Dreams about animals: Meanings in Popular Belief

Animals are the most common subject in Indian dream lore. Many of them have a religious meaning: the cow is sacred, the snake is linked with Shiva and with ancestors, the elephant with Ganesha and kings. Below are the readings commonly given in popular belief; they vary from region to region, and they are traditions, not predictions.

12 entries

SnakeOften read as a sign of hidden fear or of an enemy; in some traditions a snake that does not harm you is a good sign and a link with the ancestors or with Shiva.

CowSeen as a good sign in many families: nourishment, peace in the home and the blessing of the elders.

DogA friendly dog is read as loyalty and a trusted friend; a barking or biting dog as a quarrel or a worry about someone close.

ElephantLinked with Ganesha, strength, wisdom and good fortune; an elephant coming towards you is a favoured sign.

HorseSpeed, progress and energy; a white horse is read as a sign of purity and a good journey.

CatIn popular belief, a sign of a quiet worry or a person who is not entirely open with you.

Tiger or lionRead as power, fear of someone strong, or one's own courage coming up.

MonkeyHanuman is linked with monkeys, so a monkey is often seen as protection; it can also mean restlessness or mischief around you.

BirdsFree birds are read as good news and freedom; a bird in a cage as a feeling of being held back.

CrowLinked with ancestors in the Hindu tradition (food is offered to crows in the shraddha rites); the reading is a thought of the family elders.

FishUsually a good sign: fish are linked with prosperity and, in the Matsya avatar, with protection.

PeacockBeauty, a good name and the grace of Krishna and Kartikeya, both shown with the peacock.

Dreams about animals

12 entries

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