Are All Dream Symbols Universal?

Besides a few common symbols that are universal, we each have our own unique “dream vocabulary” that we get the joy of discovering over time. We all seem to have particularly unique symbols for the demonic realm.

In my mother in law’s dreams they’re alligators, in others’ dreams they’re snakes, in mine they’re bearded, tattooed men on motorcycles! It’s a long story – don’t ask.

For someone who grew up with dogs that were treated like family members, dogs in their dreams could represent safety and divine oversight. For a person who was mauled as a child and is terrified of dogs today, the presence of a dog in their dream could be indicative of danger or an attack from the enemy.

The same holds true for common objects, colors, animals, or geographic locations. Every person’s dream vocabulary is unique and has to be gradually discerned.

I hope these guidelines will help in better interpreting your dreams. But these guidelines will be useless if you don’t record your dreams. Be sure to keep a notebook next to the bed or a recording device for later dictation and record the dream immediately upon awakening. Rest assured that when you ask God for wisdom in interpreting your dreams, He will provide it. Also be encouraged that He has gifted some in the Body of Christ with a specific gift of dream interpretation and they can be very helpful for especially difficult dreams.