What does it mean to have dreams about snakes?

16 min readJun 8, 2021

Dreams about snakes are actually quite common. among the most common types of animal dream. In general, if you have dream of a snake, it might be telling you something about an issue that has been troubling or frustrating you.

Below, we take a look at all the aspects of snake dreams, from their meaning to their history to their role in different cultures.

In some cases, it might be telling you about self-sabotage and how it’s holding back progress from other areas of your life. The snake can also represent something good: regeneration.

A snake in your dream might be a symbol of something you are avoiding. It may also suggest that the situation is not what it seems and there’s more to discover beneath the surface.

If we think about snakes as being wise, then they can show us how to deal with things in life like fear or anger. Likewise, if they’re known for poisoning their prey, this dream could stand for poison-be it a toxic person or situation, or even jealousy.

The 8 most frequent symbols in a snake dream

There’s no doubt that dreaming about snakes can be scary for some people, especially those who have had very traumatic experiences involving snakes. But this section of the article shows that the “meanings” of these slithery dream symbols are far and wide.

Temptation: The snake is often seen as an image representing sin and temptation (especially if it’s coiled around someone).
Wisdom: Sometimes a snake in your dream represents wisdom or healing but this will depend on their coloration or how they are presented.
The symbolism also means rebirth — in other words, your life needs renewal due to meaninglessness or overwhelming feelings but don’t know where to turn.
Snakes are symbols for strength or courage. They’re are often depicted with their heads up high — not looking down at the ground like most other animals.
A snake also moves without making any noise which means there is no warning before an attack; these qualities show some level of confidence, power and agility.
For most people, snakes are a symbol of danger. You may want to watch your step or you might be walking right into the snake’s trap. The snake is an animal that has been feared for centuries and it can have negative connotations in dreams as well. It may represent malicious people, from friends to foes, who are circling around you and your life.
However, this does not mean that dreams about snakes always turn out bad — there are exceptions when having a serpent in your dream symbolizes something positive; from regeneration to strength or courage.
If the snake is alive and moving, then it could symbolize transformation such as a change of lifestyle. If we’re afraid enough to want to kill them (in our dream), this may symbolize our anger at how someone has hurt us.

This article will explore different interpretations of dreaming about snakes and what they could mean for you!

Interpretation of your snake dream

Snakes in your dreams indicate change or frightful of things in your life. It may be a warning that you are going to experience some changes in your future life.

Dreaming of snakes goes hand in hand with many different feelings and emotions: powerlessness, fear, envy, resentment over success.

Here are some ways by which you can find out what seeing snakes in dreams mean. Analyze your dream and think about your attitude and notions while dreaming, who was in the dream, and what was the snake doing.

You need to find your own personal meaning among the usual meanings as dreams can mean different things for different people.

How did we arrive at these snake dream explanations? We looked into common interpretations given by psychoanalysts and psychologists who have written books about dreaming; some say that seeing many snakes in a dream may indicate that you are afraid of change.

Sudden appearance

But what does suddenly seeing them in you dreams mean if you’ve never dreamed about them before? Dreams about these slithery reptiles could mean anything from regeneration to strength or courage. If you see a snake while dreaming, then it’s best to take a look at the context of your dream.

Much like a Rorschach blot, a snake can represent life in all its good and bad aspects, and a snake in your dreams mean that your brain is just trying to figure things out as it processes the memories of the day.

A snake in a dream need not be bad news, much like a real snake bite in waking life need not be fatal. Snake bites heal, dreams fade away, and as the snake sheds its skin, so too does your subconscious shed memories and traumas from a day’s worth of living.

Snake dreams throughout history seen as negative

In ancient times, snakes were thought to be the guardians of secrets and treasure due to their ability to shed skin which symbolized transformation and renewal.

There are many interpretations for what a snake indicates in dreams according to different cultures but one thing is certain: if you have ever dreamed about snakes it typically has a negative meaning.

However there are exceptions when such a dream symbolizes something positive; from regeneration or strength.

You should consult with an expert before interpreting your own dreams as they may benefit you more than just telling yourself that “it means that I am going through hard times.”

The 16 most common types of snake dream

Below we look at the 16 most common types of snake dream, an try to shed some light on what they often mean.

1. What if the snake is shedding its skin?

If a snake in a dream begins shedding its skin, this could signify the need to discard an old way of thinking in order to move forward. It might also mean that you are shedding an old life and adopting a new one.

