Dreaming Lens: Were you on the bridge? Were you considering crossing or were you already on the other side? Did the bridge seem safe to cross? What was the bridge connecting? What was it going over? What type of bridge was it? How big was it? Was it from a location you know from life?
Personal Focus: A bridge is essentially that which makes a connection between two separate entities. It can offer a solution to the problem of getting across an obstacle of some kind. Since it takes you from one place to another, it also carries the meaning of a transition in life. Man-made constructions that require a high level of sophisticated engineering to create, they express the complicated ways in which we often approach solving problems in life. They also represent the ability to expand into new territory previously unavailable for exploration. The primary meaning, however, relates to the connections we make in life, hence the warning in the phrase don’t burn your bridges.
Since many bridges are suspended over water, an emotional issue is often the underlying conflict being expressed by this symbol. The intensity of the water below will indicate the level of emotions being stirred up. Some bridges, however, are used to traverse difficult terrain over land. In a dream, this might point to some construct or obstacle in your life that you’d rather avoid by somehow rising above it. If there is a conflict in your life that you can easily identify, a bridge in a dream may be symbolic of bringing together opposite sides of an issue. The integrity of the construction of a bridge could illuminate how effectively you are approaching the situation. [1]
Freud lists four meanings of the bridge symbol:
(1) It may represent the male sexual organ, which ‘bridges the gap’ between male and female sexual partners.
(2) It may also symbolize birth - that is, the crossing from ‘the other world’ to this, or from womb to independent existence.
(3) It may represent (something that leads to) death - that is, a return to the womb, or to ‘the other world’, ‘the other side’.
(4) It may symbolize any sort of transition in the dreamer’s life. Freud gives the example of a woman who wants to be a man, and consequendy dreams of bridges that don’t quite reach the other side of the river. However, the symbolized change may be something that can be achieved more easily, but still possibly requiring will and determination; for example, a change of lifestyle, or a passing from middle years into old age.
To Freud’s list we may add the following:
(5) The bridge is a means of crossing a river, and even perhaps crossing from one country to another - foreign, new, strange - country. It may therefore svmbolize a critical juncture in the dreamer’s life, a situation that calls for a definitive decision, a decision which may be of such a radical kind that it could well be described figuratively as entering a new country.
(6) If the bridge you are crossing seems in danger of collapsing, this may reflect your anxiety about a transition in your life: for example, about whether you are going to be able to go through with a change from living on your own to living with a partner (or the reverse); from one job to another; from one set of values to another. [2]
It is often a place of danger and of falling; you are crossing a boundary. In the Catholic faith, the protector is Saint Napomuk, patron saint of bridges. Uniting, re-establishing relationships; contradictions are bridged.
If the dreamer has self-confidence, the fear of the abyss may be going away, but although the bridge becomes wider and is safe, it is still a place of danger.
The condition of the bridge is important. How are you feeling on the bridge? When you have crossed the bridge, you have done a lot of inner work. Changes have taken place (you have reached the other shore).
In the Koran, the bridge over hell is as thin as a thread and can only be crossed by the righteous. In Celtic lore, there exists a bridge of horror that is also as narrow as a thread.
The bridge always spans an abyss in which spirits, the devil, or God resides. Often in the dream one must bring a sacrifice in order to cross the bridge.
For that reason we often see chapels on the bridge where the sacrifice has to be offered. Jung related the symbol of the bridge to the unconscious. He saw the unconscious as different islands in the sea.
For him, the bridge connected these islands and is therefore a symbol of working toward a strong consciousness. [3]
Dreaming of this symbol is a sign that you are evolving or undergoing a change. Perhaps it is a job, a move, or a relationship that will soon begin. In this case it will critical whether the oneiric bridge was firm and if you crossed it safely. It may also refer to something more spiritual: the reception of new values and the burial of the past. Another possibility is that you are trying to join two pieces of your life or to fill an empty space of your life.
According to the guru Sathya Sai Baba, life is a bridge that crosses a sea full of changes. We must cross it but never build our house on it. The dream may represent your life journey. [4]
It is dark. We come to a humpbacked bridge. As we arrive at the brow of the bridge a voice says, “Fair lady come to me”. I float and everything is black and peaceful. Then great fear overcomes me. I wake with terror and feelings of horror* (Evelyn K). Evelyn’s dream paints a vivid picture of her journey through life, drawn by the natural forces within her, shown as a horse. She has enjoyed life, but comes to the brow of her life, her 40th year, and feels it is all downhill now into old age, which horrifies her.
