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What are Dream Catchers and What do They Symbolize?

Dream catchers are intricate, handmade objects that have been used for centuries by Native American tribes to catch and filter out bad dreams. They are typically made of a hoop, often made of wood, with a web-like design woven inside, adorned with feathers and beads.

The idea behind a dream catcher is that it captures negative dreams and thoughts, letting positive ones pass through the web and enter into the mind of the sleeper. 

Dreamcatcher with colorful feathers

The significance of dream catchers goes beyond their physical appearance, as they hold deep cultural and spiritual meaning for the tribes that use them.

Dream catchers are believed to represent the spider woman, a spiritual being who has the power to weave dreams and thoughts into the fabric of our lives. By hanging a dream catcher above the bed, it is said that one can receive guidance and protection from the spider woman. 

Dream catchers are also seen as a symbol of hope and positivity. They are thought to inspire creativity and promote peaceful sleep, allowing us to enter into a state of deep relaxation and reflection. As such, they have become a popular decoration in homes and offices around the world, with many people using them to enhance the energy of their living spaces. 

If you find yourself dreaming about dream catchers, it may be a sign that you are seeking protection and guidance in your waking life. It could also be an indication that you need to take steps to create a more positive and peaceful environment for yourself.

Regardless of the meaning, dream catchers remind us of the importance of paying attention to our dreams and the messages they may hold. Just as dream catchers filter out negative energy, we too can filter out negative thoughts and emotions in our waking lives and focus on the positive.

The symbolism of dream catchers

Dream catchers are a traditional Native American craft that may hold different symbolic meanings depending on the cultural context and individual beliefs. They are typically constructed of a woven web of string or yarn within a circular frame, with various adornments such as feathers, beads, or stones.

The dream catcher is hung near a sleeping person, and it is believed that it will filter out negative dreams and let positive ones through. The meaning of dream catchers may vary across different Native American tribes and communities.

Silhouette of hanging dreamcatcher

Some people may view dream catchers as a tool for protection and guidance, while others may see them as a representation of the spiritual world and the interconnectedness of all things. 

In some traditions, dream catchers may be associated with the spider woman, a spiritual being who weaves dreams and thoughts into the fabric of our lives. Others may view dream catchers as a symbol of hope and positivity, helping to inspire creativity and promote peaceful sleep. 

Dream catchers may also be considered as a symbol of cultural identity and pride. For Native Americans, dream catchers may be a way to connect with their ancestral roots and preserve their cultural traditions. 

It is important to note that the symbolic meaning of dream catchers may be subjective and may vary from person to person. The meaning and symbolism may also change over time, as different cultures and communities adopt and reinterpret dream catchers for their own purposes. 

Overall, dream catchers may be considered as a powerful symbol of protection, guidance, and cultural identity, connecting individuals to their spirituality and the natural world around them.

Dream catchers in our dreams

Here are a few possible interpretations of dreams involving dream catchers:

Protection and guidance 

Dream catchers are often seen as symbols of protection and guidance. Therefore, if a dream catcher appears in your dream, it may be a sign that you need to protect yourself from negative influences or seek guidance in your life. It may also indicate a need to trust your instincts or seek the wisdom of others.

Spiritual connection 

Dream catchers are often used in spiritual practices, and they may symbolize a connection to the spiritual realm. If a dream catcher appears in your dream, it may be a sign that you need to deepen your spiritual practice or seek out new spiritual experiences. It may also signify a need to connect with your intuition or inner wisdom.

White dreamcatcher hanging outdoor being blown by the wind

Dream interpretation 

Dream catchers are designed to capture dreams and filter out negative ones, leaving only positive ones to be remembered. Therefore, if a dream catcher appears in your dream, it may be a sign that you need to pay attention to your dreams and their meanings. It may also indicate a need to filter out negative thoughts and emotions in your waking life.

Creativity and imagination 

Dream catchers are often seen as symbols of creativity and imagination. If a dream catcher appears in your dream, it may be a sign that you need to tap into your creative potential or explore your imagination more deeply. It may also indicate a need to embrace your unique perspective and express yourself more fully.

Personal growth and transformation 

Dream catchers may be seen as symbols of personal growth and transformation, as they filter out negative energy and promote positive change. If a dream catcher appears in your dream, it may be a sign that you need to focus on your personal growth and make positive changes in your life. It may also signify a need to let go of negative patterns or beliefs and embrace new possibilities.

Related: What Does It Mean to Dream About Zombies?

Different kinds of dream catchers dreams and their interpretation 

Dreaming about Dream Catchers can have different interpretations depending on the context of the dream. Some possible Dream Catcher dreams and their interpretations are: 

Dreaming of a dream catcher 

Hanging moon shaped dreamcatcher

Seeing a Dream Catcher in your dream may represent your desire for protection and security. This dream may suggest that you need to seek out ways to shield yourself from negativity or harm in your waking life. Alternatively, it may also symbolize your spiritual beliefs and your desire for a deeper connection with the universe. 

Dreaming of making a dream catcher 

Making a Dream Catcher in your dream may represent your creativity and ability to manifest your desires. This dream may suggest that you have the power to create your own reality and to shape your destiny. Alternatively, it may also indicate a need for focus and determination, as creating a Dream Catcher requires patience and attention to detail. 

Dreaming of a dream catcher catching a bad dream 

In Native American culture, Dream Catchers are believed to catch bad dreams and allow only good dreams to pass through. Dreaming of a Dream Catcher catching a bad dream may signify your fears or worries and your desire to overcome them. This dream may suggest that you need to confront your fears and anxieties and to find ways to let go of negative thoughts and emotions. 

Dreaming of a dream catcher failing to catch a bad dream 

Dreaming of a Dream Catcher failing to catch a bad dream may indicate a sense of vulnerability or insecurity in your waking life. This dream may suggest that you need to strengthen your defenses and protect yourself from negative influences or harmful people. Alternatively, it may also indicate a need for greater self-awareness and introspection, as overcoming fears and insecurities often requires a deep understanding of oneself.

Dream catchers hanging on a window next to a plant

Dreaming of a broken dream catcher 

Seeing a broken dream catcher in your dream may represent your fear of negative energy or bad luck. This dream may suggest that you’re feeling vulnerable or unprotected in your waking life and that you need to take steps to protect yourself. Alternatively, a broken dream catcher may also indicate a need for self-reflection and healing, as negative energy can be a result of unresolved emotions or past traumas.

The common meaning of dream catchers in your dreams

Dream catchers are a symbol of Native American culture and spirituality, often associated with protection and good luck. Dreams about dream catchers may symbolize a need for spiritual guidance or a desire for protection and security. They can offer a sense of comfort and reassurance, serving as a reminder to stay mindful and aware.