Dream Dictionary - Part One

A

Abandon

You must consider this dream's varying aspects in order to interpret this dream. Your subconscious may be giving you some messages in regards to what needs to be kept and what needs to be let go. Traditional dream interpretations say that if you are the one being abandoned in your dream, it is a dream of the contrary and you may experience reconciliation or recovery from trouble or illness.

Abdomen

When, in your dream, you are feeling pain or discomfort in this area or any other area of the body, make sure that you are in good health. At times our subconscious knows that something is wrong, even before we have any symptoms. Old wives' tales tell us that this is a dream of the contrary and that you will have lots of vigor and good health. However, they say that if you dreamed that your abdomen is exposed, it may be a warning that someone that you trust is not loyal or is working against you.

Abortion

A woman that had this experience is most likely to have many dreams about it. Even though the dream may be disturbing or anxiety provoking, it is a healing dream. It is possible that in your dream state you are working toward acceptance and are resolving any unconscious feelings. If a man is having this dream it usually means that he is experiencing guilt feelings and he may be anticipating failure in love or money. If a woman who has not had this experience is having this dream, it may be a warning about her health or it may indicate that she is feeling significant anxiety about her current endeavors.

Actor

Dreaming about a famous actor or actress, may be a wish fulfilling dream. We admire them and we may wish to have some of their characteristics. Consider the personality traits, or any other trait that attracts you to that person. By doing this you will figure out why you are dreaming about them. If you are dreaming that someone is acting, you may be dreaming about yourself. The dream could be pointing out some of the roles that you play in life. We all have many different rolls, like: parent, spouse, lover, student, professional, etc.. We behave somewhat differently in each of those roles. The actor in your dreams could be showing you how well you "play" some of your roles in life, or showing you how others perceive you.

Aging

Dreaming about old people, or your own aging may have several different meanings. An old man may symbolize wisdom and forgiveness, and an old woman -- life and death. In general, aging may represent wisdom that a person acquires through experience. The dream may also be giving you a message in regard to life's lessons. This may be a good time for you to apply some of your experience and knowledge in a current situation. This dream may also be a reflection of your concerns about aging. If you are thinking about your mortality and do not welcome maturing and age, the dream may be bringing out some of your worries and/or vanities.

Airplane

If you are a passenger in a plane you may be subconsciously thinking about someone or something that is far away and you wish to get in touch. If you are the pilot it suggest that you have a sense of control and an underlying confidence that you will succeed in your endeavors.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol in moderation or at a celebration, suggests that you are feeling good about the decisions that you have made and you are counting on future success. However, if you are drinking excessively and feel intoxicated in your dreams, it suggests that you may have negative feelings about yourself and fear being discovered for what your really are.

Alien

Meeting and talking to aliens usually suggests that many significant changes are coming into your life. If you dream that you are the alien, it usually suggest that you are feeling like a stranger in your usual crowd and would like to find new friends.

Alligator

This cold blooded animal could hold several different meanings in your dream. It could symbolically represent something from your memory, your emotions, or a current situation or individual in your life. Some think that the alligator represents verbal power, used in a destructive way. Others think that it represents an enemy. Consider the details in your dream and your level of fear. This dream symbol should encourage you to look at some of your more "dangerous" emotions, memories and experiences. The alligators in your dreams, will begin to loose the power to frighten you as your understanding increases.

Ambulance

In old dream dictionaries, dreaming about an ambulance could be labeled as a dream of warning. In more modern terms, you unconscious mind may by attempting to convey information which you have been unwilling to consciously deal with. Pay attention to your physical body and see if your health is an issue. Otherwise, this dream may be pointing to some urgent situation in your life. Consider all of the details in your dream, examine your daily life and make an attempt to see if there is something that requires your immediate attention.

Amputation

This is a scary dream which may be due to anxiety and fear. It suggests feelings of frustration, anger and powerlessness on the part of the dreamer. This dream may also be related to a radical removal of something from your life. Some believe that you are trying to get rid of something that is no longer desirable or necessary, or that the limb or the part being amputated has lost its power. According to New Age thinking, the right side of the body is usually associated with the ability to give emotionally, psychologically and physically to yourself and to others, and the left with the ability to receive.

Anchor

Dreams involving anchors are hints from your subconscious that you should "stay put". Don't go shopping for things that you really don't need. Economize.

