There are many theories as to why we dream, but dreams about animals are particularly interesting.
We use animals in our everyday lives to describe certain aspects of human behaviour. For example, we ‘horse’ around with our friends when we have fun, we call a person a ‘snake’ if we don’t trust them, and someone is a ‘rat’ if they talk behind our backs.
And as we all know, dreams are packed full of symbols and hidden meanings. So whenever you dream about an animal, you can be sure that it relates to a personal aspect in your life.
Before we look at the different type of animals in dreams, it is worth remembering that the situation in which you find yourself with the animal is also important.
Be aware that someone in your circle of friends, family or work is behaving in a mischievous way to undermine you.
Ants in your dream relate to work. If you observed them in their natural habitat and they were healthy and organised, it means the change of employment you were considering is a good idea. If they were crawling over you, it signifies setbacks in your current work situation.
Bears are associated with strength, security and power. They are family-orientated creatures and are linked to childhood and maternal instincts. Is there a family problem you need to attend to?
Bees are a symbol of good fortune and linked to communication. If they were buzzing around and busy, then this is a great sign. However, if they were dead or listless, it is an indication you should not put too much trust in so-called friends.
Dreams featuring bulls usually mean tough opposition in some form or another, unless the bull was light in colour. The bull also represents anger and issues over territory.
Dreaming of cats might seem lovely and innocent, but in actual fact, cats are a symbol of magic and hidden powers. They are associated with feminine sorcery and this is a warning against treachery and deceit, particularly amongst your most trusted friends.
Dogs, on the other hand, are a symbol of loyalty, trust and unconditional love. This dream is related to good times with friends unless the dog behaves in an aggressive way. In which case, the dream is a warning not to trust your friends.
You wouldn’t guess, but love and sex are symbolised by the humble donkey, and especially if you are riding a white one. However, a braying donkey is a warning that a clandestine affair is about to be made public.
To dream of these animals is a good sign. They represent the power of our emotions, strength of character and sheer steadfastness to conquer any situation.
If the animal in your dreams was a fox, this is a warning that you need to use all your cunning and expertise to ward off danger from unscrupulous rivals.
Gorillas are strong but unpredictable. This dream is an indication of a misunderstanding that has caused you pain.
There are many different interpretations of horses in dreams. Basically, seeing horses is a good sign, this includes foals, horseshoes, racing horses and grooming them. If you were riding a horse, you should receive a rise in status, but if you were thrown off, expect some opposition to this rise.
In real life, jackals are cunning and wily doglike wolf mammals that scavenge for food. In dreams, they are a sign not to trust overambitious friends with outlandish plans.
As you might expect, leeches are hugely symbolic in dreams. If you dream about this bloodsucking slug-like creature, it means you are going to have to face a drain on your resources.
Lice are an indication of petty annoyances or grievances that are irritating but not major obstacles. They are typically due to the stupidity of others.
These animals in your dreams can have two meanings. Lion sounds very much like ‘lying’ and could be an indication you think someone close to you is lying, or that you are hiding a secret. On the other hand, lions are a symbol of leadership and majesty. Is someone jealous of your success?
Lizards are all about quick-thinking, survival and having their wits about them. This is what you need to be. Be cautious when you deal with others, and especially keep your eyes open for false friends.
To dream of magpies is a message from your subconscious to give up on that unrequited love. Whether it be a lover or a friendship, they are not interested, it is time to move on.
Any kind of burrowing animals in dreams are a sign of hidden emotions that we don’t or can’t face. They are also a symbol of innocence.
Mice in dreams are related to outside influences. They represent meddling in your affairs or unwelcome visitors.
This is another hugely symbolic dream that indicates a refusal to see or acknowledge what is going on around you. You must take your head out of the sand and examine the situation.
Peacocks are all about showing off and displays of grandeur and this dream is a warning of failure due to overconfidence and hubris on your part.
Rabbits in your dreams are an indication of increased responsibilities but ones you enjoy, not chores.
As you might expect, black rats are not a good sign. They denote the signs of hidden jealousy in close friends or family. However, white rats are benign and signify protective forces around you.
These omens of bad fortune are a symbol of sadness and grief, usually suppressed by the dreamer.
Snakes in dreams usually have sexual connotations. They are phallic symbols and represent our sexual urges. Another interesting factor about snakes is that they are also temperature-dependent. If the snake in your dream was cold and sluggish, this could mean you feel bored sexually.
No two zebras have the same pattern of stripes, therefore, they are unique creatures. To dream about a zebra is an encouraging sign to expand your creativity to the next level.
These are just a few dreams about animals. If you have had an animal dream and it’s not on our list, let me know and I’ll look it up for you.
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Hi Janey
Thank you for the informative article, however, I had dreams of either meeting or interacting with more than one Tasmanian Tiger on more than one occasion. Tasmanian Tigers in a dream usually means that you are you to be careful whom you entrust your deepest secrets / talk to / is a warning. It is also a solitude animal (and very rare if still around). More than that I could not find any other meaning. Would be interesting if any more meanings could be found about it, though.
I had a dream of a alligator eating my cat and in the same dream a alien like creature (that looked like a turtle) was trying to eat my dog…. Can you please help me try and figure out what this means???
I had a lovely dream about living in a home in a jungle. There were wild animals all around, although I didn’t see them often. It was an afternoon, my sister was visiting and we saw a lioness and her cubs walking by the house. Beautiful. Then there were some tigers. All just traveling trough my backyard into the jungle. Off to my left were bears. Just being there. Doing nothing. Then, finally, buffalo. A small herd. Walking through my yard. They did no harm and I was not in the least afraid of any of them, but I was aware of their majesty. I respected them. They seemed to be aware of and at ease with me. My sister was somewhat awed by the whole scene. That was it.