To dream that you are breathing underwater, represents a retreat back into the womb. You want to return to a state where you were dependent and free from responsibilities. Perhaps you are feeling helpless, or caught up in intense emotions.
A dream of holding your breath represents your stubborn state of mind. You need to be more open to the opinions of others.
If you are unable to breathe in your dream, you may have failure where success seemed sure.
If you dream of someone breathing fire at you, this indicates an attack on your character and the need to defend yourself. You are feeling stressed, vulnerable and mistreated. [1]
If you dreamed that you needed an oxygen mask, your dream might be suggesting that you need to get some fresh air into your life, not just in the form of outdoor activity, but in the form of ideas and energy. [2]
The ability to survive or thrive.
For more clues, pay attention to the quality of the breathing.
Fast, shallow breathing could represent fear or stress, and a pause in breathing could represent suspense or waiting (as in “holding your breath” for something).
Trouble breathing can represent: fear or panic, feeling smothered in some situation in your life, feeling unable or not allowed to express yourself, feeling unable or unwilling to participate fully in life (to “breathe deeply and live fully”).
If you’re breathing slowly and calmly in your dream, however, it means the time is right to achieve all types of things. [4]
Absorbing information; learning.
The need or desire to learn about something. Astrological parallel: Gemini [5]