The bridge generally has this significance of crossing from one phase of life, activity or emphasis, to another. It depicts connection between yourself and a relationship; self and opportunity; self and change in life. Fallen bridge: lost opportunity, broken bonds and connections. Idioms, burn one’s bridges; cross that bridge when I come to it; water under the bridge. [5]
Vision: Crossing a bridge means reaching a new “shore” on your life’s journey, changes for the better, and leaving behind old problems; also advancement in your private and professional life.
A broken down bridge or going down with a bridge that is falling: a project will end in failure and a streak of bad luck—which you are partially responsible for. Seeing a number of bridges: frustration and anger. Walking across an old bridge in poor repair: overcoming danger at the last minute. Walking across a very long bridge: your future will be filled with many adventures.
Depth Psychology: A bridge is a sign of an emotional transition.
It is usually a good omen—if the bridge does not break down.
A bridge usually indicates that you will solve your problems and that contradictory opinions can be “bridged.” You are on the wav to new shores. [6]
The ability to rise above a challenge in your life or escape certain difficulties (as in a bridge that allows you cross dangerous waters).
The idea of taking a shortcut or a more direct route somehow in your life.
A connection from one dream area to the next.
A transition from one point in time to another in your real life.
The way you transition back and forth between different aspects of your life (such as between your role as a parent and as an employee).
A connection between you and another person.
Consider also the meaning of the two areas the bridge was connecting, what the bridge was crossing over, the role it played, and how you felt about it.
The symbolism of a bridge spanning water is obviously the subconscious hope of success. ‘Do not cross a bridge,” etc., is the proverb justifying the anticipation of work in store for the dreamer who crosses a bridge in his sleep.
The broken bridge bears its own significance, based upon the subconsciousness that warns the dreamer, while the fall from a bridge is a physical dream stimulated by dizziness, vertigo, etc. [8]
Standing in the middle of: A critical decision that is very difficult. Look to see what lies on each side of the bridge for greater detail.
Birth and death. Bridges span a gulf, and by so doing allow a soul to move freely from one state to the next.
Connections and communication.
If the bridge reaches to someone who is far away, or someone with whom communication has been severed, this may indicate a longing or need to reconnect to that individual.
Is the bridge on fire} If so, be absolutely certain that whatever this overpass represents is a bridge that you really want to burn. [9]
To the young and those in love, disappointment in the heart’s fondest hopes, as the loved one will fall below your ideal.
To cross a bridge safely, a final surmounting of difficulties, though the means seem hardly safe to use. Any obstacle or delay denotes disaster.
To see a bridge give way before you, beware of treachery and false admirers. Affluence comes with clear waters. Sorrowful returns of best efforts are experienced after looking upon or coming in contact with muddy or turbid water in dreams. [10]
The details in the dream are just as important as the bridge itself.
The first consideration should be given to how much you travel.
The bridge can be interpreted literally if it is a part of your daily commute. On a more theoretical level, bridges can symbolize transitions (e.g. transition from one stage to another, from one level of consciousness to another). Since most bridges are over water (i.e. emotions, unconscious), this dream could also be symbolic of your rising above your emotional difficulties or unconscious drives. [11]
A dream about a bridge indicates that some sort of transition is taking place or that you are in search of a solution to what feels like an insurmountable problem. Since a bridge takes you from one place to another, it also carries the meaning of a transition in life. Since many bridges are suspended over water, an emotional issue is often the underlying conflict being expressed by this symbol. [12]
The choice you make can bring you great fortune, success, and happiness. Bridges symbolize a major change that will propel you to new levels of awareness or personal growth.
To dream of a run-down bridge is a warning not to consider altering any aspects of your life until sometime in the future.
To see a bridge collapse in your dream implies that you haven’t taken advantage of a potentially beneficial chance. [13]
The bridge may be depicted as weak or strong, sturdy or otherwise, which gives an indication of the strength of conncction ncccssarv to make changes in the dreamer’s life.
2- The symbol of a bridge in a dream signifies the emotional connection between the dreamer and other people or various parts of his life.
3- Crossing the River of Life.
The River Styx. [14]
If the structure was damaged in any way, you are warned against making any changes for the time being.
If your dream involved the game of bridge, you are apt to be disappointed in a business matter.
If you successfully cross the bridge, you’ve left the past behind.
