In medieval times you could be burned alive for dreaming of the devil

People have always been fascinated by dreams.  The earliest known recorded dreams were in Mesopotamia about five thousand years ago.

The Egyptians believed a person was blessed if they had vivid dreams.  They believed they were messages from the gods, for example the account of Joseph and his dream of seven fat cows and seven thin ones.  Interpreted to Pharaoh as seven years of plenty then seven years of famine.

The Greeks also studied dreams.  They built dream temples, often on hillsides.  They believed the gods took an interest in the everyday life of mortals and would contact them through dreams.  Hippocrates supported a theory that dreams reflected a persons bodily health.

The Romans also placed great significance on dreams as did the native American Indians.  They believed it was the ancestors who communicated through dreams

Unfortunately with the coming of Christianity a negative attitude evolved towards dreams.  Instead of a tool for receiving messages from God, they were seen as proof of worshipping the devil.  Dreams were even used as evidence in court to convict witches.  If there was any suggestion a person had met with the devil or evil spirits in a dream, they could be burned alive.

And so it became, people disregarded their dreams and stayed quiet about them. They also forgot how to interpret them.  It wasn't until the 19th century that  theories of the unconscious started to emerge, most famously with Sigmund Freud that an interest in dreams started to re emerge.

You can read more about the history of dreams and how to interpret your own in my new book 'Dreams - The Forgotten Craft'  available now from Amazon or as a download to Kindle.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dreams-Forgotten-Craft-carol-lewis-ebook/dp/B00KVXD9D6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402467423&sr=8-1&keywords=dreams+the+forgotten+craft+kindle

The Ghosts of Llanyrafon Manor

Llanyrafon Manor, set in its peaceful garden is something of a haven in the busy town of Cwmbran.  Originally owned by the Griffiths family from the 1600's to the end of the 19th century it is now a heritage centre.  It is also perhaps, one of the most haunted places in Cwmbran.

Being a volunteer at the Manor, I've got to hear many stories from other volunteers, staff and visitors.  Some of them Ive already written about in my book 'Cwmbran History and Mystery' but the Manor just keeps on producing more.  Read on and find out more.

Entrance -  Even before you get into the house ghost stories abound here.  Some people have reported being drawn to the window above the porch without knowing why.  Some visitors will walk around the grounds quite happily but refuse to enter the house.  There have also been sightings of a tall figure by the stables and a monk.

The Kitchen -  A medium picked up on the spirit of a woman drying herbs and a visitor claimed to have felt the presence of a spirit here.

The Study - Here the sound of rustling dried flowers has been heard.

The original staircase - can be accessed downstairs in the parlour.  Visitors on the ghost tours have reported the smell of bacon in this spot.

Hallway leading from Tudor Hall to the Great Chamber - a very eerie spot, lights are known to flicker for no reason.  Also during a ghost tour the word 'no' was heard in answer to the question of whether the group could enter one of the rooms.

The Attic -  Its very creepy, not many like being up here.  It is supposedly haunted by the ghosts of two children, one of whom drowned.  Beyond the door is another part of the attic, here cold spots are felt and a general feeling of uneasiness.  Footsteps have been heard on the stairs when no one is there.  I know this, I was there!

2nd floor corridor - This leads to the room that  overlooks the porch.  Here the ghost of a boy called James looks out of the window waiting for his mother.  She left the manor one day and never returned, so he watches for her return.  In this room another volunteer felt a child tug at them as if to get attention.  

Other reports of ghostly goings on at the Manor include mysterious puddles of water appearing over night and cakes being thrown off the counter!  Don't be put off though, it really is a great place:)

You can read more about the ghosts of Cwmbran in 'Cwmbran History and Mystery' available now from Amazon