Symbolism is the practice or art of using an object or a word to represent ideas or qualities. Just as a painter or author who wants to portray a certain mood or expression, they often use symbolism to allude to as opposed to just blatantly saying it.
Similarly depicted in our dreams the unconscious paints us an enigmatic picture, usually metaphorically riddled, filled with abstract symbols and themes in the most bizarre manner.
The unconscious uses a long forgotten, hidden language intended for the dreamer to extract the message or meaning metaphorically. Dream Symbols Dictionary uses an expression mirrors the parables used in the Bible, like a Zen paradox, or even the universal mythological stories. So you might want to know why these lessons are coded in this manner?
Perhaps Jesus has the best analogy. Jesus explained, “Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand“. By engaging with our unconscious every night we open up a closed door leading down a path that animates your inner world, you head towards the light of wholeness, balance and inner knowledge – a path that leads to enlightenment.
Dream Symbols Dictionary
Arch
The arch is known to be a symbol of transitions and rebirths in life; once you go through the old part dies (rebirth) only for the new to flourish. Usually connected with holy places to represent the bridge to heaven, sanctuary and private place.
Chakras
Chakras translates to “wheel” or “disc” in Sanskrit, and you can imagine them like wheels of free-flowing positive energy. If one of these seven centers become blocked it causes psychological issues and emotional distress in your life. In our dreams the chakras cleverly manifest in various forms of animals, reptiles, earth elements and enigmatic symbols that point to the blocked area.
Circle
The shape of the circle can be considered one of the most profound universal symbols representing wholeness, transformation and rebirth. In dreams the circle appears as rings, snakes coiled, balls, earth and anything round – a dream symbol that leads the dreamer towards completion.
Crescent Moon
The crescent moon connects towards the feminine energy or creative power that unconsciously pulls one towards her love. The crescent moon can be both warning or waxing will tells you if this is either ending or a new starting phase.
Cross
The cross is known to be a powerful symbol that means the connection between heaven and earth, a meeting point of death and rebirth and new spiritual awareness – crosses can be seen in both visions and dreams as the old dies only to be reborn.
Earth
The earth connects you to the divine feminine, a powerful energy that grounds, awakens and protects the person. On the flip side, the Great Mother can use her powers against when you dismiss or not run in accordance this unconscious feminine energy. The earth symbolizes transformation, wholeness and completion due to its circular shape.
Geometry
Geometrical patterns morph onto random images such as flowers, insects, numbers, rings, staircases, or stars. Within the dream a story will unfold around that particular images in hopes you understand its spiritual significance. Geometric shapes in our dreams are profound symbols that bring us one step closer in being one with the universe.
Kundalini
The kundalini is the primal force of awakening that often remains dormant, though once activated this powerful causes us to transform on the mental, emotional, and spiritual state. She emerges in your dreams in different forms in hopes you pay her attention. The award becomes your own inner transformation.
Lotus Flower
The lotus flower is highly regarded in Eastern teachings as a symbol of enlightenment and purity. It even traces back to ancient Egypt relating to light and inner transformation. A symbol that appears in our dreams to show new growth and higher consciousness.
Octagon
Many religious architectural connections when we recognize many sacred places of worship (churches, temples, mosques) were designed with octagonal structures supporting a dome on top. In Feng Shui (Bon Buddhism), the octagon becoems a symbol of protection that wards off negative spiritual vibrations. In dreams the octagon often manifests as a diamond; a powerful symbol of that connects us with the higher source.
Ouroboros
A powerful yet enigmatic symbol that contains many different spiritual meanings interwoven into it. It’s circular shape represents the true Nature of the Universe, eternal life, the Self and a unification of all things.
Phoenix
The feminine energy of the phoenix only emerges once in someone’s lives to represent a conscious shift, rebirth and spiritual transformation. She like to visit us in our dreams to tell us when and were this shift will take place. A powerful symbol that has been used in both folklore and mythology dating back to antiquity.
Pinecone
Seen throughout the hieroglyphs in ancient Egypt or linked to the popes staff entwined with two snakes and a pinecone, a symbol that represents activation of higher consciousness.
Rainbows
Rainbows are very powerful symbols that emerge relating to luck, higher self, Gods connection to the earthly realm. The true symbol that connect humans with the higher realms, the unconscious with the consciousness and yin and yang. Rainbows encourage you to continue on the path and you will be protected until you find the gold.
Snake
Snakes are not always know to be deceitful symbols in our dream, but rather leads the dreamer towards higher consciousness and enlightenment.
Spiral
Spiral in dreams may morph into whirlpools in water, tornado, pinecones, screws, shells, snail, flowers; a feminine symbol which links to the generative force of the universe- an image that unconscious directs the dreamer towards the soul.
Stars
There was a reason why the ancient Egyptians understood the stars as being connected with the Gods. In today’s time we have lost the true meaning behind what the star means when it has always been there to guide us during times of darkness. Stars are known to connect us to the divine, protection, light and darkness, luck and guidance during difficult times.
Tattoo
Tattoo may be skin deep, but their significance sometimes goes deeper. What we may put on our body contains more unconscious elements of self expression that is wanting to be integrated in the outside world.
Tree
The tree is an ancient symbol of life as the roots firmly grounded in the soil and the branches reach for the heavens. Dating as far back as ancient Egypt the pine tree can be directly linked to the pineal gland or higher consciousness.
