I don't think dreams always have some symbolic meaning. There are several dream theories but the one that makes the most sense to me is that our brains are still active, and create stories without direct input from real stimuli. Which would also explain why sensory deprivation tanks work the way they do.
Still, I think we can take important information from all portions of our lives - dreams included, if we look for it.
RE: How Shadow People Taught Me About Creativity