Ancient Egyptians (around 2100 B.C.) believed that everyone originated from separate deities or spirits and that dreams were the mechanisms by which the personal deity would reveal the individual's future and, at the right time, the steps to ensure that it unfolded safely for the dreamer. Dreams were considered both spiritual and mundane, often requiring a dream interpretation to distinguish between the two.

Assyrians believed that it was only in deep sleep and through their dreams that people could communicate freely with the Deities.