You have heard of painting by numbers, but what about dreaming by numbers? What might dream numbers mean?

Although dream interpretation can be very personal, numbers and mathematics are a universal language. Dreams use signs, symbols and numbers to communicate health information. An example of a number dream that saved millions from starvation and illness can be found in the Bible.

Genesis 41:17-36 recounts the Egyptian pharaoh’s number dream deciphered by Joseph: a dream in which seven fat, healthy cows are followed by seven thin, sickly cows. To ensure the pharaoh got the message, the dream repeats with seven heads of healthy grain stalks followed by seven sickly stalks. The dream foretold seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. By understanding the numbers in the pharaoh’s dream, Joseph managed Egypt’s food supply and saved the people from famine-related illness and death.

Although our dreams are abstract, most numbers represent logical concepts. Some numbers have both abstract and concrete meanings. The number eight, for example, may mean eight objects, or when lying on its side, it can symbolize infinity; upright, it may represent infinity standing strong.

Number one can be the loneliest number, reflecting isolation, a new beginning or a message that you are the best (#1). Multiples of the same number can multiply the powerful message. The spiritual number 11:11 may imply strong synchronicity. Zero might symbolize nothingness, completion and the circle of life, depending on the context of the dream.

Here are three tips to help decipher the number messages in your dreams:

Keep a dream journal. A recurrent or repeating dream like the pharaoh’s can contain an important, missed message. The dream will recur until the message is understood. Elusive dream messages can be revisited in a journal.
Decide if the number presented in the context of your dream is part of a problem, solution or both. Problem-solving reduces stress and may promote healing.
Underline all the dream’s numbers, colors and images and define what they mean to you because the message is always yours.

All dream numbers have powerful messages. Patterns or number sequences in dreams may reflect an analytical or problem-solving left-brain mindset. By combining the abstract dream language of signs and symbols with logical number concepts, dreams can paint a picture that speaks to our current and future health and well-being.

Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos of Rancho Mirage is a dream expert, cancer survivor, author, speaker and TV/radio host/producer. She has been featured on Dr. Oz, The Doctors and The UnXplained. For more information, visit www.KathleenOkeefeKanavos.com.

Sources: 1) Burk, L., and O’Keefe-Kavanos, K. (2018). Dreams That Can Save Your Life: Early Warning Signs of Cancer and Other Diseases; ‎ Findhorn Press; 2) The Holy Bible, New International Version, Genesis 41:17–36.