Record your vivid dream in a dream diary as soon as possible after the dream occurs. Be sure to record as many details as you can remember.
Break down the dream by symbols. For instance, if the dream included an animal, break that animal down into the type and color of the animal.
Look up each symbol in a dream dictionary (see Resources below).
Write down the meaning for each symbol in your dream diary. As you record each symbol and its meaning, the meaning of the dream may start to come together in your head.
Reflect on your waking life and how the dream and its symbols may pertain to the happenings in your life.