There are many reasons why we dream about animals. Sometimes, that bear in the corner is not actually a bear at all, but a symbolic representation of something much deeper. While it would be impossible to cover each scenario, in this lesson we will discuss some of the most common dream animals. But first, assuming that the bear is not really a bear, let's look at why it could be there in the first place.
Animals are a physical representation of the untamed, uncivilized part of your psyche. They can also mirror your physical characteristics (real or longed for), These primal instincts, needs, and desires that are often repressed during 'awake time' can be safely manifested via dreams. To break that down into specifics:
-Dreaming about fighting with an animal signifies a part of yourself that you are subconsciously trying to reject or push away
-Dreaming about talking animal conveys superior knowledge or untapped potential within yourself
-Dreaming about saving the life of an animal suggests that you are acknowledging and embracing the characteristics that particular animal embodies. Conversely, it can also represent feelings of inadequacy or being overwhelmed. Context is key.
-Dreaming about setting an animal free symbolizes the release of your own primal desires
-Dreaming about animals being held in a lab signifies an aspect of yourself that is being repressed. It also could be an indication that certain fears, choices, and beliefs need to be explored. Broadening your horizons is always a good thing, yes?
The type of animal you dream about affects greatly each scenario listed above. That is when it is imperative to take into account the attributes of the animal as well as context of the dream itself. Fighting with a bear may mean something entirely different, for example, than fighting with a tiger or lion. Lions, and tigers, and bears-OH MY!!
Common Dream Animals:
Animals are a physical representation of the untamed, uncivilized part of your psyche. They can also mirror your physical characteristics (real or longed for), These primal instincts, needs, and desires that are often repressed during 'awake time' can be safely manifested via dreams. To break that down into specifics:
-Dreaming about fighting with an animal signifies a part of yourself that you are subconsciously trying to reject or push away
-Dreaming about talking animal conveys superior knowledge or untapped potential within yourself
-Dreaming about saving the life of an animal suggests that you are acknowledging and embracing the characteristics that particular animal embodies. Conversely, it can also represent feelings of inadequacy or being overwhelmed. Context is key.
-Dreaming about setting an animal free symbolizes the release of your own primal desires
-Dreaming about animals being held in a lab signifies an aspect of yourself that is being repressed. It also could be an indication that certain fears, choices, and beliefs need to be explored. Broadening your horizons is always a good thing, yes?
The type of animal you dream about affects greatly each scenario listed above. That is when it is imperative to take into account the attributes of the animal as well as context of the dream itself. Fighting with a bear may mean something entirely different, for example, than fighting with a tiger or lion. Lions, and tigers, and bears-OH MY!!
Common Dream Animals:
BEARS
Bears symbolize independence, strength, death, and renewal; they represent the circle of life. This could indicate that you are going through a period of introspection, or that someone is domineering your life. If in your dream, the bear is attacking you, it could represent that you are in a particular situation where you are feeling trapped. Also, dreaming about a polar bear, in particular, signifies a reawakening. If the polar bear is attacking you, then perhaps you need to take action to remove yourself from the situation which is causing you to feel threatened.
Bears symbolize independence, strength, death, and renewal; they represent the circle of life. This could indicate that you are going through a period of introspection, or that someone is domineering your life. If in your dream, the bear is attacking you, it could represent that you are in a particular situation where you are feeling trapped. Also, dreaming about a polar bear, in particular, signifies a reawakening. If the polar bear is attacking you, then perhaps you need to take action to remove yourself from the situation which is causing you to feel threatened.
CATS
Much like the feline itself, cats in dreams can mean some very diverse things. Cats can represent independent spirit, feminine power, creativity, and power. On the flip side, they can also be a symbol of misfortune or bad luck, and it may mean that someone you trust is being deceitful. White cats represent a higher spiritual awareness, while black cats speak of hidden powers or secrets within the dreamer. If the cat has no tail, it means that you are afraid of losing your independence. On the converse, if your cat is lost and you are looking for it, your dream is speaking of your own independent spirit, precisely that you should not let anyone or anything hold you back from the goals you wish to achieve. If the cat is scratching you, it means that you are feeling threatened.
Much like the feline itself, cats in dreams can mean some very diverse things. Cats can represent independent spirit, feminine power, creativity, and power. On the flip side, they can also be a symbol of misfortune or bad luck, and it may mean that someone you trust is being deceitful. White cats represent a higher spiritual awareness, while black cats speak of hidden powers or secrets within the dreamer. If the cat has no tail, it means that you are afraid of losing your independence. On the converse, if your cat is lost and you are looking for it, your dream is speaking of your own independent spirit, precisely that you should not let anyone or anything hold you back from the goals you wish to achieve. If the cat is scratching you, it means that you are feeling threatened.
DOGS
Dogs are a symbol of intuition, loyalty, generosity, protection, and fidelity. To see a dog in your dreams indicates that you are filled with strong intentions and good values. It may also represent a person in your life that exhibits those same traits. It could, however, also indicate a skill which you have forgotten or chosen not to develop. If the dog is growling, it indicates either a conflict within yourself or also someone who has betrayed you. If the dog is dead or dying, it means either the loss of a good friend or the deterioration of your better qualities. A happy barking dog is symbolic of a good social life, while a ferociously barking dog may be telling you that you may be too demanding and putting too many demands on people.
