About Sleep
Sleep Related Conditions
Sleep Disorders
Interested in your dream & sleep talking?
Sometimes sleep talking occurs during dreaming. Use ShutEye sleep tracker app to see funny things you say during the sleep, and if you snore or fart!
Author
Dream Meaning Summary
Having a dream of water can be a reflection of your inner world, the hidden fears that you may face and how you respond to being in an uncomfortable position.
Water is fluid and ever-changing. It can be as calm and still as a peaceful lake or a flowing river, and at the same time, fierce and overwhelming as an ocean. It can symbolize emotions, change or even hidden fears. But what does it mean to dream of water? Let’s have a look at the common water dreams and symbolic meanings in this dream guide.
What Is Water a Symbol of?
Water is said to be a symbol of life. We need water so that we get thirsty and dehydrated. We also need water when we carry out our essential daily activities, such as brushing our teeth or taking a shower.
When we look at water from an emotional perspective, it is ever changing. It will not always flow in the same direction with the same speed or strength. This is similar to our emotions and behaviors. So, it can also symbolize the depth of our personality and maturity, and the changes in our emotional state.
From a spiritual standpoint, water may evoke the ideas of cleansing or transformation, similar to the influence of the holy spirit.
What Does a Dream of Water Mean?
At this point, we have an understanding that water carries various symbolism. So, if we try to unpack what dreaming about water may suggest, it’s not a straightforward and definite interpretation.
Many different factors can come into play, influencing the relevance of these dreams to your personal life. For example, the appearance of the water and how you react to seeing the water are some of the factors that can influence your life.
Types of Water Dreams
Here, we’ve put together some common kinds of water dreams that you may have, as commonly reported by some users on internet forums:
1. Dreaming of dirty water
Dreaming of dirty or muddy water can symbolize that you are going through a period of emotional turmoil, and you are facing a lack of emotional clarity. You may be feeling stuck right now or uncertain as to how you should progress in life. You are going through a lot of overwhelming emotions that is clouding your sense of judgement. Hence, the murkiness or dirtiness of water.
2. Dreaming of water flooding
Dreaming of flooding water in your dream may symbolize a sense of anxiety, a loss of control or feeling a sense of being overwhelmed by the circumstances in your life. If you happen to dream about a situation in which you are surrounded by a flood of strong emotions , it’s a call for you to step back and reflect on how you have been managing your feelings. Find an outlet where you can best release these pent-up feelings, whether it’s journaling or confiding in a loved one.
3. Seeing a fish out of water
Seeing a fish out of the water in your dream is a sign that you may be feeling a sense of discomfort or as if you are out of place. It could be related to the work environment that you are in or to the current social circle that you have.
Constantly dreaming about this is also a suggestion that you cannot adapt to a new situation or environment. Perhaps, you’ve been in a situation where you’re surrounded by a group of friends or colleagues, but you’ve not been able to communicate with them well. It somehow always feels as if you are a misfit amongst them.
4. Seeing a snake in the water
Having a dream about seeing a snake in the water could represent hidden dangers that you may not be aware of. It could be that there is someone in your life who has not been very honest with you but has been pretending to be a friend. It’s worth being more cautious of who you surround yourself with and being prepared for potential betrayal.
Seeing a snake may also hint at the fact that there are some obstacles ahead of you that you will need to overcome before you’re able to see yourself grow and heal emotionally.
5. Driving a car into water
Dreaming about driving a car into water may symbolize upcoming challenges that you might encounter shortly. If the car starts to sink as soon as you drive it into the water, it may mean that you will experience some struggles in overcoming these challenges and that there’s a possibility of complete failure.
On the other hand, driving a car into water and getting out of it safely may represent your unwavering strength and determination through times of difficulties. It may seem as if you are unable to succeed in reaching your goals, and that you would be better off giving up. However, with your ability to not back down from a fight, you’ve managed to find yourself getting closer to your goals.
6. Falling into water
If you see yourself falling into the water in your dream, it may suggest that you are feeling uncertain. You may be expecting some sudden changes to your life, which you are unsure of how to navigate. This instability could also be causing you to feel overwhelmed and almost suffocated.
You may also like: Dream About Drowning
7. Water leaking from the ceiling
Water that is leaking from the ceiling may represent the emotional stress that is starting to affect the quality of your life, which you thought you had under control. It could be an existing problem that you thought would go away eventually on its own. But instead, it has snowballed to the point that it’s starting to affect you emotionally and mentally. Having a dream like this is a call for you to them before it breaks you.
8. Dream of rising water
Seeing the water level rising in your dream suggests something is building up in your life. It could be rising emotions or rising pressures that are slowly getting out of control. If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed in your dream, it may mean that you are stuck in an unpleasant position, and it’s a sign for you to take action on it if you want to continue growing.
9. Dream of the ocean
Dreaming of the ocean may represent your inner emotions. If you are seeing a calm ocean in your dream, it could mean being in a state of emotional peace, clarity, or emotional balance. Meanwhile, a rough ocean or strong tidal waves could represent a large sense of emotional pressure and emotional upheavals in your life.
If the waves are rough or turbulent, you may want to take this opportunity to consider your inner feelings, what is causing you to feel troubled and what matters to you in your waking life.
Cultural Significance of Water Dreams
In some cultures and religious beliefs, water is seen as a sacred symbol and spiritual blessings. In Buddhism, water is usually given as an offering at shrines. Water is often used as an imagery to promote a sense of calmness and peace that one should embody in their life [1]. In the Buddhist context, having a dream of clear water may symbolize emotional purification or a state of enlightenment.
Biblical meaning of black water in dreams
When we look at the biblical meaning of black water in dreams, it may represent a sense of despair or hopelessness that you are going through in the present moment.
It can also be a reflection of the spiritual condition that you are in, which is spiritual darkness and sinfulness. In this context, it is an urge for you to search deep inside you, and find your way back on this spiritual journey.
Biblical meaning of dreaming of dirty water
Alternatively, dreaming about dirty water in a biblical sense symbolizes spiritual impurity, a buildup of negative emotions, or that there may be potential spiritual challenges ahead of you. It could be that you are going through inner turmoil, and you don’t feel a sense of inner peace. A dream like this is an urge for you to find spiritual nourishment and tackle unresolved emotions for your emotional well-being, providing you with valuable insight .
Conclusion
Interpreting dreams about water is often tricky and requires a deeper understanding of your well-being. Depending on how you are in your waking life, having a dream about water could be a reflection of your inner world, hidden dangers, or even challenges that may hinder your personal growth.
For a more in-depth interpretation of your water dreams, consider trying out the latest dream analysis feature on the ShutEye® app. ShutEye® is a sleep tracking app that also allows you to analyze your dreams and offers insights into how it is closely linked to your sleep and well-being. Try it today!
References
Aquatech, M. (2023) Exploring the Sacred and Cultural Worth of Water [online]. Available at: https://www.maithriaqua.com/post/exploring-the-sacred-and-cultural-worth-of-water
Find more dream interpretations