Angels

Some say that dreams containing angels are good omens and suggest that you will have an increase of joy in your life. If you are the angel in the dream or if an angel flies over your house, it is exceptionally good luck. However, if you are dreaming that the angels are talking to you or you are calling upon them, it may indicate that you are overly concerned about your activities and their moral implications.

Anger

This may be a carry over from your daily life. In our dreams we can experience and express such feelings safely.  Feeling great anger in your dream may be disturbing, but pay attention to it and attempt to deal with all of your emotions in a more appropriate and productive manner.

Animals

For a more specific interpretation please look up each animal by its name.  If you are dreaming about wild animals the interpretation depends on the circumstances in your dream and on the level of their hostility. Wild animals are generally a good omen, but if there is aggression, see how this is relevant to a current issue in your life, be warned and proceed with caution.

Anxiety

Experiencing much anxiety in your dream state, may be related to your every day life and your current difficulties. There may be a great gap between the way things are and the way you would like them to be. An older interpretation indicates that when you dream about anxiety the contrary is true and that your worries will be lessened.

Apology

This dream always has something to do with friends. Friends going in and out of your life or returning after a long absence. Apologies make such things happen.

Armor

It could represent your defense mechanisms. Those things that you use to protect from self and/or others. They could be things such as denial and repression. Physical barriers, such as the walls in your house, or even your behaviors and attitudes that keep others away. On a more spiritual note, some believe that dreaming about armor may be a good sign which represents a shield of protection form difficulties and temptation.

Attack

Research shows that the content of most dreams is more frequently unpleasant than pleasant. Most people have experienced violent dreams and dreams in which they are being attacked. To understand your dream consider all of its details and think about whether you are being attacked or you are attacking. If you are being attacked then maybe you are feeling somewhat vulnerable in some area of your daily life. If you are doing the attacking, it may be that you are releasing some of your frustrations and anger. You may be expressing negative feelings in such ways that you are unable to do in daily life.

Attic

Any part of a house usually represents a part of yourself (You are the house). The attic is the last thing built. Consider the details of the dream and try to figure out what your unconscious is trying to tell you. Some believe that the attic symbolizes the higher self, or your best self. The self that is in contact with the eternal. Others think that the attic symbolizes the sum total of your life's work. That it may predict how well you will do in old age. If the attic is full of "neat" stuff, it may imply that you are accomplishing wonderful things and are living up to your potential in this life time.

Avalanche

The material which makes up the avalanche is snow, and snow is frozen water. Water symbolizes your emotions. Thus, this dream is about rapidly and violently descending emotions. The emotions which may have been held at bay, and you have not been dealing with for a very long time, have finally been unlocked and may be overwhelming you. You may have this dream during emotionally turbulent times of your life, or in your dreams you may be remembering and reliving some difficult emotional experiences. Old dream interpretation books say that if you are buried in an avalanche that you will have good luck in the near future, thus they think that it is a dream of the contrary.

B

Baby

The meaning of this dream depends on what the baby looked like and was doing. Generally, babies represent innocence, great potential and new beginnings. The baby is the purest form of a human being and its possibilities are endless. All the potential good of the entire universe can usually be seen and felt in a new born baby. Superstition based interpretation suggest that if the baby in your dream is beautiful you may experience new happiness and feelings of security. An ugly baby suggests that you may not be trusting your friends and that you may be concerned about their motives; sick babies indicate that you may have some very difficult times in your immediate future. If the baby is walking you may experience new independence (this is folklore), but if you loose the baby through the drain while bathing you may have a fear of not being able to live up to your expectations. Many babies indicate great happiness and joy (don't they always?).

Bake

If you are baking, you may be subconsciously thinking that you will get a promotion or will raise in social status (all your acquaintances are thinking what a great person you are). If you are dreaming about a bakery or a professional baker, you most likely feel satisfied about you accomplishments and are looking forward to a great year ahead.

Bald

If in life you are not bald, but dream of being bald you may want to get a physical checkup, as this dream usually warns about poor health. If you are dreaming that others are bald, your subconscious may be trying to tell you that they are not as honorable or as trustworthy as you would want them to be. Baldness symbolizes a lack or something, just like those who are bald lack hair.

Bananas

Freud may say that all such objects have phallic implications. However in the world of classic dream interpretations: eating bananas may suggest a period of hard work but little reward. Spoiled bananas usually indicate "spoiled" friendships.

Bar/Pub

Dreaming about being in bars and drinking may symbolize a need that you have for some type of a  meaningful transformation. On the other hand, this dream may be a form of wish fulfillment, and you are escaping into a pleasurable environment where the daily cares and concerns are meaningless.  If you rarely allow yourself to relax and socialize, this dream may be compensatory in nature.

