The Hidden Meanings Behind 35 of the Most Common Dreams

What kinds of things do your dreams tell you every night when you lay down your head to sleep?

Even when you don't remember your dreams, everyone dreams at night. Some of us have vivid visions that mimic our real lives, while others live in fantastically unbelievable dreamscapes when they slumber.

And while every person is different, there are a number of interesting dream symbols and situations that many, many people share. Could it be that these dreamt objects serve a specific purpose for all of us, or that our subconscious minds simply gravitate toward similar tropes? If you believe that the symbols in your dreams have specific purposes, click through to find out what each one means.

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Alien

To dream of aliens and UFOs is said to represent seeing something alien in yourself. Have new and unfamiliar parts of your mind or character recently come to light? Maybe you're seeing a new behavior that you dislike, and it's a sign that you should work on that aspect of yourself. On the other hand, you may see a new change that makes you feel empowered, and that should be honed and embraced.

Maybe you're feeling like you don't belong—an alien in your community—which may mean you either need to find ways to connect, or discover a different place which will better suit you. Many people who dream about abductions come to think that the event really transpired, when really it should signal you to look inward and understand how you're feeling about your life.

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Being an Athlete

When you dream about suddenly becoming an incredible athlete, it can be a sign that you've accomplished more than you previously imagined possible. You set a goal, and got there by pushing through your boundaries and giving the situation your all. However, this dream can also be a warning that you're investing too much of yourself in your pursuits. Just as athletes are prone to sports-related injuries, you may bruise your ego along the way.

If you dream that your athleticism brings you fame and fortune, you may be feeling particularly certain about your strengths. The sport you play in the dream can also have further symbolic meaning. For example, the bases in baseball can symbolize different milestones you hope to reach in life, while football is associated with competition as well as cooperation. It may be time to show some bravery and become your own champion.

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Babies

Babies in dreams typically represent not literal birth, but the idea of new beginnings and fresh starts. They're also pure and innocent, as they've not yet experienced the troubles of our world. They're a blank slate. If you're attempting a new endeavor or setting off on the next chapter of your live, the baby can represent the idea that you're unburdened by the past and going into it with nothing holding you back.

If you dream that you're a baby, it can mean that you're wishing you could go back to the innocence of your past. This might be a sign that you should look backward and think about the things that used to make you happy, and understand why they did. You may also feel like you need the protection of others, as a newborn babe is unable to fend for itself. Look to your community to get the help you need.

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Using the Bathroom

It's said that dreams about using the bathroom relate to the need to relieve yourself of extra emotional baggage you're holding onto. By using the bathroom in a dream, you're effectively letting go of something.  The bathroom is also a room of cleansing. What is it that you need to let go of in your waking life?

One common version of this dream involves badly needing to use the restroom but being unable to find one. This can mean that you hold in destructive emotions but are having trouble ridding yourself of them because of your difficulties in communicating them. The longer you hold them in, the worse they may become. It may be time to open up to someone you trust.

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Bees, Hornets or Wasps

While the buzz of bees or other stinging insects might send you fleeing in terror while you're awake, the presence of bees in dreams can be a good thing. A nasty dream about getting stung might be symbolic of something that happened in your life that still stings. It's a clue that there's something that can be done to resolve those hurt feelings.

The presence of bees can also represent the idea that you've been working really hard, and that you're about to see the fruits of your labor. Maybe you've been super busy, but everything is about to pay off. If you see yourself surrounded by bees, it might even mean that you're feeling like a large-and-in-charge Queen Bee. Embrace that power and live your best life.

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Being Chased

Dreams about someone or something chasing you might cause you to wake up in a panic, but that doesn't mean that anything sinister is about to happen in your real life. Instead, they can symbolize the problems that are chasing you around in real life, which you've been doing your best to evade.

We all have to deal with unpleasant or potentially embarrassing situations in real life, but that doesn't mean they can be avoided forever. Chances are that the sooner you address your problems, the better you'll feel about them. Remember you don't have to go it alone. Talk things through with someone who'll listen and form a strategy for whatever's troubling you.

