Dreaming of A Snake

image by Leo Reynolds

A huge, thick snake is wrapped around my throat. It is choking me. I can't breathe.

Recently, a relative shared this dream with me at a family gathering and loudly asked me what the snake symbolized. As the room grew quiet, I nervously hemmed and hawwed because the only interpretation I could think of about snakes is the one that they are a phallic symbol. I thought this would be awkward to share in a multi-generational situation!

However, upon further research, I see that the snake symbol can be representative of many things in dreams. To start with the obvious, yes the snake can be a phallic symbol (thank you Freud!) where you dream of a snake overtaking your body in someway. It could mean wish fulfillment (i.e. you want sex) or you could be repulsed by it. This could show your true feelings about the relationship you are in at the moment.

Snakes in dreams can have positive or negative correlations. The snake can be a symbol of modern medicine (healing) and is also the alchemical symbol Ouroboros which means transformation and spiritual growth. "Shedding one's skin" is something snakes do which also refers to change and transformation.

Snakes can also represent negative feelings of fear. Many people are afraid of snakes. They have been represented as Satan or a figure of evil. We refer to people who betray us a "snakes". Dreaming of a snake could mean you are feeling anxious or fearful about something (usually relationship related) or someone.

So, my relative's dream might mean she feels suffocated by a relationship she has. As it was, at the time, I murmured vaguely about the snake symbol having many meanings and it depends on the point of view of the dreamer. But next time I see her, I'll refer her to this post!

Note: In my post Dreaming of Frogs you can see in the comments that lots of people have dreamt about the frog and snake symbol together. As the frog is also a symbol of transformation, that would suggest that the snake would be also. Kind of a double-whammy of symbolism to make you really pay attention!

Dreaming of Eating Hair

photo by outofmytree

I am working in a hair salon. I pick up clumps of cut hair off the floor and stuff them into my mouth (it is blond like mine). I'm trying not to let the other hairdresser see me because I'd be slightly embaressed if I was caught. I'm thinking, "I must have some kind of nutrient deficiency if I need to eat this hair".

The two main symbols in this dream are HAIR and EATING.

To dream of eating often means you need, or have an appetite for, that thing you are stuffing into your mouth.

Hair is a symbol of sensuality, sexuality or virility. In my dream I am trying to take in that part of me that has been cut off.

A hairdresser is actually a job that wields a lot of power over people (and in men's dreams is tied to a fear of castration!) In my dream I was embaressed to be seen expressing my need for hair to this person.

I think this dream is pretty explicit and the fact that I basically commented on the meaning of the dream in my dream emphasizes it - I need to reincorporate sensuality back into my life because it has been lacking. Okay then:)

Dreaming of a House Surrounded by Water: Interpreting Dreams with Multiple Symbols

I am at a friend's house. It is small, box-shaped and white. It's floating on the ocean which looks like the Mediterranean Sea - the water is so blue and the sky is bright and sunny.Inside the house is my friend and her family, two young boys. I am slightly concerned that the water reaches the base of the house but one boy tells me not to worry - it's always like that and the water has never gone into the house.

This dream combines two of my favourite dream symbols- a house and water. It's actually a good example of the way that dreams often contain a combination of symbols which can influence the way you interpret them.

I have often received comments, especially on my post Dreaming of A Frog, where people will tell me their specific dream that contains the frog symbol and then ask "What does it mean?" Well, individual symbols having general meanings but they have to be interpreted within the context of the dream, as well as your own experience.

For example, as I've mentioned in other posts, water as a symbol can have several meanings. Rough water indicates turmoil while smooth water indicates peace and healing.

In my dream the water was slightly ripply, expansive (it stretched out to the horizon) and it was a beautiful shade of blue. Blue usually represents wisdom, truth and tranquility.

A house symbolizes the inner structure of your soul/self. A small, white boxy house could feel claustrophobic but I felt safe and contained. White can be a symbol of truth, knowledge and new beginnings. This makes sense in the light that it's my friend's house - a person I knew from school who seems to always appear in my dreams as a spiritual/wisdom guide. The Mediterranean could also be a symbol representing wisdom because of the connection with Ancient Greece.

Finally, the symbol of the young boys which I've discussed in a previous post. They also appear in my dream as guides, but rather the kind that point me to adventure and reclaiming my youth.

So, taking all these symbols into consideration, I think my dream was telling me that I may be feeling unsure of the path I'm on but it's good and I will be safe.

Dreaming of Fire

photo by photozou

I hear the smoke alarm go off but don't pay attention. It's probably nothing. Then I go into my living room. I notice a burning smell and my cat is pacing around. I look at the fireplace closely and see that somehow burning embers have escaped from the fire grate and have landed all over the room. I'm afraid something will catch fire. When I pull the grate off I see that someone has put way too many logs in. I need to get them out.

Fire is one of the four elements, joining earth, water and air, which means that it is a natural force to be reckoned with.

