shadow image

Shadow Dream Meaning

Dream interpretation from 20 unique sources about Shadow

The shadow is, first of all, that which is invisible.

If it becomes visible in your dream, a very important step toward increasing awareness has been taken.

You are beginning to become consciously aware of your “dark side.” The reason for the shadow in a dream is a sign that you are in the process of becoming aware of your Self. So, there is no reason to fear your shadow or try to avoid it.

The shadow is usually connected to the past or the future: old injuries are casting their shadow onto today’s behavior and emotions, and creating fear for the yet unborn reality of the future. Coming to terms with the shadow is necessary in order to understand life here and now. It brings intensity, wealth, and imagination to life.

If you are standing in somebody’s shadow, or are put into a shadow by somebody, this refers to low self- esteem. You have an inferiority complex—want to appear to be more than you are, want to be more accepted.

The shadow follows us but is not easily seen; it also provides protection.

Jung sees the shadow as an underdeveloped structure in people.

The shadow is one of the original definitions of the soul.

The chieftain of some Polynesian tribes loses his mana (power), if somebody steps on his shadow. In southern European countries midday was considered the ghost hour, because the shadow would then be its smallest and retreat. Behind this superstition was the fear that the shadow would disappear altogether and with it the soul and its relationship to the earth. [1]

Generally, shadows are associated with the dark and malignant. For some psychologists they represent what is hidden in the subconscious, what you do not want to be. It probably comes from emotions and aspects that you have rejected within yourself. It recommends trying to bring to light everything that is hidden. This way, you will see that it is not so difficult to overcome. However, the interpretation of this dream is complex because, despite what has been said, the shadow of a tree could be a positive image that generates relief and protection for the dreamer. In this case, it is a dream of compensation before an adverse circumstance. Other dream symbols and the context in which it develops provide clues as to how it can be correctly interpreted.

Many superstitions believe that the shadow is part of the human soul. Stepping on it or throwing rocks on it is a sign of bad luck and the possibility of causing harm to someone.

If it is about one’s own shadow, you should be cautious. [2]

(See also: Black, Darkness)

Dark forces that threaten to undermine your spiritual quest. Note that these forces can also come from within.

Your own shadow or alternate persona.

For the goodness to mean something quantifiable we must all overcome this darker side of the soul.

Shadow boxing represents an internal argument you’re having with your sense of morality.

Not having a shadow equates to someone with a soulless character, without depth or passion. In earlier times, anyone who did not bear a shadow was considered cursed, like vampires. [3]

Seeing a shadow (an unrecognizable or dark object or figure) can represent: Mystery.

An anonymous force or feeling.

A particular person, or the idea of someone unknown.

A subconscious issue or other dynamic.

Fear or another feeling.

Consider the context of the shadow, what it brings to mind, and how you felt about it.

See also: the meaning for the specific type of shadow(such as a person or specific object) and whatever stood out about it (such as its action or perceived intention).

See also: Person Unknown, Shape, Darkness [4]

Most authorities seem to agree that to be aware of your own shadow in a dream is a sign of a beneficial legal matter, likely to be an inheritance or legacy.

However, if the shadows were not your own, their meaning must be gleaned by correlating the other details of your dream.

To dream of the shadow of a dead person is an indication of a temporary obstacle; the shadow of a living person is believed to be a warning against travel or unnecessary risks for a few weeks* time. [5]

Dreams of a shadow symbolize your dark side; that which you fear or resist, and that which is unintegrated, rejected, or perceived as unaccepted and suppressed. Keep in mind that it is only in the shadow until you’ve embraced it in the light of your awareness.

See also: Integration Dreams. [6]

If you dream that your shadow acts differently than you do, you are not letting others see all parts of your personality.

If the shadows in your dream were not your own, this suggests that there is an aspect of yourself that you are rejecting or want to keep hidden. [7]

A shadow may represent the hidden aspects of the self.

The dreamer often does not accept these parts of his or her personality and they are projected upon others until the dreamer can accept them and incorporate them into his or her psyche. [8]

Anything in shadow may symbolize (part of) the dark (i.e. unfamiliar) side of your own nature: unused or rejected capacities, qualities and emotions. So long as you are ignorant of this ‘other self, you will project it on to other people. [9]
1. Someone may be following one.

