Animals in Dreams
What Do They Symbolize?

Animals in dreams can be extremely helpful in gaining insight into ourselves - into our psyche. Animal dreams deal with strong emotion and are usually indicative of "prime root" issues in our lives.

Animals in dreams signify our basic instincts, our deepest emotions. They appeal to our deepest desire to be wild and free.

When investigating our animals in dreams, it is important to recall as many aspects of the dream as possible. Here are somethings to keep in mind as you consider your animals in dreams:

• Is this a wild animal or tame?
• Is the animal neglected or healthy?
• What is the environment of the animal?
• Are you interacting with the animal, or viewing from a distance?
• From which of the four directions does the animal come?
• How is the animal moving? Away from you or towards you? Fast or slow?

All of these factors play a part in determining the meaning of your dream animal.

Animals in dreams are strong communicators. When they make the effort to surface in our dreams, it is our responsibility to discover what message they are trying to communicate to us.

I recommend keeping a dream journal. When dream animals come to you, record as much of these dreams as you can remember. Set intentions before sleeping that you will remember your dreams, and also set intentions to receive animal messengers in your dreams. After journalling, set aside some quiet time to contemplate your dream animals. Meditate upon them. They will come, and their messages will be profound.

Below are some common dream animals and their meanings. As always, the ultimate meaning of an animal in your dream depends upon you. By paying attention to certain dream details (like the ones listed above), and taking time to communicate with your dream animal, the meanings will become more personal and clear to you.

	Ants:Ants may sybolize that something is "bugging" or irritating you. If they are crawling on your body, this could mean you have unfinished business that you need to tend to. Ants also represent hard work and community. If you are dreaming of an anthill, it indicates you have a strong circle of family & friends who support your endeavors.
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	Bears:Bears are symbols of calm, stoic strength. Bears also indicate a time of introspection. If you are dreaming of a bear sleeping or hibernating, this is a message to do a little soul searching before you present an idea to the world. If a bear is chasing you, this means you are avoiding a big issue in your life, and it is time to deal with it. If the bear is standing up, this is a sign you need to defend your beliefs. More bear symbolism here.
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	Bees:Bees in dreams indicate a buzzing network of communication. They may also point our attention to ideas that are pollinating successfully in our lives. Click here to find out more about the meaning of bees in your dreams.
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	Cats:Cats in dreams represent feminine power. Cats also deal with esoteric knowledge, and spiritual guardianship. White cats represent hightened spiritual awareness. Black cats signify hidden secrets or hidden powers within the dreamer. Wild cats encourage us to exercise our will power more. Tame cats indicate a place of comfort in our lives. See Cat (domestic) symbolism here.
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	Dogs:As you might guess, Dogs in dreams deal with friendship and loyalty. Hearing dogs bark in your dream may represent damaging gossip in your life. Being bitten by a dog indicates you may be dealing with a guilty conscience. The dog is also a dream symbol for instict. Being attacked by a dog may suggests you may be acting too much on impulse - think before you act. If you are being led by a dog in your dream, it suggests you are comfortable with yourself.
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	Elephants:Animals in dreams such as Elephants come into our dreams it is a message that we are able to deal with any obstacle we are faced with at this time. Dream Elephants represent power, sovereignty, stability, and stead-fastness. If you dream that you are riding an Elephant this suggests you have a tendancy to be the leader of the family, and others heavily depend on you. If you dream of Elephants in a circus this suggests you have a cavalier attitude about a situation in your life and you may want to invest more attention to it. See more Elephant symbolism here.
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	Frog:Animals in dreams such as Frogs represent blessings, love, and prosperity. If you dream of holding a frog in your hands, it suggests you fondest wish shall come true. Dream Frogs also symbolize spiritual and emotional transformation. I you hear Frogs croaking in your dreams, it is a call to learn more about spiritual matters. If the Frog in your dreams is in the water, this suggests you are going through some emotional turmoil but you have the ability to see your way out of it. See Frog symbolism here.
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	Hawks:Dream Hawks represent our yearning for freedom. If your dream Hawk is flying in the air, it suggests your plans are ambitious and you need to courage to see your vision to the end. If your Hawk is in a cage or trapped, you may be feeling like you are not allowed to express yourself at this time or you are caught in a restricting relationship. The Dream Hawk is a message to use your intellectual power to obtain the freedom you desire in life. See also Dream Birds.
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	Lizards:Dream Lizards come to us with a message to be cautious in our dealings with others. Lizards also encourage us to remain grounded in tense situations. If the Lizard is running away from you in your dreams, this could mean that you are afraid of some issues in your life - back off, and re-evaluate the situation. If the Lizard bites you this is a message for you to put a hold on any plans you might be making. If your dream Lizard is in a tree, this is a good sign, and plans should be carried out. Learn more about dream lizards here.
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	Peacocks:Peacocks in dreams represent confidence and ego. Sometimes the appearance of the Peacock may be a message that we are being overconfident, and should perhaps humble ourselves a bit. If the Peacock is making noises in your dream, this indicates you are trying too hard to impress people. If the Peacock's feathers are all fanned out, this is a message that an invitation to a new project is on its way to you. See the full page on Peacock symbolism here.
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	Serpents:Serpents in dreams represent psychic energy. When you dream of the Serpent, it is a message for your to awaken your unconscious energies that influence your feelings, urges, and instincts. By bringing these energies up to the surface, you will further shape your personality and destiny. If the Serpent bites you in your dream, don't be too trusting with new people you meet. If your dream Serpent is shedding its skin, this indicates you are feeling limited, or have outgrown your present condition. Click here for snake symbolic meanings.

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