We are all connected to the natural world, and all the animals that surround us. Most of us have fur babies right by our side in our homes every day! So, it’s not unusual to see animals in your dreams. What they mean depends on the animal, what’s going on in your life at the time of the dream, the environment, as well as what that animal could represent to you personally. With animals, there are many pre-defined meanings. While I typically discourage the use of dream dictionaries, I would definitely make an exception when it comes to animals. Most of what’s already out there can fit.
My all-time favorite reference book is “Animal Speak” by Ted Andrews. It’s a fantastically deep and insightful book that gives general information as well as symbolic information on many animals. I highly recommend that book!
What I find most interesting about seeing animals in dreams is that they will come to you when you need them the most. Generally, they provide a bigger direct push when it comes to your subconscious trying to get your attention. They seem to have an intensity about them. Let’s just say, I’ve never seen a soft kitty, warm kitty in my dreams! I’ve encountered big black and grizzly bears, abnormally large deer, and big birds.
My most recent dream involved a very long, floofy black ostrich feather! I found it on a beach and felt protective of it. More specifically, I didn’t want someone stealing it. I intuitively knew the feather was special and that others would be jealous that I had it. Upon waking, I had no idea what this could mean. I know that beaches represent that liminal, or in-between space. I.e.- the transition from land to water. Or, the transition from awake to asleep, or even life to death. In the dream, I was quite further back from the ocean. So, I didn’t feel close to any type of transition or in-between state. I also know that birds in general often represent freedom, the higher self, and higher knowledge. When I looked up ostrich in “Animal Speak”, it says:
“The ostrich is a bird that can help you to take new knowledge out of that ethereal mental realm and apply it practically. The ostrich can still help us link to those realms and prevent us from getting lost in them. This is reflected in its long neck and legs, its height giving us a link. …The ostrich is very fast moving on land with great strength in its feet. …The feet is how humans stay connected to the earth, again reflecting the idea of staying grounded.”
Then, what I love about this book, and what reflects how I do dreamwork, is that it asks you questions to get you thinking in a different direction:
“If an ostrich shows up as a totem, ask yourself some pertinent questions. Are you not staying grounded? Are you afraid to use your knowledge and fly to new heights and realms? Are you using your knowledge to move forward? Are you not using your knowledge?”
This resonated with me in regard to dreamwork in general. I have been feeling held back, caught up in my own head, not sure where to go next, and not sure how to move forward. I know I have a special skill, something I want to share (and protect), and I very well could always be on that cusp, that beach of making a difference.
I wanted to share a direct example from the book to show how it gives a unique perspective on an animal…things we wouldn’t normally think of or associate when thinking of that animal.
When I’ve seen bears in my dreams, I’ve come to notice word play…the bear in my dream may not directly represent something or someone in waking life. Instead, it can be about the action of “bearing” something.
Always be sure to analyze all the behaviors of that animal. If you don’t know much about an animal, a quick google search will solve the issue. Look into its behaviors, habitat, eating habits. Also look to see if they’re a predator or prey. All these traits can mimic thoughts/feelings/actions in your own life. Try to make associations. If an animal repeatedly shows up doing the same thing, try to pinpoint where in your life you may be repeatedly doing something similar.
If you feel a strong resonance with an animal, have it nearby in some way. Printout a picture of it and hang it up or have it near your desk, or download a picture and have it as your phone or computer wallpaper. You can also buy a small plushie. With my ostrich dream, I wanted to have that physical representation of an Ostrich, so I found a black feather that looked exactly like the one in my dream and ordered it! (Picture above). This also served as a reminder. Now, whenever I look at the feather, I remember the feelings my dream evoked, and the helpful message it offered.
Another tip when working with animals in your dreams: if the animal in your dream seems a bit confrontational- like a bear- and you feel afraid, go back into the dream and imagine what it would be like if you could face it. Play! And play it out in your dream! If you could talk to it, what would it say to you? That animal could very well be another aspect of yourself! So by talking to it, and asking it some questions, you could receive helpful answers.
All in all, let the animals in your dreams be your friends, your guides, your helpers. Because they are! As intimidating as they can appear, they are acting as messengers to help you receive a deeper message. Pay attention, listen, speak, and connect with your animal within.
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