Decoding Dreams of Your Future Self

Dreams hold a unique position in our subconscious, often revealing insights we may not see in our waking life. One particularly compelling dream experience is encountering a future version of oneself. This can be a powerful moment, filled with imagery and emotion that reflect our hopes, aspirations, and fears about who we might yet become.

In many cultures, including Islamic tradition as noted by scholars like Ibn Sirin, dreams are seen as windows into our inner lives and can serve as divine messages or reflections of our state of being. When we dream of seeing our future self, it often signifies a period of introspection or contemplation about our life’s direction. It can be an encouragement to embrace change, pursue personal goals, or even reflect on the consequences of our current choices.

Such dreams are rich with meaning and offer us essential insights that can guide our journey through life.

• Dreams of seeing your future self often symbolize growth, transformation, and personal aspirations.
• They can reflect your subconscious desires and fears about who you want or don’t want to become.
• These dreams may serve as a guiding light to help you navigate current life choices.
• The feelings experienced in the dream offer clues regarding your acceptance of change.
• Engaging with your future self in dreams can lead to profound personal insights.

Symbols

• seeing
  • Locality:
  • Transfixed:

    Eyes in a dream represent one’s religion or wealth. If one sees grass growing all over him but does not cover his ears or eyes in a dream, it means prosperity. One’s eyes in a dream also represent his faith and the road to victory in this life and in the next.

    One’s eyes in a dream also could represent his guidance or his heedlessness. Having many eyes throughout one’s body in a dream represents one’s piety, vigilance and excellence of character. If one sees the eyes of his heart in a dream, it means that he sees with the light of clarity.

    If one sees a man looking at him with a side glance in a dream, it means that he will suffer from an adversity, mistrust, disapproval, suspicion and disdain at the hand of such a man. If such a man opens his eyes and looks at him straight forward in the dream, it means that he will help him in his business or support his interests. If one’s eyes turn into iron in a dream, it means distress, a scandal or serious suffering from one’s community.

    If one sees himself looking at women in his dream, it means that he commits adultery with his eyes by looking and desiring what is unlawful. If one looks at someone’s eyes in a dream and likes them, it means that he will suffer from an adversity, religious corruption or jealousy. If one sees himself having an extra eye inside his body in a dream, it means that he is an atheist.

    If one sees himself having an extra eye over his shoulder in a dream, it means that he will be named to receive money in absentia. If one sees his eyes transfixed in a dream, it means that he looks suspiciously at a relative or someone else’s wife. Black eyes in a dream represent a religious person.

    A bluish-black eyes in a dream denote opposing one’s religion. Blue eyes in a dream mean religious innovations. Green eyes in a dream mean a religion which is different from all religions.

    Sharp sight in a dream means blessings, while weak sight means joblessness and living from the generosity of others. If a father sees weakness in his sight in a dream, it means that a sickness will inflict his children. If one loses his eyes in a dream, it means the death of his children.

    If a poor person or a prisoner sees that in a dream, it means that he will never become free again, or see any light for the rest of his life. If an oppressed person sees weakness in his eyes in a dream, it means that someone will help him overcome his adversities. If a traveller sees that dream, it means that he will DICTIONARY OF DREAMS 149 never return to his homeland.

    If one sees that his eyes belong to an unknown person in a dream, it means that he will become blind. If he recognizes that person in the dream, it means that he will be married to his daughter. If one’s eyes fall into his lap in a dream, it means the death of his brother or son.

    The eyes of a human being in a dream also represent his beloved, his son or his faith. Any defect in them in the dream may reflect in such people. Having one hundred eyes in a dream means money.

    The eyes of a ruler represent his spies. Eyes in a dream also represent a controller, a man or a spring. Treating one’s eyes with medicinal ointment in a dream means correcting one’s religious life or begetting a son who will become the jewel light of his father’s eyes or if one’s brother is exiled or deported from his homeland, it means that he will solicit him and entrust him with duties toward his family.