2. Commitment of rela­tionship one is reluctant to make.

3. Rejection of one or more as­pects of one’s personality.

4. One’s real self is being hidden or repressed. [10]

Symbolic of being in the presence of God, Ps. 36:7.

A shadow can symbolize a demonic presence or death depending on the emotion associated with the dream, Ps. 44:19, Ps. 23:4 [11]

Fear, illusion, that follows you. Unknown part of self. Face the shadow and befriend it to understand the selfinsight it offers. [12]
1. Protection under the shadow of his wings;

2. Hiding away from God;

3. Darkness; James 117; Col. 2:17; Ps. 91:1. [13]

The Subconscious; insubstantiality.Hidden or covert patterns attempting to surface or cause problems. [14]
Money gained through legal affairs. [15]
See “shade” [18]
(Under the sun, in the dark, or otherwise.) In a dream, a shadow represents changes affectingone’s life in the world and his elevation or abasement.

A shadow in a dream also means guidance, repentance, true monotheism and contemplating the Maker and His creation.

If one moves but does not see his shadow moving in a dream, it means abrogating the laws, discarding what is permissible, adopting what is unlawful, death, becoming motionless, or losing one’s senses.

The same interpretation applies if one’s shadow disappears under the sunlight, or under the moonlight, or in the night lights, or if his reflection disappears from the water surface, or from any shiny surface.

If one sees his shadow dancing in a dream, it means falsehood, lies, stealing people’s money, shifting one’s faith according to one’s personal interests, or that he criticize the conduct of God’s Prophet, upon whom be peace. Dancing one’s shadow over a carpet in a dream means invoking evil spirits, speaking their words after being possessed by them, and it means trials, temptations and evil.

(See also: Shade) [19]

lucky numbers: 02-11-14-33-35-55

being afraid of a: wil be threatened by a great enemy; you need to excise yourself.

your own: acknowledge your negatives and integrate them.

enemies, of: negative parts of yourself projected onto others.

evil spirits, of: what moral defect of yours is this expressing?

friends, of: beware of being tricked into believing their view of you.

many: an unrecognized negative wil overwhelm you.

misty, a white: blissful remembrance of your mother checking you in your sleep.

own: financial gains through legal affairs.

The: represents everything about yourself that you hate.

tree, of a: a friend you thought was faithful wil cheat you.

being in the: wil receive a proposal of love. [20]

What Do You Think About This Dream?

What does SHADOW mean in a dream?


The shadow is, first of all, that which is invisible.If it becomes visible in your dream, a very important step toward increasing awareness has been taken.You are beginning to become...

Learn more about the meaning of Shadow

According to Jung, the shadow is the repressed or unacceptable part of your own personality, so if a shadow or shadowy figure appears in your dream, this represents an aspect...

Learn more about the meaning of The Shadow

Vision: Seeing your own shadow: detach from negative friends—troubles and grief are at your door. Sitting in the shade: be careful—someone is about to cheat you. Seeing the shadows of...

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Putting on eye shadow accentuates the eyes with color. Eye shadow may mention that you would like to be noticed. Specifically, it may suggest that you wish your eyes were...

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Feeling ‘put in the shade’; feelings still overshadowing one from past experiences or relationships; feeling inferior, protection; occasionally a sense of the dead or fear of the unknown. Idioms: afraid...

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The shadow is one of the most powerful elements of depth psychology and dream work. It relates to the parts of your psyche that you wish weren’t so, prefer to...

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Dreams of an enemy represent your shadow and an opportunity for -integration and empowerment, and realization.If you inquire into the qualities that this person represents (i.e., stubbornness, deceitfulness, selfishness, insensitivity,...

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Something new is announced.The image can also point to the shadow (the stranger within), rejected or unknown characteristics in yourself that you don’t want to see.See Shadow.

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Well-known symbol for our shadow, where a shadow depicts something invisible. Fear of people, emotions, thoughts, actions, and situations we don’t understand, since they are in the dark. Ambiguous premonition;...

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Dreams of shade signify that you are connecting with your shadow, your inner mystery, and aspects of yourself that are edgy, shady and socially unacceptable. This dream is attempting to...

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Dreaming about devils and demons is usually very frightening and you may awake from fear.The devil does not generally represent something outside of yourself. It usually symbolizes the most negative...