In reality, it is the stuff of nightmares and fear but surprisingly tradional interpretations of the fire symbol are quite positive. For example, to dream of seeing your home burned means you have a loving family situation. It could also mean success and profit. Maybe that's why the saying "You're burning hot!" is a positive one.

Jung saw fire as a symbol of transformation and purification. Strong emotions or passion are associated with fire and these could be positive or negative (anger or love). Freud also saw fire as a symbol of passion but, of course, in a sexual sense. For example to dream of "poking a fire" represents sexual arousal.

Dreaming of a fire in a hearth represents security in your homelife, if it is contained.

In my dream, because I was concerned that the fire was growing out of control, the fire symbol may serve as a warning that my home life is not as secure as I thought and I'm trying to contain it. It is also a warning to me, to make sure in real life, that I turn off our electric fireplace when I leave the room. I don't want to "play with fire".

Dreaming of a Face

In my dream I am at a bright, white, outdoor clinic. I'm supposed to be getting my face lasered. I think the treatment is called "pixilate". I'm not entirely sure about this process or the price. The ladies there tell me it might be $125 or higher. I decided to go for it. They ask me if I'm allergic to peanuts because they will be putting a mixture on my face. I don't think I am but again not sure but just go along with the process. After the surgery I look at my face in the mirror. Nothing has changed - there are just as many brown spots as before. I'm slightly disappointed but am hopeful that my skin will become smoother with time.

While traditional interpretations suggest that seeing your own face in the mirror means you have a secret that will be discovered, or unhappiness - you might lose your marriage, future plans and the esteem of friends- I prefer the more psychological approach that suggests that
In dreams a face represents the persona you present to the world and not
necessarily your real self.
You might want to reflect on what this dream face is saying about you.

A dream face could show how you want to be seen. (This could be the case if your dream face looks more attractive than your usual one.)

You dream face could reflect how you feel. Look at the details for clues.
For instance:
scarred face = emotionally scarred
pimples = eruptive emotions
wrinkled forehead = worry

In my dream, it seems I am going somewhere to have my face fixed by professionals who seem to know what they're doing but I'm not entirely convinced. Interestingly, peanuts are a symbol for getting to the truth about something in order to reach your full potential.I guess these people were trying to help me.

So I see this dream as a reminder of my own potential for positive change and maybe I should accept the help of others to do this. And maybe I will also book myself in for a laser treatment to get rid of the dark spots on my face. Can't hurt, can it?

Dreaming of a Lake: Water Symbols and Healing Dreams

photo by MSVG - Michael Gil


In my dream I'm at a lake. Not in it - but I am doing things by it. In one scene, I am in a dormitory by the lake. There are twisty passages that a scrappy young girl leads me through. In another scene I am climbing up a vine covered cliff on the side of the lake. It is hard but I'm with a group of teenage girls who are encouraging me. In the final scene, I am in a golden, forest edged field on the side of the lake. I am playing a running game with some kids. I woke up from the dream feeling thankful and rejuvinated.

Water, in dreams, often stands as a symbol of your emotional state. While rapids or churning water can represent agitation, the still waters of a lake indicate calmness.

In Mythology, lakes are places of healing and spirituality. Both the Lady of the Lake of Arthurian legend, as well as the Greek sea nymph Thetis, were spiritual beings that inhibited the still waters and provided guidance to mortals who made the pilgrimage to see them.

When you dream of a lake you have the potential to access your source of power and deep emotional well being.In my dream, I do think the lake symbolized this and the adolescent girls were there as my guides.

What places in your dreams heal you? Leave me a comment below.

Numbers in Dreams

My daughter dreams she saw 19 bees flying around. They stung her 16 times on her ear.

I am on a boat, speeding down the river. In the water there are clumps of fish in groups of 3's. I scoop them up with a net.

I take an old clock into a shop to be fixed. The shopkeeper finds a key labelled #33 that will fit in the lock.


Sometimes numbers in dreams have a personal association to the dreamer. Pin codes, birthdates, and phone numbers could be an example of this.

When numbers figure prominently in our dreams we should pay attention because they are acting as a symbol. Throughout history, all cultures and religions have regarded numbers as symbols that can represent both inner qualities as well as universal ones.
If you are interested in the meaning of numbers, looking into Numerology, the study of Kabbalah, or Tarot all yield rich number meanings and associations.

Because this blog post is short I will just discuss the numbers in the dreams above and what they might symbolize:

- 19 suggests independence and overcoming struggles by standing up for yourself.
- 16 represents a struggle for freedom
- 3 sybolizes the union of body, mind and spirit
- 33 is a powerful master number which stands for personal wisdom and understanding

There are many online dream dictionaries that can tell you the meaning of numbers as well as paperback dream dictionaries. My favourite is The Dream Dictionary From A-Z by Theresa Cheung. What is key to remember is that when numbers figure in dreams, they can be an important symbol that can show you where you are at spiritually and what you may be feeling unconsciously. Share your own number dreams below.