Dream Symbols: 50 Common Dream Images Decoded

Though we all experience them on a nightly basis, dreams are mysterious occurrences; even scientists who study the brain have not been able to determine exactly why we dream. There are many different theories of dream interpretation, but most generally agree that dreams symbolize hidden aspects of our lives; dreams are a way for us to recognize and process our unconscious fears, desires, and beliefs. Some people also believe that dreams can be omens that can warn us of upcoming changes or threats in our lives. At the most basic level, dreams are composed of images, symbols that come from our unconscious minds. As follows are the most popular interpretations for 50 common dream images, drawing on mythological and Jungian archetypes, folk wisdom, and a little bit of psychology (note that most images have multiple possible interpretations). What are your dreams trying to tell you? Angel An omen of good luck, prosperity, or protection Delivery of an important message – Pay attention to what the angel or angels have to say. Divinity, spirituality – Seeing three angels is considered especially holy and meaningful. Animal Habits, instincts – Animals are simplistic creatures and therefore represent the most basic drives and urges that are key to our survival. Depends on animal size and tameness – Small, tame animals can represent children or siblings, while large, wild animals can represent exciting, sexy people. Depends on animal type – See below entries for common dream animal images Cat, Dog, Horse, and Snake. Baby Purity and rebirth Good luck – Could predict success or good news. Vulnerability – You are feeling vulnerable or are anxious about taking care of a needy person. Barrier (or Wall) Feeling stuck, limited, or restricted – Could relate to your love life, work, or another area of your life where you feel trapped An obstacle to success or progress that you need to confront Blood Passion, excitement, desire Exhaustion or stress (if you are losing blood) An emotional cry for help (if another person is bleeding) Boy Your inner child or “Child” archetype, which represents a longing for innocence Motherhood/fatherhood Masculine aspects of your character Also see entry for Person Bugs Anxiety about problems you’re not facing Something creepy or scary Sexual thoughts Depends on the type of bug – For example, ladybugs are said to symbolize good luck, while spiders, and the webs they weave, often symbolize manipulation. Candle Good luck, hope, and enlightenment (if lit) Rejection, disappointment (if not lit) Car Ambition and drive – Your “vehicle” for personal transformation Control over your life – Are you driving the car or is someone driving you? Cat Femininity – Your own feminine sexuality, or another feminine spirit A cat-like person in your life – Could be a seductive, cunning person or a “catty,” spiteful person Independence Bad luck Survival – Cats have “nine lives” and “always land on their feet.” Also see entry for Animal Circle Perfection, wholeness of spirit, immortality Being stuck in a rut or an endlessly repetitive situation Clothing Others’ perception of you – Shabby clothing could mean you feel unattractive, while losing your clothing may mean you feel exposed. A lifestyle change (if you are changing your clothes) Colors Depends on the color. Some common dream image color interpretations are below: Red – Energy, power, passion, courage; also, shame, danger, sexual urges Yellow – Happiness, harmony, intellect (in a good dream); cowardice, illness (in a bad dream) Green – Peace, health, personal growth, wealth; on the negative side, could indicate deceit or jealousy Blue – Tranquility, loyalty, truth, optimism, clarity; also, sadness (depending on dream context) Black – Depends on if the dream is happy or a nightmare; indicates unconscious spiritual gifts in a good dream; and fear, death, or hate in a nightmare White – Typically associated with purity, freshness, innocence, reawakening; conversely, symbolizes death and mourning in Eastern cultures Cross/crucifix A symbol of the Christian faith (your own or someone else’s) Martyrdom or great sacrifice A burden – You have a “cross to bear” A symbol of death or the end of a phase in your life Foretells triumph after a great struggle Death/dying Attempt to come to terms with a loved one’s death or terminal illness, or with your own mortality A person who is “dead to you” or not a significant part of your life anymore; person who dies in your dream may also represent an aspect of yourself that you lack You are going through a major change or transition – Signifies an end/new beginning Demon Feeling afraid or subject to emotional distress (if the demon is terrorizing you) Feeling completely helpless (if you are possessed by a demon) Symbolizes overindulgence, ignorance, self-destruction The “Devil” archetype Dog Fidelity, loyalty, friendship A good omen (if dog is friendly) A warning to watch out for danger (if dog is barking) A warning that someone you trust will deceive you (if dog is snarling at you or attacks) Also see entry for Animal Falling Anxieties about losing control and letting go Fear of failure A feeling that your life is moving in the wrong direction Returning to consciousness (waking up) Father Authority, protection Aspects of your father’s character in yourself Unresolved issues with your father “Sky father” archetype – Represents a male God Also see entry for Person Flying Freedom Rising above difficult circumstances A symbol of your sexual ambitions – Flying high indicates a good sex life while trying to fly and failing represents sexual inadequacy. A symbol of your ambitions in general Food A good or bad omen, depending on if the food is good/fresh or bad/spoiled Love and spiritual fulfillment (or lack thereof, depending on dream context, i.e., whether there is enough food and you feel full) Gratification of your sexual desires Knowledge (“food for thought”) Games A symbol of good or bad luck, depending on game’s outcome Representation of a situation in your life where you might