Understanding the Symbolism Behind Flying Dreams

Dreams have always fascinated humanity, providing a glimpse into our subconscious. Among the myriad of dreams, flying holds a unique allure. The experience of flight conjures feelings of liberation and power, tapping into deep-seated desires for control and freedom.

When one dreams of soaring through the skies, they may be exploring new aspirations or seeking to escape the constraints of everyday life. It's a poignant reflection of our spirit's yearning to transcend limitations and explore the vast possibilities that lie ahead. However, the nature of flying—whether joyful or daunting—can offer valuable insights into our inner emotional state.

Furthermore, waking up immediately after the exhilarating experience of flight often symbolizes the delicate balance between dreams and reality, prompting us to reflect on what we truly desire in our waking lives. In this guide, we will delve into the significance of dreaming about flying and what it might reveal about ourselves.

• Dreams of flying often symbolize freedom, aspiration, and a desire to rise above challenges.
• Waking up after flying may indicate a transition from dreaming to reality, processing emotions.
• The interpretation of flying dreams varies, reflecting personal aspirations, fears, or spiritual awakening.

Symbols

• airborne
  • Floating in the air:

    Standing in the air in a dream means being honored or acknowledged by a governor, though it will not last. If one has exaggerated hopes, arrogance, pride, or if he is a self-centered individual, then his floating in the air represents mere disturbed dreams. Walking in the air without ascending or descending in a dream means receiving dignity, honor and earning lawful money.

    If one does not qualify for it, then walking in the air in his dream means travels. Hanging in the air between the heavens and the earth in a dream represents a concerned heart and uncertainty about what to do! Falling in the air in a dream means despair or loss of status in wakefulness.

    Falling in a dream also means relief from distress, wantonness, or satisfying one’s needs. Clear, fresh and pure air in a dream represents a good time to take a trip for business or pleasure. Air in a dream also represents one’s desire and passion.

    Thus, disobeying one’s mind, desire and passion in a dream means entering the heavenly paradise. Following one’s desires in a dream means negligence of once religious duties. Standing up in the air and speaking loud in a dream means blessings, favors, money, honor and fame.

    Sitting in the air in a dream means arrogance and self- deception regarding religious opinions. Building a house up in the air or placing a mat in the air or raising a tent in the air means death of a sick person, and what is built in this case is one’s own coffin. If a governor sees that dream, it means his dismissal from his office or his death.

    Seeing that dream after a wedding or after having marital relations with one’s wife means mistrust and loss. It also means involvement in an uncouth action, lacking knowledge of the Holy Book and prophetic traditions, because what one has built lacks a foun- UJUUliJUl u dation. Flying in the air in a dream may mean travels.

    Flying with wings in a dream has stronger connotations and is safer. The wings here will represent money or power. Swimming in the air means benefits or business travels.

    If the air looks opaque in one’s eyes, so he cannot see the skies in his dream, it means problems with one’s superior. If one does not have a boss, then it means that he may lose his sight. If all the people witnessed the air opaque or red in the dr earn, then it means a major calamity and a trying adversity.

  • Walking in the air:

    Standing in the air in a dream means being honored or acknowledged by a governor, though it will not last. If one has exaggerated hopes, arrogance, pride, or if he is a self-centered individual, then his floating in the air represents mere disturbed dreams. Walking in the air without ascending or descending in a dream means receiving dignity, honor and earning lawful money.

    If one does not qualify for it, then walking in the air in his dream means travels. Hanging in the air between the heavens and the earth in a dream represents a concerned heart and uncertainty about what to do! Falling in the air in a dream means despair or loss of status in wakefulness.

    Falling in a dream also means relief from distress, wantonness, or satisfying one’s needs. Clear, fresh and pure air in a dream represents a good time to take a trip for business or pleasure. Air in a dream also represents one’s desire and passion.

    Thus, disobeying one’s mind, desire and passion in a dream means entering the heavenly paradise. Following one’s desires in a dream means negligence of once religious duties. Standing up in the air and speaking loud in a dream means blessings, favors, money, honor and fame.

    Sitting in the air in a dream means arrogance and self- deception regarding religious opinions. Building a house up in the air or placing a mat in the air or raising a tent in the air means death of a sick person, and what is built in this case is one’s own coffin. If a governor sees that dream, it means his dismissal from his office or his death.

    Seeing that dream after a wedding or after having marital relations with one’s wife means mistrust and loss. It also means involvement in an uncouth action, lacking knowledge of the Holy Book and prophetic traditions, because what one has built lacks a foun- UJUUliJUl u dation. Flying in the air in a dream may mean travels.

    Flying with wings in a dream has stronger connotations and is safer. The wings here will represent money or power. Swimming in the air means benefits or business travels.

    If the air looks opaque in one’s eyes, so he cannot see the skies in his dream, it means problems with one’s superior. If one does not have a boss, then it means that he may lose his sight. If all the people witnessed the air opaque or red in the dr earn, then it means a major calamity and a trying adversity.

  • Wing:
• arising
  • Rising-up:

    (Rising-up) To see oneself waking up from sleep in a dream means steadfastness, serious repentance, success in one’s business and returning home from a journey.

  • Awakening:

    (Rising-up) To see oneself waking up from sleep in a dream means steadfastness, serious repentance, success in one’s business and returning home from a journey.

