Interpreting Common Dream Symbols with Tarot

Dreams have always been a source of intrigue and mystery for human beings. They are an uncharted territory of our subconscious mind that we often struggle to understand. However, decoding the symbols and messages of our dreams can be a powerful tool for gaining insight into our lives and the world around us. Tarot and oracle cards are two popular methods that can be used for interpreting common dream symbols. By tapping into the wisdom of these cards, we can unlock the hidden meanings behind our dreams and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves. In this article, we’ll explore the most common dream symbols and how they can be interpreted using tarot and oracle cards.

Common Dream Symbols and Interpretation with Tarot Cards

Dreams have always been a mystery for humanity. The same symbol or image can have different meanings depending on the context and the person. One way to interpret dreams is by using Tarot cards. Tarot cards act as a visual representation of our subconscious, and they can help us decipher dream messages and their meanings. For example, teeth falling out is a common dream symbol, which can be interpreted with the Minor Arcana card of Ten of Swords, representing endings and new beginnings. In contrast, animals in dreams can be interpreted with the Major Arcana card of The Fool, representing new beginnings and spiritual journeys. Each Tarot card has specific meanings that can help unlock the meaning behind the dream symbol.

1. Teeth Falling Out

When you dream about your teeth falling out, it can be quite frightening. However, this common dream symbol can have various interpretations. In Tarot, the teeth falling out often symbolize a fear of losing control or power in your life. This interpretation is supported by the meaning of the Tower card in the Major Arcana, which represents a sudden and unexpected change that can cause upheaval.

On the other hand, teeth falling out can also represent a sense of renewal and growth in your life. The death of the old is necessary for the birth of the new, which is often represented by the Death card in Tarot. This interpretation suggests that you should embrace change and look forward to new beginnings.

To determine which interpretation is relevant to your dream, you could draw a card from the Major Arcana, such as the Tower or Death card, or from the Minor Arcana, such as the 10 of Swords. The 10 of Swords represents an ending that is necessary for renewal and growth to occur.

Alternatively, you could use your Tarot cards to ask specific questions related to your dream, such as “What is causing me to feel like I am losing power in my life?” or “What opportunities am I missing out on by clinging to the past?” The answers you receive from your Tarot reading can help you gain a deeper understanding of the symbolism behind your dream.

Interpreting dreams about teeth falling out can be complex and may require a deeper exploration of your personal and emotional landscape. By using Tarot cards as a tool for dream interpretation, you can gain insight into your subconscious and empower yourself to make positive changes in your life.

2. Flying or Falling

Dreams of flying or falling are often interpreted as a representation of a person’s control or lack thereof in their waking life. Flying dreams can signify a feeling of freedom, success, or power. It can also indicate a desire for something more in life. Falling dreams can represent fear, failure, or even a warning sign to be cautious in a situation.

In tarot dream interpretation, the Fool card can be associated with both flying and falling dreams. The Fool represents new beginnings, which can be both exciting and scary. It’s important to look at other cards in the reading to gain a deeper understanding of the dream’s meaning.

In addition to tarot cards, oracle cards can also offer insight into flying or falling dreams. Here are some examples of possible interpretations:

Oracle Deck	Possible Interpretation for Flying Dreams	Possible Interpretation for Falling Dreams
Angel Cards	You are being guided to follow your passions and take risks.	You may need to surrender control and trust the universe.
Animal Spirit Cards	You are tapping into your inner strength and power.	You may need to release fear and be more adaptable.
Goddess Cards	You are being called to embrace your feminine energy and intuition.	You may need to let go of old patterns and beliefs that are no longer serving you.

Remember, the interpretation of flying or falling dreams can vary depending on the individual and the context of the dream. It’s important to trust your intuition and look for any recurring patterns or symbols in your dreams. Using tarot or oracle cards can offer additional guidance and insight into your subconscious mind.

