Unlocking the Meaning Behind Dreams of Past Loves

Dreams of past loves are intriguing and often elicit a whirlwind of emotions. They can serve as a window into our subconscious desires and fears. These dreams may allow us to revisit emotions we've tucked away, or they might bring forth unresolved feelings that require attention.

Although we may have moved on in our waking lives, such dreams often reflect a longing for connection and understanding. In the realm of dream interpretation, particularly through the lens of Ibni Sirin's symbolism, the reappearance of past loves can symbolize the need to reflect on one's current emotional state or even signify a lesson yet to be learned. Therefore, understanding these dreams can pave the way for personal growth and emotional clarity, allowing us to approach our present relationships with a renewed perspective.

• Dreaming of a past love can signify unresolved feelings or nostalgia.
• Such dreams may encourage personal reflection and emotional clarity.
• They often reflect deep-seated desires or fears surrounding relationships.
• Interpreting these dreams requires understanding personal emotional landscapes.
• Consulting with knowledgeable individuals can provide deeper insights.

Symbols

• reoccurring
  • Reunification:

    (Reunification) To sit with one’s beloved, enjoying love, affection and unity in a dream means marriage or prosperity. Sitting with one’s beloveds and enjoying one’s financial accomplishments in the dream means loss of rank and wealth. If a woman sees herself sitting with her beloved in a dream, it means that they will get married.

    A visit of one’s beloved in a dream means valuing and cherishing one’s happiness.

  • Doomsday:

    (Day of Reckoning; Doomsday; Resurrection) Seeing the reckoning of a deceased person in a dream denotes his sufferings in the hereafter. If a traveller is asked to account for his travel expenses, and if he is treated with kindness during the reading of his report in the dream, it means profits from his journey and a safe return to his homeland. If one reckons himself in a dream, it means that he will repent for his sins.

    If one is brought for judgment on the day of reckoning, and if his questioning is made easy in the dream, it means that God has blessed him to marry a pious wife who has love and compassion for him, and who cares about his interests. If his questioning is strict and detailed in the dream, it means that he will incur losses. If a person sees himself questioned, probed and investigated in a court by people he does not recognize in the dream, it means that he has strayed into innovation, and that he will remain accountable for his actions.

    If he sees them well dressed and fragrant, congratulating him and greeting him with the salutation of peace: “As-Salamu Alaikum", then it is an indication of his righteousness and good deeds.

  • Questioning:

    (Day of Reckoning; Doomsday; Resurrection) Seeing the reckoning of a deceased person in a dream denotes his sufferings in the hereafter. If a traveller is asked to account for his travel expenses, and if he is treated with kindness during the reading of his report in the dream, it means profits from his journey and a safe return to his homeland. If one reckons himself in a dream, it means that he will repent for his sins.

    If one is brought for judgment on the day of reckoning, and if his questioning is made easy in the dream, it means that God has blessed him to marry a pious wife who has love and compassion for him, and who cares about his interests. If his questioning is strict and detailed in the dream, it means that he will incur losses. If a person sees himself questioned, probed and investigated in a court by people he does not recognize in the dream, it means that he has strayed into innovation, and that he will remain accountable for his actions.

    If he sees them well dressed and fragrant, congratulating him and greeting him with the salutation of peace: “As-Salamu Alaikum", then it is an indication of his righteousness and good deeds.

• resurfacing
  • Conifers:

    (Conifers; Pitch) In a dream, resins mean travels.

  • Depilatory agent:

    Shaving one’s hair in a dream relates to one’s personal customs. If he is used to have short hair and sees himself shavinghis head in a dream, it means that he will pay a fine as an atonement. If he sees his head shaved in the summertime, and if he is used to doing so, it means benefits, comfort, or recovering from a migraine headache.

    If one sees his hair shaved during the winter in a dream, it means difficulties, adversities, penalties, or a sickness. Shaving one’s head in a dream also means paying one’s dues, appeasement of one’s fears, and success in one’s life. Shortening one’s hair in a dream also means appeasing his fears.

    If one is suffering from depression and he sees his head shaved in a dream, it means an end to his trouble, or payment of his debts. It also means abasement, disgrace, deception, or death. If a soldier sees his head shaved in a dream, it means that he will lose his strength and esteem.

    If one sees himself chipping his hair in bits in a dream, it means that he will lose people’s respect. Shaving one’s head in a dream for someone who does not usually shave it also may mean an affliction or an illness. If a woman sees her head shaved in a dream, it means divorce, or the death of her husband.

    If she sees her hair sheared in a dream, it means confinement to her house. If she sees her husband giving her a beautiful haircut and talking to her affectionately in a dream, it means spiritual growth, delivering a trust, or paying one’s debts. Trimming DICTIONARY OF DREAMS 383 women’s hair in a dream means inability to conceive children.

    Cutting one’s hair in a dream means losing one’s strength. Shaving half of one’s beard in a dream means losing one’s source of income and dignity. Plucking out one’s facial hair in a dream is worst than shaving it, and particularly when hair louses up one’s face or attractiveness.

    Nevertheless, plucking out one’s facial hair in a dream also could depict amelioration of one’s condition or look. Shaving one’s backside or abdomen in a dream means paying one’s debts. Shaving, clipping, or adjusting one’s moustache in a dream means lighteningone’s burdens, though it also could represent a mishap.

    If a rich person sees himself shaving his pubic hair or using a depilatory agent for that purpose in a dream, it means the loss of his wealth, or it could mean that he has overpaid for a property he has just purchased. If a poor person sees that, it means that he will become financially solvent. If one sees himself shaving it with a razor blade, it represents benefits from one’s spouse.

  • Rugged terrain:

    (Rugged terrain) Walking a rugged terrain, then suddenly seeing oneself walking through plains in a dream means overcoming one’s difficulties. Walking through roadless terrain in a dream also means stress, adversities, toiling, stagnation of one’s business, or it could mean looking into the ample opportunities of one’s life. A roadless terrain in a dream also means fear of wrongdoing, straying from the path of righteousness, or walking the avenues of innovation.

    A roadless terrain in a dream also means dullness or stupidity, while a plain in a dream signifies intelligence and keenness.

• past love
  • Love:

    (Beloved; Enamored; Honey; Hostage; Lover; Platonic love) Love in a dream means trials and temptations. If one does something he loves in a dream, it means that he will engage in an act that has no limitations. If a man says to woman: “I love you,” in a dream, it means that he truly hates her.

    If one sees himself indulging and satisfying every desire he has and without feeling any restrictions in the dream, it means that he will stray from God’s path and lives a corrupt life. Love in a dream also means distress, worries and sorrow. Love in a dream also represents one’s ability to express something.

    Otherwise, it could mean that he keeps to himself. Love in a dream also means trials and fame that incurs people’s compassion for the person in love. Love in a dream also means poverty, sickness and death.

    In fact, death in a dream also could mean love, or living distant from one’s beloved or life after death. To burn in the fire in a dream also means love. To enter paradise in a dream also means love and to enter hell-fire in a dream means separation from one’s beloved.

    Yearning for one’s beloved in a dream means heedlessness, and love in a dream also indicates corruption in one’s religious life, or loss of money. To love someone in God in a dream, means mercy between people. Otherwise, to love one another for personal interests in a dream means a partnership that will end in betrayal or it could mean a marriage without family consent.

    Pretending to be in love in one’s dream means straying from God’s path. If a knowledgeable person or a scholar pretends to be enamored in a dream, it means that he will deceive people with his ornate presentations and contradict their standards. (Also see Enam¬ ored; Honey; Lick; Pretending)

  • Rescind:
  • Kiss:

    (Love; Passion; Rose; Tenderness) A kiss in a dream means satisfying one’s need, want or desire, or it could mean subordinating one’s enemy. Kissing a man or embracing him lustfully in a dream means getting hold of what one intends to acquire from him. If it is a lustful kiss, then it means accomplishing one’s pursuit of benefits, knowledge, or guidance.

    If it is an amicable kiss, it means that the one who received the kiss will receive benefits from the one who kissed him, or learn something from him, or reap a new understanding of things through him. Kissing a child in a dream means love, care and tenderness toward that child. Kissing a servant in a dream means soliciting the friendship of her master or employer.

    Kissing a married woman in a dream means seeking friendship with her husband. Kissing someone in authority in a dream means replacing him in his function. Kissing a judge in a dream means that one’s testimony will be accepted by the court.

