Dreaming of Snakes: Discover the Spiritual Meaning and Interpretation

Written by Kirstin Harrington
Updated: September 6, 2023
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Dreaming of Snakes infographic
Dreaming of Snakes infographic

Snakes could have significance because they are one of the earliest and most varied mythological symbols in all of history. In many cultures, serpents are associated with upward progress, such as metamorphosis or resurrection, because they regularly lose their skin. 

Yet, snakes can also be a more ominous emblem in some cultures, signifying evil or even death. So, what does it indicate when a snake shows up in a dream? Should you start planning the goals you wish to achieve, or should you prepare for an unexpected passing?

Today we’re going to discuss everything there is to know about the symbolism, meaning, and possible signs that come from dreaming about these slithery creatures. Keep on reading to find out more! 

Snake Symbolisation

Cobra with raised heads

Dreaming of snakes can mean many things depending on the situation and the snake’s actions.

©Skynavin/Shutterstock.com

The snake is frequently used as a symbol of sin and may indicate that you have given in to temptation. Depending on the snake’s coloration or how it is displayed in your dream, it may occasionally stand for knowledge or healing.

The meaning might also indicate rebirth or that you need to refresh your life. This could be something exciting like starting a new job. Alternatively, it may mean you must look good at your relationships. Serpents are a representation of bravery or courage. 

They frequently don’t stare down at the ground as most animals do; instead, they have their heads held high. While a snake travels silently, there is no notice before a strike; these traits demonstrate some degree of assurance, strength, and agility. The exception to this is a rattlesnake, which we’ll take about below. 

Most people associate snakes with fear. You may need to be careful to avoid stepping into the snake’s hypothetical trap. The snake is a creature that has long been associated with terror and can also have unfavorable meanings in dreams. 

It might symbolize evil people close to you and in your life, whether friends or enemies. Yet, this doesn’t imply that dreams involving serpents are always unfavorable; sometimes, seeing a serpent in a dream may represent something uplifting, such as rebirth, strength, or bravery.

Type of Snake 

Snake, Fang, Rattlesnake, Poisonous, Aggression Snake, Fang, Rattlesnake, Poisonous, Aggression

If you dream of a rattlesnake, it may be alert to something in your life.

©iStock.com/johnaudrey

Dreamers want to consider what kind of snake was in their dream. We understand that not everyone is an expert on serpents, and it isn’t always easy to tell which species a snake may be. If you can, search online based on what features you did remember, such as the color, size, and any possible patterns on the scales. 

Dreaming of Rattlesnakes

A rattlesnake will shake its tail to scare away any potential threat when a predator or even an unobservant bystander approaches it. As a result, if you see a rattlesnake in your dream, it could alert you to a dangerous individual in your life or urge you to start observing any warning signs that person might be exhibiting.

Dreaming of Boa Constrictors

According to some experts, nothing that happens in a dream is ever arbitrary; thus, the type of snake that appears in your dream has meaning. Today is a good reminder that people in your life often take the form of snakes in the dream world. 

Consider carefully the snake and, in particular, how it poses a threat to its prey or other predators. It is well known that boa constrictor kills their victims by squeezing them. A boa constrictor in your dream might therefore represent a person in your life who is making you feel confined or constrained or somebody who may be financially or emotionally constraining you.

Dreaming of Garter Snakes

You might be able to sigh with relief if you’ve been dreaming of garter snakes. Garter snakes are harmless, so they might stand in for someone you were initially wary of but have since realized poses no risk to you. If you’re going to dream of any snake, you’ll want it to be this one! 

Common Types of Snake Dreams

dozens of snakes

Multiple snakes in your dream can symbolize a toxic situation.

©Olivier Tabary/Shutterstock.com

Seeing these slithering serpents while you’re asleep is more common than you may realize. Certain sequences and topics in dreams come up for many people. It’s easier for experts to find symbolism and meaning within. Let’s take a look at some of the more frequent snake dreams.