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Celebrities

The meanings of dreams about celebrities can differ a lot depending upon your relationship with this celebrity. If you're already a huge fan, the dream may simply be a reflection of your conscious thoughts and desires, but if they're someone unexpected, pay attention to the specifics of your interaction, as it may reveal some inner truths about you and what you find important.

If you dream about becoming a celebrity yourself, the dream may actually be a reality check. Perhaps your ambitions are a bit too lofty and unrealistic to come true. On the other hand, it can also represent your progression in life. Are you breezing along, leaving behind your family and friends on your quest to greatness? Pay attention to your relationships and let the people who matter know that they'll always be in your life.

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Also read about: Why You May Be Having More Vivid Dreams Lately

 

Death

Dreaming of death can be somewhat traumatic, but it's important to recognize that dreams reflect our thoughts and fears, rather than being predictors of the future. To dream about the death of someone you care about deeply may reflect your real-life worries about losing them in any capacity. The loss of an anonymous person can also symbolize an ending of some phase in your life.

The death of certain people, like crushes or toxic friends, may also be your subconscious' way of telling you that it's time to let this person go. The strong feelings you once had for them may be ending, and this powerful and bittersweet moment can signal that it's time to move on.

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Seeing Deceased Loved Ones

It's not uncommon to dream about loved ones who are no longer with us. While some people might see this is friends and family members communicating to us from the afterlife, there's also a much simpler explanation. Often, our dream brains don't even recognize that these beloved people aren't around anymore, making them regular characters in our dreams.

In the times that you are aware that someone has died, communicating with them or hearing their words of wisdom can be incredibly healing or cathartic. Often, these dreams tell us exactly what we needed to hear so that we can move on, or give us information about how we can make things right. Listen to these messages and take away as much positivity as you can.

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Dogs

Dreams about dogs can be just as varied as the species itself, with many people dreaming about friendly, cuddly dogs and others having nightmares about giant, snarling ones. A kind one can represent loyalty, security and friendship, symbolizing someone you know who possesses those traits, or your desire to have someone in your life who will make you feel safe and loved.

If your dreams about dogs turn scary, they may symbolize a fear of the unknown. For example, if a dog seems nice at first but then suddenly becomes aggressive, this may represent the fact that you feel surprised by betrayal in your own life. If the dog in your dream belongs to someone you know, it might mean you feel that others have their loyalty, but that you don't. A barking dog might mean that you feel like someone is being too controlling and constantly barking orders at you. Pinpointing the emotions you feel during these dreams can help you deal with the root of the issues.

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Driving

Dreams about driving are mostly representative of control. When you're driving fast down the open road and feeling free and confident, this means that you feel fully in control of your life. You're calling the shots, and you're in charge of whatever happens to you next. When someone else is driving, however, you may feel subject to that person's whims.

If you find that the car you're driving is out of control—that the steering wheel is unresponsive, the brakes don't work and you can't figure out where you're going—this can represent a feeling of helplessness in your waking life. Why do you feel like you have so little control? Think about what you can and can't do in life, and try to take back the reigns.

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Your Ex

Dreaming about someone you used to date can take on different meanings depending on the recency of the split. If the breakup just occurred, your sleeping mind may not have yet caught up with your reality, painting the picture of a situation that was once realistic.

If they initiated the breakup, you may not be completely over them and wish you were still together, even if that's not what's best for you. Just because you want closure doesn't mean that's what you need. This can be a strong learning opportunity. However, if the breakup was your decision, you may find that there are still qualities in your ex that you admire and that you'd want to see in your future partner. Understanding where this appreciation comes from can help you build healthy relationships in the future.

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Falling

Dreams about falling are quite common and are said to represent worries and stresses about your life. You don't feel like you have stability or a study footing, and this imbalance may cause you to stumble. You may feel that, if you were to fall, you wouldn't have anything to grab onto, or the support to help you get back up. These dreams can also mean that you fear failure and its consequences, as one misstep could result in a fall from grace.

You may find that these dreams often occur shortly after falling asleep, when you can still move your body in your sleep, and that the spasm of movement that coincides with the sensation of falling wakes you up.

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Fire

Dreams about fire can be absolutely rife with meaning, but looking at the context in these dreams is critical. How do you feel about the fire? If it's warming and joyful, it may represent the love you have for others and what you ca do for the world. If it's destructive and frightening, it may hint at self-destructive tendencies or risky behavior.