Triangle
The triangle connection with the human consciousness connects to the cycles of growth that leads to a higher state of awareness. On a spiritual level the triangle guides the person towards inner completion or a connection with an omnipresent force.
Two Headed Snake
Due to the fact the snake sheds its skin and emerges anew it is thought to reflect inner transformation and growth.
Wheel
The wheel embodies characteristics of the iconic image of the CIRCLE along with it’s continuous movements guides us towards reaching higher states of consciousness or enlightenment. One of the most ancient symbols found in Buddhism (Eightfold Path) and Hinduism; a practice towards achieving completion or Nirvana.
Yin & Yang
The yin and yang ascribes to the universe being governed by a cosmic duality or interconnected forces that can be observed in nature. Two halves that together signify wholeness; yin comprising of the feminine principle, whereas the yang contains masculine; together, they represent inner completion, balance and harmony.
Dream Symbols & Meanings
Dream symbols may morph into people, places, or objects that appear in your dreams from your unconsciousness. You can consider the unconscious mind similar to how a computer stores everything all of your past, present and what is to come in the future.
According to Carl Jung he says we also have a collective unconsciousness refers to structures of the unconscious mind which are shared among beings of the same species. Jung believed before we go to sleep we can speak to the one million year old man that is inside us to provide us answers in our dreams.
Had a dream felt like right after I fell asleep I had a seizure and died fell into a dark hallway really long with dimly lit lights no doors no windows with light at the end and dark robed figures I could hear talking and I couldn’t understand and there was a man’s voice that was near me I couldn’t see and I kept telling him I didn’t know what he was saying but I was scared when I fell and kept reasurring myself that that was the light and to go towards it but I was to scared because… Read more »
Dreamnt I was on a row boat alone with plastic spoons for paddles fighting the current from taking me out to sea
Had a dream there was a large clear tank full of water with worms swimming around in it..my dog was in the tank with its head over the side..then jumped out with worms all over her..she shook off the worms and they were all over the floor..I couldn’t help but step on them and began slipping on slimy mess..what does this mean??
I had a dream that my ex was in a bathing suit and swinging on chandeliers. A bit weird. What could that possibly mean?
I need to know what it mean that my fish tank, I let it overflow in my dream and flood my apartment. I don’t have one now but use to. That never happened. So what’s it mean please?
I had a dream that there was white feathers growing on my left shoulder I picked one and I woke up
I had a dream that I was at a haunted house and this girl with bubblegum pink hair was there and she kept fainting every 7 hours
I keep dreaming about worms coming out of a live body. First dream the worms were white and black silkworms the second dream the worms were orange
I was Standing alone and observing Assorted size Black shiny Eggs in a nest scatteted in a broad day field
I had a dream of bringing home a baby boy (who was injured) and receiving a sliver set gift from one of my friends.
I had a dream were I was snooping around and found a tractor I think a started it and it pushed me into a lake and I saw a rattle snake in a striking position and naturally I bolted the other way swimming and felt something touch me under the water worst feeling ever then I saw a python omg it was a more deepest fear then I found the sandy shore and I was kinda mad because it was sand because it would be harder to get out. and started running toward my family.also my family didn’t even notice… Read more »
I had a dream where I was in the bushland and climbing a mountainous rocky plain, i became friends with an enemy and there was so much going on. I had tattoos of faces on my right leg, on the calf and a symbol of some kind on the upper part of my left arm.
I had a dream last night that confused me. im not really a spiritual person but this dream interests me. in this dream i was in a house similar to my own, a bunch of people including my family members and strangers where there for some kind of party, but when i wondered downstairs alone a pentagram burned brightly on the back of my left hand, which then faded and a elephant symbol appeared, which then faded into a bear symbol, which then faded into one more symbol i cant quite remember. the weirdest thing is i haven’t seen any… Read more »
I hope some one can shed a little light on my dreams … I dreamt I was visiting my in-laws with my wife which started off really well we then get offered to stay the night I agree then get asked to speak to my mother in-law separately she draws me to one side into a room I’ve never been in, in a house I’ve never been in, the room is dark but my mother in law’s face is half dark half light she then begins to interrogate me we end up arguing then I get chased with the wife… Read more »
I keep having dreams about people who has passed away and about work on different jobs can anyone help me understand what they might mean please I am haunted by the meaning of what they might mean
My friend had a dream in which she saw me and was very happy and hugged me.
i keep having dreams about falling endlesly into a black hole
My husband dreamed I left the house topless. He followed and saw me go to a park and sit at a picnic table. A man came along and sat next to me. My husband came over to punch him out but he woke up! What does this mean?
Dreamed last night was one of anger fighting with someone violent. Then trying to pick up pictures of family that were all over the floor. There was yelling arguing hitting looking out the window and yelling at someone in the yard back to trying to get all the pictures off the floor into a safe place. Then it started all over again same dream again and again. Was agitated when I went to bed the dream has left me very emotional today and unsettling. Can’t stop thinking about it very disturbing.
In my dream I’m in a bus with my family and other people. We can see is raining behind us and it’s getting closer to us. As it gets closer we see it’s actually strong light coming down hitting the cars, like bombs but they are not bombs just strong light. It gets to us and starts hitting besides us, I put my head down, I know I’m going to die, nothing we can do. The light hits in front of of our bus and when I put my head up we are floating in what seems like space. It… Read more »