Old superstitions claim that if a woman has this dream, one of her sons will become a sailor. In addition, it is said that it brings good luck to the sailor who dreams of it. For the rest, it denotes a change of residence or travel abroad. Typically, such omens are always good, but if the anchor appears hidden underwater, it expresses disappointment. [1]
An anchor holding firm in a torrential sea speaks of your personal need for security and stability.
If you haven’t reinforced your foundations lately, do so.
Anchors are also connected to the sea and sailing (See also: Boat, Water). In earlier times when ships carried valuable goods to port, such an arrival was heartily welcomed. So, sailors and things associated with their trade became “lucky.” Perhaps your ship is soon to “come in” and stay for a while!
Safety or improved vitality. In ancient Egypt, an anchor cross became a variation of the ankh, the emblem of life, around 4-5 C.E. This emblem was used frequently as a seafaring amulet.
A ship that lacks an anchor represents being adrift, going from one idea or goal to another without ever accomplishing anything. [2]
The anchor symbol could have varying meaning depending on what is going on in your life. It may be saying “Stay put!” or “This is a good place to lay down your anchor.” Dreams involving anchors are hints from your unconscious and may suggest a need to reflect and economize. Also, goals set. Stability. Sometimes a desire for a permanent home.
A disappointment, something holding you back. Foundation; security. You have some base; some foundation upon which to build. You are secure, but it should be kept in mind that an anchor can sometimes hold you back when you want to be moving. Disillusionment, something holding you back. Ideals and actions set in concrete. Holding steady. Being anchored to a situation or person. [3]
It is designed to keep you steady and in once place in an atmosphere that is not naturally conducive to feeling grounded and stable. Therefore, in a dream an anchor represents this need or desire to stay put while some emotional process is underway. This image in a dream could be working to your benefit or your detriment, so you must determine whether the anchor is helping you stay focused on something that needs your attention or whether you are being held back and are unable to move forward because of a wound or a sense of grief. [4]
Vision: Seeing an anchor: a positive sign that dreams will soon be fulfilled.
If the anchor is broken or only partially visible, it means a string of bad luck is about to start or something you had high hopes for is falling through. Anchoring in a harbor: you have again found solid ground. Throwing an anchor: you may be hoping that others will come to your aid, but it would be better to act on vour own initiative!
Depth Psychology: The anchor is a symbol of your own, deeply rooted, and unwavering resolve, which you are about to exercise! [5]
As with all dream symbols, the tone and setting of the dream indicate which interpretation is appropriate. [6]
Psychologically, we need encouragement to develop the ability to ‘hold fast’ during a period of instability.
If we can ride out the storm we shall survive. When an anchor is being dragged during a dream, the external forces are too great for us.
3- We are in the process of achieving hope of a future tranquillity. [7]
(2) Possibly, the anchor symbolizes a constraint that prevents you from fulfilling yourself. For example, it may symbolize your mother if you are still ‘tied5 to her, still dominated by her or too dependent on her, so that you have not been able to find or express your own individuality or some unconscious programming that holds you back from exploring and releasing hidden aspects of yourself. (The sea may symbolize the unconscious, or mother.) [8]
If you have dropped anchor you are in control of emotions and are stopping to assimilate or sort out your life direction before moving on.
If you have no anchor you drift from shore to shore without purpose and freedom to choose. But, anchors are temporary and should not be used to hold you back from venturing into new experiences and lessons. [9]
The anchor can also be the symbol of security and in early christian art was used as a representation of the cross. [10]
See also: Commitment. [11]
Something or someone you perceive as a source of burden, delay, or limitation.
A feeling or fear of being hindered in a process.
Getting in your own way or holding yourself back.
The other is, some relationship or situation in your life is holding you back and restraining your freedom. [14]
The Japanese hold it as an emblem of security and safety. Inman hints at a dark and dangerous meaning to this symbol, but good usage sanctions the one already given. [15]
To all others it shows the need for a permanent home and occupation.
If the anchor is tied to a ship or boat, it indicates an urge to escape from present obligations. [17]
To others it portends separation from friends, change of residence, and foreign travel. Sweethearts are soon to quarrel if either sees an anchor. [18]
The desire to be grounded in spite of all the emotions. Self-confidence, but also standstill. [20]
If it is actually in the water, it indicates disappointment. [21]
2. Something is holding one back from progressing. [24]
2. Hope;
3. Slow down;
Acts 27:29 [26]
bow of a ship, on: your search for fortune needs a secure relationship.
hanging on side: your prosperity is thwarted by your aimless drifting.
broken: being weighted down by circumstances brings a string of bad luck.
down in the water: those on whom you depend drag you down.
losing: momentum toward learning is mounted.
raising: fol ow direction decided upon to the letter.
throwing an: resolve to attain answers in the deepest part of yourself. [30]