The snake here represents regeneration. So, when people keep seeing snakes in their dreams, it means that both parties can regenerate from one stage to another.

This also occurs in nature with reptiles, who can cast off their old skin and grow new ones, or with trees that lose their leaves in autumn before growing them back again in springtime. This interpretation for a snake dream often indicates something of a wake up call: if a person or situation in your life is connected to your recurring snake dream, then pay attention to any meanings that might stand as a symbol of rebirth.

If the snake is dead, for example, you needn’t be afraid; perhaps it’s dead because you’d been bitten and then decided that killing the snake (while dreaming, of course) was the only way you could move forward.

2. What about a snake attacking or even killing me in my dream?

If you are dreaming about a snake attacking, it can mean that there is some aspect of yourself which is in need of attention.

From the way they kill their prey to how many snakes one may find on land and in water, this common dream symbolizes danger from within as well as without; an internal struggle if not dealt with properly will manifest outwardly.

As for the interpretation of a snake actually killing you in your snake dream, that could have several different meanings. It could signify that someone else is “killing you” in some way, or it could symbolize your own self-destructive behavior.

3. What about a dream of snakes in water?

The ancient sea serpent is potent symbol of the unconscious, of the unknown forces that may be lurking in our own psyches or any dark depths.

The sea snake also symbolizes intuition, instinct and the ability to get much closer to one’s prey.

In dreams of snakes in water, this common dream symbolizes danger, and probably speaks to unknown and dangerous impulses that are surfacing, or to an instinctive fear of water.

4. What does it mean if I am being chased by a snake in my dream?

A recurring theme for those who have had dreams involving snakes chasing them is being afraid — especially if the person has actual phobia for reptiles as seen in Ophidiophobia.

It’s possible you feel like your life needs renewal due to meaninglessness or overwhelming feelings but don’t know where to turn.

Alternately, being chased by a snake means you’re in need of a change.

Alternately, being chased by a snake means you’re in need of a change which can only come from within yourself.

5. But what if I was (not) running away from the snake?

This could be any number of things related to recent major changes in your life and what will happen next; it also might just mean something bad is happening right now but doesn’t have anything to do with you personally.

A very common meaning for dreams about snakes is fearfulness — especially when one has an actual phobia for these reptiles as seen in Ophidiophobia.

It’s possible this dream means that you are afraid because there isn’t much meaning or purpose left in your current situation.

6. A snake in a house, versus outside: what does that mean?

If your dream features an “indoor” snake, then this is likely a warning to beware of the hidden dangers in your life. Outside snakes, on the other hand, often signify that you should take care not to get carried away with future plans or actions.

7. What if you dream of a poisonous snake?

There are more than 3,000 types of snakes in the world, including snakes that are harmless and helpful. Dreaming of a poisonous snake might be a more serious wake-up call than dreaming of a garter snake. Just because the snake is poisonous doesn’t mean that it’s bad. If you’re dreaming about a snake that’s actually venomous, then there may well be something that has left you feeling bitter.

8. What if you dreamed of eating a snake?

Eating a snake often means ingesting negative energy from someone else’s mind and emotions; however, occasionally such an act represents power over these forces by conquering them within oneself rather than allowing them to remain external. The act of consuming the snake is also a symbol of desire to get back to a primal state, or to return home.

9. What if it’s an adult snake?

Seeing an adult snake means powerlessness or feeling threatened by someone else’s words.

If the adult person is powerful enough to hurt you, then seeing them might symbolize being scared, or anger at being overpowered; if they’re less powerful than yourself, this dream can mean envy or resentment over their relative success.

It could also suggest self-doubt about what others think of us accompanied by worry that we will be betrayed.

10. What does it mean to dream about being attacked by a snake?

If you’re being attacked by a snake, the interpretation is usually made based on how the dreamer feels about themselves.

If they feel powerless and threatened then it could symbolize fear or anger at someone else’s words; if they don’t feel powerful but are still aware of their situation, this might be envy or resentment over what others see as success

11. A snake bite dream: what does it mean?

Being bitten by a snake in your dream could symbolize a fear of intimacy. Sometimes, it is the need to confront and conquer one’s own fears.

Depending on the severity, a snake bite could also mean a fear of being harmed, or something in your life that is causing you harm. Dreaming about being bitten by a snake suggests that you’re feeling vulnerable in your waking life, to the point that your dreams of snakes are connected to your sense of (inner) safety.