Basement

The house generally represents your psychological and emotional self. Each part of the house may deal with a different part of you. The basement is built first, it is often below ground (or some parts of it), and is essentially the foundation of the house. Dreaming about a basement and understand the dream, may provide you with valuable information which may lead to greater self awareness. A recurring dream about basements; being in a basement, cleaning a basement, furnishing a basement, etc., should not be ignored. These dreams may be symbolic of your unconscious, your instincts and intuition, and your degree of awareness in regard to a current situation or a problem. The look of the basement may provide you with clues about your current feelings and state of contentment. If the basement is a mess, and you see great disorder and clutter, it suggests that you may be experiencing confusion and that it is a very good time to "sort" things out emotionally and psychologically. At times, the activities which are going on in the basement of your dream may be based on past experiences or childhood memories. As with all dreams, their main purpose seems to be to bring the dreamer to higher consciousness so that he may deal with his current issues more effectively, rather than to dwell on the past. Also See: House.

Bat

Most bats are nocturnal predators and just thinking about them gives us an uneasy feeling . Bats may be considered mysterious and unpredictable. When you are interpreting this dream, look carefully at all the details and also at your emotional reactions in the dream. This dream may relate to discretion and covert behaviors. Your subconscious mind may be relating feelings to you, in regard to behaviors which you or someone else prefers to keep a secret.

Bathroom

Judging by all of the e-mail that I receive, dreaming about bathrooms seems to be common. In daily life, the bathroom is extremely important to our functioning. In our dreams, it may be a valuable symbol. It suggests that there is a need for emotional and psychological cleansing. You may need to get rid of emotional and psychological baggage. It is difficult to be carefree and happy, when old issues keep bringing you down. The bathroom is a good dream symbol. Consider all of the details in your dream, make an effort to cleanse mind and spirit, by putting useless thoughts and feeling behind you! Also See: House

Beard

Beards are usually associated with masculinity, wisdom, strength, and the men who have them typically command respect. Moses, Jesus, Charles Darwin and Abraham Lincoln, all had beards. Old dream interpretation books say that dreaming of bearded men is a good omen, and good luck will follow. On the other hand dreaming about woman with beards is said to be bad luck. It's no wonder, a woman who is strong, wise and commands respects is a very threatening creature (to some). If you are a woman dreaming that you have a beard, you may be dealing with your own issues of power. You may be using more masculine energy than you would like to, or that is necessary. Also See: Hair

Bears-See Animals

Beaver

Beavers are very busy animals. They gnaw all day and build their homes.  They are generally not considered to be friendly animals. All of their hard work is focused on isolating and protecting themselves. When dreaming about these animals, consider those characteristics and try to see how they are relevant to you or someone in your life. Is there isolation and "blocking" up of feelings and self expression going on around you? Or is something "gnawing" at you that you can no longer ignore? If you can answer these questions, you will have a better understanding of your dream.

Bed

This is one of the most valued pieces of furniture. It's where we sleep, rest, restore our minds and bodies and engage is sexual pleasure. The bed is symbolic of all of these things. The bed could also  symbolize the bridge between awareness and the unconscious. Our daily lives and the great unknown, our spirit and our psychological undercurrent. The quality and the cleanliness of the bed in our dreams,  may relate to the way we feel about ourselves and our relationships. In reality we "make our own bed", so the dream may reflect that bed and remind us that we have to either change it or lie in it. If there were things hiding under the bed in your dream, it may symbolize secrets that you, or others, are keeping.

Bees

Consider the details of this dream, as well as your emotional reactions in it, as bees can have a variety of different connotations. The positive symbols are that of a person that is hard working, has good organization skills, is cooperative and creative. The negative symbolism could be that of a follower, a busy body and of someone that "stings". If you are working on a project in which many people need to work together to accomplish a goal, this may be a topic for some of your dreams.

Bicycle

All vehicles symbolize our passage through the journey of life. Since the bicycle is usually acquired earlier in life than a car, it could be pointing out some of your adolescent tendencies. If you are a teenager, then it may be a routine way of getting around. Riding a bicycle in your dream, may symbolize a need for balance and hard work in order for you to succeed in a current endeavor. Some think that the bicycle could also represent your need for some type of assistance. Consider all of the details in your dream, including whether you are traveling up or down the road. Also See: Car, Road, Journey

Birds

In old dream interpretation books, birds are considered lucky omens (unless it was a blackbird, in which case it is an omen of negativity). Doves and eagles are generally spiritual symbols. Your dream depends on its details, but if the birds in your dream were flying free it may be symbolic of spiritual, psychological, or physical freedom.

