| Common Dream Symbols |
Please keep in mind that these interpretations are generally
accepted definitions. Most are based on what Carl Jung referred
to as the "shadow" side of our personalities and the archetypes
of the "collective unconscious".
The "shadow" of our personalities is that portion that we repress
or refuse to acknowledge -- even the most kind-hearted nun has
emotions and urges that are not confessed. In addition, it was
Jung's belief that each of us has access to mythological, cultural
and historical symbols that we somehow genetically inherited
from our ancestors. He referred to this knowledge as the
"collective unconscious". It is my personal belief that we have
access to this knowledge and symbolism as a result of our
previous lives -- we remember everything, but can (usually) only
access it in our dreams.
I would like to make it clear that the following are meant to be
suggestive interpretations and are by no means to be considered
the definitive definition. Each and every one of us is unique in
our experiences and this must be taken into account when
interpreting dreams. The overall feeling of the dream, positive or
negative, and the other symbols in the dream will also affect the
meaning.
Please keep in mind that it is not my intention to interpret your
dreams for you. I strongly believe that we each must do this for
ourselves. Another's interpretation may send us off in the wrong
direction altogether and can do more harm than good.
See Archetypes for additional information.
accepted definitions. Most are based on what Carl Jung referred
to as the "shadow" side of our personalities and the archetypes
of the "collective unconscious".
The "shadow" of our personalities is that portion that we repress
or refuse to acknowledge -- even the most kind-hearted nun has
emotions and urges that are not confessed. In addition, it was
Jung's belief that each of us has access to mythological, cultural
and historical symbols that we somehow genetically inherited
from our ancestors. He referred to this knowledge as the
"collective unconscious". It is my personal belief that we have
access to this knowledge and symbolism as a result of our
previous lives -- we remember everything, but can (usually) only
access it in our dreams.
I would like to make it clear that the following are meant to be
suggestive interpretations and are by no means to be considered
the definitive definition. Each and every one of us is unique in
our experiences and this must be taken into account when
interpreting dreams. The overall feeling of the dream, positive or
negative, and the other symbols in the dream will also affect the
meaning.
Please keep in mind that it is not my intention to interpret your
dreams for you. I strongly believe that we each must do this for
ourselves. Another's interpretation may send us off in the wrong
direction altogether and can do more harm than good.
See Archetypes for additional information.
angels - goodness and purity. An angel may be your guide, leading or guiding you
to the correct path of your life. Psychologically, may be a messenger from your
subconscious and indicates that the message delivered is important and should be
listened to. Or, the angel may just be telling you the good or right thing you should
do (as in the angel and devil sitting on your shoulders).
animals - generally symbolize basic, instinctual actions and emotions. These
instincts are usually repressed in the shadow side of our personalities. The quality
or feature that comes to mind when you think of this animal is indicative of the
instinct or emotion you may be repressing. For instance, cats are thought to be
feminine or intuitive, if you dream of cats perhaps you may be repressing your
feminine side or sexuality. Lions are ferocious, dreaming of lions could indicate
that you are harboring anger. The animal and the trait that comes to mind to you
about the animal are the keys to deciphering this symbol.
arms - embracing one's desires. If tied or obstructed, one may be feeling a loss
of power, helplessness or "tied down".
black - evil; magic; sophistication; elegance (See Colors)
blood - vitality and our life force. If you dream of bleeding profusely, you may feel
like someone or something is "bleeding you dry." Violent, bloody dreams may be
an indication of an emotional upheaval. Menstrual blood may mean fertility and
"having blood on one's hands" may be a sign of guilt.
blue - baby boys and masculinity; communication; the color of the (fifth) Throat
Chakra (See Colors)
boss - may indicate the dream is referring to your job, but more than likely the
boss figure represents another authority figure in your life. I know that whenever I
dream of my boss, the "boss" is actually that part of my own psyche that is in
control of the other parts -- the part of me that makes decisions and accepts
responsibility. (See my dream, Fire!)
building - usually represents the dreamer's physical body or dwelling of the soul.