3. Being Chased or Attacked

If you’ve ever experienced a dream where you’re being chased or attacked, you know how terrifying it can feel. The symbolism behind these dreams can often be related to feeling vulnerable or threatened in your waking life. To interpret these dreams with tarot cards, consider the following:

• The Tower: This major arcana card can represent a sudden upheaval or change happening in your life that feels out of your control. It may also signify repressed emotions or memories that are now coming to the surface.
• The Five of Swords: This minor arcana card typically represents conflict and strife. It could suggest that you’re feeling defensive or that there are issues with communication in your relationships.
• The Knight of Swords: This court card can represent aggression or impulsiveness. It may be a sign that you need to slow down and think before you act.

When interpreting your dream with oracle cards, here are some steps to follow:

1. Clear Your Mind and Set Your Intention: Take a few deep breaths and focus on your intention to understand the symbolism in your dream.
2. Shuffle the Cards: As you shuffle, keep your dream in mind. You may also want to ask a specific question, such as “What can I learn from this dream?”
3. Choose Your Card(s): Trust your intuition as you draw one or more cards from the deck.
4. Interpret Your Cards: Refer to the guidebook that came with your deck or trust your intuition to understand the meaning behind your cards and how they relate to your dream.

Remember, dream interpretation is highly personal and can vary from person to person. Use these tarot and oracle cards as tools to help you gain insight and understanding into your own dream symbols and their meanings.

4. Water

One common dream symbol is water. When interpreting this symbol with tarot cards, pay attention to the suit of the card, as well as the imagery. Cups, which represent emotions, are often associated with water. The Major Arcana card, The Moon, is also associated with water and can represent confusion, unknown fears, and hidden emotions. The Minor Arcana cards can also provide insight into the specific meanings of the dream.

If the water is calm and clear, it can signify a peaceful and positive emotional state. However, if the water is turbulent or murky, it may indicate emotional turmoil or confusion. The presence of marine creatures like fish, sharks, whales, or dolphins, can provide further insight into the dream’s interpretation.

For example, a dream about swimming in a calm ocean with dolphins might represent a positive emotional state associated with social interactions while a dream about drowning in a tumultuous and murky river may indicate emotional distress. Similarly, a dream about a tarot card like the Ace of Cups or the Four of Cups can represent emotional fulfillment or disappointment, respectively. Use these associations as well as your intuition to interpret the symbol correctly.

5. Death or Dying

Many people dream about death or dying, which can be an unsettling and scary experience. However, it is important to note that death in dreams does not necessarily mean actual physical death. Instead, it can symbolize an ending, a change, or a transformation in one’s life. This type of dream can indicate that the dreamer is going through a period of transition, such as the end of a relationship or a career change.

When it comes to interpreting dreams about death, tarot cards can offer valuable insight. Major Arcana tarot cards like Death, The Tower, and Judgement are often associated with endings or major life changes. However, it’s important to keep in mind that each card’s interpretation can be different in the context of a dream. For example, the Death card may signify a necessary ending while The Tower card can represent upheaval and chaos.

It’s important to pay attention to the emotions and details of the dream when interpreting its meaning. For example, dreaming about the death of a loved one may represent feelings of grief or loss, while dreaming about one’s own death may symbolize a desire for change or self-discovery.

Using tarot cards to interpret dreams can be a powerful tool, but there are also other resources available. Oracle cards, for instance, can be used to gain insight into the symbolism and messages within a dream. Try using Minor Arcana tarot cards or oracle cards with images that resonate with you to uncover hidden meanings in your dreams.

6. Animals

Animals in our dreams can represent different aspects of ourselves and our lives. Here are some common animals and their possible interpretations when they appear in dreams:

Animal	Possible Interpretation
Wolf	Fierce, independent, and strong instincts
Bear	Power, strength, protection
Snake	Transformation, healing, sexuality
Butterfly	Transformation, growth, beauty
Cat	Independence, mystery, intuition
Dog	Loyalty, protection, companionship
Horse	Strength, freedom, power
Fish	Abundance, creativity, spirituality

It’s important to remember that the possible interpretations of animals in our dreams are subjective and may vary for each person. When interpreting animals in dreams, you can also consider the context and your personal associations with the animal.