Birth

Woman who are pregnant and men who are going to be fathers, commonly have dreams about giving birth. It is not an omen of anything to come, but simply the mind tries to cope with an event that is significant in magnitude and can be anxiety provoking. If you or your mate are not pregnant, this dream could symbolize new beginnings. Giving birth to new ideas, new ways of living, or a new stage in life. Superstition based dream interpretations say that giving birth in a dream is a sign of good luck, and multiple births are omens of forthcoming material wealth.

Blood

It is the life giving, vital part of our physiology and it may symbolize our strengths and weaknesses, our physical and mental health. If you are currently experiencing a very difficult time in your life, you may have dreams with bloody and frightening images. Don't worry, you may be venting your fears! Some believe that when you see blood in your dream, the distressing situation in your life, which is at the root of the dream, has come to an end and the worst is over. Consider the details and the relationships between of all the symbols in your dream before making an interpretation..

Boat

As mentioned in all relevant dream symbols, bodies of water represent your unconscious, your emotions and your accumulated soul experiences. Depending on the content of the dream, several different interpretations could be made. The boat in your dream could represent you and the way in which you navigate through your emotions. It could symbolize the voyage of your life, an adventure and exploration of your unconscious, or it could connect you to the people in your dream by pointing out something that all of you have in common ("in the same boat"). When interpreting this dream consider the kind of voyage and the type of boat. Superstition based dream interpretation books say that if the voyage is calm you should go forward with your plans. However, if it is a very stormy voyage get ready for an emotional upset (or challenge).

Body

Dreaming about your body generally suggests that you are dreaming about your personal identity. Who we are is wrapped around what we look like. Our self-esteem and self-worth is too frequently dependent on our physical appearance. This dream may be pointing out some of the difficulties, or pleasures in daily life which are the result of self-identity as based on attachment to our physical bodies. The body in general is the symbol of self and the details in the dream will lead you to further interpretation. Additionally, if you are dreaming of a specific body region, or part, consider your health status.

Bread

As a food, bread is a fundamental part of most diets. In poverty food is the filler, and in jail the prisoner receives food and water to keep from starvation. In Christianity, Christ is the "bread of life", and in popular jargon, bread is used to refer to money. Across cultures and in both physical and metaphysical references, food is the basic sustenance of life. As a dream symbol is can be rich in meaning and message. The bread in your dreams could represent those positive and wonderful things that you have learned in your life's journey. It could be symbolic of "good" and most basic things in your life, which will yield positive benefits in the future. The bread in your dream could be spiritually symbolic; it could represent a profound communion or connection with others and with God. Consider the details of your dream before interpreting, but know that bread has positive universal symbolism and that this dream should bring with it a level of good feelings and peacefulness.

Breasts / Breast Feeding

Dreaming about breasts can have obvious sexual meaning. However, consider all of the details in your  dream in order to obtain the most appropriate meaning. Breasts also represent tenderness, love, and other matters of the heart. Breast feeding is symbolic of giving or receiving, nurturing, and sustenance. It represents motherly love, as well as physical and emotional support and well being. Old dream interpretation books say that breast feeding is a symbol of great things to come following an extended period of hard work.

Bridge

There are many meanings that you could give to this symbol. The details in the dream are just as important as the bridge itself. The first consideration should be given to how much you travel. The bridge can be interpreted literally, if it is a part of your daily commute. On a more theoretical level, bridges can symbolize transitions. Transition from one stage to another, from one level of consciousness to another. Since most bridges are over water (emotions, unconscious), this dream could also be symbolic of you raising above your emotional difficulties, or unconscious drives.

Brown

Brown is not the most cheerful color in the spectrum. It is a very serious color which is associated with the earth, dirt or ground. Autumn is generally brown and it represents a season of dormancy and conservatism. The brown is your dream may be symbolic of physical reality and earthiness. It may represent things in their "barest" form, and its interpretation may encourage you to add some light and depth into your daily life. Also See: Colors

Bull

Depending on the details of the dream, this dream symbol could have several different meanings. . The bull in your dream could represent powerful sexual energy, stubbornness, strength, and at times, clumsiness. It could also symbolize optimism about the future and an ability to focus on a specific goal. Bulls can represent tenacity and a very strong will. Finally, since the bull is associated with the color red, some believe that it symbolizes the first chakra -- which is the energy center located at the base of the spine and represents this material world.

