Dream Symbols and Their Meanings

No one has yet given a definitive explanation for dreams. Are they merely the day's leftovers, jumbled into a surreal stew? Or do they paint a picture of our inner selves, revealing innate wisdom that our waking minds refuse to see?

One thing is certain - despite the many similarities in dreams, each of us carries our own interpretation of various symbols. One person's happy clown is another's terrifying monster. Whenever we try to determine the meaning of our dreams, we must first know our personal association with dream symbols and the emotions they evoke. In response to comments about my article Common Dreams and Their Meanings. I've given below some common images that appear in dreams and their general meanings. Remember, however, that each dreamer must go beyond the standard interpretation and discover how these symbols relate to his or her situation.

Bees:

Bees signify profitable endeavors from which you take pleasure. Are you considering a new business venture, or has an unexpected opportunity come your way? If so, a dream of bees could be a signal that you are ready to invest time and energy in what will likely be a successful new path.

Bowling:

Unlike the dream of bees, to dream of bowling suggests that you may be considering a risky venture. Are you becoming involved in something that may not be in your best interests? Investigate thoroughly before jumping into a new project, and don't let wishful thinking override common sense.

Dance:

Dance is a pantomime of life, and suggests that you may be in the middle of a metamorphisis. Perhaps you're even resisting the change. Consider carefully - is this a situation that you can't change? And if so, how can you learn to accept and even embrace the change?

Monsters:

Monsters in our dreams - whether zombies, vampires, or other dangerous creatures - often reflect our deepest fears. Since monsters so often are associated with the loss of life or the loss of the soul, you may want to contemplate situations in your life that may seem to threaten your morals or ethics, your true self.

Water:

Water represents the unconscious, the intuitive wisdom we all possess. Are you developing a closer, more trusting relationship with your intuition? Should you?

Skin falls off:

Shedding skin suggests that you are growing out of your old persona as you move into a more mature stage of life. Can you identify the transitions that are currently in effect in your life? How can you help yourself to adjust to these changes?

Losing teeth:

Teeth were our original weapons, so to dream of losing teeth may reflect your fear of being defenseless. In what areas of your life are you feeling powerless and vulnerable? How can you compensate for your helplessness in those areas, or do you even need to do that?

Mother:

Mothers represent comfort, safety, the security of the womb. To dream of a mother could reflect your search for emotional balance and stability. Dreaming of a stepmother may suggest that your foundation rests with a non-traditional source of support.