  • Rising of the dead:

    (Resurrection) Seeing the rising of all the dead on the Day of Judgment in a dream represents people attending to their daily business and seeking profits where some will win while others will lose. (Also see Resurrec¬ tion)

• getting up
  • Awakening:

    (Rising-up) To see oneself waking up from sleep in a dream means steadfastness, serious repentance, success in one’s business and returning home from a journey.

  • Election:

    (Rank; Status) In a dream, rising in station means falling in people’s esteem. Love to preside over others in a dream means the reversal of one’s conditions for the worst. If one sees himself in a dream working hard at winning a leadership position, and if he wins an election in the dream, it means that he will grow in arrogance, then suffer from humiliation.

    Turning down an offer for a high rankingposition or an elevated station in a dream means earning respect, honor, status and happiness. (Also see Army’s flag; Rank)

  • Status:

    (Rank; Status) In a dream, rising in station means falling in people’s esteem. Love to preside over others in a dream means the reversal of one’s conditions for the worst. If one sees himself in a dream working hard at winning a leadership position, and if he wins an election in the dream, it means that he will grow in arrogance, then suffer from humiliation.

    Turning down an offer for a high rankingposition or an elevated station in a dream means earning respect, honor, status and happiness. (Also see Army’s flag; Rank)

• 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.

• waking up
  • Alertness:

    (Alertness; Keenness of mind; Vigilance) Wakefulness in a dream signifies keenness of mind, perseverance in one’s objective, completion of one’s work, retracting one’s steps to reverse an act of wrongdoing, or it could mean longevity. Waking up someone from his sleep in a dream means guiding him or showing him the road.

  • Vigilance:

    (Alertness; Keenness of mind; Vigilance) Wakefulness in a dream signifies keenness of mind, perseverance in one’s objective, completion of one’s work, retracting one’s steps to reverse an act of wrongdoing, or it could mean longevity. Waking up someone from his sleep in a dream means guiding him or showing him the road.

  • Rising-up:

    (Rising-up) To see oneself waking up from sleep in a dream means steadfastness, serious repentance, success in one’s business and returning home from a journey.

Practical Insights for Understanding Your Flying Dreams

• Embrace the Dream Experience

  Additionally, practice mindfulness to enhance your dream recall. Before you sleep, affirm your intention to remember your dreams. This act sends a clear message to your subconscious, increasing the chances that you will wake with clarity regarding what you dreamt.

  Furthermore, consider interpreting your flying dreams in conjunction with recurring themes in your life. Do you often dream of heights? Such symbols can indicate your desire for success or elevated status.

  By intertwining your dreams with your waking experiences, you create a richer tapestry of insights that can guide you towards personal growth and understanding.

• Contemplate Spiritual Connections

  Lastly, consider discussing your flying dreams with a trusted friend or spirit guide who understands dream symbolism. Sharing your experiences invites different perspectives that can illuminate aspects you may not have considered. Conversations around dreams can enrich your understanding, unraveling deeper layers of meaning.

  Often, when we articulate our experiences, we clarify our thoughts, leading to profound insights. Remember that engaging with your dreams is a process, one that evolves based on your personal growth and experiences. As you explore the significance of flying dreams, approach them with curiosity and compassion, remaining open to the various layers of meaning they hold.

FAQs

• What does it mean if I often dream of flying?

  Frequent flying dreams often reveal a deep desire for freedom and self-expression. They may indicate that you're seeking to rise above challenges in your life or achieve new heights in your personal or professional life. These dreams can also signify a longing to escape from responsibilities or burdens. Reflecting on your current life circumstances can help illuminate why these dreams are recurring and what they could be urging you to pursue.

• Is there a negative interpretation of flying in dreams?

  While flying is primarily associated with freedom and aspiration, negative experiences while flying—such as losing control or crashing—can indicate anxiety or fears about success and failure. Such dreams may suggest that you feel overwhelmed or that your ambitions are daunting. Recognizing these fears is the first step in addressing what holds you back in your waking life.

• Can flying dreams be connected to my waking life ambitions?

  Yes, flying dreams often directly correspond to your aspirations and goals. If you dream of soaring through the skies, it may reflect your ambition to reach new heights or make significant progress in an area of your life. Conversely, flying low or struggling to fly can symbolize feelings of being held back or inadequate. Exploring how your dreams align with your ambitions can help you identify personal growth opportunities.

• What should I do if I wake up frightened after a flying dream?

  Waking up frightened after a flying dream can be disconcerting. It's essential to take a few moments to ground yourself—breath deeply and remind yourself that dreams are a reflection of your subconscious. Reflect on the feelings the dream evoked and consider whether it mirrors your waking life fears or stresses. Processing these emotions through journaling or discussing them with someone can further help you make sense of the experience.

• Do cultural or societal perspectives influence the meaning of flying dreams?

  Absolutely! Different cultures interpret flying dreams in numerous ways, and meaning can vary based on societal beliefs and personal experiences. In Western societies, flying often symbolizes freedom, ambition, or spiritual elevation. Exploring cultural interpretations can provide a broader understanding and help you find what resonates most with your experiences.

References

• Ibni Sirin's Dream Interpretation, Ancient Wisdom on Dreams
• Modern Perspectives on Dream Analysis
• Cultural Interpretations of Dreams: A Compendium