Before examining individual symbols, summarize the dream as a story. Ask what changed, what problem or instruction dominated the sequence, and how the dream ended.

• What was the central action?
• Who or what drove the dream forward?
• Where did the tension, warning, instruction or breakthrough occur?
• Did the ending resolve the problem or leave it open?
• Which details seem essential to the story and which may be background?

This prevents one vivid image from overshadowing the whole message. For broader method, read The Art of Dream Interpretation and the Dream Interpretation hub.