires. The basement refers to your unconscious; ground level is your current reality and upper rooms deal with aspirations – your need to see things from a higher perspective.

12 Island This could mean you are seeking a refuge; or, that you feel trapped or isolated from others.

13 Storms You may be experiencing - or anticipating - a trauma. Or, it can mean that you are brooding over a problem, that there is something you want to express.

14 Swimming If you're struggling in the dream, it may mean that your physical or mental survival is threatened. Are you having trouble 'keeping your head above water'? Swimming dreams also mean adaptation to change.

15 Water In dreams, water always tells you something about your emotions. Gushing water might symbolise a fresh start; rivers or pools could mean different emotional 'wavelengths', yours or other peoples'.

16 Window Are you looking for an opportunity or breakthrough of some sort? A window can also mean that you want to escape from a situation.