(See my dream, Water, Water Everywhere.)
cars - a sense of freedom, being in control or a means of escape. (See my dream,
The Landlord Cleans Up.)
cats - Cats mean many things to many people including, femininity, intuition, magic
and sexuality. Your personal feelings about cats are the key to deciphering their
meaning in your dreams. Do you think of them as finicky, as friends or in the
context of black magic and witchcraft. And then understand that the cat is
representing that aspect of yourself (which you will probably deny). (See my
dream, Cats!)
cave - a place to hide; coming out of a cave suggests the emergence of the true
self; it may also symbolize the womb, new life, contemplation or creativity.
Christmas tree, crucifix, menorah, Star of David - these are obvious signs that your
spirituality is at work in the dream. (See my dream, Fire!)
dance/dancing - the movement of the dance is indicative of the meaning; it may
refer to sex, marriage, romance, the experience of freedom within life or social
activities; it may also signify cooperation, unless you're dancing alone.
death/dying - many people dream of a loved one dying and are afraid it is prophetic.
This is very rarely the case. If you think of death as merely one phase of life, than
dreaming of death may symbolize a phase in your life coming to an end. Since the
people in our dreams often depict different aspects of ourselves, then the person
you see dying is important to deciphering the dream. What does this person
represent to you? For instance, a child can symbolize you're maturing in some way
and leaving a childish aspect of yourself behind. If you dream of yourself dying
then you realize (at least subconsciously) that you are going through a major life
change -- probably for the better.
driver - is the person in control. (See my dream, The Landlord Cleans Up.)
drowning - if water symbolizes the emotions then drowning symbolizes the fear of
being overcome by or drowning in these emotions (sometimes it's just that
simple). (See my dream, Water, Water Everywhere)
dust - a sign of neglect, which indicates that you are probably neglecting an
important aspect of your life. The objects covered by dust will be a clue as to what
needs to be paid attention to in your waking life.
eating - may refer to partaking of physical, emotional or intellectual nourishment;
metaphorically may symbolize "something eating at you" or being "eaten alive".
As always the context of the dream will indicate the interpretation. (See my dream,
A Day at Work.)
eggs - wholeness, fertility, birth, re-birth and resurrection. Broken eggs may
signify being broken in faith or soul; or breaking out of your shell.
falling - a feeling of failure, being overwhelmed or feeling out of control.
fire - it destroys, it cleanses, it purifies. It often signifies arousing passion and
sexuality. Jung believed fire represents transformation. (See my dream, Fire!)
fog - being lost or confused; may symbolize the unconscious itself, where you are
exploring a deeper part of yourself yet undiscovered -- if the fog lifts in the dream,
pay attention to where you are and what you see.
food - see eating above; (see my dream A Day at Work).
friends - (see people); sometimes "friends" are just there to remind us that we are
not alone. (See my dream, Fire!)
garden - a garden in full bloom is thought to represent the psyche and growth of
the soul; a sparse or weed infested garden may be an indication that the dreamer's
spiritual needs should be tended.
gate - an entrance (or exit -- which way are you going?) to another place, new
circumstance or alternate state of consciousness.
gold - a high state of illumination; wealth; first place -- gold medal (See Colors)
green - healing and prosperity; an approval -- getting the "green light"; the color of
the (fourth) Heart Chakra (See Colors)
hands - on the positive side hands signify building, creating, healing and praying or
"giving a helping hand" to soothe or aid. Clasped hands can symbolize unity or
agreement. Negative connotations include someone being "heavy handed" in a
situation or relationship, theft or deceit. Wringing and/or washing hands can mean
the dreamer is working on a worrisome issue or feels a need to "wash his hands
of" a situation.
head - the head is symbolic of knowledge and wisdom; it may also indicate an
accomplishment -- "the head of the class".
hotel - a temporary dwelling place (see building, above).
illness - dreaming of illness may be the subconscious advising you of a physical
ailment of the body, the dreamer should pay close attention to the part of the body
involved; it may also be an indication of an emotional or spiritual condition which
may need attention.
indigo - purification and illumination; the color of the (sixth) Brow Chakra (The
Third Eye) (See Colors)
instructor - see teacher below; (see my dream A Day at Work)
intern -- see student below; (see my dream A Day at Work)
interviews - if the interviewee, the dreamer may feel that he/she is being judged by
himself or others. If the dreamer is the interviewer you may be judging someone or
perhaps you need to reconsider your judgment of someone or something. The
emotional feeling of the dream is an indication as to whether you feel you "passed"
or "failed" the test.
