Welcome to the “S” section of the A–Z Dream Dictionary, uncover the hidden meanings behind dream symbols beginning with the letter S.
Sabre-Toothed Tiger
Symbolizes primal strength, hidden aggression, or untamed instincts that may resurface in your waking life.⁸
Sacrifice
Represents letting go of something valuable for a higher purpose or emotional growth; can also suggest guilt or spiritual cleansing.
Sadness
A reflection of unprocessed grief or emotional fatigue; often a release dream helping you acknowledge what’s been weighing on you.
Sailboat
Suggests progress and emotional balance; you’re moving with the flow of life, though calm waters or storms indicate your current emotional state.
Sailor / Seaman
Symbol of exploration and adaptability; could indicate a longing for freedom, travel, or emotional navigation through uncertainty.
Salamander
Represents transformation, adaptability, and resilience; in some traditions, it’s tied to fire and renewal after hardship.
Saliva
A sign of communication and vitality; may relate to expressing emotions or desires you’ve been keeping in.
Salmon
Suggests perseverance and inner strength; swimming upstream symbolizes your fight against obstacles or societal expectations.
Salt
Signifies purification, healing, or wisdom; can also represent preserving boundaries or keeping things “fresh” emotionally.
Sand
Symbolizes instability or time slipping away; may warn you to stay grounded or act before opportunities fade.
Sandstorm
Represents confusion or chaos clouding your judgment; a need to regain direction before you lose focus entirely.
Sapphire
Associated with wisdom, divine truth, and peace; often a symbol of clarity or protection in spiritual dreams.
Satan
Represents inner conflict, temptation, or guilt; may symbolize confronting shadow aspects of yourself.
Saturn
Stands for structure, responsibility, and karmic lessons; dreaming of this planet suggests a period of discipline or reckoning.
Scales (weighing)
Indicates fairness, justice, or decision-making; may relate to balancing aspects of your personal or professional life.
Scarab Beetle
Ancient Egyptian symbol of rebirth, transformation, and divine protection.
Scarf
Represents warmth, emotional security, or concealing true feelings.
Scenery
The overall landscape in a dream reflects your mental state or emotional “backdrop.”
Scissors
Suggests cutting ties, ending situations, or separating yourself from toxic influences.
Scorpion
Symbolizes betrayal, danger, or repressed anger; may also signal powerful transformation after emotional poison is released.
A release of frustration or fear; if your voice doesn’t come out, it indicates feeling unheard in waking life.
Sea / Ocean
Represents your subconscious and emotional depth; calm seas symbolize peace, while rough waves reflect inner turmoil.
Sea Lion
Symbol of playfulness, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.
Sea Otter
Represents joy, community, and protection of innocence.
Sea Turtle
A powerful sign of longevity, wisdom, and spiritual grounding; often linked to patience and ancestral protection.
Seal
Suggests balance between work and play, or adapting gracefully to change.
Seashell
Symbolizes protection, hidden emotions, or sacred feminine energy.
Semen
Represents creativity, fertility, or the manifestation of new ideas.
Serval
A rare dream symbol linked to independence, intuition, and grace under pressure.
Sex / Sexual Dreams
Dreaming of sex often symbolizes emotional union, vulnerability, or the merging of different aspects of yourself rather than physical desire alone. It can reveal a longing for closeness, passion, or creative expression that’s missing in waking life. Sometimes, sexual dreams appear when you’re integrating masculine and feminine energies, logic and intuition, strength and compassion, into harmony. See also: How to increase the likelihood of having sexual dreams
Sexual Intercourse
Dreaming of sexual intercourse symbolizes connection, desire, and the merging of energies or aspects of yourself. It may reflect emotional intimacy, creative power, or a longing for closeness in waking life. Sometimes it represents integration, bringing together two parts of your personality to create balance. These dreams center around passion, and the need for authentic connection.
Shadow
Represents your hidden or rejected self; facing it means integration and self-acceptance.
Shark
Symbol of fear, aggression, or someone threatening in your waking life; can also signify power and survival instincts.
Dreaming of shaving your head symbolizes renewal, release, and shedding old identities or burdens. It often represents a desire to start fresh, simplify your life, or reclaim control over something that feels chaotic. This dream can also reflect vulnerability, spiritual cleansing, or breaking away from societal expectations. Overall, it signals transformation and the courage to let go of what no longer serves you.
Sheep
Represents conformity, innocence, or comfort in following the crowd; a black sheep may indicate rebellion or individuality.
Shells
Symbolize protection, secrets, or spiritual listening.
Ship
Represents life’s journey and emotional navigation; a sinking ship may signal loss or instability.
Shoes
Symbolize grounding, confidence, and direction; losing shoes suggests insecurity or uncertainty about your path.
Shooting
Dreaming of shooting often symbolizes releasing anger or taking decisive action. It can reflect a desire to confront a situation directly, express pent-up emotions, or regain control over something that feels threatening or out of reach. These dreams commonly appear during periods of tension, competition, or when strong feelings are being held back. On a deeper level, shooting in a dream can represent intention and focus—aiming toward a goal, boundary, or outcome. If the shooting feels reckless, it may signal impulsivity or unresolved aggression; if it feels controlled, it can indicate confidence and determination. Overall, this dream invites reflection on how you handle conflict, power, and emotional expression in waking life.