The snake bite could indeed be psychologically painful, but that pain might be connected to a new chapter in your life.

12. Holding a snake in my dream: what’s it mean?

In many cultures, the snake is seen as a symbol of wisdom or rebirth. Holding a snake could suggest that you’re facing an important decision, and that you’re waiting for a sign that will help you make up your mind. The snake could represent a vital energy that’s just slithering around, waiting for someone to pick it up and lead them.

13. A snake in the car, in your bed, or in the bath: what does it mean?

Seeing a snake slithering about inside your car could represent anxiety: you’re trapped in there, you and the snake, with no obvious way out other than to drive the car.

Seeing a snake slithering about on or inside your bedroom is a common nightmare. It could represent your fears about personal safety, or it might be a sign that you’re being invaded by something destructive from within (a guilty conscience, for instance).

A snake in your bathroom is likely to make people feel uncomfortable and unwelcome. If this is happening to you often then there’s probably some underlying anxiety or guilt issue which needs addressing urgently. Your subconscious mind may also be telling you not to take risks with money and investments any more — but who knows how reliable such advice will turn out to be!

14. What does it mean if I kill the snake in my dream?

Killing a snake while dreaming could mean you’re ready for some changes. If you see a snake that’s harmless, such as a garter snake, but still choose to kill it, then maybe you’re feeling guilt about having tankan advantage of someone’s kindness or gullibility.

But if you see that same garter snake and let it go, then maybe you’re also ready to start going easy on yourself again after a long guilt spell. On the other hand, killing a snake like a boa constrictor is a likely sign that you feel you need to free yourself from a “snake” in your waking life who holds you back, or keeps knocking you down.

A boa constrictor in your waking life might be your terrible boss, or your hypercritical relative, or even a “snake” in yourself that you want to shed. To “kill” this source of psychic distress is itself a form of rebirth.

15. What does it mean when snakes are crawling all over your body?

There’s no definite answer to this question, but it might be that such dreams could symbolize feelings of insecurity or vulnerability.

Snakes could have different meanings depending on the specific interpretation of a certain person; for one, a snake bite indicates killing, while for someone else it’s a sign of being dead, and for a third person it could signify a toxic warning.

If you’re being sly in waking life and not taking a stand, this could be what’s going on with the dream as well. Dreaming about snakes has an underlying meaning of powerlessness — it symbolizes fear or anger at someone else’s words. But if they don’t feel powerful but are still aware of their situation, this might be envy or resentment over what others see as success

16. Multiple snakes: what do two or more snakes in my dream mean?

When dreaming, two snakes are often a symbol of duality. It can represent two sides to a story, or even opposite aspects of your own personality-such as the good and bad person that you’re scared to acknowledge inside yourself.

Or maybe a “dead” version of your former self, which in waking life you’re too afraid to think about because of some toxic memories. Pay attention to any “dreaming symbol” or sign connected to snakes that might tell you just how scared your are of addressing this part of yourself.

More generally, dreaming of multiple snakes in any number indicates that you may feel a need to be more connected to your community; in that sense, dreaming of multiple snakes is a sign that you may need to reach out a little more.

For example: if you see snakes together as opposed to singularly this may mean an increase in obstacles for you during waking hours but not necessarily at night.

What does dreaming of a snake mean through a Biblical lens?

Snakes symbolize temptation from the devil from the bible from a Biblical standpoint. The Bible mostly depicts snakes as hostile and bitter animals. In modern times, we also have started believing that snakes are creatures who should not be trusted.

In fact, there are many positive connotations of snakes in our lives, according to the author of the book, which also includes a number of positive images of the Virgin Mary keeping her toe on the snake’s head is very popular and a famous symbol meaning that she has conquered and overcome her desires.

Likewise, the story of Adam and Eve reminds us that the snake from the Garden of Eden was as much a part of the story as Adam and Eve themselves; snakes, then, are part of your waking life, and in fact are deeply entwined in it, for better or for worse.

Though a snake could “spoil” the Garden of Eden, in other cases it can awaken people — for example in their dreams — to a new perspective that they’d long been closing their eyes to.

Dreaming of snakes is a way of looking at the snake in your life, and also of being reminded that there is a Garden of Eden.

Snake dreams around the world

In almost all cultures snakes can symbolize something negative, such as deceitfulness or a sinister plot.