Dreaming of Multiple Snakes

The number of snakes in your dream can have significance, just like the type of snake it is. Several snakes symbolize numerous harmful individuals or a complex, toxic scenario. Alternately, a group of snakes could signify either a variety of health problems or a single health problem with numerous components.

Being Bit by a Snake in a Dream

In this situation, the snake probably has a greater connection to you, particularly with your wellness, than it does with the people in your life. A snake bite in a dream may have an unexpected meaning because it resembles getting a shot at the doctor. 

Hence, if a snake bites you in a dream, consider whether there are any physical ailments that are starting to improve or emotional wounds that appear to be recovering. The snake bite may also represent that you have been the target of judgmental or “biting” words.

Dreaming of a Snake Biting Someone You Know

If a snake strikes a friend or family member in a dream, that person may struggle with physical or psychological problems. Asking yourself if you could be the snake if you don’t think the snake has any connection to your health. 

Have you recently had a fight with this person? Have you created a toxic environment at home or work? How is your relationship with the person who was bit? 

Also, you can be the snake if a snake attacks an adversary in a dream. Dreaming that a snake bites somebody you despise may signify that you want to eradicate them using your own painful insults and piercing comments.

Having a Snake in Your House

Look for possibly hazardous individuals or pressures if you discover a snake within your home. Also, you might approach it symbolically. It’s possible that the frightening person’s toxicity has reached the stage where you’re bringing it with you.

Dreaming of a Snake Shedding Its Skin

A snake losing its skin in a dream could represent the need to let go of an outdated perspective to make progress. It could also imply that you are embracing a new life while letting go of an old one. 

Therefore, the snake stands for renewal. Recurring nightmares involving snakes indicate that both parties have the ability to recover from one phase to another. 

This also happens in nature, for example, when reptiles shed their old skin and grow new ones or when trees shed their leaves in the fall and then sprout them once more in the spring.

If an individual or circumstance in your existence is linked to your reoccurring snake dreams, then pay attention to any implications that might signify rebirth. This meaning of a snake dream frequently suggests something akin to a wake-up call.

The Biblical Meaning of Snakes in a Dream

King James Bible

There are many different meanings of snakes in the Bible as it represents the serpent.

©iStock.com/NathanMerrill

In dreams, a snake often symbolizes transformation, rebirth, or the abandonment of old habits and beliefs. It may also serve as a warning of impending danger or represent an inner force seeking to emerge from within you.

Dreaming of snakes in the Bible symbolizes various concepts, including:

  • Wisdom
  • Repentance
  • Deception
  • Lies
  • Healing
  • Enemies
  • Craftiness
  • Salvation
  • Cunningness

If you have snake-related dreams, it’s essential to reflect on your inner and outer world, examining any negative thoughts or individuals in your vicinity.

Suddenly Dreaming of Snakes 

Glossy Snake

Dreaming of snakes may be upsetting if it’s your first time, but you should look at the context.

©worldswildlifewonders/Shutterstock.com

What does it signify if you suddenly start dreaming about snakes after never having one? Dreams involving these reptiles could symbolize anything, including rebirth, bravery, or strength. 

It’s essential to look into the context of the dream if it involves a snake. These animals can reflect life in all its positive and negative facets, much like a Rorschach blot. Seeing one in your dreams may indicate that your brain is still attempting to make sense of everything as it analyzes the previous day’s events. 

Bottom Line

People frequently struggle to understand the significance of our frequent dreams of snakes. 

It’s crucial to understand them from the perspective of your waking moments and to avoid viewing them solely negatively. 

You’ll be capable of comprehending your dreams and learning new things about yourself using this information. Possibly most crucial is the understanding that having a snake-related dream doesn’t automatically indicate something is wrong or has a bad meaning.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Olivier Tabary/Shutterstock.com

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About the Author

Kirstin is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering animals, news topics, fun places, and helpful tips. Kirstin has been writing on a variety of topics for over five years. She has her real estate license, along with an associates degree in another field. A resident of Minnesota, Kirstin treats her two cats (Spook and Finlay) like the children they are. She never misses an opportunity to explore a thrift store with a coffee in hand, especially if it’s a cold autumn day!

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