(1) Climbing may be a symbol of ambition or success. Does the climbing fill you with fear; or do you feel giddy when you reach the top? If so, this may symbolize a fear (unconscious) of ‘coming a cropper’. Perhaps you need to sort out an inferiority complex. On the other hand, the dream may be a warning. There is such a thing as climbing too high. ‘Pride comes before a fall.’
(2) Are you climbing (a tree, for instance) to escape from a fierce animal or to save yourself from a river in flood? This would symbolize an attempt to escape from some emotion, some inner disturbance; or from some external situation - at home or at work.
(3) Climbing a mountain may give you a panoramic view. This might mean that you desire - or need - a more detached view of yourself or your situation; that you need to get things in proportion; or that you need to lift yourself above mere material values.
(4) On the other hand, climbing a mountain may be a form of escapism, and the mountain an ivory tower where the world and your problems (external or inner) can be left behind. Needless to say, anxiety, resentment, inner conflict can never be left behind; not, at any rate, until you face them and talk things out with them. Otherwise, wherever you are, they are. (For ‘talking things out’)
(5) Climbing a wall, particularly if it has jutting-out bricks or stones that you can take hold of, may (Freud would say must) represent, for a male dreamer, sexual intercourse. The protuberances are symbols of female buttocks and breasts.
On the other hand, it may express (a need for) liberation - for example, from irrational or neurotic constraints; from a habit of selfdenigration; or from a state of morbid withdrawal from life. [1]
Dreaming Lens: What were you climbing? Was the climb doable, or was it an impossible task? Was it enjoyable? Was it treacherous? Were you invigorated by it, or depleted? Did you know your way? Was the path clear? Were you alone, or with others, being led or leading others?
Personal Focus: A climb is the effort that must be expended to reach a particular goal. All goals require effort; many can involve struggle. As you identify what struggle in your life might be represented by the climb, the feelings and images in the dream can inform how you are approaching the current challenge in your life.
A dramatic shift is akin to embarking on a journey of some kind, whether it is emotional, financial, spiritual, or dealing with a health challenge. It may show up in a dream as a climb as your psyche tries to show you that you have the resources to make it to the top, despite the fear or intensity of the effort involved. By the same token, the dream may be telling you that you may be overemphasizing the struggles in your life and that you are applying more effort than is required. If this is the case, consider the lack of balance between effort and expectations you are currently experiencing. Your job is to define the journey and find the balance between intent and effort. This way, the ascent to your destination can be met with joy and enthusiasm. [2]
If the climb takes a lot of effort or is difficult: many problems need to be overcome before you are rewarded for your efforts. Climbing a high mountain: difficult obligations in your life have to be concluded. In the case of men, this dream symbol often indicates fear of sexual dysfunction. Climbing a steep mountain with your intimate partner: you desire sexual climax.
Depth Psychology: This dream symbol is always seen as a form of spiritual renewal.
If the dream has sexual connotations: you are longing to reach orgasm.
The dream could also raise such questions as: are you climbing the social ladder? Do you find the climb difficult? What else do you see on your climb? See Mountain, Rock. [3]
To climb a ladder to the last rung, you will succeed in business; but if the ladder breaks, you will be plunged into unexpected straits, and accidents may happen to you.
To see yourself climbing the side of a house in some mysterious way in a dream, and to have a window suddenly open to let you in, foretells that you will make or have made extraordinary ventures against the approbation of friends, but success will eventually crown your efforts, though there will be times when despair will almost enshroud you.
See also: Ascend Hill, Mountain. [4]
If the climb in your dream is extremely difficult, it may be pointing to some obstacles that you need to overcome before reaching your goals. Consider all of the details in your dream, and if you recently completed a difficult task, achieved a goal (e.g. graduating), this dream may be reflective in nature.
If you dream of a very long climb, potentially the desire to retreat or escape. Alternatively, this can portend a lengthy period of hard work before you reach your goals.
To a platform: A type of ivory tower from which it is easy to fall. Alternatively, a place where you can get a better outlook.
Over a wall: Anxiousness, or the need to escape from a restrictive situation imposed by your family, society, religion, or whatever. Alternatively, overcoming an obstacle. [6]
Working toward a goal.
Moving forward or upward in life through your own effort.
Improving yourself or your situation.
A desire for one of the things previously listed.
For more clues, consider what is climbing or rising, how easily or quickly, and your feelings about it.
See also: Increasing, High, Stairs, Hill, Ladder, Above, Superior, Sky [7]
Climbing the ladder of success; attempting to reach the top.
Ascent towards higher consciousness, aiming for a higher purpose in life. Astrological parallels: Saturn, Capricorn Tarot parallel: The Fool [10]
2. Spiritual gift or a higher calling on your life
3. Preparing for an encounter with Jesus;
4. Progress you ministry; Joel 2:7, 9; Amos 9:2; [15]
2. If climbing is easy, goals are being achieved easily. [16]
Alp, an: your social stature is rising, bring up the rest of your growth.
difficult: solve one problem, out of many, at a time.
effortlessly: your project is reaching its conclusion; watch the last rung in the ladder.
ladder, a: each rung must be stabilized before stepping on the next one.
to upstairs window: wil take unfair advantage of the secrets of friends.
mountain, a: conclude obligations to reach the top distinction.
steep: new viewpoints are lateral, spiritual renewal is straight up.
of: wil overcome the obstacles to your prosperity in business.
unable to climb, being: have set unrealistical y high expectations. [22]