The Symbolism Behind Dreams of Flying and Exploration

Dreams have long served as windows into our subconscious, revealing truths about our emotions, desires, and fears. Among the most stirring dreams are those involving flight—a universal symbol of freedom, aspiration, and exploration. When one dreams of soaring through the skies or wandering to distant lands, it can represent profound desires for breakthroughs in life, be it in personal, spiritual, or professional realms.

Such dreams often evoke feelings of exhilaration, joy, and liberation, reflective of one’s aspirations to escape constraints or limitations. Moreover, these dreams can mirror our pursuits of greater understanding and experiences as we navigate the complexities of life. To decipher these flying dreams, one must consider both the personal context of the dreamer and the emotions experienced during the flight.

The interpretations are multifaceted, incorporating aspects of spirituality, personal growth, and the dreams of adventure that dwell in the heart of every individual.

• Dreams of flying often symbolize a desire for freedom and exploration.
• Exploration in dreams can reflect ambitions and a yearning for new experiences.
• Understanding the emotional state during the dream is crucial for interpretation.

Symbols

• gliding
  • Seizing:

    (Holding; Seizing) Gripping to somethingby the hand in a dream means buying a new property, renewal of one’s control over something, getting married or begetting a son.

  • Slipping:
  • Under garment:

    (Under garment; Underpants) In a dream, a slip represents a free woman. A woman wearing an underwear slip in a dream denotes marriage. If she is wearing a flashy red slip in the dream, it means that she will be accused of wrongdoing.

    If a respectable woman adventures with her slip into the streets in a dream, it means that her misfortune will become the talk of the town.

• exploring
  • Migrator:

    (Traveller; Migrator; Nomad) In a dream, an explorer represents an DICTIONARY OF DREAMS 147 outgoing woman from a wealthy family. Seeing an explorer in a dream also represents a morganatic marriage or a marriage for pleasure which is governed by duration. An explorer in a dream also represents orphans, or children of sin.

  • Nomad:

    (Traveller; Migrator; Nomad) In a dream, an explorer represents an DICTIONARY OF DREAMS 147 outgoing woman from a wealthy family. Seeing an explorer in a dream also represents a morganatic marriage or a marriage for pleasure which is governed by duration. An explorer in a dream also represents orphans, or children of sin.

  • Inspector:

    (Touch) In a dream, examining means spying, eavesdropping or paying attention to a conversation one should not listen to.

• globe
  • Galaxy:

    (Constellations; Firmaments; Heavens) Seeing oneself at the first celestial sphere in a dream means associating with a tyrant or a liar or befriending a mail carrier. The second celestial sphere represents the scribes of a king. The third celestial sphere represents a marriage to a woman from a noble lineage.

    The fourth celestial sphere represents leadership, prosperity and reverence. The fifth celestial sphere represents marriage to a most beautiful woman. Travelling in its orbit together with its stars in that galaxy in a dream means travelling to meet a ruler, a warrior, a pious man, or a perfect man.

    The sixth celestial sphere represents knowledge, blessings and steadfastness. The seventh celestial sphere represents the inner circles of a ruler. The eight celestial sphere represents the company of a great ruler.

    The ninth celestial sphere represents the company of a revered man. Seeing the tenth celestial sphere or the all-encompassing sphere in a dream means meeting the greatest ruler. Orbiting a celestial sphere or a galaxy or seeing them in a dream means rising in station and honor, attaining one’s goals, or increase in one’s power.

    If one sees the all-encompassing sphere in a dream, it means that he will meet the Almighty Lord, the Master of the universes, God Almighty Himself or become the intimate friend of the greatest ruler in the world. If one sees himself in a dream changing the order of stars, galaxies or constellations, it means being unjust or trying to obscure the truth. If a woman sees herself under the first celestial sphere in a dream, it means that she will marry someone from the ruling class.