For example, if you dream of a wolf, you may think of its strength and independence. But if you have a personal fear of wolves, the dream may have a different meaning for you.

Additionally, the behavior of the animal in the dream can also provide insight into its possible interpretation. A friendly and playful dog may represent companionship and loyalty, while a snarling and aggressive dog may symbolize danger or betrayal.

Animals in dreams can provide valuable insights into our subconscious selves and our relationships with the world around us. By paying attention to these symbols and exploring their possible meanings, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our lives.

7. Running Late

Dreaming about running late can be a common occurrence for many people, causing stress and anxiety even while asleep. However, this common dream symbol can have a variety of interpretations.

One interpretation is that it may indicate a fear of failure or of not achieving goals on time. This dream symbol may be telling you to reassess your priorities and manage your time better to avoid being overwhelmed and late on important deadlines.

Another interpretation is that it may reveal a fear of missing out or being left behind. This dream symbol may be telling you to take control of your life and not to let fear paralyze you.

A third interpretation is that it may signify a sense of urgency or that a significant change is about to occur in your life. This dream symbol may be telling you to be prepared and adaptable to new situations in order to succeed.

When interpreting this dream symbol with tarot cards, the Hanged Man may be a relevant card to consider. The Hanged Man can represent surrendering control and accepting a situation in order to move forward.

When using oracle cards, the Time card can be a useful card to interpret this dream symbol. The Time card may suggest that you need to be patient and allow events to unfold in their own time, rather than rushing and being late.

In any case, running late in a dream can be a sign that it’s time to reassess your priorities and find balance in your life. By taking control of your time and being proactive, you can overcome this symbol’s negative connotations and achieve your goals.

8. Money

Dreams about money can be both positive and negative and can have various interpretations. If you dream of finding money or receiving unexpected income, it is often seen as a symbol of abundance, prosperity, and good fortune. In contrast, if you dream of losing money or being in debt, it may indicate financial difficulties or a lack of stability in your finances.

When using tarot cards to interpret dreams about money, pay attention to the card’s symbolism and meanings. The Three of Pentacles often signifies financial gain through hard work or teamwork, while the Five of Pentacles suggests financial hardship or a difficult financial situation. Similarly, the King of Pentacles indicates financial stability, success, and entrepreneurship, whereas the Seven of Swords suggests greed, deceit, and financial loss.

Remember, however, that the interpretation of tarot cards is not always straightforward and should be considered in the context of the dream and the individual’s personal situation.

Oracle cards can also be used in dream interpretation related to money. Begin by clearing your mind and setting your intention to receive guidance on your financial situation. Shuffle the cards and draw one or more cards that resonate with you. Pay attention to the imagery, symbolism, and messages conveyed through the cards. The Abundance card may suggest an upcoming financial windfall or an increase in income, while the Scarcity card may indicate financial difficulties or a need to budget and save.

Always keep in mind that dreams about money can have various meanings and should be interpreted in relation to the individual’s personal situation. Don’t be discouraged if a dream about money seems negative, as it might be viewed as a wake-up call to approach finances more wisely. Similarly, don’t be overly optimistic about positive dreams about money, as it’s essential to maintain a balance between financial success and one’s personal values and emotional state.

9. House or Home

Dreams about houses or homes can often symbolize different aspects of our lives, including our sense of self, family, and relationships. Tarot cards can be useful tools to interpret these types of dreams and to gain insights into our subconscious minds.

