dream interpretations
Start writing a post
Student Life

What Flying And 9 Other Things You Dream About Could Actually Mean

Have you ever wondered about the deeper meaning behind a common or recurring dream?

66
picture of moon

The science of dreaming has always interested me. However, it is the psychology of dream interpretation that fascinates me.

Sigmund Freud's "The Interpretation of Dreams"marked him as one of the earliest psychologists to study the meaning behind dreams and the unconscious mind. Sigmund Freud theorized that dreams were a form of wish fulfillment.

According to "The Girls' Guide to Dreams" by Kristi Collier-Thompson, there are several common dreams that have deep psychological meaning.

1. Taking a test

https://unsplash.com/photos/rD2dc_2S3i0

Who knew school could haunt us in our sleeping hours as well as our waking ones? Unsurprisingly, dreams about taking tests or exams are common among students.

The outcome of the exam determines the meaning of the dream. See a giant red 'F'? Dreaming about failing points to unpreparedness for an upcoming test. Got an 'A+'? You're a confident test-taker!

If the grade is not revealed to you or you wake up before you finish the exam, the dream could merely reflect your anxiety and insecurity about test-taking. Working on your control can mean the difference between a high grade or a low one.

2. Invisibility

https://unsplash.com/photos/LDbSpvVNLPs

Invisibility is one of the coolest superpowers, but experiencing invisibility in a dream is not always an amazing experience.

Dreams in which you are invisible can mean that you feel rejected, ignored, or neglected by others. These feelings from your life manifest themselves as a physical "invisibility" in your dreams.

This type of dream could also signal that you are ignoring an emotion or problem, in the hopes that it will disappear. You need to recognize and acknowledge this emotion or issue, because chances are, it will not simply fade away.

3. Chasing (or being chased)

https://unsplash.com/photos/e5JA3Br2bIU

Everyone knows that "chasing" something means working hard to obtain something you want in life. The dreamscape is no different; if you dream that you are chasing after something, you are trying desperately to achieve some kind of goal.

The flip side of this kind of dream is when something else is chasing you. Quite basically, this dream is a manifestation of your fear.

The pursuer can be interpreted in a myriad of ways: a problem you do not want to face, a person who is troubling you, or even a part of yourself you refuse to acknowledge. What are you running from?

4. Driving a car

https://stocksnap.io/photo/H08XN771L4

If you dream that you are driving a car, pay attention to the kind of car and the quality. Your driving symbolizes the way you approach problems and attempt to reach your goals.

Depending on the condition and style of the car (i.e. rundown vs. brand new) and your style of driving (reckless vs. attentive), you may be engaging in risky problem-solving behavior, or you may be great at approaching difficult situations.

If the car won't start, this means that you may have trouble moving forward in your aspirations.

Interestingly, if you are the passenger, pay attention to who the driver is. The person driving the car can be interpreted as someone who has control over your life and limits your everyday freedom.

5. Falling

https://unsplash.com/photos/vTfsYhlHVfg

The classic falling dream is one of the most ubiquitous dream themes. You nearly hit the ground when suddenly you jolt awake, safe in bed.

Falling dreams represent anxiety, especially the feeling that your life is out of control. You may feel overwhelmed by the stressors in your life, or your inability to perform.

Try to let some of these stressors go. If you believe that you will fail, you cannot hope to succeed.

6. Palace or mansion

https://unsplash.com/photos/E4Kub4UfGD8

A luxurious mansion appearing in your dream symbolizes comfort, security, and, of course, wealth.

If you are treated like royalty in your dream, this directly corresponds to the way you think you should be treated in real life. You desire recognition and appreciation.

If your palace looks straight out of a fairy tale, either you've been watching too many Disney Princess movies, or you have fallen into a form of escapism. You may wish that you could escape into your own imagination, and a pre-determined "happy ending", instead of facing reality.

7. Phone call

https://unsplash.com/photos/ejPPVWDPeGU

If a phone rings in your dream, or you dream about the sound of your alarm, you dream is alerting you to wake up! This can be interpreted both literally and metaphorically.

Literally, a phone ringing or an alarm sounding in your dream could be the sounds of the waking world around filtering into your sleeping state. Your dream is telling you that sleep time is over, and you need to wake up.

Metaphorically, the dream could also be insisting that you should pay attention to your unconscious thoughts. Listen carefully to what your unconscious mind is trying to get through to you.

8. Flying

https://unsplash.com/photos/O6TrpoUjrls

If you dream about flying, enjoy it while you can! I personally find flying dreams to be fun and free.

Truly, flying dreams allow the dreamer to experience freedom, joy, and other purely positive emotions. If you dream about flying, it may be a way for your unconscious mind to revel in a recent achievement, or successfulness.

Flying dreams show that you are able to perform well, and are headed upwards in life!

9. Death

https://unsplash.com/photos/u6OnpbMuZAs

Many people have experienced dying in their dreams. It can be a scary and shocking experience, although a dream about death is not a death omen. If you die in a dream, that is not a signal that something bad will befall you.

Actually, a dream about your own death could point to self-destructive behaviors. One example of a self-destructive behavior could be an unhealthy friendship.

Your dream is essentially alerting you that part of your life is causing you harm, and you should make a major change.

Alternatively, if you dream about the death of someone else who is still alive, this may indicate that you are neglecting them, mistreating them, or taking them for granted. The death dream tries to show you the consequences of treating this person poorly.

Sigmund Freud believed that feelings of guilt often surfaced in or drove dreams, and this theory is evident in this type of common dream.

10. A wall

https://unsplash.com/photos/MT6LDkbWfNA

A wall appearing in a dream symbolizes an obstacle. The wall could be impassable, signifying that you cannot overcome the obstacles in your life. However, if you can climb over the wall, you are currently overcoming your obstacles.

Another interpretation is based on the common phrase "putting up walls". Your dream could be urging you to put down your walls, open up, let others in, and be honest about your feelings.

On the contrary, a wall could mean that you should set more limits in your life, and protect yourself and your privacy. Setting clear boundaries is important for your own safety and happiness.

Whether you are building walls or knocking them down, keep in mind that though walls provide defense and protection, they also can confine you and isolate you.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71108
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132828
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments