A dream that features a donkey braying implies that the dreamer is on a liberating journey from some kind of family or health trauma. A dream in which the donkey is tied up attests to the dreamer’s fierce will power that can ‘move mountains’ if directed towards a positive goal.
If the ass or donkey is being ridden by or pulling someone else, you may be feeling you are doing all the hard work in a relationship, or working like a beast of burden. [1]
(In the language of the 16th century, “driving an ass” meant to arouse the penis.) Today this symbol is seen differently, since the proverbial stubbornness of the ass can be seen as his strength. He follows his own sense and possesses a sense of what is his. And in the pursuit of his urges, the ass can also be very smart (urges are not always stupid!).
According to the 2nd century dream interpreter Artemidorus: if you see an ass that is carrying a load, a burden is removed from you.
The most widely read book of the Middle Ages, Physiologus, relates the ass to the custom of castration.
Folklore: Luck in love. [2]