    If a judge kisses someone in a dream, it means that the latter will win a court case, or benefit from such a judge, and the same interpretation applies if a leader or a boss kisses someone in a dream. Kissing one’s father in a dream also means benefiting from one another. Kissing one’s son with passion in a dream means saving money for him, or building a business for him.

    Giving one’s son a tender kiss in a dream means receiving joy or money from him or from his mother. Kissing someone between the eyes in a dream means marriage. Kissing someone’s eyes in a dream means pursuing both heterosexual and homosexual life and such a dream carries a warning to cease such loathsome and unlawful practices before contracting unknwon illness.

    Kissing one’s beloved from the mouth in a dream means money. Kissing DICTIONARY OF DREAMS 243 a woman in a dream means desiring her, or receiving news from one’s beloved. Kissing an old woman in a dream indicates an excuse or regret for a slip of the mouth.

    Kissing a young girl in a dream means drinking a glass of wine. If a scholar kisses a beautiful woman in a dream, it could mean reciting the Qur’an, or speaking words of wisdom. If such a scholar is known to love the world and its pleasures, then what he has kissed in his dream is the world itself.

    Kissing God’s right Hand in a dream means attending a pilgrimage to Mecca and kissing the black stone. Kissing God Almighty in a dream means kissing the holy Qur’an, or kissing God’s holy Name. If one sees God Almighty kissing him in a dream, it means that his deeds are accepted.

    Kissing an adorned woman or sleeping with her in a dream means marrying a wealthy widow. Kissing a known deceased person in a dream means benefiting from his knowledge or inheriting his money. Kissing an unknown dead person in a dream means that one will receive money from an unexpected source, or perhaps do business with his heirs.

    If a deceased person kisses someone in a dream, it means that the latter will receive unanticipated benefits. Lustfully kissing a deceased person in a dream means satisfying one’s needs, lust, or completing a project. If a sick person sees himself kissing a deceased person in a dream, it means his own death.

    Finally, if a healthy person kisses a deceased person in a dream, it means that his words are not true.

• reappearing
  • Loss of tracks:

    (Absence; Becoming unknown; Loss of tracks) If one disappears from his house or from the country, and if his tracks could not be located in the dream, it means taking a long journey, turning out to be where he is suspected to be, getting married in that place, falling in love with an unknown person, falling sick in a foreign land, or it could mean death if the person is sick. However the disappearance of God’s loving people in a dream perhaps means thinking about one’s beloved, or being exposed to uncommon mysteries of the universe. If one disappears within the earth without going through a hole in his dream, and if he remains a long time therein until people think that he will never come out again in the dream, it means self-deception, arrogance and love for the world, and such a person will die in that pursuit as a consequence of adventuring with his own life.

  • Signs of the last hour:

    (Day of Reckoning; Day of Resurrection; Last Day; Reckoning; Rising of the dead; Trumpet of Resurrection) Seeing the Day of Resurrection, or Doomsday in a dream is a serious warning for a sinner, or it could represent a warning for someone who is contemplating a sinful act. Seeing the Day of Resurrection in a dream also denotes justice. Beingthe only person resurrected on such a day means one’s death.

    Standing up awaiting one’s judgement on the Day of Resurrection in a dream means travels. If one sees himself and his wife being the only people who are brought for judgement of the grand Day of Gathering in a dream, it means that he is being unjust. If a warrior sees the Day of Resurrection in a dream, it means that by God’s decree, the aggressor shall be defeated.

    The land of the grand gathering in a dream represents a chaste woman or a noble man. The blowing of the Trumpet of Resurrection in a dream represents the salvation of the righteous ones. Seeing any of the great ex¬ traordinary events or signs that shall precede the Day of resurrection in a dream means glad tidings for a believer who does good, and a warning for a disbeliever to correct himself and repent for his sins before its coming.

    Seeing the Day of Resurrection in a dream also denotes that some of the major signs are actually taking place, such as blood shedding, spread of evil, belligerence of atheism, pride about wealth, ruling of the working class, building high rises, the end of the era of kings on earth, or it could remind the person of the prophesied signs, such as the rising of the sun from the West, the emergence of a beast that will speak with a human tongue, the rising of the Imposter (arb. Dajjal. Antichrist), etcetera.

