The objects, symbols, and people we see in our dreams can be baffling and confusing at times. Dreams seem to contain their particular language, and that language can be difficult to read for those unfamiliar with dream symbolism. There are some symbols in dreams that are thought to be universal. Some of the universal themes include flying, falling, losing teeth, and failing a test. In addition to these universal symbols, there are some other important symbols encountered in dreams.

Angels

Angels are typically seen as symbols of goodness, purity, and wisdom. The appearance of angels in a dream can be a representation of the quest for spiritual goodness or a desire to improve your life. Angels can also be symbols of enlightenment. Angels often appear in dreams as guides or teachers. The more spiritually minded often see the appearance of angels as omens or messages.

Animals

Animals encountered in dreams are often symbols of our animal nature or baser instincts. Animals can also be used by the dreaming mind to symbolize repressed desires. The exact interpretation of an animal dream depends in large measure on the type of animal in the dream. The key to interpreting an animal dream is to examine the nature of the animal dreamed about.

Black

Dreams about black objects can symbolize a fear of aging and death. Black can also represent a perceived void in the dreamer’s life.

Blood

Blood in the dream world can represent power and vitality, but the exact meaning of blood in a dream depends on the context of the dream. Violent dreams where blood is spilled can represent an emotional upheaval or a loss of control. On the other hand, blood on the hands can represent feelings of guilt.

Cars

Driving a car in your dream can represent the joy of freedom while dreaming of a car out of control can symbolize danger or a loss of control.

Dancing

A dream dance can have many different meanings, depending on the nature of the dance and its context. Dancing can be a symbol of sex or romance. Dancing in a dream can also be a symbol of freedom.

Eggs

Dreaming about eggs can mean a striving for renewal or rebirth or a feeling of wholeness and unity. Dreaming of broken eggs, on the other hand, can represent a shattering of faith or a shattering of illusions.

Fog

Dreaming of fog can mean the dreamer is confused. Fog in a dream can also mean you are ready to explore unexplored parts of your life or your personality.

Gate

A dream gate can be either an entrance or an exit, deepening on which way it is swinging.

Illness

Dreaming about sickness can be an indication that you need to seek help for a physical ailment. The unconscious mind can be more aware of the body’s condition than the conscious mind.

Keys

Finding keys in a dream can indicate you have been keeping a secret or that you are locking away a secret life.

Mountains

Dreams in which you are climbing a mountain can symbolize achieving a goal or reaching for higher levels of success. Dreams in which you are climbing down a mountain can mean that you have reached your goals.

Owl

Dreams of owls can represent the need for knowledge and wisdom. In some cases, the owl can be a physical representation of the subconscious mind. In many cases, owls are used to deliver messages in dreams.

Road

The road seen in a dream can indicate the direction the dreamer is headed, and the nature of the road can indicate the perceived nature of the journey. A long straight road can mean smooth sailing ahead, while a winding or bumpy road can indicate perceived difficulties along the way.

Stairs

Dreams of climbing stairs can mean a reaching or a yearning for higher levels of awareness, while deems of descending stairs can mean you fear a diminishing status.

Underground

Dreaming of going underground can symbolize a journey to the subconscious, or it can mean that the dreamer is wrestling with issues he or she is afraid to face. In addition, venturing underground during a dream can mean the dreamer is ready to explore previously hidden issues.