Swapna: Dream MeaningsSnake in a dream: meaning
What it is said to mean in tradition, what researchers say and a sensible way to think about it.
In popular belief
In popular Indian belief a snake in a dream is one of the most commented-on symbols. Because the snake is linked with Shiva (who wears one), with the nagas, and with the ancestors in some families, many read a calm snake as a blessing and an attacking snake as a fear of an enemy or of something hidden. A snake that bites can be read as a sudden worry; a snake that is killed as a problem being overcome. In some regions a family that dreams of snakes in a season is advised to offer milk at a snake shrine on Nag Panchami; this is custom, not rule.
What researchers say
Psychologists note that snakes are among the commonest fear objects in people all over the world, and that the dream usually appears in times of tension or when someone feels threatened without knowing where from. Dream researchers do not agree on any fixed meaning for any symbol.
A sensible way to think about it
It is fine to treat the dream as a thought about what you are afraid of. Ask yourself what in the last days felt like a hidden threat, and speak to someone about it. Do not make any decision about money, health or relationships because of a dream.
See also
- Cow Seen as a good sign in many families: nourishment, peace in the home and the ble
- Dog A friendly dog is read as loyalty and a trusted friend; a barking or biting dog
- Elephant Linked with Ganesha, strength, wisdom and good fortune; an elephant coming towar
- Horse Speed, progress and energy; a white horse is read as a sign of purity and a good
- Cat In popular belief, a sign of a quiet worry or a person who is not entirely open
- Tiger or lion Read as power, fear of someone strong, or one's own courage coming up.
Questions people ask
What does it mean to dream of snake?
In popular Indian belief a snake in a dream is one of the most commented-on symbols. Because the snake is linked with Shiva (who wears one), with the nagas, and with the ancestors in some families, many read a calm snake as a blessing and an attacking snake as a fear of an enemy or of something hidden. A snake that bites can be read as a sudden worry; a snake that is killed as a problem being overcome. In some regions a family that dreams of snakes in a season is advised to offer milk at a snake shrine on Nag Panchami; this is custom, not rule.
Does it predict anything?
No. There is no scientific evidence that dreams predict the future; the reading is a tradition.
This page reports popular beliefs for interest. Dreams do not predict the future, and nothing here is advice. If a dream is troubling you, talk to someone you trust or to a doctor.