    Seeing the Day of Resurrection in a dream also represents the spread of evil, the presence of an extended police force, and the ruling of large armies and dictatorships around the world. Thus, seeing the Day of Resurrection in a dream is a reminder and a warning to the one who sees it. If one sees the graves splitting open, dead people resurrected back to life and are walking out of them accompanied with their angels in a dream, it means that justice will prevail in that land.

    If one experiences the resurrection in a dream, then discovers that the world went back to continue its prior course , it means that justice will dominate that land for a while, then it will be followed by a tyranny that will be carried by people who are not even suspected to be of such character. Such a dream also could be interpreted to suit a person who is seeking the impossible, or one who is adamant at pursuing the path of wrongdoing, falsehood and lies. Recognizing the eminent final signs of the Day of Reckoning in a dream means that one is unaware of his heedlessness and such dream constitutes a warning.

    If one’s reckoning is easy in a dream, it denotes his wife’s piety, compassion and love for him. If one’s reckoning is detailed and painful in a dream, then it represents major losses. If one’s good deeds weigh heavier than his bad deeds in the dream, it means that his devotion is true and that his reward will be greater.

    If one sees himself carrying the scale to weigh his own deeds in a dream, it denotes his righteousness and correctness. If one sees an angel handing him his records and telling him to read his own book in the dream, it also means that he is on the right path. Walking on the bridge of the Day of Judgment, carrying one’s own records and crying in a dream means that one is praying for God’s forgiveness and to ease his reckoning.

    If one sees the Doomsday in a dream, it means that he will escape from dangerous enemies, or that perhaps a major trial will befall the dwellers of that place. If one crosses the Bridge of Judgement in a dream, it means that he will escape a major trial, or perhaps it could represent a major hurdle one may have to cross in this life. If one sees himself carrying his book of records in his right hand in a dream, it means that he will win righteousness, wealth and honor.

    If one sees himself carrying his book of records in his left hand in a dream, it means that he will fall into sin and the consequent poverty and need of others, for wealth and adultery do not mix. If one witnesses the emergence of the Imposter ( Antichrist ) in a dream, it signifies new trends, innovations and masses straying from the straight path.

  • Reunification:

    (Reunification) To sit with one’s beloved, enjoying love, affection and unity in a dream means marriage or prosperity. Sitting with one’s beloveds and enjoying one’s financial accomplishments in the dream means loss of rank and wealth. If a woman sees herself sitting with her beloved in a dream, it means that they will get married.

    A visit of one’s beloved in a dream means valuing and cherishing one’s happiness.

• former affection
  • Garment alteration:

    (Couturier; Garment alteration; Hemming; Tailoring) Seeing a tailor doing alterations to a garment in a dream signifies dispelling one’s worries, overcoming one’s difficulties, eradicating dishonesty, dispelling conceit or per¬ haps he could denote music, elation, sexual intercourse or someone who ex¬ hausts himself and strives in every way to help others. A tailor doing alterations to a garment in a dream also could represent a preacher or a teacher at whose hands many people will repent of their sins and walk on God’s path. A tailor doing alterations and handling trims and the ends of things represents a charitable person who makes someone happy by taking something from him and giving it to others.

  • Tailoring:

    (Couturier; Garment alteration; Hemming; Tailoring) Seeing a tailor doing alterations to a garment in a dream signifies dispelling one’s worries, overcoming one’s difficulties, eradicating dishonesty, dispelling conceit or per¬ haps he could denote music, elation, sexual intercourse or someone who ex¬ hausts himself and strives in every way to help others. A tailor doing alterations to a garment in a dream also could represent a preacher or a teacher at whose hands many people will repent of their sins and walk on God’s path. A tailor doing alterations and handling trims and the ends of things represents a charitable person who makes someone happy by taking something from him and giving it to others.

  • Hemming:

    (Couturier; Garment alteration; Hemming; Tailoring) Seeing a tailor doing alterations to a garment in a dream signifies dispelling one’s worries, overcoming one’s difficulties, eradicating dishonesty, dispelling conceit or per¬ haps he could denote music, elation, sexual intercourse or someone who ex¬ hausts himself and strives in every way to help others. A tailor doing alterations to a garment in a dream also could represent a preacher or a teacher at whose hands many people will repent of their sins and walk on God’s path. A tailor doing alterations and handling trims and the ends of things represents a charitable person who makes someone happy by taking something from him and giving it to others.