    (Also see Constellations, Dog; Moon; Skies; Star)

  • Landscaping:
  • Land:
• world
  • Glitters:

    (Money; Sequins; World)

  • Land:
  • Landscaping:
• earth
  • Landscaping:
  • Land:
  • Locality:
• flying
  • Flying:

    Flying in a dream means travels. If one sees himself flying lying on his back, then it means comfort. Flying for other than a traveller means joblessness.

    Flying from one roof into another in a dream means changing from a man of dignity into a man who has no moral standards. In a dream, a roof also represents a woman or a wife. In this sense, flying bet ween two roofs could mean having a mistress beside one’s wife.

    If a woman sees herself flying from her house into the house of a man she knows in the dream, it means that she will marry him. Flying from a known abode into a distant and unknown abode in a dream means death. If a prisoner sees himself flying in a dream, it means that he will be released from jail.

    Flying with wings in a dream also means travels, and flying without wings means changes in one’s status or conditions. If a foreigner sees himself flying in a dream, it means that he will return to his homeland, or it could mean that he travels excessively. If one who has pride and exaggerated hopes sees himself flying in a dream, then his dream represents mere hallucination.

    If one sees himself in a dream flying in a race with someone else, and if he wins the race, it means that he will conquer his opponent and rise 172 IBN SEERIN’S above him in station. Flying over a mountain in a dream means power and sovereignty. If one who qualifies for leadership sees himself flying in a dream, it means that he will attain a leadership position.

    If he falls over something in the dream, it means that he will own or control whatever he falls into. If one does not qualify for leadership and sees himself flying in a dream, it represents pitfalls in his religious performances, or it could mean falling sick. If one does attain his intended destination in the dream, then his dream connotes a successful journey.

    If one flies in his dream and disappears beyond sight, it means his death. If one flies from his own house into an unknown house in the dream, the latter house represents his grave. Flying in a dream also represent a sickness that could lead a person near his death before he could recover from it.

    If one flies from a low elevation into a higher one and without wings in his dream, it means fulfillment of his aspirations. If one soars in the air like a pigeon in a dream and sees people below him, whereby he can benefit or harm whomever he wants, it means that he will preside over people and reach a rank of honor and dignity. If one becomes tired during his flight between tow cities or places and finds himself incapable of benefiting or harming anyone, and if he seeks nothing from his flight but is still happy about flying in the dream, it means that he is trying to find money for his personal needs or business.

    If one sees himself flying from one land into another in a dream, it means that he will attain honor, power, comfort and satisfaction. If one sees himself flying hori¬ zontally in the dream, it means that his wife will straighten her act and without much effort on his part. If one sees himself flying vertically with his head up and his feet pointing to the ground in the dream, it means that he will receive benefits.

    The more he rises, the greater are his benefits. If rich people or craftsmen see that dream, it represents a leadership position they could occupy. If a foreigner sees that in a dream, it means that he will return to his mother land, or it could mean that he will never return to his homeland again.

    Flying with wings in a dream means benefits in general. Soaring high in the air and without wings in a dream means fears and hardships. Flying over people’s homes and over the streets in a dream means difficulties and disturbances.

    Flying near a flock of birds in a dream means associating, living or working with unknown people. If an evil person sees that, it means a bad omen, and for a fisherman it means sufferings or death. Flying in the air at a low altitude in a dream means taking a short trip.

    If one sees himself flying at will and ceasing to fly at will in a dream, it means easing of his burdens and expectation of great benefits to come his way. Seeing oneself in a dream flying upside-down means evil happening. If a sick person sees himself flying in the air in a dream, it means that he will die from his illness.

    If one sees himself laying over his bed and flying with it in a dream, it means a severe illness or an ailment that will strike at his legs. Enjoying flying between the sky and the earth in a dream means having exaggerated hopes. Flying in a dream also means seeking a destructive knowl¬ edge, or pursuing an evil idea, or associating with villainous and notorious people, or it could mean being in a hurry, or that one takes lightly a serious project, then fails to accomplish it because of his angry character.

