The Symbolism of Flying and Losing Control in Dreams

The extraordinary experience of flying in dreams captivates many. It often symbolizes freedom, elevation of spirit, and a longing to escape from life’s burdens. However, when such dreams twist into feelings of losing control, they may reveal underlying fears and anxieties.

Such juxtaposition in dreams highlights the complex relationships we hold with our aspirations and the realities we navigate daily. Flying can represent the depth of our ambitions and the heights we wish to reach. In contrast, losing control during this flight evokes a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty, perhaps reflecting areas in our waking life where we feel overwhelmed or incapable of managing.

By interpreting these powerful symbols, we can glean insights that may guide our spiritual journey and personal growth.

• Dreams of flying signify a desire for freedom and escape.
• Feelings of losing control may reflect anxieties about one's life circumstances.
• Such dreams encourage self-reflection and spiritual growth.
• These dreams can also symbolize aspirations and personal challenges.

Symbols

• losing control
  • Business loss:
  • Steering wheel:

    Holding onto a steering wheel in a dream means pursuing one’s own destiny and whatever good or bad it brings. Controlling a steering wheel in a dream means that adverse conditions will turn easy through one’s deter¬ mination and perseverance.

  • Gripping:

    (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.

• surrendering authority
  • Estrangement:

    (Desertion; Denial; Divorce; Estrangement) Repudiating one’s wife in a dream means unveiling or exposing disturbing secrets. Repudiation in a dream also denotes a vow one has forgotten about. Repudiation in a dream also denotes having loathsome sexual preferences, or desiring anal intercourse with one’s wife, or it could mean running away from one’s enemy.

  • Denial:

    (Desertion; Denial; Divorce; Estrangement) Repudiating one’s wife in a dream means unveiling or exposing disturbing secrets. Repudiation in a dream also denotes a vow one has forgotten about. Repudiation in a dream also denotes having loathsome sexual preferences, or desiring anal intercourse with one’s wife, or it could mean running away from one’s enemy.

  • Desertion:

    (Desertion; Denial; Divorce; Estrangement) Repudiating one’s wife in a dream means unveiling or exposing disturbing secrets. Repudiation in a dream also denotes a vow one has forgotten about. Repudiation in a dream also denotes having loathsome sexual preferences, or desiring anal intercourse with one’s wife, or it could mean running away from one’s enemy.

• 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.

• relinquishing control
  • Estrangement:

    (Desertion; Denial; Divorce; Estrangement) Repudiating one’s wife in a dream means unveiling or exposing disturbing secrets. Repudiation in a dream also denotes a vow one has forgotten about. Repudiation in a dream also denotes having loathsome sexual preferences, or desiring anal intercourse with one’s wife, or it could mean running away from one’s enemy.

  • Denial:

    (Desertion; Denial; Divorce; Estrangement) Repudiating one’s wife in a dream means unveiling or exposing disturbing secrets. Repudiation in a dream also denotes a vow one has forgotten about. Repudiation in a dream also denotes having loathsome sexual preferences, or desiring anal intercourse with one’s wife, or it could mean running away from one’s enemy.

  • Desertion:

    (Desertion; Denial; Divorce; Estrangement) Repudiating one’s wife in a dream means unveiling or exposing disturbing secrets. Repudiation in a dream also denotes a vow one has forgotten about. Repudiation in a dream also denotes having loathsome sexual preferences, or desiring anal intercourse with one’s wife, or it could mean running away from one’s enemy.

• 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.

• 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.

Tips for Navigating Dreams of Flying and Losing Control

• Reflect on Your Current Life Situation

  Consider the aspects of your life where you feel a sense of losing control. These may include work stress, personal relationships, or evolving responsibilities. Writing down these feelings can assist in bringing clarity.

  By acknowledging the areas where you find yourself anxious, you can take proactive steps to regain control. For example, if work stress is overwhelming, setting clear boundaries or seeking support from colleagues can empower you. Additionally, engaging in mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep-breathing exercises, can help you ground your thoughts, making you feel more anchored as you navigate life's challenges.

  Your dreams are nudging you to address these feelings, paving the way for inner peace and healing.

• Embrace the Freedom of Flight

  While losing control may invoke fear, flying also symbolizes the potential for liberation and self-discovery. Embrace this element of your dream by exploring creative outlets that allow you to express your emotions. Activities such as painting, writing, or even dancing can facilitate an exploration of your inner landscape.

  Allow your imagination to take flight, irrespective of the limitations you may face in waking life. Understanding that these dreams can be an invitation to explore uncharted territories of your thoughts or aspirations can transform your worldview. Recognize that freedom comes from within, and your dreams may hold the key to unlocking talents and desires you may not yet have tapped into.

FAQs

• What does it mean if I dream of flying and then suddenly lose control?

  Dreaming of flying followed by a sensation of losing control often reflects an inner conflict between aspirations and anxieties. This duality can arise from significant changes in your life or feelings of uncertainty about your future. It may serve as a reminder to evaluate the areas where you feel overwhelmed and address those uncertainties manifesting in your dream. Acknowledging these feelings openly can guide you toward finding balance.

• Are dreams of flying common?

  Yes, dreams of flying are quite common and can represent the desire for freedom or a sense of achievement. However, not all flying dreams are positive; when accompanied by a loss of control, they can indicate your mind's way of processing stress or unresolved issues. Consider the context of the flying and your feelings during the dream to gain greater insight.

• How can I interpret my own flying dreams?

  To interpret your own flying dreams, start by recalling the emotions you felt during the dream. Reflect on aspects of your life that might relate to those emotions. Keep a dream journal to document your experiences, as patterns or recurring themes may emerge, providing valuable insights over time. Exploring the symbolism related to flying can enhance your understanding of your dreams.

• Do flying and losing control dreams have any connection to anxiety?

  Absolutely. Dreams of flying coupled with losing control can be a manifestation of anxiety, particularly when facing challenges that make you feel unprepared or vulnerable. Such dreams encourage self-exploration to identify sources of stress in your waking life. Recognizing these connections can lead to constructive actions that fortify your mental resilience.

• What should I do after experiencing such dreams?

  After dreaming about flying and losing control, take some time to reflect on the content and emotions tied to the dream. Engaging in calming practices such as journaling or meditation can help articulate these feelings. Ultimately, confronting the realities you face in waking life with courage can empower you to navigate through any struggles and emerge with newfound strength.

References