Common Dream Symbols and Their Meanings
Some images show up in dreams across cultures and centuries. Knowing their traditional meanings gives you a useful starting point — but your own associations always come first.
Water, fire and the elements
Water usually mirrors your emotional state — calm or stormy. Fire can mean passion, anger or transformation. The elements track what you're feeling more than what you're doing.
Falling, flying and being chased
Falling points to insecurity or loss of control; flying to freedom and ambition; being chased to something you're avoiding. These action-dreams are among the most common of all.
Teeth, snakes and animals
Losing teeth links to anxiety and self-image. Snakes suggest transformation or hidden fear. Animals often embody an instinct or a person's qualities.
Look symbols up — then personalize
Browse our dream dictionary for 36 common symbols and their meanings, then ask what each image means to you specifically before settling on an interpretation.