jewels or jewelry - spiritual or inner value/wealth or healing energies.
job - being at work in your dreams may mean that you feel overworked or is a sign
that you need to be more productive on the job; it may also be your subconscious
feels you need to do some work on your psyche or soul.
keys - keeping a secret or "locking away" one's feelings. The key holder has the
power to unlock the dreamers needs.
knot - a constraint or restriction of freedom of thought, feelings or actions,
indicating a situation that must be untied. Conversely, it may symbolize being in
control or having things "all tied (or wrapped) up".
lightning - sudden awareness -- what was seen in the flash of light?
lock - may represent an inability to get what one needs or wants; may indicate you
have something "locked up" inside of you -- emotions, memories, undeveloped
talent. Locks also represent security.
missing - a missing article (such as keys) suggests being out of control or a lack
of an important piece of knowledge. Missing a train or plane can symbolize a
missed opportunity in life; it may also indicate the need to get more organized in
daily life.
mountain - climbing a mountain, achieving a goal; descending a mountain, letting
go of insurmountable odds; looking at a mountain, evaluating a major decision.
naked - being naked in dreams is suggestive of being vulnerable or a fear of you or
your actions being exposed to others. It may also be symbolic of freedom and
feeling uninhibited. The real question here is -- how being naked made you feel --
guilty or confident?
nurse - a need to be taken care of or healed. Healing may also be in progress.
ocean - large bodies of water such an ocean often represent the subconscious
itself. The calmness or turbulence of the water is an indication of one's emotions.
(See my dream -- Water, Water Everywhere.)
orange - physical health and sexual vitality -- the color of the (second) Sacral
(Abdominal) Chakra (See Colors)
owl - symbolizes wisdom and knowledge and is often thought to represent the
subconscious. This wise owl may be the bearer of a message that the dreamer
should heed.
paralysis - dreaming of being paralyzed may indicate the dreamer feels helpless in
controlling a situation at hand. The dreamer should note what else is taking place
in the dream at the time of the paralysis for further interpretation. It could also be
that you suddenly became more conscious and your body was still paralyzed by
sleep (this is a natural occurence -- or we would all be sleepwalking every night).
people - people in our dreams are usually projections of aspects of ourselves. The
key to deciphering what the person represents is to ask yourself what one
character flaw or strength would you use to describe this person. This person
represents that trait in yourself. Of course, there are exceptions to this and only
you would know for sure.
pink - baby girls and feminine matters of the heart; healthy -- "in the pink" (See
Colors)
purse - a closely held place for important or secretive possessions. Losing your
purse can signify (the fear of) a loss of power or possessions.
quarrel - an inner conflict over ideas and/or values; or a feeling of being burdened
by authority. Pay attention to who is quarreling and who you feel is right.
quilt - may symbolize the many parts of the dreamer's psyche or life that have
been pieced together to provide protection for the body and/or soul.
red - vitality and energy; heart; blood; anger or rage; wickedness, raciness; the
color of the (first) Root Chakra (See Colors)
road - represent one's direction or goal in life; straight and narrow -- all things
worked out well; winding or bumpy may reflect the changes and/or obstacles
encountered along the way. A fork in the road signifies the dreamer must make a
decision.
rooms - the subconscious is often thought of as being divided into rooms where
we keep or hide different memories or aspects of ourselves. Opening a door and
entering a room signifies a willingness to enter and face these areas that are
normally hidden from us.
school - being in school or in a classroom indicates the dreamer is going through
a learning experience in life; it may also signify a spiritual lesson is being learned; it
may also be bringing the dreamer back to a childhood memory that needs to be
addressed.
student - represents learning or a lesson that needs to be learned
silver - reflections; memories; second place (silver medal) (See Colors)
smoke - "Where there's smoke there's fire" comes to mind, this sign is usually a
warning. (See my dream, Fire!)
stairs - a rise or fall (which way are you going) in finances, social stature or the
state of consciousness -- are you walking downstairs to the basement
(subconscious) or up to the attic (knowledge and spirituality)?
