Cognitive Science has revealed an extensive, unconscious system of conceptual metaphor that is part of our everyday conceptual systems and that can be thought of as a kind of "language of the unconscious." This system, for the most part is not idiosyncratic, but defies conventional modes of thought within a culture and is expressed in the lexicon and grammar of languages. This unconscious metaphor system, since it structures ordinary thought, also structures dreams, connecting the hidden meanings of dreams to their overt meanings and images in a systematic way. Dreams, not surprisingly, typically express desires, fears, and other important conscious or unconscious in the everyday life of the dreamer. Most dream symbolism makes use of this conventional metaphor system. Familiarity both with the system and with the life of the dreamer greatly facilitate dream interpretation. (George Lakoff)