Water is the basis of life. Our bodies consist of mostly water, we need water to survive, the animals and plants around us need water to survive, which is why water is such a strong and commonly recurring symbol in our dreams.
Water is used to bless, renew, and purify. However, water can also be used to torture and kill. Water can be peaceful and life-giving, or it can be powerful, over-whelming, and dangerous.
- Lying in a calm pool of water can be restful to our body and soul.
- Riding on a wave of water can be exhilarating and exciting.
- Falling into a deep ocean of water can be dark, directionless, and full of unknown terrors.
When we cannot properly express our emotions during the day, they may take form in our dreams at night. Therefore, finding the meaning of our dreams, will help us understand ourselves better, as well as improve our emotional and physical well-being.
To find the deeper meaning of our dream about water, we need to look at the details of our dream, within the context of what is currently happening in our life.
Our Dream of Water – What, Where, How
Dreams about water can have many different interpretations depending on –
- How we interact with the water.
- How we feel during and after the dream.
- What type of water appears in our dream. A clear ocean, a fast moving river, a swampland, a swimming pool, or a lake, will all have different associated meanings.
- What objects and people are in the water dream.
1. How we interact with the water
There are many ways with which we can interact with water. Different actions, have different purposes and effect, and therefore a different meaning.
Positive interactions –
- Swimming in water indicates that we have a new goal or destination that we are moving toward. We could be finding a new direction in life, starting school, moving, or changing jobs. Swimming with the current, shows that our journey is going well, and we are happy and confident with our circumstances. Swimming against the current, signals that we are having difficulties and have to work hard to move forward. Being carried away by the current, suggests that the journey is too challenging, and we are no longer sure that we can reach our goals. In this case, we may want to re-evaluate our future and current actions.
- Diving into water can signify a need to delve into our own emotions, needs, actions, and inner psyche. Alternatively, we may be trying to understand the goals and intentions of someone close to us, or how to solve a current work issue.
- Crossing a body of water captures a yearning for freedom, independence, and change. We are moving from what was known and safe, to what is new and not constrained by old rules and old doubts.
- Playing or frolicking in water signals the awakening of a new love or a new passion. We could be looking forward to a new relationship, a new work project, or learning a new skill.
- Walking on water suggests that we are in control and are confident that we can face whatever challenges are currently in our life.
- Listening to water shows a need for reflection, and to be at peace with our emotions.
- Pouring water on someone else may mean that we are helping a friend recover, helping her embark on a new journey, or offering her new opportunities and blessings.
- Drinking water from a water fountain, cooler, spring, or other nourishing source, suggests that we are seeking to be refreshed and renewed. On the other hand, drinking dirty water implies a fear of getting sick, continuing sickness, or some other contamination of the body and mind.
Negative interactions –
- Drowning, rising water, or being swallowed up by a stormy sea indicates anxiety, dread, or a feeling of being overwhelmed by external forces. We could be experiencing a lot of stress from work, from our friends and relatives, or from our current environment and circumstance. We may have lost our job, lost someone we love, and may feel that we no longer have control of our emotions or our life.
- Breathing under water suggests a wish to return to the womb, in particular, a need for safety, security, and freedom from responsibilities. We may be facing difficult issues in life and be overburdened by commitments, therefore we are looking to return to a simpler and safer place.
- Bailing out water is a signal of future troubles or difficulties, which we have currently forestalled with hard work and effort. However, there is uncertainty as to whether we can hold-off the coming tide.
- Looking or thirsting for water may mean that recent setbacks or current life experiences (e.g. work, health, relationships), have left us feeling empty and depleted. Therefore, we are looking to be refueled or reborn. We need to take time to nurture ourselves.
- Falling into water captures a feeling of momentary helplessness, of not being in control, regrets on mistakes made, and possible unpleasant consequences.
- Splashed by water symbolizes a wake up call. We need to focus, get our thoughts straight, and stop living in self-denial or self-delusion. Otherwise, we may end up in a dead-end job, a bad relationship, or a life full of regrets.
- Throwing water at others suggests the onset of an emotional outburst, or the need to show more emotion. Getting water thrown at us, indicates that we may be the target of someone else’s anger or strong emotion.
2. How do we feel during and after the water dream
- Feeling bold and laughing at the stormy sea indicates that we are ready to meet adversity, we are ready to transition into something new, we are confident we can sail through the difficult circumstances, and come out victorious on the other side.
- Feeling anxious and fearful of the water is a signal that we are afraid of the unknown. We may be unsure of the direction to take on a vast trackless body of water, or we may feel that we have no control of where our life is taking us.
- Feeling calm and peaceful about the water captures our feelings of safety, security, and contentment while in our mother’s womb. We feel safe in our current situation, our work life is progressing smoothly, and the people and environment surrounding us gives us peace.