teacher - symbolizes a part of you that teaches others or yourself or it may refer to
a "higher self", spirit or guide
train - Freud viewed a train as a phallic symbol; missing a train may indicate a
missed opportunity in life; being the engineer on a train suggests the dreamer's
control of the train going down the tracks (of life).
tree - a symbol of knowledge and or/spirit. The size and condition may indicate
how one views one's inner strength and spiritual or intellectual growth. (See my
dream -- Trees for Two.)
umbrella - an open umbrella protects the dreamer from the subconscious
emotions pouring down onto the dreamer. A closed umbrella may indicate the
dreamer is unafraid of these waters pouring down.
underground - may represent the dreamer's subconscious issues that have not
been faced. Going underground may signify the dreamer's readiness to bring them
to the surface for examination.
vegetables - on a symbolic level vegetables suggest the need to feed one's spirit.
It may also be the subconscious' way of warning the dreamer to eat a healthier diet
for health reasons.
violet (purple) - the color of royalty and dignity; personal transformation; the color
of the (seventh) Crown Chakra (See Colors)
voices - whispering voices may be telling you to pay attention or listen more
closely to something in the inner psyche or what's going on around you in your
everyday life.
war - may represent that an issue in the dreamer's life may need a more
aggressive action or a resolution.
weather - the weather in a dream is often indicative of the overall emotional tone
of the dream; storms and wind indicate turmoil or conflict; rain suggests
depression or sadness; sunshine and rainbows imply hope, love and happiness.
white - cleanliness; purity; dignity (See Colors)
work - a common dream scene, after all we spend a significant amount of time at
our jobs. It may actually be referring to your job or be job related or it may be telling
you that you have a job to do. (See my dream A Day at Work.)
x-ray - having an x-ray taken may indicate the dreamer's desire to show their true
(internal) emotions or is seeking a better picture of their inner psyche.
xylophone - dreaming of musical instruments can be a typical performance
anxiety dream indicating the dreamer's fear of not being able to "perform" up to
the standards of others or self.
yard - being in one's back yard can symbolize recreation and the carefree days of
youth.
yarn - can symbolize a creative pursuit or the telling of lies; if the yarn is tangled
then the dreamer's emotions or something in the dreamer's life may be in a knot; if
the dreamer is untangling the yarn, then they may be in the process of correcting
the situation. Yarn is also a synonym for a tale -- perhaps the dreamer suspects
someone is telling him (or themselves) a tale (a lie).
yellow - power; warmth (sun); vigor and enthusiasm; cowardice; the color of the
(third) Solar Plexus Chakra (See Colors)
zero - may be an alternate symbol for a circle which indicates wholeness or
infinity; it also literally means, "nothing" and may indicate the dreamer's low
self-esteem or judgment of another.
zoo - the saying, "This place is a zoo," comes to mind and may indicate the
dreamer's need to reorganize the chaos in a situation or the need to cage the
"animals" or emotions.
See My Dreams and Interpretations to see how I interpret my dreams and My
Dream Journal.
Go to Working With Dream Symbols.
to the correct path of your life. Psychologically, may be a messenger from your
subconscious and indicates that the message delivered is important and should be
listened to. Or, the angel may just be telling you the good or right thing you should
do (as in the angel and devil sitting on your shoulders).
animals - generally symbolize basic, instinctual actions and emotions. These
instincts are usually repressed in the shadow side of our personalities. The quality
or feature that comes to mind when you think of this animal is indicative of the
instinct or emotion you may be repressing. For instance, cats are thought to be
feminine or intuitive, if you dream of cats perhaps you may be repressing your
feminine side or sexuality. Lions are ferocious, dreaming of lions could indicate
that you are harboring anger. The animal and the trait that comes to mind to you
about the animal are the keys to deciphering this symbol.
arms - embracing one's desires. If tied or obstructed, one may be feeling a loss
of power, helplessness or "tied down".
black - evil; magic; sophistication; elegance (See Colors)
blood - vitality and our life force. If you dream of bleeding profusely, you may feel
like someone or something is "bleeding you dry." Violent, bloody dreams may be
an indication of an emotional upheaval. Menstrual blood may mean fertility and
"having blood on one's hands" may be a sign of guilt.
blue - baby boys and masculinity; communication; the color of the (fifth) Throat
Chakra (See Colors)
boss - may indicate the dream is referring to your job, but more than likely the
boss figure represents another authority figure in your life. I know that whenever I
dream of my boss, the "boss" is actually that part of my own psyche that is in
control of the other parts -- the part of me that makes decisions and accepts
responsibility. (See my dream, Fire!)
building - usually represents the dreamer's physical body or dwelling of the soul.
