If you frequently dream about snakes, you are not alone. In fact, snakes have been one of the oldest dream symbols in the world. While seeing a random snake in your dream may not have any particular significance, recurring dreams about snakes often indicate something that you are neglecting in your waking life.
Linda Mastrangelo, a psychotherapist specializing in dreams and executive director of the Institute for Dream Studies, explains that snake dreams are not meant to frighten you, but rather to bring your attention to unaddressed areas of your life and motivate you to take action.
Below are five possible explanations for your snake dreams and suggestions on what you can do in your waking life to address them.
- There’s someone toxic in your life
According to Lauri Loewenberg, a certified dream analyst and member of the International Association for the Study of Dreams, if someone in your life behaves in a venomous manner, they could manifest as a snake in your dreams. Your subconscious may be using the image of a venomous snake to help you better understand their role in your life.
If you’re uncertain about who the snake represents, the context surrounding the dream may provide clues. For example:
If the snake bites you, it could mean that someone in your life has been critical or made biting remarks to you.
If the snake traps or squeezes you, it could symbolize feeling trapped by a toxic partner or family member.
If there are multiple snakes in your dream, it could represent several toxic people in your life, such as a toxic work environment.
If the snake is a threat in your dream, Loewenberg suggests reflecting on who in your real life makes you feel the same way. If possible, cutting toxic people out of your life is the best course of action, as indicated by dreaming of chopping off the snake’s head or cutting it in half. If this isn’t an option, you can limit your contact with them and prioritize self-care after interactions with them.
2. You’re afraid of something
The snakes in your dreams can also represent abstract fears, such as rejection or the unknown. Researchers suggest that humans may have an inherent fear of snakes, inherited from our ancestors, who faced a significant threat from them.
The specific type of snake in your dream can offer insight into your particular fear, according to The Dream Dictionary:
Anacondas may symbolize emotional or unconscious fears, such as the fear of rejection.
Black snakes may represent a fear of the unknown.
Cobras may point to a fear of provoking an enemy.
Rattlesnakes could suggest a minor fear that shakes you up, represented by the rattling tail.
Pythons could indicate a fear of something that metaphorically traps or suffocates you.
If you can identify your fears or worries, you can try various techniques to manage them. Some examples include practicing mindfulness through meditation, keeping your mind busy with tasks, expressing gratitude, reaching out to friends, or speaking with a therapist.
3. You have something new to learn
The meaning of snakes in dreams can vary and they are not always negative symbols. According to some dream interpreters, snakes can be good omens in certain cases. Carl Jung, a pioneer of psychoanalysis, saw snakes as symbols of transcendence, representing experiences that go beyond the usual limits and lead to personal or spiritual breakthroughs.
Recurring snake dreams may also signify your desire for knowledge or an upcoming journey of discovery. Certain snake-related images, such as the ouroboros, an alchemical symbol of a snake eating its own tail, can represent a cycle of transformation and rebirth. For example, the German chemist August Kekulé reportedly dreamt of the ouroboros before discovering the ring-like structure of benzene.
If you have these types of snake dreams, it’s important to stay open, playful, and curious as they might have something important to teach you. You can encourage personal growth by reading more books, engaging in physical activity, and eliminating unnecessary distractions, like taking a break from social media.
4. Your life is changing
According to Mastrangelo, dreaming about snakes can be associated with change and transformation because they shed their skin. This means that if you’re going through a big change in your life, such as starting a new job or relationship, you might dream about snakes. It’s also possible that your snake dreams could represent old memories or trauma resurfacing if you’re already on a new path.
To cope with anxieties related to life changes, you could try techniques that make the transition easier, like journaling or talking to a trusted friend. Being aware of your thoughts and emotions during this time can help you work through them mindfully, says Mastrangelo.
5. Your health is on your mind
Loewenberg suggests that if you are struggling with a physical ailment, you might dream about snakes. This is because snakes have long been associated with healing and medicine, as seen in the use of a snake-entwined staff as a healing instrument by the Greek god of medicine, Asclepius. Seeing a snake in your dream, and interacting with it by touching or letting it crawl on you or talking with it, could indicate that your body is actively healing or needs to heal. However, if you see the snake but do not interact with it, it could suggest that you still need to heal.
Dream interpretations are highly subjective, and the meaning of a dream can vary from person to person. If you are experiencing recurrent or disturbing dreams about snakes, you may want to consider speaking with a therapist or dream analyst to explore their potential significance further.
To improve your physical or mental health, it may be helpful to identify any factors that could be causing stress or harm to your body, such as a recent health diagnosis or a stressful work project. Then, you can take steps to manage them, such as practicing self-care, taking time for rest and relaxation, or scheduling an appointment with your doctor.
