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Obviously, this is a fantastical concept conceived of by a random fantasy author who, either through real talent, publicity, networks, or chance, became popular (Robert Jordan). It happens to coincide with other fantastical or religious concepts and beliefs, in addition to strongly resembling astral projection, or the idea that one can, in fact, have an out-of-body experience (Grade my Latin- sans corpus ambulus?). The possibility of its reality are slim; Tel'aran'rhiod is a concept of a place, or series of places, which exist(s) parallel to the current universe (a "universe" in this case encompassing both time and space, or, alternatively, all time-space), to which one can go while sleeping. In this place, if killed or in any way wounded, the harm remains- hence the myth about people who die in their dreams failing ever to wake- once the sleeper wakes.
Could a place like this exist? If so, how would rules apply? Jordan argues that merely considering an event while in Tel'aran'rhiod transports you at least to the place of it, if not the time. However, altering the landscape (including vegetation) will accomplish nothing in the real world, because a human soul is itself among all universes, whereas inanimate objects are not. My belief is that this rule exists, in Jordan's world, to prevent the replication of spirits.
Really, there are only two benefits to this supposed world- communication and contact. Likewise are these completely dangerous. Assassinations and healings both could be carried out by one talented in the ways of dreams. Lies and truths could be told. There is no reason for it to exist beyond relaxation from the real world, and there really isn't much in the way of relaxing to be had. Wolves have full reign over the world (again, as Jordan sees it, though this is not necessarily the case, although one must consider its possibility along with similar possibilities regarding the dead, animals, and those in limbo, this including spirits, demons, and the like) and it is used by literally anyone who can recognize that they are asleep.
Assuming this world does exist, assuming spirits have free enterprise within it, could one likewise assume that the possibility exists to transfer said spirits from that world to this world? Many assumptions, yes, but even the slightest chance that fantasy may be in any way instantiated into the present reality is enough for me to consider any way to reach that time and place.

:Siber:

Jeez, I need to be explicating a poem, not a scrap of a fantasy novel... I must be going, now. I imagine I'll have a full essay on this posted on MySpace within a few weeks given my tendency to waste time on essays such as these, so if anyone wants to see it if/when that happens, let me know and I'll put it here.