(See my dream, Water, Water Everywhere.)
cars - a sense of freedom, being in control or a means of escape. (See my dream,
The Landlord Cleans Up.)
cats - Cats mean many things to many people including, femininity, intuition, magic
and sexuality. Your personal feelings about cats are the key to deciphering their
meaning in your dreams. Do you think of them as finicky, as friends or in the
context of black magic and witchcraft. And then understand that the cat is
representing that aspect of yourself (which you will probably deny). (See my
dream, Cats!)
cave - a place to hide; coming out of a cave suggests the emergence of the true
self; it may also symbolize the womb, new life, contemplation or creativity.
Christmas tree, crucifix, menorah, Star of David - these are obvious signs that your
spirituality is at work in the dream. (See my dream, Fire!)
dance/dancing - the movement of the dance is indicative of the meaning; it may
refer to sex, marriage, romance, the experience of freedom within life or social
activities; it may also signify cooperation, unless you're dancing alone.
death/dying - many people dream of a loved one dying and are afraid it is prophetic.
This is very rarely the case. If you think of death as merely one phase of life, than
dreaming of death may symbolize a phase in your life coming to an end. Since the
people in our dreams often depict different aspects of ourselves, then the person
you see dying is important to deciphering the dream. What does this person
represent to you? For instance, a child can symbolize you're maturing in some way
and leaving a childish aspect of yourself behind. If you dream of yourself dying
then you realize (at least subconsciously) that you are going through a major life
change -- probably for the better.
driver - is the person in control. (See my dream, The Landlord Cleans Up.)
drowning - if water symbolizes the emotions then drowning symbolizes the fear of
being overcome by or drowning in these emotions (sometimes it's just that
simple). (See my dream, Water, Water Everywhere)
dust - a sign of neglect, which indicates that you are probably neglecting an
important aspect of your life. The objects covered by dust will be a clue as to what
needs to be paid attention to in your waking life.
eating - may refer to partaking of physical, emotional or intellectual nourishment;
metaphorically may symbolize "something eating at you" or being "eaten alive".
As always the context of the dream will indicate the interpretation. (See my dream,
A Day at Work.)
eggs - wholeness, fertility, birth, re-birth and resurrection. Broken eggs may
signify being broken in faith or soul; or breaking out of your shell.
falling - a feeling of failure, being overwhelmed or feeling out of control.
fire - it destroys, it cleanses, it purifies. It often signifies arousing passion and
sexuality. Jung believed fire represents transformation. (See my dream, Fire!)
fog - being lost or confused; may symbolize the unconscious itself, where you are
exploring a deeper part of yourself yet undiscovered -- if the fog lifts in the dream,
pay attention to where you are and what you see.
food - see eating above; (see my dream A Day at Work).
friends - (see people); sometimes "friends" are just there to remind us that we are
not alone. (See my dream, Fire!)
garden - a garden in full bloom is thought to represent the psyche and growth of
the soul; a sparse or weed infested garden may be an indication that the dreamer's
spiritual needs should be tended.
gate - an entrance (or exit -- which way are you going?) to another place, new
circumstance or alternate state of consciousness.
gold - a high state of illumination; wealth; first place -- gold medal (See Colors)
green - healing and prosperity; an approval -- getting the "green light"; the color of
the (fourth) Heart Chakra (See Colors)
hands - on the positive side hands signify building, creating, healing and praying or
"giving a helping hand" to soothe or aid. Clasped hands can symbolize unity or
agreement. Negative connotations include someone being "heavy handed" in a
situation or relationship, theft or deceit. Wringing and/or washing hands can mean
the dreamer is working on a worrisome issue or feels a need to "wash his hands
of" a situation.
head - the head is symbolic of knowledge and wisdom; it may also indicate an
accomplishment -- "the head of the class".
hotel - a temporary dwelling place (see building, above).