If the bridge is broken or in need of repair, then it is suggesting that you need to slowdown in a new relationship or business venture.
If the bridge is burned, then it means a relationship has been severed. Consider the feeling tone to discern its message for you. [17]
A railroad bridge is a sign of good luck in business.
A bridge over a road (viaduct) suggests you’re being too ambitious.
See also: a bridge set in stone or concrete, any large plans you have will soon be realized.
If you see a bridge being built, it means you have an active imagination.
If you cross a bridge, a job change is on its way for you. [18]
If the Bridge is damaged, or being repaired, then be careful and do not make any fresh plans without due thought. [20]
2. Connections from one place or community to another,
3. An overreaching construct,
4. A safe haven over troubled waters;
5. Support;
6. Faith; Genesis 32:22; When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee… Isaiah 43:2a [21]
The bridge may be depicted as weak or strong, sturdy or otherwise, which gives an indication of the strength of connection necessary to make changes in our lives. [22]
The ancient image of crossing the river styx accompanied by the ferryman charon has been largely superceded by the symbol of a bridge. [24]
Dreaming of a bridge over water suggests you could be conflicted in your emotions.
If the bridge was unsturdy or collapsing, this symbolizes problems in a friendship or love relationship. [26]
A long bridge that seems to vanish in the distance, loss of possessions Or disappointment in love. Passing under a bridge, weighty problems that require time to solve.
If the bridge is old, you will overcome them, but it will take much work on your part.
If the bridge is new and strong, you will have an easy time of it. [28]
A new opportunity for growth; threshold of a new direction in life. It may represent bridging levels of consciousness, the creative-intuitive with the intellectual. [29]
A rise in the level of consciousness on the part of the dreamer; heightened awareness. Astrological parallel: Scorpio [30]
2. Overcoming obstacles (especially if the bridge crosses water).
3. Facing a decision or change (note condition of bridge). [31]
2. Support or Way;
3. Faith;
4. Trial (of faith); joined.
(2 Sam. 18:9; John 1:51; 1 Pet. 3:18; (Gen 32:22. [34]
broken down, a: project does not have the means to succeed.
built, a, being: complete your plans within a rigid framework.
burning, a: some friends are lost who had turned against you.
causeway, crossing over a: work wil be of an artistic nature.
not yet paved: wil receive a letter with money.
covered, a: surprisingly pleasant, imminent emotional encounter.
crisscrossing highway, a: your fertile imagination makes life’s journey complicated.
crossing a: move from one occupation to the next.
man: change in one’s residence from youth to adulthood.
others: delays in one’s business from state of conflict to solution.
single person: move from one phase of life to the next.
woman: social activities of a happy nature wil be met on the other side.
curved, a: serious financial problems.
damaged, a: be careful with new plans, but make them now.
under repair: mend the relationship and enter it anew.
driving over a: present plans should be abandoned.
falling from a: ambitions exceed abilities and possibilities.
falling while walking on a: the connection is lost, change plans.
foot, walking over a: have painted yourself into limited action.
many: choose your foundation of life and connect to it.
opens in the center, that: your creative intuition can’t get your intel ect’s attention.
red, a: danger ahead.
standing at the center of a: are balancing emotions and actions.
suspension bridge, riding on a: rapid speed toward success.
climbing the towers of: are at the height of your power, downhil from here.
sliding down the cables: wil be rewarded for daring efforts.
while swaying: a preview of crossing from life to death.
unstable, an: a need for rethinking future plans becomes evident.
walking across an old: repair your relationship or it wil break.
very long, a: your future is one big adventure.
wooden, a: are lacking in wil power. [38]
A bridge in a dream also represents a pious worshiper who patiently bears the harm people may inflict on him. It can also mean the path to fulfill one’s needs, having a high ranking connection with the governor, or it could represent one’s wife, father or mother. Each bridge in a dream represents its own type.
A bridge connecting two streets in a dream may lead to the ruler or to someone in his cabinet, particularly if it is built from stones and covered with baked bricks.
If it is a small bridge, then it can represent the secretary, door attendant ofa governor, a superior, or it can be interpreted as apimp.lfa bridge which is built from stone is transformed in one’s dream to look as if it were made of dirt, it means changing of one’s status and vice-versa.
If one sees himself transformed into a bridge in a dream, it means that he will be elected for a leadership post, and people will need him, his prestige and what he can offer.
(See also: Arched bridge, Bridge of the Day of Judgement, Contract, Knot, Transformation) [39]