Animals in Dreams

The appearance of animals in dreams is yet another way for our dreaming brain to deal with emotions that are affecting us during our waking lives. Emotions such as hatred, anger, jealousy, pride, and fear are quite often portrayed through animals in dreams.

The interpretation of animals could be anything from emotional attachment to a family pet to a universal idea of what an animal represents to an archetype of perhaps an Indian God.

Look at the place the animal holds within your mind, culture and society for a truthful understanding of its meaning.

For instance somebody dreaming about an elephant in India, where the animal is revered as the god Ganesh, could have a totally different meaning attached to this animal than a person dreaming of an elephant from say America where these animals do not hold such cultural significance.

As with all symbols in our dreams the interpretation of animals in dreams is really up to you. You brought the animal image into your dream therefore you would be best to understand why. Ask yourself these questions:

What was the animal doing in the dream? Was it an animal you are familiar with like a family pet? How do you feel about that particular animal, does it scare you or do you feel connected with it in some way?

Bare in mind that when interpreting animals in dreams look not only at the symbol but the the circumstances surrounding the symbol, this is what will give you valuable clues to what the dream is all about.

Being chased by animals is always a common dream especially with young children.
If this is the theme of your dream ask yourself are there any situations or feelings you are afraid of in waking life?

Although we believe in the personal nature of dream interpretation there are some universal ideas surrounding certain animals that may aid you with your own personal interpretation.

Here we have listed a few:

Universal Animal symbols

Ants

Being acclaimed for wisdom since ancient times ants are very social creatures that have colonized almost every landmass on earth. They have a structured and ordered society, each ant conforming to the role and task it must perform.

However, they defend themselves with a pretty mean bite and most of us have been bitten at some time or another throughout our lives by an ant.
So with this in mind, if you see ants in your dream how do you feel about them?
Did you have a bad experience involving ants once and something in your life is now reminding you of that experience?

Or is there some part of your life where you feel that you have been forced into a particular role and must just go along with it to keep the masses happy, i.e.Conform?

Alligator/ Crocodile

These creatures are unknown dangers lurking beneath water surfaces for hours waiting undetected until they choose to attack.
Thus crocodiles and alligators in dreams can represent a hidden danger or situation that perhaps on an unconscious level you are aware of but on a conscious level you are not. This could be with relation to any situation in your life.

Pay close attention to anything in the dream that could give away what this situation or trait could be.

Alligators and Crocodiles being creatures of the water could also Seeing these animals in dreams could be interpreted as symbols of negative emotions lurking beneath consciousness.

Birds

One of the most fascinating aspects of birds for us humans is their ability to fly. Flying for the wingless is a fantasy something we all want to experience and usually can only experience in our dreams. A bird’s freedom to fly wherever it wants, above mountaintops and over oceans is only something we can dream about.

In light of this dreaming of birds in flight or dreaming that you are a bird flying could signify a sense of freedom from the usual bounds of your waking life and of limitations you may have been feeling. It could signify a discovery of some new ability and a way in your dreams to conquer what you feel is impossible in waking life.

As well as their ability to fly birds are very communicative creatures communicating with each other through song, chirping, or some form of vocalization.
In light of this seeing these animals in dreams may also represent some form of communication heralding some news.

Specific Birds:-

Dove

The dove is a well-known symbol of peace. Seeing a dove may symbolize renewed peace in some area of your life, it could definitely be referring to some inner battle you are about to conquer.

Vulture/Buzzard

These sorts of birds are known to hang around dying animals awaiting their death in order to feed off the body.
The word vulture itself is synonymous with people who have a profiteering nature, of being greedy and not being courteous or considerate of anything but getting the best for oneself.
So it goes to say that seeing these animals in dreams could represent fears of being used or of death itself.

Peacock

Known for their beautiful plumage and gorgeous colors peacocks have long symbolized vanity and pride.
So it goes to say that the symbol of a peacock in a dream refers to being proud in some way, or of over confidence or arrogance in some realm of your life.

Eagle

The eagle is a huge and majestic bird with an incredibly powerful build and a huge wingspan. They are known for their strength and hunting ability. Thus the eagle in a dream could represent a sense of pride and strength.

Parrot

Parrots are noisy very colorful birds and are kept as pets in their smaller parakeet form. They can be taught to repeat words and full phrases.
In light of this description to be a parrot in a dream or see parrots in your dream could symbolize a need to copy what others say without judgment. Perhaps you or somebody around you is a talkative and gossiping person who has been represented as a parrot in your dreams.

Bulls

For a dairy farmer dreams of bulls would mean something apart from a bull appearing in the dreams of us ordinary "non dairy farming" folk. So for those of us who don’t see bulls on a daily basis seeing a bull in your dream could be associated with a fierce, aggressive male presence in your waking life.

Bulls are stubborn animals possessing much strength, strong will, and power. So to see these animals in dreams could represent any of these qualities. Perhaps with a situation in your life it is a time for action, this dream could be willing you to become more assertive and to take power.

Alternatively look for a play on the word bull, it could be as simple as relating to a "load of bull" or you could also consider the pun “ being bull-headed” which refers to someone who is determined to do exactly what they want to do, and does not think about what other people want.

Cats

Cats throughout history have played varied roles. While the ancient Egyptians worshiped them in more recent times cats have been associated with witchcraft and superstitions. Many people even today are superstitious about black cats.

Cats are mysterious creatures because of their aloof and independent natures. Cats are intrepid explorers and amazingly have a knack of dodging death by a whisker. When they fall even from great heights they have an innate ability to fall on their feet, thus the saying “ The nine lives of cats”.

There is much to admire in a cat's grace, agility and intuitive ability. All of these components could play a part in seeing these animals in dreams. But also bear in mind how you personally feel about cats. People in general are either cat people or not and all of these things can play a part in what a cat means in your dream.

Dogs

Dogs are known as “man’s best friend” due to their loyal nature. Dogs have been known to do some amazing things for their owners, sensing danger, saving lives and alerting strangers to situations in order to rescue somebody.
Look closely at the dog in your dreams. Is it a dog that you know personally? Are you dreaming of a long gone family pet? Your current pet perhaps? If it is a dog known to you look closely at the role the dog plays in the dream, the characteristics it presents and how this could relate to a situation or person in your waking life.

Wild Dogs - Wolves/Dingoes

Unlike domesticated dogs wolves are noble creatures free to roam the wilderness. They are feared animals and attack willingly without regret. Thus a wolf or wild dog appearing in a dream could represent hostility, aggression, and sneakiness.

These animals in dreams could indicate either that you are afraid of a certain situation where you feel attacked or stalked like the prey of a wild animal or it may represent a wild energy within you needing to get free, needing to break away from the security of domestic life.

The saying “a wolf in sheep’s clothing” could have significance in your interpretation. Is there a deceiving situation in your life or somebody who you feel is deceiving you?

Dolphins

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