the project. If the project could lead the person into
trouble, an unfortunate outcome might be sensed
subliminally. Such a message could manifest as a
disturbing dream to steer the person away from joining.
Second, since the project was to involve an attempt to
interact with dreams and to engage them in dialogue, it
seemed appropriate to start the project with such a
petition, treating the dreams as if they were an entity
unto themselves, and asking them for their reaction to
the prospect of the project; asking them, in effect, if they
wanted to join.
      I suggested that after the person made a decision
about joining, a letter should be written to his dreams.
The letter might include a statement of why the person
was deciding to join the project, the person's intentions
with regard to establishing a relationship with his
dreams, and a request for the dreams to comment. I
suggested that this letter be placed under the person's
pillow for a night or two, to see what dreams resulted.
Thus the person was to assume responsibility for the
decision whether or not to join the project, but the
dreams were also allowed an opportunity to respond.
      The invitational letter was sent to people who had
indicated on the A.R.E. Research Questionnaire Work-
book an interest in researching dreams. Through
announcements in the A.R.E. News, and through word of
mouth, others were given an opportunity to request the
letter of invitation.

Dreams Anticipate the Project

     In the invitational letter, I had asked for feedback
from anyone who tried the "pillow letter" suggestion,
whether or not they joined the project. About 50 letters
were initially received in reply. One-third of the people
writing said that the pillow letter yielded no dream or a
dream that did not seem to relate to the question of
joining the project. I answered these letters, thanking
the people for taking the time to reply, especially to
report negative results.

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