A snake in your dreams symbolizes protection and power to some — snakes are known for their ability to sense things before they happen, which is why people often use the saying “snake alert” when danger approaches.

The presence of this animal indicates both good luck and bad omens at the same time.”

Snakes in the dreamworld are not always ominous. In some cultures it’s actually symbolic of inner transformation — e.g., when the snake helps shed the skin and move on to a new life.

In Buddhism, snakes are thought of as symbols that represent wisdom and enlightenment — they can shed their skin because they have no ego-clinging which allows them to become enlightened beings.”

And in other myths, it’s possible for humans who bravely confront this animal (or even eat its flesh or drink its venom) to gain some measure of power over those creatures themselves.

So if you had a dream about snake, what does it mean? There could be any number of interpretations depending on where your ancestors come from! But one thing is certain: there was something going on in your subconscious during that dream time!”

What does the type of snake in your dream mean?

Seeing snakes in your dreams all the time and everywhere could mean that you are feeling overwhelmed or that something is suffocating your life.

A boa constrictor, for example, can indicate that you’re feeling smothered in a relationship.
On the other hand, seeing a viper when you dream of snakes might be a sign that you’re scared of being “bitten” in waking life by a toxic person, or something in your life that makes you think of metaphorical snake bites.
Poisonous snakes in a dream: this can mean that something you were expecting didn’t happen as planned. It can also mean that some aspect of ourselves has been killed off within us.

If you’re dreaming about a poisonous snake, then perhaps this indicates how someone’s deceitful words have made you feel like they’ve poisoned your hopes and plans-or even worse yet, caused physical harm through their treachery.

Colors of snakes in dreams

Seeing multiples snakes of any color is often interpreted by traditional culture to indicate good luck. But what about individual colors?

Red snake dreams: Seeing a red snake is usually interpreted as being bad luck or that someone close to you has betrayed you. A red snake is a symbol for passion, power and vitality — so if you dream about them, it might be time to take charge or stand up for yourself in order to give your life more energy! Ultimately, a red snake could be a sign that you need to get more engaged in life.

Black: Seeing black snakes typically symbolizes darkness- it’s an omen from the unconscious mind warning about hidden dangers ahead and impending difficulties. A black snake is a creature of the night, which can indicate inner gloom and depression-they’re also symbols for negative thoughts such as guilt. Black is the color of death; a black snake dream often indicates that our hope has died because something we

Green: Dreams of a green snake typically symbolize healing, both physical healing as well as the spiritual variety. Seeing a green snake while dreaming can also indicate a need for fertility and growth, as well as a movement towards greater enlightenment or spiritual awakening. Dark green often indicates a deeper, more philosophical kind of healing, while lighter shades of green are more about practical healing in the here and now.

Pink: Pink snakes typically symbolize joy, love and happiness; in fact, pink is often associated with the sacral chakra and feminine energy. So seeing a pink snake might even signal an “feminine” aspect of yourself that you’d previously ignored…

Blue snake dream: Dreams about blue snakes usually have positive meanings — they’re symbols for creativity and wisdom to come out from within you. Blue snakes in dreams are a symbol of healing, protection and communication with the spirit world. The color blue is also

Yellow snake in a dream: Yellow is the color most associated with happiness in all cultures throughout history, so seeing yellow snakes in your dream may signify that you will soon be happy again after going through a difficult time; it could mean that an issue has been resolved satisfactorily; or that there’s something important ahead related to personal growth.

White snake dreams: White snakes in your dreams usually symbolize a sense of purity. Dreaming about a snake that’s white may also represent an unspoken truth that you’ve been keeping inside yourself — after all, snakes are symbols of truthfulness.

Conclusion: dreaming about snakes is a rich field of symbolism

We dream about snakes all the time, yet we’re often left in the dark when trying to figure out their meaning.

It’s important to interpret them in the context of your waking life, and not just from a negative perspective.

Above, will have explored what it means to see snakes in your dreams and how they can be interpreted based on context clues. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to better understand your own dreams and gain new insights about yourself.

Perhaps most important is the knowledge that dreaming about snakes it not necessarily a sign that things are going wrong, and it doesn’t always represent a negative meaning.

Finally, after exploring the significance of snakes and their appearances in the dream world, we can conclude that they’re rich symbols with deep meanings which is why interpreting them should be done carefully.