    If one sees his sight better than what people think in the dream, it means that his inner character is better than what people think, or if he sees his sight weakened though people do not know about it in the dream, it means that he keeps his faith to himself. If one’s eyes become white in a dream, they represent sorrow, or loss of a beloved. If one sees his eyes white, and if the white veil is lifted in the dream, it means that he will be reunited with his beloved and his distress will be dispelled.

    The right eye in a dream represents one’s son and the left eye represents one’s daughter. If a father sees one of his eyes being transposed to mix with the other eye in a dream, and if he has a son and a daughter, he should separate their bedrooms. Eating someone’s eye in a dream means steeling his money.

    Seeing one’s eyes without eyelashes in a dream means defying God’s laws. If one unplugs his eyelashes in a dream, it means that he will expose himself to his enemy. Seeing beautiful eyes in a dream could denote, sorcery, black magic, life or death.

    Eyes in a dream also represent one’s family, relatives, children or workers. Eyes in a dream also signify mourning someone or they could denote a sickness. Smearing one’s eyes in a dream means calamities, sufferings and punishment for one’s sins.

    To guard one’s eyes from looking at what is unlawful in a dream means heeding God’s commands.

  • Askance:

    Eyes in a dream represent one’s religion or wealth. If one sees grass growing all over him but does not cover his ears or eyes in a dream, it means prosperity. One’s eyes in a dream also represent his faith and the road to victory in this life and in the next.

    One’s eyes in a dream also could represent his guidance or his heedlessness. Having many eyes throughout one’s body in a dream represents one’s piety, vigilance and excellence of character. If one sees the eyes of his heart in a dream, it means that he sees with the light of clarity.

    If one sees a man looking at him with a side glance in a dream, it means that he will suffer from an adversity, mistrust, disapproval, suspicion and disdain at the hand of such a man. If such a man opens his eyes and looks at him straight forward in the dream, it means that he will help him in his business or support his interests. If one’s eyes turn into iron in a dream, it means distress, a scandal or serious suffering from one’s community.

    If one sees himself looking at women in his dream, it means that he commits adultery with his eyes by looking and desiring what is unlawful. If one looks at someone’s eyes in a dream and likes them, it means that he will suffer from an adversity, religious corruption or jealousy. If one sees himself having an extra eye inside his body in a dream, it means that he is an atheist.

    If one sees himself having an extra eye over his shoulder in a dream, it means that he will be named to receive money in absentia. If one sees his eyes transfixed in a dream, it means that he looks suspiciously at a relative or someone else’s wife. Black eyes in a dream represent a religious person.

    A bluish-black eyes in a dream denote opposing one’s religion. Blue eyes in a dream mean religious innovations. Green eyes in a dream mean a religion which is different from all religions.

    Sharp sight in a dream means blessings, while weak sight means joblessness and living from the generosity of others. If a father sees weakness in his sight in a dream, it means that a sickness will inflict his children. If one loses his eyes in a dream, it means the death of his children.

    If a poor person or a prisoner sees that in a dream, it means that he will never become free again, or see any light for the rest of his life. If an oppressed person sees weakness in his eyes in a dream, it means that someone will help him overcome his adversities. If a traveller sees that dream, it means that he will DICTIONARY OF DREAMS 149 never return to his homeland.

    If one sees that his eyes belong to an unknown person in a dream, it means that he will become blind. If he recognizes that person in the dream, it means that he will be married to his daughter. If one’s eyes fall into his lap in a dream, it means the death of his brother or son.

    The eyes of a human being in a dream also represent his beloved, his son or his faith. Any defect in them in the dream may reflect in such people. Having one hundred eyes in a dream means money.

    The eyes of a ruler represent his spies. Eyes in a dream also represent a controller, a man or a spring. Treating one’s eyes with medicinal ointment in a dream means correcting one’s religious life or begetting a son who will become the jewel light of his father’s eyes or if one’s brother is exiled or deported from his homeland, it means that he will solicit him and entrust him with duties toward his family.

    If one sees his sight better than what people think in the dream, it means that his inner character is better than what people think, or if he sees his sight weakened though people do not know about it in the dream, it means that he keeps his faith to himself. If one’s eyes become white in a dream, they represent sorrow, or loss of a beloved. If one sees his eyes white, and if the white veil is lifted in the dream, it means that he will be reunited with his beloved and his distress will be dispelled.

    The right eye in a dream represents one’s son and the left eye represents one’s daughter. If a father sees one of his eyes being transposed to mix with the other eye in a dream, and if he has a son and a daughter, he should separate their bedrooms. Eating someone’s eye in a dream means steeling his money.

    Seeing one’s eyes without eyelashes in a dream means defying God’s laws. If one unplugs his eyelashes in a dream, it means that he will expose himself to his enemy. Seeing beautiful eyes in a dream could denote, sorcery, black magic, life or death.

    Eyes in a dream also represent one’s family, relatives, children or workers. Eyes in a dream also signify mourning someone or they could denote a sickness. Smearing one’s eyes in a dream means calamities, sufferings and punishment for one’s sins.

    To guard one’s eyes from looking at what is unlawful in a dream means heeding God’s commands.

• future version
  • Investigation:

    (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.

  • Landmark:

    (Event; Landmark; Milepost) In a dream, a milestone represents a son, an emissary, a messenger, travels, or a pious person who serves people’s needs.

  • Milepost:

    (Event; Landmark; Milepost) In a dream, a milestone represents a son, an emissary, a messenger, travels, or a pious person who serves people’s needs.

• forthcoming version
  • Outer:

    (Manifest)

  • Offspring:

    (Helper; Loins; Offspring; Spinal column) In a dream, one’s backbone represents man’s helper or his right hand man. If one has a strong backbone in a dream, it represents his sedate manners, calm and serious composure. Whether one’s backbone is weak or strong in the dream, it could also represent his son.

    If one finds his backbone strong in the dream, it means that he will develop wisdom or beget a son who will grow strong and become a just person. Perhaps one’s backbone could be interpreted to mean crucifixion, or it could mean marriage to a virgin. If one sees a tree growing from his backbone in a dream, it means an illness.

    If a sick person sees his backbone turned into iron in a dream, it means recovering from his illness.

  • Solemn promise:

    (Immolation; Sacrifice; Vow) In a dream, an offering represents the wife who is the delight of her husband, or the child who is the delight of his father. An offering in a dream also represents one’s good deeds, although it also could mean trouble, adversities, enmity, dispute, fight, argument with one’s family, an invasion, or profits from hunting.

• observing
  • Examine:

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

  • Eyewitness:

    (Eyewitness; Legitimacy; Testify; Truth) An eyewitness in a dream means triumphing over one’s enemy, testifying to the truth and refuting falsehood. If one sees himself as a true signing witness to an agreement in a dream, it means that he will triumph over his enemies. If one sees himself witnessing a contract or putting his seal on a testimony in a dream, it means that he will loan money to the second party in the contract.

    If one sees himself bearing a true testimony before someone and against the other in a dream, it means that he will attend the pilgrimage in Mecca.

  • Concern:
• yourself
  • Beauty:

    To see one’s own appearance in a beautiful state in a dream, including one’s look, attitude, clothing or ride reflects the condition of one’s enemy.

  • Complimenting oneself:

    Complimenting oneself in a dream means committing a sin. If an unknown young person compliments him in a dream, it means that his enemy will yield to him. If a known young person, or if an old man compliments him in a dream, it means attaining success at their hand.

  • Liver:
• prospective version
  • Calendar year:

    (Age; Period; Time) In a dream, ayear represents drought, doubt, difficulties, threats, scientific advancement, trials, temptations. If one identifies a year in a dream, during a drought season, it means a good harvest. As for a pregnant woman, identifying ayear in a dream means delivering her child.

    Seeing a year in a dream means experiencing an adversity, or witnessing someone else’s trials and learning a lesson from it, or to repent of one’s own sins. Yearning for one’s homeland:

  • Mental keenness:

    (Acumen; Astute; Discrimination; Physiognomy; Prophesying) If one finds himself capable of perceiving matters with astute sense, or to discrimi¬ nate things with a clear mental keenness, or to even explain the future, or to prophesy, or to know what is hidden in a dream, it means that he will acquire all what is good, and that God Almighty will protect him so that no harm, or evil will ever touch him. Perspicacity in a dream also represents goodness and salvation.

  • Acumen:

    (Acumen; Astute; Discrimination; Physiognomy; Prophesying) If one finds himself capable of perceiving matters with astute sense, or to discrimi¬ nate things with a clear mental keenness, or to even explain the future, or to prophesy, or to know what is hidden in a dream, it means that he will acquire all what is good, and that God Almighty will protect him so that no harm, or evil will ever touch him. Perspicacity in a dream also represents goodness and salvation.

• viewing
  • Inspection of troops:

    (Display; Hearing; Honor guards; Inspection of troops; Military re¬ view; Portrayal; Presentation; Review officer; Show) If one sees himself standing before a high-ranking officer during a ceremony of reviewing the guards of honor or in a military barrack in a dream, and if the officer is displeased with him in the dream, it means that he will commit a major sin. If one thinks that the officer is pleased with him in the dream, then it implies God’s blessings. The high- ranking officer or the review officer in such a dream also represents a com¬ passionate person who cares, and who frequently asks about his friends, helps them solve their problems, and assists them in every possible way.

  • Military review:

    (Display; Hearing; Honor guards; Inspection of troops; Military re¬ view; Portrayal; Presentation; Review officer; Show) If one sees himself standing before a high-ranking officer during a ceremony of reviewing the guards of honor or in a military barrack in a dream, and if the officer is displeased with him in the dream, it means that he will commit a major sin. If one thinks that the officer is pleased with him in the dream, then it implies God’s blessings. The high- ranking officer or the review officer in such a dream also represents a com¬ passionate person who cares, and who frequently asks about his friends, helps them solve their problems, and assists them in every possible way.

  • Officer:

    (Display; Hearing; Honor guards; Inspection of troops; Military re¬ view; Portrayal; Presentation; Review officer; Show) If one sees himself standing before a high-ranking officer during a ceremony of reviewing the guards of honor or in a military barrack in a dream, and if the officer is displeased with him in the dream, it means that he will commit a major sin. If one thinks that the officer is pleased with him in the dream, then it implies God’s blessings. The high- ranking officer or the review officer in such a dream also represents a com¬ passionate person who cares, and who frequently asks about his friends, helps them solve their problems, and assists them in every possible way.

• you
  • Teenage boy:

    (Teenage boy) An unknown young man in a dream represents an enemy. If the young man is known in the dream, then whatever strength, harshness, weaknesses, deceit, perfidy, or character he displays, they denote the same character in wakefulness. Walking behind an unknown young man in a dream means pursuing one’s enemy and conquering him.

    If one meets an unknown young man whom he dislikes in a dream, it means that such an enemy will surface and people will abhor him. If one happens to like him in the dream, then it means that he will face an enemy whom most people like and sympathize with. If a young man sees himself turned into an old person in a dream, it means that he will suffer major losses in his life.

    Ayoung man or a teenager in a dream mostly represents an enemy, for a teenager rarely respects or heeds the advice of his peers. A young man in a dream also represents deceit, betrayal, energy, or stubbornness, though he also could represent blessings and gratitude.

  • Pubescence:
  • God:

    God Almighty, Lord, Creator and Cherisher of the universes. There is nothing like unto Him and He is the All-Hearing, the Al-Seeing Lord. Seeing Him in a dream can be interpreted according to one’s state of being.