    Flying in a dream also denotes extreme happiness, or it could mean superstition. If one flies from a bad place into a good place such as a farm or a mosque in his dream, it means benefits and growth.

  • Aircraft:

    (Airplane; Coffin; Flying ship; Knowledge. Also see Kite; Ship)

  • Wings:

    (Guild) If one sees himself flying with wings in a dream, it means travel. Wings in a dream also represent one’s children. If one sees his wings feathered, this could represent his prosperity or authority.

    If someone sees himself flying with someone else’s wings in the dream, it means that he will receive his help and support. In that sense, traditional people say: “So and so flew with so and so’s wings.” Having wings and not using them to fly with in a dream means acquiring worldly wealth. A broken wing in a dream represents a severe illness one’s son may attract.

    If one experiences the excruciating pain from his wings being pulled off his shoulders in a dream, it may mean the death of his son. A wing that does not allow one to fly in a dream means a wound or a permanent scar in one’s life that will slow his progress. It also could represent a punishment for one’s sins.

• investigating
  • Court:

    If one is investigated or probed in a court by people he does not know in a dream, it means that he has strayed into innovation and will remain account¬ able for his deeds.

  • Innovation:

    (Investigation) If one sees himself being investigated in a court of justice by people he does not know in a dream, it means that he has strayed into innovation, though he remains accountable for his actions.

  • Inspector:

    (Touch) In a dream, examining means spying, eavesdropping or paying attention to a conversation one should not listen to.

• soaring
  • Climb:

    (Climbing; Rising) To see oneself ascending in the skies in a dream means falling in rank, or it could mean oppressing oneself. If one sees himself ascending in the skies until he reaches the stars, merges with them and if he becomes a star in the dream, it means that he will receive titles and powers. If one sees himself ascending a mountain it means depression, stress and travels.

    However, rising in a dream means elevation of status, and descending means a backslide. If one sees himself walking up a steep road in a dream, it means rising in status, but involving toiling and hardships. If one sees himself climbing a mountain, then the mountain in a dream is interpreted as one’s goal.

    Thus, one’s dream may mean attaining one’s goal as far as he reaches in his climb. In dream interpretation, any ascent of a mountain, a trail, a hill, an elevation or even climbing a roof means attaining one’s goal or satisfying one’s needs. To see oneself climbing flat on his back in a dream then means uncalled for, orunnecessary hardship.

  • Rising:

    (Climbing; Rising) To see oneself ascending in the skies in a dream means falling in rank, or it could mean oppressing oneself. If one sees himself ascending in the skies until he reaches the stars, merges with them and if he becomes a star in the dream, it means that he will receive titles and powers. If one sees himself ascending a mountain it means depression, stress and travels.

    However, rising in a dream means elevation of status, and descending means a backslide. If one sees himself walking up a steep road in a dream, it means rising in status, but involving toiling and hardships. If one sees himself climbing a mountain, then the mountain in a dream is interpreted as one’s goal.

    Thus, one’s dream may mean attaining one’s goal as far as he reaches in his climb. In dream interpretation, any ascent of a mountain, a trail, a hill, an elevation or even climbing a roof means attaining one’s goal or satisfying one’s needs. To see oneself climbing flat on his back in a dream then means uncalled for, orunnecessary hardship.

  • Incline:

    (Incline; Mountain road; Steep incline) If one sees himself climbing a steep incline in a dream, it means toiling to succeed in both his material and spiritual life, or it could mean trying to gather the benefits of both worlds, though with great strain on him . An ascent in a dream also could signify a difficult woman or a stern man who can only be handled with kindness, gentleness and love. An ascent in a dream also represents one’s associate, or a business partner who cannot be trusted with one’s money or life.

    An ascent in a dream also represents the road to salvation or the dangers one may have to cross and the deeds that can save him from hell-fire. An ascent in a dream also could represent adversities, difficulties and dangers. Ascending a steep incline in a dream means danger and descending a steep hill means reaching safety.