illness - dreaming of illness may be the subconscious advising you of a physical
ailment of the body, the dreamer should pay close attention to the part of the body
involved; it may also be an indication of an emotional or spiritual condition which
may need attention.
indigo - purification and illumination; the color of the (sixth) Brow Chakra (The
Third Eye) (See Colors)
instructor - see teacher below; (see my dream A Day at Work)
intern -- see student below; (see my dream A Day at Work)
interviews - if the interviewee, the dreamer may feel that he/she is being judged by
himself or others. If the dreamer is the interviewer you may be judging someone or
perhaps you need to reconsider your judgment of someone or something. The
emotional feeling of the dream is an indication as to whether you feel you "passed"
or "failed" the test.
jewels or jewelry - spiritual or inner value/wealth or healing energies.
job - being at work in your dreams may mean that you feel overworked or is a sign
that you need to be more productive on the job; it may also be your subconscious
feels you need to do some work on your psyche or soul.
keys - keeping a secret or "locking away" one's feelings. The key holder has the
power to unlock the dreamers needs.
knot - a constraint or restriction of freedom of thought, feelings or actions,
indicating a situation that must be untied. Conversely, it may symbolize being in
control or having things "all tied (or wrapped) up".
lightning - sudden awareness -- what was seen in the flash of light?
lock - may represent an inability to get what one needs or wants; may indicate you
have something "locked up" inside of you -- emotions, memories, undeveloped
talent. Locks also represent security.
missing - a missing article (such as keys) suggests being out of control or a lack
of an important piece of knowledge. Missing a train or plane can symbolize a
missed opportunity in life; it may also indicate the need to get more organized in
daily life.
mountain - climbing a mountain, achieving a goal; descending a mountain, letting
go of insurmountable odds; looking at a mountain, evaluating a major decision.
naked - being naked in dreams is suggestive of being vulnerable or a fear of you or
your actions being exposed to others. It may also be symbolic of freedom and
feeling uninhibited. The real question here is -- how being naked made you feel --
guilty or confident?
nurse - a need to be taken care of or healed. Healing may also be in progress.
ocean - large bodies of water such an ocean often represent the subconscious
itself. The calmness or turbulence of the water is an indication of one's emotions.
(See my dream -- Water, Water Everywhere.)
orange - physical health and sexual vitality -- the color of the (second) Sacral
(Abdominal) Chakra (See Colors)
owl - symbolizes wisdom and knowledge and is often thought to represent the
subconscious. This wise owl may be the bearer of a message that the dreamer
should heed.
paralysis - dreaming of being paralyzed may indicate the dreamer feels helpless in
controlling a situation at hand. The dreamer should note what else is taking place
in the dream at the time of the paralysis for further interpretation. It could also be
that you suddenly became more conscious and your body was still paralyzed by
sleep (this is a natural occurence -- or we would all be sleepwalking every night).
people - people in our dreams are usually projections of aspects of ourselves. The
key to deciphering what the person represents is to ask yourself what one
character flaw or strength would you use to describe this person. This person
represents that trait in yourself. Of course, there are exceptions to this and only
you would know for sure.
pink - baby girls and feminine matters of the heart; healthy -- "in the pink" (See
Colors)
purse - a closely held place for important or secretive possessions. Losing your
purse can signify (the fear of) a loss of power or possessions.
quarrel - an inner conflict over ideas and/or values; or a feeling of being burdened
by authority. Pay attention to who is quarreling and who you feel is right.
quilt - may symbolize the many parts of the dreamer's psyche or life that have
been pieced together to provide protection for the body and/or soul.
red - vitality and energy; heart; blood; anger or rage; wickedness, raciness; the
color of the (first) Root Chakra (See Colors)
road - represent one's direction or goal in life; straight and narrow -- all things
worked out well; winding or bumpy may reflect the changes and/or obstacles
encountered along the way. A fork in the road signifies the dreamer must make a
decision.
rooms - the subconscious is often thought of as being divided into rooms where
we keep or hide different memories or aspects of ourselves. Opening a door and
entering a room signifies a willingness to enter and face these areas that are
normally hidden from us.
school - being in school or in a classroom indicates the dreamer is going through
a learning experience in life; it may also signify a spiritual lesson is being learned; it
may also be bringing the dreamer back to a childhood memory that needs to be
addressed.