Deams about important buildings burning down may symbolize your fear of losing them, or the change that will occur when it's time to leave home or move on from school, for example. To dream that you can control fire, or that you're trying not to get burned, is often symbolic of the fire within you. Perhaps there's a passion raging within you, or a brash and fiery personality that needs to be contained before it gets out of control.

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Also read about: Dreaming About Your Crush? Find Out What Those Dreams REALLY Mean

 

Forests

Like many of the other symbols in this list, your dream about forests may have different meanings depending upon how you approached your journey through it. Often, forests represent the opportunity to get lost—but losing yourself can be a good thing. If plunging into the unknown depths of the forest scares you, you may be fearful for what lies in the future and hesitant about taking the next steps in your life.

However, if stepping into a mysterious, woodsy area makes you feel adventurous and free, you may be more than eager to leave behind the past and embark on a new journey. The green trees can represent growth and renewal, coinciding with your positive feelings about whatever lies ahead.

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Ghosts

Dreaming about being visited by a ghost may seem ominous, but even if the dream is slightly scary, it's not something you should worry about. Ghosts in dreams often reinforce the things you're worried about in your waking hours. Listen to the message they have for you and think about it critically. You may find that you're being overly harsh on yourself.

If you dream about becoming a ghost, it means that you're struggling to get out of a tricky situation.  If you've ghosted someone you're texting, your subconscious may be taking the term literally and showing you what that looks like. These dreams can also be representative of fear. Maybe there are some things about yourself that you dislike, or that you are afraid to confront. It might be wise to dig deeper for some clarity. Of course, it can also represent a more literal worry about the future and the end of life.

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Invisibility

Generally, there are two main types of invisibility dreams. The first may occur when you desperately wish to be seen and heard, but feel like you're constantly going unnoticed. You're invisible in the dream because you feel invisible in real life, and you may do everything in your power to catch the attention of your others, though it turns out to be futile. Maybe you should work on your communication, or make new acquaintances who will give you your time to be heard.

The other kind of invisibility dream can happen when you dearly want to be less visible. Perhaps you've gotten more attention lately, for good or bad reasons, and that's become overwhelming. You'd rather be able to go unseen, with scrutiny from others, or not get pulled into things. In these cases, examine your responsibilities. Maybe you do need to be held accountable.

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Kissing

A dream about kissing someone—especially someone you don't necessarily like—may make you ask yourself all kinds of questions, but know that it doesn't always represent romantic feelings. For example, dreaming about kissing a friend may be awkward, when all it symbolizes is that you care deeply for them and appreciate that closeness. Kissing a stranger may mean you want to take more risks in your life to discover yourself.

If you dream about kissing someone you have feelings for, it's a representation of the fact you've been thinking a lot about them and what it would like to be with them. You wish the two of you could be together. Your dream self is confident, and you're becoming more aware and accepting of who you are. You're likely eager for a relationship—but not necessarily ready for one. Take stock before you make your move.

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Running Late

Dreams about running late and rushing from place to place are quite common. You may keep losing track of where you're headed, struggle to do the simple things you need to do before you can take the next step, or run into bizarre obstacles on the way to your destination.

These dreams can symbolize the pressures you feel in real life, and how it can sometimes feel that the more you work on your goals, the further away they can feel. You may feel stressed about what you can actually accomplish. If you're always late to something important in the dream, you may be fearful of carelessly missing out on real-world opportunities to improve your life. You may want to take stock of what you're working on and reprioritize to feel good about being on the right track.

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Looking for Something

Being unable to find something in a dream can signify a lot more than being worried about losing your keys or your cell phone. Often, the search for the things you need to get through your everyday life is representative of bigger ideas, such as the need to fill some kind of void in your life.

Maybe something is missing that prevents you from feeling completely whole—or maybe it's something totally imagined.  You may feel like being in a relationship would complete your life, or that something loftier like knowledge is what you're seeking. Perhaps you're on the quest for a great truth. Whatever it is, think about what it is you're looking for, and see if you can make steps to turn that into a reality.

