The interpretation of dream symbols
Interpreting the sometimes confusing, disjointed items found in
dreams can be difficult. Only in the dream world can you
encounter a dragon, a wine glass and a giant comb in the same
night. Making sense of all these strange items can be difficult.
Knowing what your dreams mean can be the first step toward using
your dreams to work out issues with your waking life, but it is
important to know what some of these symbols really mean.
As with any dream interpretation, what a particular symbol
really means depends on its context within the dream, as well as
the particular experiences of the dreamer. The list provided
below is intended only as a guide, not as an all encompassing
guide to dream symbology.
Building A building is usually a symbol for the dreamer's
physical body.
Cave A cave is a representation of a hiding place, and it may
indicate that you are hiding from certain things in your life.
Dreaming of emerging from a cave can be a symbol for the
emergence of a new life, or a symbol of creativity.
Driver Dreaming that you are a driver can indicate that you are
in control of your life and your future.
Falling Dreams of falling can be manifestations of feelings of
failure or of low self esteem. Falling can also indicate the
dreamer is overwhelmed or feels out of control.
Gold Dreaming of gold can indicate a desire for wealth, or a
desire to be the best.
Head The head is often used in dreams as a symbol of wisdom and
knowledge.
Interview If you dream you are being interviewed, it may mean
that you feel you are being judged, by either yourself or by
other people. If you dream you are the interviewer, you may be
the one doing the judging. It can indicate that you feel you
need to reconsider a judgment you made of someone else. The
feelings encountered during the dream are the best indication of
whether you passed or failed the interview.
Knot Dreaming about a knot could indicate a restraint on your
freedom, actions or feelings. In other situations, a knot could
indicate a feeling of being in control.
Lightning Seeing lightning in a dream can be symbolic of a
sudden awareness or spiritual breakthrough.
Missing articles Missing articles in a dream can be
manifestations of feeling out of control, or of lacking an
important piece of information. Dreams about missing a train,
bus or plane can be symbols of missing an important opportunity
in your life. Missed reservations or missing items can also
indicate a need to be more organized in your waking life.
Naked Dreams about being naked can indicate fear of being
exposed, or fears that others will find about things you have
been hiding.
Paralysis Dreams of being paralyzed can symbolize feelings of
helplessness on the part of the dreamer, or difficulty
controlling certain situations in his or her life. Sometimes
dreamers may confuse the normal muscle relaxation that occurs
during dream sleep for paralysis.
Quarrel Dreams of a quarrel or argument can be manifestations of
an inner conflict, or of feelings of being burdened by authority
figures.
Rooms In dreams, the subconscious mind is often divided into
different rooms, and each room represents a different part of
the psyche. Opening or walking through a door in your dream can
be a symbol of a willingness to face things you have kept hidden
away.
Tree Often, a dreamed of tree is a symbol of spirit, of
knowledge or of power. The size of the tree, and its health and
condition, can be indications of the perceived strength of the
dreamer's spiritual life or knowledge.
Umbrella Dreaming of an open umbrella can symbolize a desire to
be protected from emotional turmoil, while a closed umbrella can
mean you are not afraid of such strong emotions.
Vegetables Dreaming of vegetables can indicate a subconscious
desire to feed the spirit or the soul.
War Dreams of war can indicate that a more aggressive approach
to certain aspects of your life is needed.
Weather The state of weather in the dream can be an indication
of the emotional health of the dreamer. Rain in a dream can
indicate sadness or depression, while sunshine in a dream can
mean you are happy and content.
X-Ray Dreaming about having an x-ray can symbolize an
unconscious desire on the part of the dreamer to show his or her
true self.