Analyzing Dreams About Pets: Symbolism From Dogs, Cats and Other Animals
Ever wonder why your pet cats or dogs figure prominently in your dreams? And why these dreams often seem special somehow? Many times they are just that – important wisdoms from your higher self communicated through the symbolism of your furry friends.
By analyzing your pet dreams you’ll be able to tap into this guidance. And use it to create a smoother and happier life. This article will show you how to figure out your dreams and the messages conveyed by your cat and dog symbols within them. It includes the difference between animal dreams and pet dreams. determining personal dream symbols, examples of analysis of animal and pet dreams, and analyzing and using the wisdom of your own dreams.
Animal Versus Pet Dreams
There usually is a difference between the meaning of general animal dream symbols and those of your pets. While cats or dogs in general, or even a particular breed will represent certain characteristics to you, those of your cats or dogs are very precise. You know in intimate detail your pets’ personalities, habits, and behaviors. These composites are used by your higher self, when choosing perfect symbols within your pet dreams.
Your Personal Dream Symbols
Dreams are usually easier to analyze and more accurate if you determine your own personal symbolism. For example, my husband, as a child, was bitten by a Chow dog. As an adult, he still thinks of them as temperamental and mean. A Chow dog within a dream of his would be likely to represent danger of some kind. In contrast, a person with no past experience with Chows would be unlikely to choose them as a negative dream symbol.
Personal pets appearing within dreams may be more detailed symbols. My childhood dog, a Pekingese, chosen as a dream character would probably represent a group of the traits I associate with his personality – funny, playful, smart, lively, and loving. Because of my past close relationship with Pekes, their appearance in a dream brings to mind very definite characteristics for me.
Examples of Animal & Pet Dreams
In a general animal dream of my own, a close girlfriend and I were exploring a lush and tropical location. She wandered off and entered a cave. I sensed danger and called to her to return, but she didn’t answer. I started to go into the cave when a gigantic green snake crawled out of the entrance. Hesitating, I weighed my fear of the reptile against my concern for my friend then went past the snake and into the cave.
Analysis of this personal dream was quite simple. My friend, represented by the character of herself in the dream, was exploring new “terrain” in her own life, as represented by her entrance to the dream cave. I had been concerned. The green dream snake simply represented danger to me – he had no real personality or even physical details besides being very large and menacing. For me the dream clearly showed my willingness to pull my friend from danger in her life if necessary.
In a personal pet dream, two of my cats and I were in a large building crowded with many strangers. My oldest blond cat was acting very brave, going down long hallways and climbing staircases alongside me. In comparison, my young make tabby was very afraid. I had to carry him in my arms as I walked, hiding his head in my jacket.
Analysis – My two cats in this dream were not acting as they usually do. The older female is normally high-strung, cautious, jumpy, and suspicious. The younger male is usually assertive, brave and very nosy. I felt they each represented personality parts of a relative who had not been acting in his normal manner. The dream message pointed out how unexpected and out of character traits can sometimes emerge.
Analyzing & Using the Wisdom of Your Pet Dreams
To figure out the meaning of your own pet dreams, look closely at the animal characters. What is each of these cats or dogs like in real life? Describe him or her in as much detail as possible. Now do the same with other non-animal dream characters. Next look at what happened in the dream and how it felt. Where was the dream located and what did the surroundings look and feel like?
Your pet characters may represent themselves in dreams meant to show you something you need to know in a literal sense. Or they may stand for parts of your own personality or that of someone else. Or be chosen by your higher self to symbolize a person you know, or a type of person somehow involved in your present life.
Many of our dreams concern our work or relationships. By analyzing the behavior of your dream animals, and comparing it with the personality traits of the actual pets you know so well, you will be able to tap the wisdom your dreams contain. And then to put that knowledge to work in your life – thanks to the help of your beloved furry friends!