    An ascent in a dream also could represent a bridge, an underpass, a wife, a woman, or a scorpion. Walking through a steep incline in a dream also means rising in station because of one’s knowledge, politics, good conduct, fulfillment of one’s duties, his caring for others or wisdom. Falling through a steep hill in a dream means falling in rank, losing one’s prestige, losing one’s money, denying the truth, objecting to one’s religion or walking into darkness.

    Climbing in a dream always means attainment of one’s goals. Climbing flat on one’s back in a dream has negative connotations. Descending from a steep hill, or from a ship, or coming down form a castle or a mountain in a dream also mean that one’s goal will not materialize.

• examining
  • Inspector:

    (Touch) In a dream, examining means spying, eavesdropping or paying attention to a conversation one should not listen to.

  • Examine:

    (Touch) In a dream, examining means spying, eavesdropping or paying attention to a conversation one should not listen to.

  • Sexual organ:

Harnessing the Power of Your Dreams

• Reflect on Your Life’s Aspirations

  When you awaken from a flying dream, take a moment to reflect on your current life aspirations. Consider what aspects of your life feel constricted or limited. Write down your thoughts in a journal, noting the emotions tied to the dream.

  This practice can help clarify your desires and identify steps toward achieving those goals. Ask yourself, what freedom does flying represent for you? Is it a call to travel, pursue a new career, or embark on a personal journey?

  Understanding these connections can illuminate paths you might not have considered.

• Visualize Your Dream

  Create a vision board that includes images and symbols related to your dream of flying and exploration. This will serve not only as a reminder of your aspirations but can also motivate you to take actionable steps toward these goals. Include places you want to visit, activities you wish to try, or any personal accomplishments you aim for.

  Engaging your senses through visual representation allows your subconscious mind to align with your conscious goals, bringing them closer to reality.

• Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude

  After experiencing a flight dream, dedicate time to mindfulness practices. Meditate on the feelings of liberation and joy you experienced. Engage in gratitude exercises by listing what you are thankful for in your life.

  This helps in channeling the positive energy from the dream into your everyday life, fostering an atmosphere of growth and optimism. Mindfulness allows you to stay connected with your true self and your journey, making it easier to embrace life's changes.

FAQs

• What does it mean to dream about flying over water?

  Flying over water in a dream often symbolizes emotional clarity and the vast potential that lies ahead. Water reflects our emotions, and soaring over it may indicate a feeling of overcoming emotional barriers or gaining a fresh perspective on life. It shows a sense of freedom in navigating through your emotional landscape.

• Can dreaming of flying indicate a desire for control?

  Yes, dreams of flying can relate to your desire for control over various aspects of your life. When one feels empowered in a dream, it often reflects a conscious wish to take charge of personal circumstances. Such dreams encourage the dreamer to assert themselves in their waking life, suggesting areas where they want to regain control or influence.

• How can flying dreams relate to waking life stress?

  Dreams of flying can also be an escape from the stress and pressures experienced in waking life. They may serve as a coping mechanism to alleviate feelings of being overwhelmed. When faced with challenges, your subconscious may manifest a desire to break free from these constraints, highlighting a need to address underlying stressors.

• What if I feel scared while flying in my dream?

  Feeling scared while flying may indicate anxiety about taking risks or facing new situations. It suggests a conflict between your desire for freedom and an underlying fear of the unknown. These feelings invite introspection to evaluate what is causing such anxiety and to explore how to confront or resolve these fears.

• Are there cultural meanings associated with flying in dreams?

  Absolutely, cultural beliefs often infuse dream meanings with rich symbolism. In many cultures, flying is regarded as a representation of ambition and transcendence. It can embody the concept of rising above challenges and connecting with the divine. Understanding the cultural context of dreams may add depth to personal interpretations.

References