Here are some common dream symbols associated with houses or homes and their possible interpretations with tarot cards:

Dream Symbol	Possible Interpretation	Tarot Card
The house is old or in disrepair	Feelings of neglect or abandonment	The Tower
The house is large or luxurious	Feeling success and abundance	The Sun
The house is unfamiliar or unknown	Feelings of anxiety or uncertainty about the future	The Moon
Being locked out of the house	Feeling excluded or rejected	The High Priestess

In addition to interpreting dream symbols with tarot cards, oracle cards can also be used to gain insights and guidance on issues related to houses or homes.

Here are the steps to use oracle cards for dream interpretation related to houses or homes:

1. Clear your mind and set your intention: Take a few deep breaths and quiet your mind. Focus on your dream about a house or home and set your intention to receive guidance and insights from the cards.
2. Shuffle the cards: Shuffle your deck of oracle cards while continuing to focus on your intention.
3. Choose your card(s): When you feel ready, choose one or more cards that resonate with your intuition and your dream.
4. Interpret your cards: Use the guidebook or your intuition to interpret the messages and insights from your chosen cards, relating them back to your dream about a house or home.

By using tarot and oracle cards, we can gain deeper insights into our dreams about houses or homes and uncover hidden aspects of ourselves and our lives. Remember, the interpretation of dream symbols is highly personal, so trust your intuition and don’t be afraid to explore the meanings that resonate with you.

10. Naked in Public

Dreaming about being naked in public is a very common dream theme that can leave you feeling vulnerable and embarrassed. Interestingly, this type of dream can be associated with feelings of exposure, shame, or fear of being judged. It could also indicate that you are feeling truly exposed in some aspect of your waking life, such as a recent social faux pas or a workplace mistake.

Interpreting this dream symbol with tarot cards can be done by selecting cards that relate to your current state of mind and focusing on the message it provides. For example, the Fool card could be interpreted as embracing your vulnerability and taking risks, while the Tower card could suggest a need to reassess your beliefs and values to move forward.

Using oracle cards to interpret this dream symbol can be done by clearing your mind and setting an intention of uncovering the message behind the dream. Shuffle the cards and choose one (or more) that resonates with you. The card pulled may relate to surrendering to vulnerability or embracing authenticity and self-expression.

Ultimately, nakedness in a dream can represent a need for honesty and vulnerability in your waking life. It’s a powerful message that encourages you to strip away all fronts and facades, and to embrace your true self without fear of judgment or ridicule. Be brave and use this dream as an opportunity to reconnect with your authentic self and let go of the fear of being exposed.

Using Oracle Cards for Dream Interpretation

When it comes to dream interpretation, Oracle cards can serve as a powerful tool for gaining deeper insights into the messages and symbols presented in our dreams. To use Oracle cards for this purpose, it is recommended to first clear your mind and set a strong intention to gain understanding and guidance. Then, shuffle the cards and choose a card (or multiple cards) that speaks to you intuitively. The interpretation of the card(s) will offer unique insight into the themes and messages presented in your dream. It is important to trust your intuition and be open to the guidance and revelations that may come through this process. Additionally, keeping a dream journal can be beneficial for tracking recurring symbols and themes and gaining a deeper understanding of your subconscious mind.

1. Clear Your Mind and Set Your Intention

Before using oracle cards for dream interpretation, it is essential to create the right mindset. Start by finding a quiet space where you can focus without any distractions. Take a few deep breaths and close your eyes to clear your mind.

Tip: You can also light candles, incense, or play soothing music to facilitate relaxation.

Next, set your intention. Meditate on the reasons why you want to use oracle cards for dream interpretation. Ask yourself what you would like to gain from this experience. The goal is to establish a clear intention, which will help guide your interpretation of the cards.

To set your intention, write a phrase or statement that encompasses your desired outcome. For example, “I seek guidance in understanding the symbolism in my dream” or “I want clarity about the message my dream is conveying.”

Tip: You can also use affirmations or mantras to reinforce your intention. Repeat them silently or aloud before starting your oracle card session.

Creating a clear and focused mindset will help you approach dream interpretation with an open mind and a receptive attitude. It will also ensure that you receive accurate and meaningful insights from the oracle cards.