• bygone romance
  • Philander:

    (Flirting; Love poems; Philander) Courting a woman or singing love songs to her or displaying amorous behavior for her in public in a dream represents someone who divulges people’s secrets.

  • Rescind:
  • Criticize:

Practical Insights for Navigating Dreams of Past Lovers

• Reflect on Your Feelings

  When you dream of a past love, take time to reflect on your feelings toward them. Ask yourself if unresolved emotions are surfacing in your waking life. Journaling your thoughts can provide clarity; consider writing about how this person impacted your life and relationships.

  This self-exploration can reveal what you may still hold onto from that relationship—whether it's positive memories or lingering regrets. Recognizing these emotions is essential as they may influence your current relationships or prevent you from fully moving forward. Acknowledging your feelings not only helps in understanding the dream's meaning but can also lead to emotional healing and growth.

• Seek Closure

  If dreams about a past love recur and you feel a strong emotional pull, it may be time to seek closure. This doesn’t necessarily mean reconnecting with the person, but rather coming to terms with any feelings you still harbor. Reflect on what lessons you learned from the relationship and how they apply to your life today.

  Sometimes, writing a letter to your past lover—whether you send it or not—can be a powerful way to express unresolved feelings and find inner peace. Closure doesn’t mean forgetting; it’s about freeing yourself from the emotional weight that may hold you back from fully engaging in new connections.

• Utilize Meditation

  Engaging in meditation can help process the feelings stirred up by dreams of past loves. Finding a quiet space and allowing your mind to center can bring clarity to your emotions. Visualize a conversation with your past lover as a way to express what you wished had been said.

  This internal dialogue can facilitate healing and provide the emotional release you need. By connecting with your inner self in this manner, you may discover insights about your current desires and what you seek in your relationships today.

• Discuss with a Trusted Friend

  Sometimes, discussing your dream with a confidant can lead to valuable insights. Choose someone who understands you and your past relationships well. Sharing your dream can help you see the situation from a different perspective and may highlight aspects you hadn’t considered.

  They can offer support and provide an external viewpoint on the emotions you are processing. This dialogue may reveal deeper concerns about your current feelings or generate new understandings about your relationship patterns.

• Focus on Personal Growth

  Lastly, use the experience to focus on your personal growth. Dreams reflect parts of ourselves that we may overlook, and by analyzing their significance, we can take actionable steps toward emotional well-being. Set goals that encourage self-improvement in areas of your life impacted by this past relationship.

  Whether it involves opening up emotionally in current relationships or addressing fears of intimacy, turning your focus towards growth can help transform the energy of the dream into a positive catalyst for change in your waking life.

FAQs

• What does it mean when I dream about an ex-partner?

  Dreaming about an ex-partner can indicate unresolved feelings or a reminder of past emotions that need addressing. It might also symbolize current relationship dynamics that echo past experiences, highlighting areas for personal reflection and understanding.

• Are dreams of past loves a sign of loneliness?

  While they can reflect feelings of loneliness, dreaming about past loves often symbolizes a deeper exploration of one’s emotional landscape. They may serve as reminders of lessons learned or desires that remain unfulfilled, encouraging the dreamer to seek understanding rather than simply indicating loneliness.

• How can I interpret my dreams better?

  To interpret your dreams effectively, keep a dream journal, noting symbols and emotions connected to them. Exploring their meanings within the context of your current life experiences can provide insight. Integrating spiritual or psychological frameworks may also enhance your understanding.

• Can these dreams predict future relationships?

  While dreams about past loves don't predict future relationships directly, they can reveal your emotional readiness or barriers that may affect future connections. Analyzing these dreams can lead to personal growth, aligning you better with future partnership opportunities.

• Should I reach out to a past love after dreaming of them?

  Reaching out to a past love is a personal choice and should be considered carefully. Reflect on why the dream sparked that desire; if it stems from unresolved feelings, ensure you're ready for potential outcomes—both positive and challenging—before taking that step.

References