student - represents learning or a lesson that needs to be learned
silver - reflections; memories; second place (silver medal) (See Colors)
smoke - "Where there's smoke there's fire" comes to mind, this sign is usually a
warning. (See my dream, Fire!)
stairs - a rise or fall (which way are you going) in finances, social stature or the
state of consciousness -- are you walking downstairs to the basement
(subconscious) or up to the attic (knowledge and spirituality)?
teacher - symbolizes a part of you that teaches others or yourself or it may refer to
a "higher self", spirit or guide
train - Freud viewed a train as a phallic symbol; missing a train may indicate a
missed opportunity in life; being the engineer on a train suggests the dreamer's
control of the train going down the tracks (of life).
tree - a symbol of knowledge and or/spirit. The size and condition may indicate
how one views one's inner strength and spiritual or intellectual growth. (See my
dream -- Trees for Two.)
umbrella - an open umbrella protects the dreamer from the subconscious
emotions pouring down onto the dreamer. A closed umbrella may indicate the
dreamer is unafraid of these waters pouring down.
underground - may represent the dreamer's subconscious issues that have not
been faced. Going underground may signify the dreamer's readiness to bring them
to the surface for examination.
vegetables - on a symbolic level vegetables suggest the need to feed one's spirit.
It may also be the subconscious' way of warning the dreamer to eat a healthier diet
for health reasons.
violet (purple) - the color of royalty and dignity; personal transformation; the color
of the (seventh) Crown Chakra (See Colors)
voices - whispering voices may be telling you to pay attention or listen more
closely to something in the inner psyche or what's going on around you in your
everyday life.
war - may represent that an issue in the dreamer's life may need a more
aggressive action or a resolution.
weather - the weather in a dream is often indicative of the overall emotional tone
of the dream; storms and wind indicate turmoil or conflict; rain suggests
depression or sadness; sunshine and rainbows imply hope, love and happiness.
white - cleanliness; purity; dignity (See Colors)
work - a common dream scene, after all we spend a significant amount of time at
our jobs. It may actually be referring to your job or be job related or it may be telling
you that you have a job to do. (See my dream A Day at Work.)
x-ray - having an x-ray taken may indicate the dreamer's desire to show their true
(internal) emotions or is seeking a better picture of their inner psyche.
xylophone - dreaming of musical instruments can be a typical performance
anxiety dream indicating the dreamer's fear of not being able to "perform" up to
the standards of others or self.
yard - being in one's back yard can symbolize recreation and the carefree days of
youth.
yarn - can symbolize a creative pursuit or the telling of lies; if the yarn is tangled
then the dreamer's emotions or something in the dreamer's life may be in a knot; if
the dreamer is untangling the yarn, then they may be in the process of correcting
the situation. Yarn is also a synonym for a tale -- perhaps the dreamer suspects
someone is telling him (or themselves) a tale (a lie).
yellow - power; warmth (sun); vigor and enthusiasm; cowardice; the color of the
(third) Solar Plexus Chakra (See Colors)
zero - may be an alternate symbol for a circle which indicates wholeness or
infinity; it also literally means, "nothing" and may indicate the dreamer's low
self-esteem or judgment of another.
zoo - the saying, "This place is a zoo," comes to mind and may indicate the
dreamer's need to reorganize the chaos in a situation or the need to cage the
"animals" or emotions.
See My Dreams and Interpretations to see how I interpret my dreams and My
Dream Journal.
Go to Working With Dream Symbols.
Disclaimer: I do not profess to
be an expert on dreams. I
have no degree in Psychology
or any other science. I
profess to be a dreamer -- in
every sense of the word,
because I dream and I have
learned to interpret my own
dreams. I make no promises
that I can interpret your
dreams. I merely hope to help
you learn to interpret your
own dreams. You are
welcome to learn from my
experiences.
be an expert on dreams. I
have no degree in Psychology
or any other science. I
profess to be a dreamer -- in
every sense of the word,
because I dream and I have
learned to interpret my own
dreams. I make no promises
that I can interpret your
dreams. I merely hope to help
you learn to interpret your
own dreams. You are
welcome to learn from my
experiences.
| Copyright 2002 Bobbie Ann Pimm |
| Happy Dreaming! |
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