2. Shuffle the Cards

Once you have cleared your mind and set your intention for using oracle cards to interpret your dreams, it’s time to shuffle the cards. Shuffling the cards is an important step as it allows for the energy of the cards to mix with your own energy.

There are different ways to shuffle oracle cards depending on personal preference. Here are some options:

• Riffle Shuffle: This involves holding the deck in one hand and using the thumb of the other hand to *riffle* through the edges of the cards, letting them fall back together. This is a quick and efficient way to shuffle the cards.
• Overhand Shuffle: This involves holding the deck in one hand and using the other hand to pull a few cards from the top and place them at the bottom. Repeat this motion over and over again until the entire deck has been shuffled.
• Cutting the Deck: This involves cutting the deck into two sections and shuffling each section separately before placing them back together.

Whatever method you choose, focus on the intention of your dream interpretation while shuffling the cards. This allows for the energy of the cards to align with the energy of your intention.

It’s also important to remember to shuffle the cards until you feel ready to choose your card(s). Don’t rush the process. Take your time and trust your intuition when it comes to knowing when you have shuffled enough.

Next, it’s time to move on to choosing your card(s) for interpretation.

3. Choose Your Card(s)

Choosing Your Card(s)

Once you have taken the time to quiet your mind and shuffle the oracle cards, it is time to choose the cards that will give you insights into your dreams. You can choose as many or as few cards as you feel called to use.

There are several methods for selecting cards. One popular method is to simply choose the card(s) that resonate with you the most. Look at the images on the card and pay attention to any emotions or intuitive feelings that may arise.

Another method is to fan out the cards face down and choose one or several cards at random. Trust that the cards you pick are the ones that hold the messages you need the most.

You can also use a specific spread or layout, which is a pre-determined arrangement of cards that represents a particular aspect of your dream or the question you are asking. A popular spread for dream interpretation is the 3-card spread, which includes:

• Card 1: Represents the main theme or message of the dream
• Card 2: Represents the emotions or feelings associated with the dream
• Card 3: Represents the action or next steps to be taken based on the dream’s message

Another spread that can be helpful for dream interpretation is the Celtic Cross spread, which is a more complex layout that provides deeper insights into the dream symbols and their meanings.

Remember that there is no right or wrong way to choose your oracle cards. The most important thing is to trust your intuition and allow the cards to guide you towards a deeper understanding of your dreams and their messages.

4. Interpret Your Cards

4. Interpret Your Cards

Once you have chosen your cards, it’s time to interpret them. The interpretation process is not as straightforward as simply looking up the meaning of the card in a guidebook, as with Tarot cards. Oracle cards rely heavily on intuition and personal interpretation, so it’s important to trust yourself and your instincts as you interpret the cards.

One approach to interpretation is to consider the imagery and symbolism on the card. Look at the colors, shapes, and objects present, and ask yourself what they mean to you personally. For example, if you drew a card with a tree on it, consider what trees mean to you. Are they a symbol of growth and strength? Do they represent a connection to nature?

Another approach is to focus on the message or theme of the card. Think about what message the card is trying to convey to you. Is it encouraging you to take a certain action? Does it point to a particular area of your life that needs attention?

You can also use your intuition to guide your interpretation. What feelings or impressions do you get from the card? Trust your gut instincts and pay attention to any thoughts or insights that come up as you look at the card.

Ultimately, the interpretation of your Oracle cards will be unique to you and your situation. There are no hard and fast rules, and what one card means for one person may be different for another. Embrace the uncertainty and trust the process as you delve deeper into the meaning of your dreams and the symbolism of the Oracle cards.

One way to help organize your interpretations is to keep a dream journal or a notebook dedicated to your Oracle card readings. Write down the cards you drew and your initial impressions of them, as well as any additional insights or interpretations that come up over time. This can help you track patterns and themes in your dreams and gain a deeper understanding of your subconscious mind.