3. What type of water appears in our dream
The type of water in our dream is also significant. In particular –
a) Size and depth of the water
- Large or deep bodies of water (ocean, lake, or well) indicate the unknown, hidden secrets, uncertainty, and greater danger.
- Small and shallow bodies of water (a pond, swimming pool or puddle) are safe, familiar, and known. Even if they are associated with negative emotions and actions, they are more of a nuisance or minor setback, rather than a life changing phenomenon.
- A path of water (stream, creek, or river) signals movement to a particular destination, or having to choose which direction to take.
b) Condition of the water
- Clear water indicates confidence, clarity in thinking, or that we are in tune with our spirituality.
- Still or calm water shows that we are at peace, or that we are seeking peace and relaxation.
- Murky or stagnant water, for example in a swamp or bog, is a sign of apathy and depression. We may feel lost, that our life is going nowhere, that we will never find love, or that our achievements are meaningless. We may be struggling with negative emotions, and find it difficult to take positive action, or indeed any action at all. Fog, is perhaps a weaker symbol, which indicates that we are having trouble reaching clarity, or taking action.
- Ice represents repressed emotions, or some disturbing past experience that still haunts us. Melting ice signals that we are ready to face our past or childhood trauma, and start unraveling our repressed emotions.
- Falling water, for example standing in the rain, under a shower, or in a waterfall denotes a cleansing or need for self-renewal. We may need to heal emotional scars or let go of pent-up emotions, that is causing us sadness and pain.
- Fast moving water, for example in a river, may signify that our life or emotional landscape is changing too quickly. Similarly, boiling water indicates emotional turmoil and great stress.
- Tsunamis, tidal waves, storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and other acts of God captures a strong sense of being overwhelmed by events that are beyond our control. They may also suggest a hidden guilt or sin, that is greatly weighing on our psyche. We may feel that we need to be, or are going to be punished.
4. What is in the water
Finally, the objects or people related to our water dream can also be significant.
- Boats, jet skis, water skis, water floats, and other objects that give us the ability to stay on top of the water, suggests self-confidence. In general, objects that provide us with more control and more speed, signify greater belief in ourselves and our actions. For example, speed boats and jet skis > sail boats > row boats > paddle boats > water floats.
- Hose, faucets, or other objects that allow us to control the direction and flow of water, also suggests that we are in control, and have the emotional fortitude to take charge of our life and actions.
- Other people swimming in the water with us, helping us get to the surface, or helping us get to shore, indicates that we have support from friends and family in our current troubles. On the other hand, being held back or pushed down into the water, suggests that we have enemies or competitors, who are trying to sabotage or impede our progress.
- Fish and other sea creatures can have a variety of meanings. Mermaids and fantastical sea animals, show a need for change or an urge to escape into a different life. Being attacked by sharks, alligators, or sea monsters, implies that we are feeling harried in many aspects of our life, or that we are worried about embarking on something new and unknown. Observing fish and other sea life from a distance, represents a feeling or indifference, and an unwillingness to explore or to engage in the happenings of our life.
- Barriers in the water or hitting some impediment, signals some complication that is preventing us from reaching our goal. We may be unwilling to take some risk, unable to commit to some action, or make a required sacrifice.
- Familiar objects under water implies that we have repressed or hidden feelings related to those objects. We may feel reluctant to examine or confront those memories.
- Water lily is a symbol of grief and separation. It indicates feelings of sorrow and bereavement.
What Is the Meaning of My Water Dream
Dreams are made of symbols. The interpretation of dreams involve identifying which symbols are important in our dream, and then translating what they each mean to us.
Some symbols have broader cultural significance, while others may have narrower meanings, or may pertain to specific experiences that are special or unique to us. Therefore, dream interpretation is partly a study of symbology, and partly a study of self.
In this article, we examine many of the broader meanings of water, in its various forms and contexts. However, always be aware that our personal experiences and histories also play a very big role.
To fully understand the meaning of our water dreams, we must not only understand the cultural significance of water, but also be brave enough to look into ourselves, and read what it signifies to our soul.
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I dreamed I was looking for my son and found him being held under water by a faceless man in a pool. Then I jumped into the water swam under the pool cover to save him. Grabbed him and had to hurry out before the pool cover closed on us. We both made it to safety and were alive.
I dreamt that I was driving to get home to my husband and daughter and there was a very long bridge over a body of water I had to cross. The weather was nice with a bright blue sky. As I was looking at how long the bridge was (could not see land) way up ahead a huge wave came up over a section of the bridge. I looked at the body of water and it was very turbulent and in the water was an 18 wheeler. I stopped and backed up not wanting to cross the bridge and next thing I know my vehicle is in the water as well. And that’s when I woke up.