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Getting Lost

Dreams about being lost can mean you're struggling to find your place. The physical space you're in may fluctuate and change, preventing you from properly establishing your location there. You're simply not fitting into this dream space, because you may not feel like you fit in anywhere in real life.

It can also mean that you know where you're supposed to be headed, but you're struggling to get there. It can feel impossible to take those steps you need in order to put yourself out there and do what needs to be done. This lack of progress can make you feel frustrated, like you're at a standstill, translating to being lost within a dream.

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Also read about: What Dreams About Losing Your Teeth Mean, According to an Expert

 

Being Unable to Move

If you feel paralyzed and unable to move within a dream, it's often reflective of powerlessness you feel in your waking hours. You may not feel like you're in control of your situation, to the point that you're not even fully in control of yourself. It's possible that something needs to be done, but you don't feel you have the strength or ability to do it. Often, this is an important step forward, and working through your fear will help you grow.

This sensation can also translate to real life in the form of sleep paralysis, which can occur when you're first falling asleep, or just waking up. Being conscious and unable to move can be quite frightening, but there's no danger, and it will pass.

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Being Naked in Public

Dreams about being seen naked are all about the way you believe the world perceives you. You may be worried that you're unable to hide your faults and failures, and that others can see everything about you, and therefore know your secrets. You might be worried that people are talking ill of you, or making fun at your expense.

However, when you play close attention to these dreams, you may come to realize that you're the only one concerned about your state of undress. This shows that though your insecurities may seem huge to you, no one else can see them. You're more critical of yourself than anyone else, so take it easy on yourself, and try to focus on what's important.

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Public Speaking

Many people are afraid of public speaking, so it's no wonder that it turns up in nightmares from time to time. This can be a reflection of our real-life fears of how we're seen by others and being the center of attention when there's the potential to stumble.

Because it's a dream about conveying a message, it can also mean you have some anxiety around your ability to communicate. Maybe you have something very important to express, but you're struggling to say it. Maybe you've already shared something, but feel like it's fallen upon deaf ears. This may be a sign to try again, or to rethink your strategy about how to best share what needs to be said.

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Rejection

Rejection is a common fear that can show up often in dreams, especially when it's something you worry about in everyday life. Getting rejected in a dream typically correlates with a lack of confidence about yourself and the way others view you. Maybe you're waiting to be accepted onto a sports team, or into a school, or perhaps you're unsure about how your crush might feel about you. The answer feels up in the air, and doubts are creeping into your dreams.

The worse you think your chances are in your waking life, the more likely it is that you'll experience these dreams again and again. They may also be your subconscious rehearsing in case the real thing ever comes to pass, softening the blow. Eventually, you may get used to the idea or potential rejection. When you stop fearing it, you'll gain many more opportunities.

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School

School is often a setting in dreams—even once you've graduated or are on summer break—because it's made up such a big part of our lives, and encompasses many of the stresses and pressures we face every day. Like many of the other dream symbols on this list, the context and content of the dream can be much more important than the school setting itself.

If you're in class trying to learn something, for example, you may see a reiteration of lessons you've recently learned in real life. Pay attention to these to find out what's important. If you're struggling to keep up, however, it may mean you need to be more aware of the knowledge that's around you every day. A dream about a negative, real-life experience at school might also be hinting at your weaknesses and how they can be fixed.

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Showering

Dreams about taking a shower are symbolic of cleansing. You may have some issues or troubles that you wish you could simply wash away and send down the drain. Unfortunately, thinks aren't usually that simple. Be aware of the things that are weighing on you, and see if you can take real steps to tackle those issues, rather than just hoping for them to change.

The flowing water of the shower is also representative of purity. Maybe negative thoughts have been weighing you down, and you wish you could think more positively. By properly taking care of yourself and your mind, you may work toward feeling fresh and new, granting you a new perspective that better allows you to take on the world and all of its challenges.

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Snakes

Though many people have snake phobias during their waking hours, the slithering creatures aren't only a symbol of fear and danger within dreams. If a snake suddenly bites you in a dream, that might mean that you're worried about unpredictability in your own life. You feel that even when you're being careful, you can't possibly anticipate everything that might go wrong. In that case, it might be healthier to adopt the attitude that even if you can't control things, you can control the way you react to them.

