Understanding Dream Symbols
Dreams communicate through symbols. While personal associations matter most, certain symbols have common meanings across cultures.
Flying
Freedom, ambition, escaping limitations. Easy flight suggests confidence; struggling to fly may indicate obstacles in waking life.
Falling
Loss of control, anxiety, letting go. Consider what area of life feels unstable or where you need to release control.
Teeth Falling Out
Communication issues, loss, aging concerns, or anxiety about appearance. Often related to feeling powerless or embarrassed.
Being Chased
Avoidance of something in waking life. Consider what you're running from - often an emotion, situation, or aspect of yourself.
Water
Emotions and the subconscious. Calm water suggests peace; turbulent water indicates emotional turmoil. Depth relates to how deep the emotions run.
Houses
The self or psyche. Different rooms represent different aspects of yourself. The condition of the house reflects your mental/emotional state.
Death
Transformation, endings, new beginnings. Rarely literal - usually indicates something ending so something new can begin.
Being Naked
Vulnerability, exposure, authenticity. May indicate fear of revealing your true self or feeling unprepared.
Exams
Self-evaluation, feeling tested, anxiety about performance. Often appears during times of judgment or assessment in waking life.
Your Own Symbols
Personal associations always take precedence. A dog might mean loyalty to one person and fear to another. Keep a dream journal to discover your personal symbol dictionary.