Had a dream OF My husband and My dad we are in the River and with My cat. tree of them are already died.
My dad died 1998/my husband died 2014/my cat died 2015 so I had dream of them that we are in the river the water is not clean not cleared it was like brown colour just like dirty river flowing from the mountain. Saw my cat chasing with other cat in the river and saw my husband beside me and my dad other side we are silence were not talking but suddenly my dad says oh the storm are coming and heavy rains falls!? And I am awake! ;-/
This is a drama of familiar spirits and setback if you dream of a stage in your life which you have already passed and if you dream of family members that have died.
I had a dream that I was in search of a way to help get nutrients to others through drinking more water daily. I had a huge water dispenser and I tried regular water at first which no one drank, secondly I diffused tortilla chips which also did not work, finally I tried diffusing water with dog food and people loved it they kept coming back for more and bringing their friends. I’m trying to find the meaning of drinking diffuser dog water but it’s a tough one to find. Any thoughts or any guidance as to what the meaning is for me? Thank you.
I had a dream a few months ago that I was wondering what it ment.There was a hurricane,and I was on the sand next to it.My faimily was telling me to walk slowly. They were in the water right near the hurricane saying,”Hurry go!make sure not to step on the ground!Hurry save us!”water was flooding the floor when I looked down,and then I was crying trying not to touch the ground trying to swim fast,but in real life I can never swim up stairs I always touched the stairs trying to get up and then I tried to get up,but I touched the stairs and I suddenly everything went dark and I woke up scared,and I felt Iike crying.(The water also was dark blue)
I had a dream where I was sleeping in my room with my son and there was my neighbor outside our bedroom pouring clear water from a bucket. When my mom and I confronted her she said she feels sorry for me coz my son needs serious help. And then one of other neighbors asked me to pour water at her yard and sweep but before I could do that I woke up. What could this mean?
I dreamt of myself and my boyfriend being stabbed by a rival,he tried so stop the rival not to steb me but he couldn’t,was stebbed one on the leg and I ran away but weak. I wonder what could be the meaning.
My husband is having a reoccurring dream, for the past 10 nights, about water. He is standing, or rather floating over darkness but is surrounded by bright white light. Someone is standing over him, pouring water on him from out of a milk jug. He tries to yell and scream but nothing comes out. It feels to him like water torture. He wakes up in a rage and disoriented because the dream feels so real. He is getting concerned because it’s the same dream 10 nights in a row. It’s so bad that he doesn’t want to go to sleep. Please advise.
My dream started out withb me riding a bike down a side walk at night by a busy highway right next to a ditch of murky water. (I don’t own or ride a bike) In the ditch I noticed different body parts and a little boy about 8 years of age floating on top. I lost control and fell into the water, as I was falling I tried to throw my phone onto the sidewalk, but it bounced down the ditch into the water. I went and grab it out while I was making my way to the incline of the ditch. As I was doing so, that little boy grabbed my arm and tried to pull me down and then I woke up scared and had to calm myself down.
I dreamed that my mom and l and her friend with an infant were out some we’re near a lake or river of some sorts. And there was a bridge over the water that cars could cross. Out of nowhere things started to catch on fire it happened slowly but only certain things caught on fire. Like boats that were at the dock and my mothers car started to catch on fire. Anyway they got it under control and we drove off. While we were driving( my mother) she was talking to her friend and keep on drifting, and the more she drifted like we were on the shore of the lake she kept on driving into the water , each time going deeper in the water until I yelled at her to pay attention to were she was going. As we made are way off the shore to go to what I guess was a road, the bridge had caught on fire and after not long fell into the lake and got completely submerged. No one seemed to notice or care and kept on driving. When we actually got to the road I remember looking down and seeing the road as if I wasn’t in the car or I was looking through it to the road. And the road was damaged and started to break apart. And you couldn’t go to your left to get over from the part of the road that was coming apart, because of oncoming cars. We fell through a large hole and fell until I jumped into another dream. The whole time in felt anxious
The second dream was two people on girl and boy.. There age were about 17-21. I don’t know them. But there was no me to be seen. Like I was invisible or something because they acted as if I didn’t exist (not like last dream) they played in what I could perceive as a backyard they were digging the a hole. the girl got in (still alive) and the guy covered her up with dirt and left, only to come back a get her out of the hole. they laughed and the rest is hard to recall. But even there there were no emotions. Not fear or happiness. Nothing
And between the two dream there was this shadow in one if the two. I could tell it was a man but the top of his head had antlers and his eyes we’re illuminated white they didn’t shine or shimmer but they were completely white with no pupils.