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Dreams of a dungeon symbolize your unexplored subconscious, shadow side, unintegrated aspects of your consciousness. There is a great deal of unintegrated power, wisdom and talent that you have yet...

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Dreams of anything dark symbolize shadow aspects of yourself that want to be integrated into the light of your being. Anything dark can also represents a personal challenge, the mystery...

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Dreams of a voyage signify that you are taking an excursion into the waters of your unconscious, uncharted, sacred, sexual, mysterious, intuitive feminine and mystical nature. This may be an...

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Dreams of something haunted represent your shadow and fear based negative thoughts that are eating at you and feeding off your fear.If you’ve done something in the past of which...

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Gives gender-specific: Depending on whether the dreamer is masculine or feminine, a wild woman will represent the anima or the shadow. Also consult the entries for animals, flowers, tame and...

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Dreams of an ugly person or object signifies that you are grappling you’re your shadow. This dream is helping you to come to terms with and embrace all aspects of...

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General Meaning: A picture of the Holy Spirit and His ability to protect us and do warfare on our behalf.Dreams Positive:There are so many positive connotations for the eagle, that...

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Material aspects: A threat to our security or way of life can translate itself in dreams to an image of a threatening situation or environment.The shadow – that part of...

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If you feel empowered by this dream, then a witch signifies your irreverent power and ability to create magic in your life.If you feel weakened or scared by this dream,...

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Example: A shadow thing came very quickly up the stairs, along our corridor and into the bed­room, over to the bed to bend over me. I felt fear as I...

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Dreams of Halloween signify that you are embracing and bringing awareness to the different masks you wear and to the social roles you play. This powerful dream is about embracing...

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(1) A wilderness may symbolize your shadow - that is, the parts of you that consciousness has not yet reached (for shadow).(2) Going into the wildemess / outback / bush...

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This is a strong image that is ultimately archetypal in nature, but is often difficult to get a grasp on because of the enormous emotional content often associated with it.The...

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[DREAM IMAGES: APPRENTICE; DEVOTEE; DISCIPLE; FOLLOWER; PUPIL]The student archetype suggests an open mind and the ability to absorb new information as an essential part of one’s well-being. The shadow student...

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Dreams of a skeleton signify your feelings about death, impermanence, and your shadow. This dream could be giving you the message to embrace feelings or aspects of yourself you have...

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[DREAM IMAGES: ARBITRATOR; CRITIC; EXAMINER; MEDIATOR]One need not be an attorney, judge, or critic by profession to identify with this archetype; it can appear in your dreams if you are,...

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Dreams of Hell are venting dreams of your greatest fears and most disassociated shadow figures.A terrifying dream such as this is a golden opportunity for you to embrace your shadow,...

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(1) If in your dream you have a friend or companion of the same sex as vourself, he or she may svmbolize your alter ego or shadow, which consists of...

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If you dream of being stocked, then you are venting out feelings of victimhood and are running from your shadow. Your dream is giving you the message to face and...

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Universal Landscape: Pervasive underbelly of Shadow.Dreaming Lens: Where were the rats in your dream? Was there just one or was there an infestation? Were you frightened of them? Were they...

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See Brother, Sister, Friend, Shadow.

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Kill, Shadow and Integration Dream.

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Dreams which feature your friends or groups of friends highlight your feelings about them in waking life.If the friends are people you do not know, they may represent your inner...

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Dreaming of someone being across from you can represent qualities they are mirroring back to you. They may be reflecting your beauty, or an aspect of your shadow you have...

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See Virgin. Chastity and disappointment, the longing for a spiritual life. Problems with one’s shadow and repressed desires.

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Dreams of this radio personality and shock jock may represent your shadow, the aspect of you that is a sexist, chauvinistic voyeur.See Celebrity.

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Dreams of this secret chamber represents mysteries and that you are realizing your connection with your shadow side and becoming aware of the deepest, innermost, sacred aspects of your nature.

Learn more about the meaning of Grotto

Dreams of mud wrestling represent that you are fighting with your shadow or grappling with your fears. This dream could reflect that you have been wallowing in your darkness, and...

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See Hills.1. Shadow of death or death;2. Depression;3. Weeping4. Hopelessness; Isa. 7:19; Num. 32:9.

