Have you ever woken up from a dream and wondered, “what the hell does that mean?” The average person dreams for 1-2 hours a night, remembers about 10% of the details and understands none of it.

Your dreaming mind is more powerful than you think: It has access to information, memories, and parts of your brain that are too cluttered when you’re awake. It’s like a window into your subconscious, and if you learn to interpret what your dreams mean you can re gain lost memories, reveal secret desires, and increase self-awareness.

Here are 12 common dreams and their interpretation:

Alcohol

Just because you dream of martini’s and cocktails doesn’t necessarily mean you’re an alcoholic. In fact, if you dream that you’re drinking in moderation, it can be a sign that you have a healthy social life. On the other hand, if you dream about downing a Texas Mickey of JD, chances are it signifies a lack of clarity and you may have an alcohol problem.

Loss of Hair

When looking at a guy in his mid-forties with a comb-over, you can imagine how important hair becomes as one gets older. Hair is a powerful symbol of freedom and youth. If you dream about going bald, it often suggests a loss of freedom and you’re worried about getting older.

Blood

Sometimes blood can represent life, sex, love and passion. Unfortunately, it usually signifies that you’re stressed, over-worked and emotionally drained. If you dream about other people bleeding, it’s an emotional cry for help. If you have blood all over your hands, chances are you’re feeling guilty about something.

Death

In tarot the death card represents change, transition, and inevitability. Same goes with your dreams; luckily, dreaming about your own death does not mean you’re going to die. Rather, it symbolizes dramatic change in your life.

Murder

Although it’s tempting to blame murder dreams on videogames and Hollywood, it’s more likely related to a lack of self-control. Check your temper and make sure you’re not on the verge of snapping. Think about the person you’re killing in the dream, and if you know them, consider whether or not you’re holding some hidden anger toward them.

Erections

Just because you’re dreaming that you have an erection, doesn’t mean you’re sexually aroused. Also, you probably don’t have to worry about waking up to wet sheets. Although erection dreams can indicate sexual inadequacies and fear of impotence, it’s more likely that you simply enjoy masculine power and fell asleep thinking about Megan Fox in a bikini.

Falling

Don’t worry: Contrary to popular belief, you won’t actually die if you don’t wake up before you hit the concrete. Falling represents a loss of control, insecurities, and anxiety. This very common dream often occurs when you’re in a transitional phase of life, particularly when you’re nervous about going forward and trying something new.

Flying

Unless you’re wearing spandex and a cape, most modern dream experts interpret flying dreams to fleeing away from a problem. Interestingly, flying is one dream that’s almost always lucid; whereas you become aware that you’re dreaming without waking up.

Eating & Food

This happens most when you’re hungry or fall asleep while watching The Food Network. The meaning of your dream depends entirely on the type of food you’re eating. For example, fruit and chocolate is sexual; whereas meat refers to your testosterone infused animalistic needs. Also pay attention to the mood of this dream, if you’re eating alone chances are it signifies loneliness and depression.

Sex

If only you could dictate the who, what, where and when of these dreams. The type of sex you’re having in the dream probably reflects your repressed bedroom desires. If the sex is wild and kinky, maybe it’s time you got a pair of fuzzy handcuffs.

Nudity

So you’re standing in line at an ATM and all of the sudden realize you’re in the buff. Two things can happen at this point, you’re either proud or embarrassed. If you’re proud, this could be a warning against promiscuity. Embarrassment, which is the most common reaction, reflects vulnerability and fear of rejection.

Loss of Teeth

Strangely, this is one of the most highly occurring dreams of all time. The ancient Greeks thought it symbolized that a family member is sick and about to die. The Chinese still say it means you’re not telling the truth. The most popular modern interpretation acknowledges that teeth represent power. They’re used to bite, chew, gnaw, and in this case a loss of teeth means you’re feeling powerless.