Dogs are a symbol of intuition, loyalty, generosity, protection, and fidelity. To see a dog in your dreams indicates that you are filled with strong intentions and good values. It may also represent a person in your life that exhibits those same traits. It could, however, also indicate a skill which you have forgotten or chosen not to develop. If the dog is growling, it indicates either a conflict within yourself or also someone who has betrayed you. If the dog is dead or dying, it means either the loss of a good friend or the deterioration of your better qualities. A happy barking dog is symbolic of a good social life, while a ferociously barking dog may be telling you that you may be too demanding and putting too many demands on people.
OWLS
To see an owl in your dreams means that you are highly attuned to your psychic powers. As a symbol of discernment, it also means that you may need to pay more attention to what people are trying to tell you. As a symbol of death, it may also be warning to let go of the past or certain negative behaviors. On that same note, if the owl is hooting, this is a symbol of death and disappointment. Likewise, if the owl itself is dead, it is a symbol of illness or death. However, the death may be symbolic rather than physical. It could be an indicator of life transitions or the ending of a negative habit.
To see an owl in your dreams means that you are highly attuned to your psychic powers. As a symbol of discernment, it also means that you may need to pay more attention to what people are trying to tell you. As a symbol of death, it may also be warning to let go of the past or certain negative behaviors. On that same note, if the owl is hooting, this is a symbol of death and disappointment. Likewise, if the owl itself is dead, it is a symbol of illness or death. However, the death may be symbolic rather than physical. It could be an indicator of life transitions or the ending of a negative habit.
RAVENS
Not to frighten you, but a raven in your dreams usually indicates betrayal, misfortune or death. As with the owl, the death may be purely symbolic, such as the ending of a habit or a certain phase in your life. If a young woman dreams about ravens, best start searching for a new love, because this indicates that your current lover will betray you. In the same cheery vein, it could indicate that someone is taking advantage of you. So yes, dreaming of ravens is not a good thing. Maybe that is why Poe wrote such dreary stuff? It's a thought.
Not to frighten you, but a raven in your dreams usually indicates betrayal, misfortune or death. As with the owl, the death may be purely symbolic, such as the ending of a habit or a certain phase in your life. If a young woman dreams about ravens, best start searching for a new love, because this indicates that your current lover will betray you. In the same cheery vein, it could indicate that someone is taking advantage of you. So yes, dreaming of ravens is not a good thing. Maybe that is why Poe wrote such dreary stuff? It's a thought.
LIONS
Lions are the undisputed 'king of the jungle'. In dreams, they symbolize great strength, courage, aggression, power, dignity, royalty, leadership, pride and domination. Like this jungle king, you have great influence over others, and may be on the verge of overcoming any emotional difficulties that you had been facing. It could also be warning you to back off a bit before you are (rightly) accused of being on a 'power trip'. Lions in dreams indicate that you are a take-charge kind of person, which in moderation is not bad, but take it too far and it's a whole different story. An attacking lion is a symbol of self-destruction. Beware of the black lion, it means that you may be using your influential powers for negative reasons. A white lion, however, simply means that you are becoming aware of how much power you do possess.
Lions are the undisputed 'king of the jungle'. In dreams, they symbolize great strength, courage, aggression, power, dignity, royalty, leadership, pride and domination. Like this jungle king, you have great influence over others, and may be on the verge of overcoming any emotional difficulties that you had been facing. It could also be warning you to back off a bit before you are (rightly) accused of being on a 'power trip'. Lions in dreams indicate that you are a take-charge kind of person, which in moderation is not bad, but take it too far and it's a whole different story. An attacking lion is a symbol of self-destruction. Beware of the black lion, it means that you may be using your influential powers for negative reasons. A white lion, however, simply means that you are becoming aware of how much power you do possess.
TIGERS
The tiger is a symbol of power and may indicate the power you have over others. On the converse, it may mean that it is time for you to step up and take charge instead of staying in the background. It can also be a symbol of female empowerment. Dreaming that the tiger is attacking you is an indication that you have feelings you are repressing, or possibly emotions that frighten you. If the tiger is caged, it means that these feelings/emotions are on the verge of surfacing. Furthermore, if your dream contains a tiger-skin rug, it symbolizes a life of luxury and ease.
The tiger is a symbol of power and may indicate the power you have over others. On the converse, it may mean that it is time for you to step up and take charge instead of staying in the background. It can also be a symbol of female empowerment. Dreaming that the tiger is attacking you is an indication that you have feelings you are repressing, or possibly emotions that frighten you. If the tiger is caged, it means that these feelings/emotions are on the verge of surfacing. Furthermore, if your dream contains a tiger-skin rug, it symbolizes a life of luxury and ease.
DOLPHINS
A dream containing a dolphin is usually an inspiring one. Dolphins symbolize spiritual guidance, intellect, mental attributes and emotional trust. Your dream may be encouraging you to use your 'smarts' and move upward in life. It may also be representing your ability to connect with your emotions and your willingness to explore them. Riding a dolphin indicates optimism. The only negative symbolism concerning dolphins and dreams is when you dream that a dolphin is either dead or dying. This shows that you are disconnected in some way, and is a representation of feelings of despair.
A dream containing a dolphin is usually an inspiring one. Dolphins symbolize spiritual guidance, intellect, mental attributes and emotional trust. Your dream may be encouraging you to use your 'smarts' and move upward in life. It may also be representing your ability to connect with your emotions and your willingness to explore them. Riding a dolphin indicates optimism. The only negative symbolism concerning dolphins and dreams is when you dream that a dolphin is either dead or dying. This shows that you are disconnected in some way, and is a representation of feelings of despair.