Encouragement in dreams is often symbolized by a parental, authority type of figure or an easily recognized spiritual being. There is an inner aspect of our personality that knows what is right for us. This will often appear in dreams, albeit as differing characters, to encourage us when we cannot consciously make a decision. To encourage is to 'give heart to' and from a practical perspective any positive dream images can do just that. Waking from a dream with a sense of being able to move on successfully or to take positive action comes from that sense of inner encouragement.