Snakes are also known for their cunning, so your dream may be telling you that you should either look for creative solutions to a problem you're facing, or be wary of anyone in your life who's acting particularly snake-like. If you see a snake's shed skin, it might mean that you've shed the person you were in the past and are ready to embark on a new journey with a new mindset.

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Also read about: An Expert Explains Lucid Dreaming, and How It's Done

 

Spiders

As much as spiders might give you the creeps, seeing them in your dreams can actually be a very good thing. It's said that a spider climbing up a wall in the dream often coincides with the rising of your fortunes. The higher it climbs, the more luck you may stumble upon.

Seeing spider webs can be symbolic of settling in somewhere and making it truly feel like home. They also represent the satisfaction that comes from seeing the results of your hard work. On the other hand, killing a spider a dream often represents bad luck, so avoid doing so unless absolutely necessary.

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Being a Superhero

Dreaming about meeting or being rescued by a superhero often reflects what you believe you need to overcome your own problems, whether that's super strength, bravery or intelligence. You feel the issue can only be tackled by superhuman abilities. Pay close attention to the strengths they utilize to save the day. Things may not be as impossible as they seem.

Dreaming that you, yourself, are a superhero signifies a recognition of your own abilities. Perhaps you are stronger, wiser or more skilled than you previously understood, finally coming into your full potential. Embrace that power. Dreaming of flying can also mean a feeling of freedom of escape.

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Losing Teeth

As unusual as it sounds, many people have a shared dream about losing their teeth. The most common interpretation is that it corresponds with a feeling of helplessness about your own situation. When you don't feel like things are in your hands, you may feel that you can lose anything and everything at any moment, including your teeth within your dream. Think about where you can seize back control to regain your confidence.

Since all of us value our appearances in some way, this dream can also hint at physical insecurity. Perhaps you're worried that one small change could take away your beauty or appeal, and that without your looks, you won't be left with much. Another evaluation of this dream says it has to do with worries about finances. Whatever it is, know that it's only a dream, and that my working on yourself, you can lessen these pressures.

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Taking a Test

A dream about being in school a taking a test often means that you feel you're being tested in your life. Maybe you feel like you're being watched or judged, and that every action you take is weighing against you. It may signal that you should work on your confidence and become aware that you're actually more critical of yourself than anyone else.

If you go into your dream test and you haven't studied, it may reflect feeling unprepared in other aspects of your life. Their might be something new for you on the horizon, or a challenge you've been postponing. In that case, it may be the time to take the plunge and face that obstacle.

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Vampire

More often than not, dreams about vampires are less about your fear of others and more a reflection of negative aspects in your own life. You may be worried about the identity you project to others, versus your true self.  Maybe on the outside, you typically appear elegant and refined, but you feel like there's a hidden darkness to your personality.

You may also be concerned with the toll you take on others when you go to them for support. Remember that there's give and take in every relationship. To find out whether you're truly an energy vampire, or just feel like one, you'll have to have an open and honest conversation with them.

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Water

Water can take on very positive connotations or very negative ones depending on the dream. On the one hand, water is essential for life. It can symbolize nourishment, hope, new life and strong insight. To be floating in a body of water may mean a new step of your life is beginning, and that you can choose to become anyone you wish to be.

On the other hand, it's also possible to be overwhelmed by the cleansing power of water within a dream. If you dream that you're being swept away by a current, or are underwater and can't find your way to the surface, you may feel unready for any change about to occur in your life, or that the knowledge and skill of others is too much for you. Understand what's worrying you, here, and then work to change it.

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Zombies

While dreams about zombies can be a side-effect of watching too many scary movies, they can also be symbolic within dreams. Zombies aren't quite alive and aren't quite dead, representing aspects of your life that may be in limbo. Perhaps there's a relationship you need to break off fully, or a project that you either need to finish or cut loose. The longer things go undefined, the longer they'll bother you.

Zombies can also hint at the negativity within yourself. If you were to work on yourself and let go of resentment or anger, you could fully get on with your life, but instead they've got a zombie-like hold on you. Listen to what this dream is telling you and finally make that change.

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