win or lose – Ask yourself how the game represents your waking life. A need for leisurely activities in your life (if the game is fun) Girl Your inner child or “Child” archetype, which represents a longing for innocence Motherhood/fatherhood Feminine aspects of your character Also see entry for Person Ghost Unconscious, possibly repressed parts of yourself – the “Shadow” archetype Regrets or guilt about your relationship with a person who is now dead Ignored aspects in your life that your subconscious is trying to communicate with you – Find out what the ghost wants. Hair Vanity, sexual attractiveness, virility, health Confusion (if your hair is tangled or knotted) Personal change (if your hair is cut or dyed) Hands A symbol of relationships, connection, communication Could represent hateful communications, depending on the gesture Purpose, intention Horse Strength; a powerful physical entity Wild, “untamed” inner forces or sexual energy A good omen (white horse) Mystery and the unknown (dark horse) Also see entry for Animal House A representation of your inner self and soul, a.k.a, the “Self” archetype – Pay attention to whether the house is locked, empty, cluttered, haunted, or in disrepair, as these conditions symbolize aspects of the self; rooms also represent different aspects of the Self. Childhood and the past, security (if it is the house you grew up in) Knife Anger, separation; a wish to “cut ties” Sexual tension and frustration A person who has power over you (if another person is holding the knife) Man Represents feelings you have about the man in the dream (if man is known to you) Represents characteristics in yourself or characteristics that you desire in a partner Represents your masculine qualities if you are a female, a.k.a., the “Animus” archetype The “Wise old man” or “Sage” archetype Also see entry for Person Mirror A reflection of the self you present to the world – the “Persona” archetype A lack of clarity (if mirror is clouded) Breaking away from your old self (if mirror is broken) Money Self-worth, often in terms of your sexual desirability Success, prosperity, power Passion and love A representation of your place in the world – If you have no money in the dream, then you may fear that there is no place for you. Mother Nurturing, protection Aspects of your mother’s character in yourself Unresolved issues with your mother “Great Mother” (mother goddess) archetype Also see entry for Person Mountain An obstacle or challenge to overcome in your waking life Your higher consciousness/spirituality Music Harmony, healing, prosperity (if music is pleasing) Discord in your personal life (if music is out of tune) Paralysis (or being trapped) A situation where you feel stuck, confined, hindered Inability to progress Person Depends on context and relationship, including whether the person is known to you or a stranger, the person’s relationship to you, the person’s age and gender, and how the person is behaving. Represents a hidden aspect of your own psyche, more often than not (even if you recognize the person as being someone else) Phone A means of communication with other people or even with the spiritual realm Difficulty communicating (if you can’t reach someone on the phone) Road Your life’s path and direction; progress toward meeting your goals – Obstacles represent setbacks to completing your personal journey. Sex/intercourse Psychological completion, unification of conscious and unconscious emotions Depends on the person and the context – Could indicate your desire for that person or your desire for sex in general, but not necessarily; you may just admire qualities of the person in your dream (if the experience is positive). School Learning, expanding your knowledge Anxiety, vulnerability, insecurity (if dream is a bad one) Fear of failure (if you fail a test) A parallel of your work situation Snake Dangerous, venomous aspect of yourself or of a male who is close to you Fear of sex or intimacy; temptation or forbidden sexuality – Snakes are phallus-shaped, so they often symbolize sex in dreams. Anxieties, worries Emotional or physical healing; positive transformation Also see entry for Animal Star Aspirations, ideals Fate, luck Promise of success Teacher Desire to communicate with your higher self Need for advice or guidance Issues with authority or need for approval from an authoritative figure The “Mentor” archetype Teeth Concerns over your physical appearance, age, and overall sexual attractiveness (if teeth are falling out) Representative of your confidence, self-worth, and level of success, financial or otherwise Television An objective view of the things on your mind Communication between your conscious and unconscious selves (the “Ego” and “Shadow” archetypes) A desire to “broadcast” yourself to the world (if you are on TV) Tree Your life and physical connection to the earth Your desire for personal growth Stability, protection Water Represents your emotional state – Is the water peaceful, turbulent, murky, clear? Spirituality, renewal, purification of consciousness Your feelings about a recent life change – Could be positive or negative depending on whether the dream is a nice one (bathing in a beautiful ocean) or a nightmare (being pulled under by the rip-tide). Wedding Unification of opposite parts/masculine and feminine parts of your psyche A new change in your life – Pay attention to how you feel at/about the wedding. Anxiety about your upcoming wedding Represents feelings you have about the woman in the dream (if she known to you) Represents characteristics in yourself or characteristics that you desire in a partner Represents your feminine qualities if you are a male, a.k.a., the “Anima” archetype Also see entry for Person To help you figure out which interpretation best fits your situation, pay attention to the context of your dreams. For a more detailed analysis of the most common dreams, check out 25 Common Dreams and Their Meanings.

Dream Symbols: 50 Common Dream Images Decoded

Knife

Man

Mirror

Money

Mother

Mountain

Music

About The Author

Shannon George