Bus

In order to interpret the dream with a bus ride in it, the dreamer should make associations in regard to buses. The dream has very specific meaning depending on the individuals experiences on school buses, public transportation vehicles, special family trips, etc..At times the content of the dream may be more important than the actual setting. If the setting is secondary, then examine the other details of the dream more closely. However, if the bus and the bus ride was a focal point of the dream consider the value that it holds for you. Does this dream say something about your ability to "fit it" and join a group effort, project or trip? Do you function well in group settings? Are you a leader or a follower in such situations, and what is your comfort level? This dream could also reflect a part of your life (or the journey of your life) which involved many other people who seemed to be on a same path. It could be your family, friends, school mates or coworkers. Also See: Car

Burial

Dreaming about burying a dead person or funerals, does not necessarily symbolize physical death for you or anyone else. It could instead symbolize an ending of a different kind. You may be burying relationships, conditions or even emotions that you no longer need, and that are no longer conducive to your personal growth.  On the other hand this dream may symbolize the burying of sensitivities and emotions that are too difficult to cope with. It may reflect a numbness or a feeling which is the opposite of aliveness, such as depression and emptiness. Either way, burying a person that is alive suggests some emotional turmoil. Please consider all of the details in this dream to find the appropriate message. Old dream interpretation books say that dreaming about burials is a dream of the contrary. Instead of sadness the dreamer will experience happiness and go to celebrations, such as weddings. Also See: Coffin, Death

Butterfly

Some say that the butterfly represents the spirit or the essence of the individual. Butterflies are generally symbols of transformation, as in nature they go through metamorphosis. They are beautiful, evasive, and at times inspiring. Your unconscious mind may be pointing out the most positive part of yourself or another.

C

Cage

This dream symbol suggests that you may be experiencing inhibition and powerlessness in some areas of your life. Additionally, you may be feeling restricted and have concerns about your personal freedom (who holds the key to the cage in your dream?). Consider all of the details in the dream and look for possible sources of the dream. For example: your family life, your relationships, your thoughts and/or feelings, or your work life.

Cake

It may symbolize the sweet and pleasurable parts of life. The dream may be interpreted according to your interaction with the cake in the dream.

Cancer

You may be experiencing anxiety and fear as a result of a bad habit or a certain situation in your daily life. In more traditional interpretation, dreaming of cancer may be considered a dream of the contrary, but also of warning.

Candles

They symbolize light and where there is light there is hope. A lit candle suggests that you are unconsciously seeking comfort and some sort of spiritual enlightenment. An unlit candle suggests that you may be feeling rejection or disappointment. If in your dream you watch the candle burn down to nothing, it suggest that you may have fears of getting older and dying. For men it may connote a fear about waning sexual abilities.

Cannibalism

This dream may be reflective of dark, destructive and forbidden desires or obsessions. Cannibals literally consume other peoples lives, and along with it their energy. When interpreting this dream consider those things which consistently drain you and take away from your enthusiasm, and the general quality of your life. It may be any number of things, such as career or a relationship. However, realize that you are not a victim of life, but rather its creator. Thus, make changes which will increase your energies, but not take away from others. Some believe that dreaming about cannibalism is a dream of warning and that you should stay away from things that you know are destructive and less than honorable.

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Car

The car in your dream can symbolize the larger self or the physical self. Consider all of the details in the dream, including the emotional aspects of it. Is the road difficult, going up hill or down hill, and who is in the drivers seat? Recurring car dreams usually deal with issues of control. Some would say that you can examine whether you have an internal or external locus of control. Additionally, in this dream you can learn something very important about yourself. You can get in touch with your own perceptions in regard to how well you are navigating from one stage of your life to another, whether you are assertive and take charge, or passive. Dreaming about traveling in a car is very, very common dream theme. By understanding this dream we may gain valuable information in regard to a particular stage of our life, or a specific part of our life's journey. Also See: Journey, Road

Cat

Cats have both positive and negative connotations. You need to consider all of the details in the dream in order to obtain accurate interpretation. The cat can be a symbol of sexuality, femininity, prosperity and power. A cat is also an independent animal, and in your dream you may be associating yourself or someone else with these characteristics. Historically black cats have been symbols of evil and bad luck.