Here are some common dream symbols and their potential meanings:
1. Fish (Of course!)
For many diasporic Africans, fish is often associated with birth and babies. It was a symbol given to women before they were enslaved, before pregnancy tests, and before extensive information on ovulation, to prepare them for a new addition to the family.
Living fish, swimming fish, and schools of fish signify healthy pregnancies. The condition of the fish is significant in providing insight into the status of the pregnancy. Typically, it indicates the birth of babies. However, in some cases, it could symbolize a new project in more modern times.
2. Dead fish
This symbolizes something toxic in the environment, miscarriages, and loss.
3. Snakes (Of course!)
For some people, it can be a sign of fortune. For others, snakes can be a bad omen, especially for Egbe devotees. It serves as a warning to be mindful of your surroundings. Something hazardous may be present in your environment. Consider a snake in the grass; it's not always obvious—it could represent a person or an energy. Therefore, be cautious where you step and with the people around you.
Pay attention to the snake's color and your emotions in the dream. Green garden snakes often represent harmless energies that support you. However, green poisonous snakes may signify elements in your environment that appear benign or harmless but are indeed dangerous.
4. Spiders
For some, spiders in dreams are a good omen, indicating that success and money are on the way. Again, pay attention to the colors as well. However, encountering a dangerous spider or being bitten by a poisonous one may signify the opposite.
5. Spiderwebs
You, dear, are caught in a spider's web!
If you see spiderwebs, that is a bad sign. Someone could be sending spiritual attacks or plotting against you. You could be in a place of stagnation. You, dear, are caught in a spider's web!
6. Sexual Encounters (Someone coming to have sex with you or convince you to have sex with them.)
This can be spirits trying to attach themselves to you. This can be draining your energy or give this spirit influence in your daily life. Someone could have sent something to attach to you, or it could be a spirit spouse or spirit admirer. This may sound pleasant to some…but it manifests as a jealous spirit that can interfere with your relationships. They can influence those around you to isolate you for themselves. People sometimes send these to keep you stagnant in life or away from someone they want. Sometimes, they are spirits you may have known before you came to Earth.
7. Familiar Strangers (Seeing familiar people during your dreams but not knowing them when you wake up.
These are spiritual mates/Egbe members. They are coming to deliver a message directly. The consequences of these messages are usually how you show up in the community. How you'll be received by those around you. Your status, your job, your lovers, your friends, and your family.
8. Known Individuals (Seeing people you know in your dream, whether they are living or have and transitioned.)
These are often messages from ancestors. They will choose someone who closely represents them to familiarize them with the ancestor. The person they choose will have a similar characteristic as them, or they want to relay something about that person's characteristic or experience. Events, conversations, characteristics, and information that comes to mind about that person are all significant.
For example, you have an uncle who was known for being wild and crazy, and it led to their demise. They are talking to you about something you are doing that is relevant to your daily life and telling you to throw caution to the wind and do it. You may want to rethink the venture. Something you are doing is careless. These dreams usually have something to do with life consequences. Steering you onto the right path or giving you comfort or confirmation.
9. Seeing or being in houses
Particularly old houses or houses you used to live in. These are dreams associated with ancestors.
10. Children
Children in dreams often represent Egbe—your spiritual mates/ cohorts. Again, these can signify strong Egbe support for what you are doing.
11. Water
It has many possible messages that come from many different sources. I want to mention a few that may not be as obvious, such as flowy, clean water meaning positive messages, and dirty water meaning a negative omen.
- Walking on water—In dreams, walking on water signifies an elevation in spiritual/physical status.
- Underwater and can't breathe - it means that there is a form of stagnation presently or coming. One that can divert one from their path. A decision that is causing anxiety but needs further evaluation. Could be a warning of physical danger if someone is pulling or pushing you under the water.
- Underwater but able to breathe—This means that even though you may not be in an ideal place, you have control and are secure.