Conclusion

In conclusion, interpreting common dream symbols with Tarot and Oracle Cards can provide insight into our subconscious mind. Dreams can often be confusing and enigmatic, but by interpreting dream symbols, we can extract information that can help us in our waking life.

Tarot cards provide a structured way of interpreting dream symbols, as each card has its own meaning and can give specific guidance for different situations. It is important to trust your intuition when interpreting Tarot cards, as their meanings can vary depending on the context of the dream.

Oracle cards, on the other hand, allow for more flexibility and can provide more personalized guidance based on your specific dream symbols. By clearing your mind and setting a clear intention, you can use Oracle cards to receive intuitive guidance on how to interpret your dream symbols.

Overall, using Tarot and Oracle cards for dream interpretation can be a fun and insightful practice, but it is important to remember that the interpretation of dreams is subjective and can vary from person to person. Trusting your intuition and taking the time to reflect on your dreams can help you gain a better understanding of your subconscious mind and provide guidance for your waking life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are Tarot cards, and how are they used for dream interpretation?

Tarot cards are a deck of 78 cards that are used for divination. Each card has a unique meaning that can be interpreted to gain insight into various aspects of life, including dreams. Tarot cards can be used to interpret common dream symbols by examining the symbolism of the cards and their relationship to the dreamer’s situation.

2. How do I know which Tarot card to use for dream interpretation?

Each tarot card represents a different aspect of life, making them versatile tools for dream interpretation. You can use the symbolism of the card that resonates with you the most or fits best with the specific dream symbol you are trying to interpret.

3. Can Oracle cards be used for dream interpretation, and how do they differ from Tarot cards?

Yes, Oracle cards can be used for dream interpretation. Unlike Tarot cards, which have a structured system and a traditional set of meanings, Oracle cards can incorporate a wide variety of themes and symbols. Oracle cards offer more flexibility in interpretation and can be used to gain insight into specific questions or situations.

4. How do I choose an Oracle deck for dream interpretation?

Choose an Oracle deck that resonates with you and your personal beliefs. Look for a deck that has artwork and themes that speak to you, and that aligns with the kind of questions you want to ask and the interpretation style you prefer.

5. What should I do if I can’t find a clear interpretation of my dream symbol with Tarot or Oracle cards?

If you can’t find a clear interpretation of your dream symbol with Tarot or Oracle cards, try consulting with a professional dream interpreter or a therapist who has experience in dream analysis. They can help you gain deeper insights into your dreams and provide you with additional guidance on how to interpret them.

6. Should I use Tarot or Oracle cards for every dream I have?

No, it’s not necessary to use Tarot or Oracle cards for every dream you have. You can use them to interpret specific dreams when you feel the need for guidance or insight into a particular situation or concern.

7. Can the same Tarot or Oracle card have different meanings in different dreams?

Yes, Tarot and Oracle card meanings can be different in different dreams depending on the context and situation. A card that might symbolize abundance in one dream could represent something entirely different in another dream.

8. What should I do if I get a Tarot or Oracle card that scares me or makes me feel uncomfortable?

If you get a Tarot or Oracle card that scares you or makes you feel uncomfortable, you can try to understand the card’s meaning and examine why it triggers those feelings. If you are unable to do so, it’s best to set the card aside and try another reading later when you feel more prepared.

9. Can Tarot or Oracle cards predict the future?

Tarot and Oracle cards are not designed to predict the future. Instead, they offer guidance and insight into current situations and can help the dreamer find the best path forward.

10. Is it possible to interpret dreams without using Tarot or Oracle cards?

Yes, it’s possible to interpret dreams without using Tarot or Oracle cards. Many people use other methods such as journaling, meditation, and talking to others about their dreams to gain insights and understand their meanings.

References

• Tarot and Dreams: Interpreting the Symbols of the Soul
• Symbols in Your Dreams — What Do They Mean?