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A vampire may represent a shadow character who sucks the blood of others. He therefore may mention that you have been sucked dry by someone else’s psychic power.

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Dreams of a tyrant reflect your own inner critic and shadow. Consider this dream to be a test, a rite of passage and an opportunity for you to become more...

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See Emotions and The Emotions of Shadow and Light (Introduction).

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also see Dream Dictionary: GamesDreams of chess are indicative of the struggle within between the self and the shadow. It represents our primal understanding of good and evil.

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Usually points to a situation at work or with your partner. You are bound to something or somebody and are unhappy about it. On the other hand, shackles also hold...

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Dreaming about what you consider obscene is an integration dream where you are attempting to embrace your shadow; dueling with your inner demons; facing, embracing, erasing and replacing them with...

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Vision: Seeing twins: an actual situation presents two equally good possibilities. Make up your mind ...A twin may also be a symbol of your “shadow” (“two voices but one soul”).

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A female sexual symbol. Obstacles are in your way. You must reach down and deal with your shadow.The opposite of plow.A city persons romantic longing for the natural country life,...

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As a lethal weapon in the hand of a shadow character, a gun may express the threat of annihilation. As its shape is somewhat like a phallus, a gun may...

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Dreams of being on the defensive symbolize that you are venting out your fears, insecurities and feelings of inadequacy. Dreams of self protection represent not feeling safe, and that you...

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If someone is mean in your dream, this is your shadow expressing itself; the part of you that is critical any negative belief you hold about yourself. This dream is...

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Something is dragging behind you.See Shadow.To take somebody in tow. But also dignity, splendor, and worship. Often this image refers to Bride. Sometimes it may suggest time is “dragging,” addressing...

Learn more about the meaning of Train (on A Gown) / Veil

(1) ‘Gypsy5 may conjure up ideas of occult psychic powers such as clairvoyance, but perhaps the gypsy in your dream is only asking you to look to the future and...

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(see also Guru, Wise Old Man / Woman)(1) A male figure may be a symbol of your self; wholeness, completeness; the inner self that represents the ground-plan of your individual...

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A chain saw is usually used to cut down trees. Someone who is coming at you with a chain saw may point to a shadow character who is ready to...

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The Bird that combines black and white, as in Birch in the plant world. Light and shadow are to be integrated in your inner life, as in Marriage, Intercourse, and...

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Dreams of a buzzard symbolize that you or someone in your life is preying on those who are energetically weaker and smaller.The buzzard is an ominous symbol for death, decay,...

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lucky numbers: 06-11-15-34-39-40of a: death is needed for new growth to survive. singing, a woman dreaming of a: wil have two husbands. man: wil have two wives, his mother and...

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Dreams of cobwebs symbolize that you are discovering a part of your power and wisdom that has been long forgotten, neglected, or discarded. This dream can also represent seduction and...

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Dreams of the ego represent your unconscious desire for fusion and integration with your shadow and light, humanity and spirituality.The exposure of the ego in all of its grandiosity, defensiveness,...

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Gives gender-specific: In a man’s dream the one who jeers may often appear as a parental figure, sometimes of the opposite sex. In a woman’s dream it may be her...

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Dreams of a beast symbolize suppressed anger, and your wild, untamed dark side, that you have yet to integrate and embrace.See Integration Dreams and Shadow.

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Dreams of the color black symbolize that which is mysterious, secretive, seductive, unknowable; a shadow aspect of your power that has not yet been realized.See Integration Dreams.

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Dreams of this bird that is known for flying between the worlds of life and death reflect your feelings and attitudes about death, your shadow, change and transformation.See Bird.

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The moth has the same meaning as the butterfly, but it relates to the shadow side of the equation, as it is a nocturnal creature.(See Butterfly.)

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Nighttime is the feminine side of the day. Because there is darkness at night, any dream that takes place at night is rooted in the shadow and pertains to the...

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O.J s appearance in a dream may comment on the shadow in the subconscious of a man or a woman.He may come as a villain who seeks to kill your...

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Dreams of a panther denote that you are embracing the unknown and mysterious aspects of your being and exploring the power of your unconscious.The Panther also symbolizes that you have...

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“The dark force is with you” may be the message of Darth Vader’s guest appearance in a dream as a shadow character. He may also come to comment on the...

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A to Z Dream Interpretation