    If one sees Him in His glory and majesty, without descriptive designation, without ascrip¬ tion of human characteristics to Him and without depiction or portrayal in the dream, it is an indication of glad tidings for both this world and the hereafter. DICTIONARY OF DREAMS These blessings also may continue to affect the lives of one’s progeny. If one sees Him otherwise in a dream, it means confusion, and particularly if the Almighty Lord does not address him.

    If an ailing person sees Him in a dream, it means that he will soon die and come to meet Him. If a straying soul sees God Almighty in a dream, it will find guidance. If an oppressed person sees Him, it means that justice will prevail and he will triumph over his oppressors.

    Hearing God’s words without designation represents the imagination of the person in the dream. Perhaps hearing His words in a dream appeases one’s heart and increases the person’s drive for success. Hearing God’s words without seeing Him represents the rising of one’s station.

    If one receives revelations from behind a veil in a dream, it means mental confusion and innovation. This is most true if a messenger comes in one’s dream and describes the one who spoke as God. In this case, the dream is a nightmare, because God Almighty cannot be depicted according to human descriptions.

    If one sees a picture of God in his dream, it means that he is a liar who ascribes images to God Almighty that do not befit His Majesty and Glory. If one hears God Almighty talking to him directly and if he can focus at Him in the dream, it means that he will be encompassed with God’s mercy and blessings. If one sees God Almighty in a dream, it means that he will look at His Divine countenance in the hereafter.

    Seeing God Almighty seated on the Divine Throne in a dream means elevation of one’s rank, knowledge and increase in his wealth. If one sees himself running away to hide from God Almighty in a dream, it means that he will change the course of his devotion into heedlessness. Seeing a veil separating between the servant and his Lord in a dream means that one will commit major sins and abominable actions.

    If one sees his Lord frowning at him, whereby he could not bear the effulgence of God’s light, or if he is seized by a shock and immediately commences to repent and pray for forgiveness in the dream, it means that such a person is indulging in abominable actions, and that he is a despicable sinner who follows his own mind and desires, and that he is an innovator of religious thoughts who misleads the people. If one hears God Almighty talking to him in a dream, it represents an admonition and a warning to abstain from sin. If one hears God Almighty talking to him in a dream, it also means that one is more assiduous in his recital of the Qur’an.

    If one hears God Almighty talking to him with words he cannot understand, then if He anoints him and blesses him in the dream, it means that God Almighty will bring him nigh unto Himself and exalt his station. If one sees God Almighty in a form resembling one’s father, a brother or a relative and showing His kindness or blessing him in a dream, it means that he will be afflicted with a calamity and a major illness. If a righteous person sees himself standing before God Almighty in reverence and filled with awe in a dream, it means that mercy will encompass him and help him to further his growth.

    The same interpretation applies if one sees himself prostrating before Him. If God Almighty speaks to someone from behind a veil in a dream, it can also represent a good worshipper, but if the Divine address takes place without a veil in the dream, it means falling into sin. If God Almighty names someone in his dream with his birth name, then adds another title to it, it means rising in station and rank.

    If one sees God Almighty angry with him in a dream, it means that his parents are displeased with him. This description includes seeing oneself falling from the skies or from the top of a mountain. If a devoted servant sees God Almighty kissing him in a dream, it applies to his growing devotion and reward.

    Fearing God Almighty in a dream reflects eminence, peacefulness, quiescence, wealth of being and disregard for material needs. (Also see Carriers of the Divine Throne; Divine Throne; Educator; God’s will; King)

• oneself
  • Abstinence:
  • Asceticism:
  • Loneliness:

    (Aloneness; Isolation; Solitude) Loneliness in a dream means fame, artistry or attaining excellence in one’s craft. If a ruler or a governor sees himself alone in a dream, it represents his impeachment from office. Finding oneself alone in a dream also means poverty, or separation from one’s beloved.

    Lone¬ liness in a dream also means humiliation, infamy, or segregation.

Embrace the Insights: Tips for Reflecting on Your Dreams

• Keep a Dream Journal

  To better understand your dreams, consider keeping a dream journal. As soon as you wake up, jot down the key details of your dreams—including any emotions you felt and images you saw. This practice will help you recognize patterns over time and potentially reveal critical insights into your waking life.

