Dream Interpretation - Common Dream Symbols and Their Meanings
The symbols, people and objects encountered in dreams can
sometimes be baffling, and the meaning of a dream can be
difficult to ascertain. Dreams and their meanings are as
individual as the people who dream them, but the following list
of common dream symbols and some of their many meanings can help
get you started in the fascination and fun world of dream
interpretation.
Angels Angels are of course a symbol of purity and goodness, and
their appearance in a dream can often represent the quest for
spiritual goodness and enlightenment. In addition, angels often
appear in dreams as guides or teachers, and many people take the
advice of these angel dream guides very seriously.
Animals Animals in dreams are often seen to symbolize base,
instinctual actions, emotions and desires. These base desires
are often repressed so that we may live in a civilized society,
but just the same they are there, lurking in the shadows so to
speak.
Different animals have different meanings in dreams. For
instance, dreaming of cats may mean you have been repressing the
intuitive, feminine side of your nature, while dreaming of lions
could mean that you have been repressing anger. The key to
taking meaning from animals in dreams is to think about the
particular traits each animal represents.
Black Dreams about black, or black objects can be signs of evil
or darkness.
Blood Blood in a dream can often be a representation of vitality
and power. The meaning of blood in the dream is dependent on the
context. For instance, violent and bloody dreams can indicate an
emotional upheaval in your life or a loss of control, while
dreams of bloody hands can indicate feelings of guilt.
Cars Cars can represent a sense of freedom, and of being in
control.
Dancing Dreaming of a dance can have many meanings, depending on
the nature of the dance and its context within the dream.
Dancing can symbolize marriage, romance or sex. Dance can also
symbolize the freedom of movement or cooperation.
Eggs Eggs in dreams can be symbols of birth or renewal, or
wholeness and fertility. Dreaming of broken eggs, or breaking
eggs in a dream, can represent a shattered faith, or a breaking
out of your shell, depending on the context.
Fog Fog in a dream can be a manifestation of a lost or confused
waking life. Fog can also mean you are beginning to explore
different parts of your life or your personality.
Gate A gate can represent an entrance or an exit, depending on
its context. It can also symbolize a beginning or an end.
Illness Dreaming about illness can be your body's way of telling
you there is something wrong. The subconscious mind can also
sense things that the conscious mind is unaware of.
Keys Dreaming of keys can indicate the keeping of a secret, or
that you have been locking away your feelings.
Mountain Dreaming of climbing a mountain can be symbolic of
achieving a goal or reaching for higher levels of success.
Dreaming of coming down a mountain can mean you have overcome
insurmountable odds, while gazing at a mountain in a dream can
mean you are contemplating a major life decision.
Owl An owl is thought to be the symbol of knowledge and wisdom.
In addition, the owl is often thought to represent the
subconscious itself. Owls are often used to deliver important
messages to dreamers.
Road A road in a dream can symbolize the direction or goal of
the dreamer. A straight road may mean that everything is going
smoothly, while dreaming of a bumpy or winding road can be a
manifestation of perceived problems with your place in life.
Stairs Dreaming of stairs can indicate a rise or a reduction in
your stature, finances or your spiritual life. What stairs mean
depends on which direction you are going in your dream.
Underground Dreaming of venturing underground can represent a
trip to the dreamer's subconscious mind, or mean that he or she
is wrestling with issues that need to be faced. Going
underground in a dream may mean that the dreamer is ready to
deal with previously repressed issues.