I hope some one can help me understand what all this means. And trust me I’m not trying to get attention or anything this is what I dreamed a few minutes ago and tied to find out the meaning of everything. Plus I would write this much or at all if nothing didn’t happen. Sorry for the long comment just wanted to get everything out.
i had a dream that i was been chased and shot at by people sent from someone close to me and the bullet was not entering, then i was running and saw a huge water and entered then i woke up in the water in peace then i saw a very huge , big and beautiful lady who said she is the queen on the water abd she saved me from those men and she was as huge as a rock.
I was dreaming of looking at my cousin pouring a bucket of water on herself. Kinda hard to read.
As we are predominantly water, it sounds as though your cousin is in need for some nourishment of some form, possibly emotional support, and also some cleansing from a lifestyle she’s been living.
She’s doing what she can on her own but it may not be enough, others support around her want for change and need for nourishment will make a lot of difference to her outcome and her life.
Or the fact that you are witnessing this, it could be that she is nourishing herself well and you need to take note to follow suit for yourself and your dreams in life.
i had a dream that i was near water when i saw a man inside water he called me but did not go there but he came then was praying there and i was praying to. when he come out of water the was a shadow.
I had a dream last night I was driving fast down the road following my cousin switching from highways to dirt road back and forth … until we got on a dirt road with pretty brown sand there was a circle of a lake in the middle of the road as I was driving so fast I didn’t have time to stop . Until I crash into the clear blue lake knowing I can’t or don’t know how to swim in reality. The car did not sink it flip over and then flip back over on its on as I swim out the car was floating on water . As I thought to myself following my cousin I did not see him again especially if he was driving in front of me how come he didn’t crash in the lake ? As TIL this day the setting was nothing like how this world is I was in another world clear blue water calm water and peaceful bright skies and pretty green trees.
I had a dream I was driving down a high way fast a my car flew into the pond when I opened my eyes I was in the road with my brother as I got up a car flew pasted us and didn’t stop I ran to the pond my dog was there I called my kids dad him and my dad were coming I walk to the pond there’s a white car spinning in the pond I some how pull it out myself then I see my car spinning in circles but it some how stops and goes flat I see my other dog looking at me thru the window i wake my self up after that anyone know what is means
you need to start praying against life stagnation situation in your personal life . God will help you to overcome spirit of not moving forward.
I had a dream about a baby wanting to go swimming but I told him that I would bring him back to swim because the water was rising. The water was calm but rising and I didn’t want the baby to drown. Well the baby jumped in the water and started to swim like a tadpole. I was shocked and was going to jump in to get him but then I woke up. I believe this was one opportunity to become pregnant because this is the second dream like this. Me and my husband have been trying to conceive for a year now. I had a dream where I was offered a beautiful box and I accepted the box then I ended up pregnant with my first son.
Both my husband and I have dreamed of seeing our toddler son upside down in water…His dream our son was clad only in a diaper and he was just floating there upside down in water. In my dream though, there was a flash flood in a mall we rarely frequent and in the fast moving murky brown water I see my son being pulled through the fast flowing flood water. I am up to my waist and fighting the current to get to him and there are men trying to either help me or pull me back to safety thus thwarting my efforts to reach my son. At the end of the dream I see are his little shoes and the lower half of his legs. He is wearing blue corduroy pants and little tiny white and red tennis shoes are bobbing up and down while submerged and I get to him and am just about to pull him up and then it ends.. This dream was rattling let alone, but my spouse and I having such a coincidence is very disturbing. The dreams happened within six months of one another, with my dream occurring ten months ago.The only really strange thing I am able to possibly thread through is the fact my son came down with a pretty rare viral infection known as Kawasaki’s. It usually only happens to people of Japanese decent and I believe its a one in 250,000 chance of having it manifest itself. We are not Japanese and thislittleguy is pretty dang healthy Does anyone have an interpretation for us? Were very interested in the thoughts of people who seek out more open minded and less conventional references.
I am not sure if you and your husband are believers (
(Christians) but God is telling you something concerning your son and some type of storm (difficult circumstances). It is very important if you are believers, to fast and pray for guidance (direction) and strength. As you fast it will make you become weak and sensitive. It is in our weakness where God is strong and when we become sensitive we also become sensitive to his voice and what He is saying to us. From what I read in you and your husband dream your son is going through a difficult tribulation, although the end of the dreams has not been revealed. But it is only through God where you will overcome.
I had a dream of fishing on a pond. There were no fish on my side of the pond but there are many on the other side. I tried to go to that side but when i reach it the water turned dry.
I had a dream that I was walking on water with one of my friend. It was huge water body ,the water on other side of it was calm but the water on which we were walking was rising beneath a wall we reach at the top of wall and on the other side of wall also there was water . We were holding the end of wall and the water was still rising.But we were not drowning. Water was clear. And had mixed feeling.