  Reflecting on dreams consistently can also enhance your dream recall, making it easier to capture profound messages about your future. Regularly review your entries to identify recurring themes or symbols, particularly those that relate to your future self. This exercise connects you with your subconscious desires and fears and enables a deeper understanding of how your current path may shape the person you will become.

• Reflect on Your Current Path

  When dreaming of a future version of yourself, take time to reflect on your current life choices and their alignment with your aspirations. Ask yourself: Are you pursuing goals that resonate with who you want to be? This reflection can be clarifying and provide the motivation needed to adjust your path.

  If your dreams evoke feelings of anxiety about the future, it may be time to reevaluate your present situation. Consider consulting with mentors, friends, or spiritual guides who can offer insights. Engaging in practices such as meditation or mindfulness can create a space for deeper understanding, and help you align your actions with the vision that your dreams present to you.

• Use Visualization Techniques

  Visualization is a powerful method to connect with your future self actively. Try to set aside time for a dedicated visualization session. Close your eyes and imagine your future self—their traits, achievements, and the essence of who they are.

  Experience the emotions associated with that version of yourself, whether they include joy, contentment, or pride. This exercise not only reinforces the aspirations reflected in your dreams but can also guide your current actions toward making those future possibilities a reality. By embracing this imaginative process, you cultivate positivity about your journey while also manifesting the changes needed in your life.

• Seek Guidance Through Community

  Discuss your dreams with trusted friends or family members who can provide alternate perspectives on what you may encounter. Sharing your dreams and insights can deepen your understanding of what they might mean in relation to your social or personal experiences. Engaging in community discussions about dreams can also uncover shared experiences that resonate with your journey.

  This shared reflection creates a supportive environment that can amplify the lessons you derive from dreaming of your future self. Collective insights from others may highlight aspects of your character or potential paths that you might not have considered.

• Embrace Change with Courage

  Finally, understand that dreaming of your future self often implies a call to embrace change. Approach the transitions in your life with courage and openness, recognizing that personal growth requires stepping outside of your comfort zone. It can be helpful to challenge yourself to take small yet meaningful steps towards the changes you wish to see.

  Each step you take towards personal development not only brings you closer to the version of yourself you saw in your dream but enriches your life experiences along the way. Remember, change is an inevitable part of life’s flowing nature, and your dreams are gentle prompts towards becoming the person you are meant to be.

FAQs

• What does it mean to see a future version of yourself in a dream?

  Seeing a future version of yourself in a dream often symbolizes growth and potential. It represents your aspirations and the person you desire to become. This type of dream can reflect both hopes for positive outcomes and fears about choices you are making today. Engaging with this imagery can offer guidance about your current path.

• Are dreams about the future always positive?

  Not necessarily. Dreams of your future self can evoke a range of emotions. While some may inspire hope and motivation, others may bring fear or anxiety, depending on the context and feelings attached. Interpret the dream as a reflection of your inner state and circumstance, allowing you to navigate potential apprehensions and affirm your aspirations.

• Can I influence my dreams about my future self?

  Yes! By engaging in practices like visualization and keeping a dream journal, you can influence the content and clarity of your dreams about the future. Preparing your mind before sleep with positive affirmations about who you wish to become can also steer your subconscious towards more empowering imagery.

• How can I better remember my dreams?

  To improve dream recall, develop a routine that includes relaxing before bed and avoiding sudden awakenings from sleep. As soon as you wake, take a moment to lay still and reflect on your dream before documenting it in your journal. Consistent practice can dramatically enhance your ability to remember vivid dream experiences.

• What actions should I take after dreaming of my future self?

  After dreaming of your future self, reflect on the feelings and messages of the dream. Analyze how it connects to your current life. Consider taking small steps in alignment with the aspirations presented in your dream, whether by altering decisions or engaging in self-reflection, growth, or community support.

References