Dream Symbols & Common Dream Meanings

chareneehamilton
Mar 7, 2023
3 min read

Explore a dreamlike realm and unravel the symbolic meanings behind the dreams you've had since childhood! Be prepared for some strange interpretations.

Artwork of a half smiling crescent moon, peering into a bedroom window of a small girl, who is sound asleep, dreaming of the book she has opened on her lap

Regarded as the road map to the unconscious by Freud, dreams have always been a delight, or terror when we lie down to sleep at night. They can make us laugh, cry, or fall in love with the cashier at the gas station across from your job.

And for one month, I decided to research as much as I possibly could about the nighttime traveling we all do, and how common the dreams we share are.

What we already know is that a dream's meaning works primarily in symbols and emotions. Interpreting those symbols, themes, and characters that pop up for us every night is almost like learning a new language. The good part is that we already know this language, and it is our subconscious way of speaking to us. Of calling us to action in a way only we can mentally digest.

Our dreams have similar elements and themes, and just like any other language, dreams also have their dialect. This 'dialect' is mirrored by our own personal experiences, family traditions, and emotions. So really, the only valid interpretation of our dreams is one that we come to on our own.

Common Dream Characters

Please note: when discussing feminine and masculine energies on this site, and in general, I do not mean genders. I am solely referring to the feminine and masculine energies that are within each of our very essences. Both male and female can tap into these energies.

Animus (Male Figure)

Usually masculine energy in the dream for the female unconscious, the male figure symbolizes quick action; following them or observing what this figure says to you in the dream is important. If this figure is negative in the dream, it could represent negative thought patterns.

A figure stands with arms outstretched holding two people, one male and one female, in the center of its hands

Anima (Female Figure)

Feminine energy in the dream for the male unconscious, the female figure symbolizes intuition, Mother Earth, human emotion and love. If this figure is negative in the dream, it could represent being led to stray from your natural path.

The divine child, a common dream symbols who's meaning is twofold

Baby

The life energy that is innocence and purity, the baby usually comes as small but mighty, and able to "regenerate", or transform beyond what is perceived. The baby represents a time not connected to ego, and reconnecting with our early potential. For some cases, a baby has been thought to symbolize death. I never have witnessed this personally, though.

A painting of beautiful white clouds over a calm ocean. Birds fly low to the water, preparing to land on a whale's fin

Common Dream Actions

Flying/Falling

Flying represents personal empowerment through thoughts, fantasy play, and optimism. While falling, we are the exact opposite.

Fighting

Violence symbolizes the conflict that comes from within. Any arguing with a parent or spouse, guilt, strife between mind and heart, and any self-inflicted pain will sprout these chaotic type dreams.

Running Away or Being Chased Down

More of a nightmare than a dream, trying to escape from an assailant that is unknown to the dreamer represents something struggling to come from the unconscious to the conscious. Escaping from a known assailant usually represents bullying or feelings of inferiority.

Understanding the scope of dreams that we experience can take us to another level of wellness that we might never have without it.

A sleeping woman who is tucked underneath bed covers and has her hair tied up in a messy bun.

By the way, The Dream Pack by David Fontana is such a gem if you're ready to explore your dream world on a deeper level. It’s not just a guide—it’s an experience, with dream symbols decoded, lucid dreaming tips, an eye pillow to enhance relaxation, and 20 gorgeous dream cards to help you unlock the next chapter of self-discovery. Trust me, if you’re curious about what your dreams are really trying to tell you, this is the ultimate toolkit to dive in!

Keep dreaming on ✨