Shot By A Gun
Dreaming of being shot by a gun symbolizes emotional shock, sudden conflict, or feeling attacked in waking life. It often reflects betrayal, harsh words, or an unexpected event that deeply affects your sense of safety or control. This dream may arise during periods of heightened stress, confrontation, or when you feel vulnerable to someone else’s actions. On a deeper level, being shot can represent a painful awakening or forced change, signaling the need to process emotional wounds and regain personal strength.
Show
Dreaming of a show often symbolizes how you present yourself or observe life’s unfolding events. It can reflect social dynamics, personal expression, or the roles you play in different situations. The type of show—whether entertaining, dramatic, or chaotic—can reveal your emotional state, desires, or anxieties. Such dreams may also suggest a need to examine how you engage with others or how you perceive your own story unfolding.
Signature
Dreaming of a signature often symbolizes identity, authenticity, and personal authority. It can reflect your desire to leave a mark, make a commitment, or assert control over your decisions. The clarity, size, or style of the signature may reveal how confident or uncertain you feel about expressing yourself. Such dreams may also suggest the need to acknowledge your responsibilities or embrace your unique personal identity.
Silk
Represents luxury, sensuality, and softness; can also suggest delicate communication or refined emotions.
Silver
Associated with intuition, the moon, and emotional wisdom.
Skeleton
Symbolizes the core truth or bare essence of something; may also signify mortality or what’s left after loss.
Skunk
Represents self-defense, boundaries, or the need to protect your reputation.
Sky
A symbol of limitless potential, freedom, and divine connection; stormy skies reflect confusion or emotional turbulence.
Slapped
Dreaming of being slapped symbolizes shock, emotional confrontation. It could even signal a sudden wake-up call. It often points to feeling criticized, or disrespected…it’s possible you’re being abruptly forced to acknowledge something you may have been avoiding. If you are slapped by someone you know, it may point t tension or unspoken feelings in that relationship; if you are the one doing the slapping, it can reflect suppressed anger or a need to assert boundaries. The dream draws attention to issues of respect, and how conflict is expressed or received.
Sleep / Sleeping
Symbolizes rest, avoidance, or a need to disconnect from chaos.
Slide
Suggests going backward emotionally or experiencing loss of control.
Smoke
Represents mystery, confusion, or transformation; may also suggest something hidden or unclear.
Snake / Snakes
Powerful symbols of transformation, rebirth, healing, or deception depending on your emotional response in the dream. See also: Baby Snakes
Snow
Symbol of purity, coldness, or emotional distance; melting snow represents thawing emotions.
Soap
Suggests cleansing guilt, healing, or starting fresh.
Soccer / Sports
Represents teamwork, competition, or striving toward goals.
Socks
Symbolize comfort, self-care, or preparation for emotional “steps” ahead.
Soldier
Represents discipline, defense, or suppressed aggression.
Soul / Spiritual Energy
The essence of your inner being; may signal awakening, enlightenment, or reconnection with purpose.
Sound / Music
Represents communication and harmony; discordant sounds may reflect stress or emotional dissonance.
Space (Outer Space)
Space often reflects curiosity, expansion, and a desire to explore the unknown parts of yourself or your life. It symbolizes freedom from earthly limits, your mind reaching beyond what’s familiar or safe. Being in outer space may suggest feeling detached, isolated, or searching for your true place in the universe.
On a deeper level, space represents spiritual vastness, infinite potential and the mystery of existence. Floating weightlessly might show emotional distance or a period where you’re unsure of direction, while gazing at stars hints at inspiration, purpose, or divine connection. In short, dreams of space mirror both your longing for discovery and your fear of the great unknown.
Sparrow
A humble yet joyful symbol of simplicity, love, and protection.
Represents creativity, patience, or feeling trapped; may also symbolize feminine power.
Spiderweb
Symbolizes destiny, creativity, or entrapment — depending on whether you’re weaving or caught in it.
Spiral
A spiritual symbol of growth, evolution, and the cycles of life. It reflects expansion of awareness or repeating emotional patterns.
Spiritual Awakening
Indicates growth, higher awareness, or a shift in consciousness.
Splash
Suggests sudden emotional release or awakening.
Spoon
Symbol of nourishment, care, and support.
Spring (season)
Represents new beginnings, rebirth, and fresh energy.
Squirrel
Dreaming of a squirrel symbolizes preparation, resourcefulness, and awareness of the future. It often reflects gathering energy, saving emotional or practical resources, or being mentally alert to opportunities around you. This dream may appear when you’re juggling responsibilities, planning ahead, or feeling the need to be more cautious and strategic. On a deeper level, a squirrel can also represent restlessness or scattered focus, suggesting it may be time to prioritize and organize what truly matters.
Stairs / Steps
Symbolize progress, personal growth, or spiritual ascent.
Star / Stars
Represent hope, inspiration, or divine guidance.
Statue
Symbolizes stillness, idealization, or emotional detachment.
Steam
Represents passion, pressure, or transformation through release.
Steal
Dreaming of stealing symbolizes desire, lack, or fear of loss. It often reflects wanting something you feel is missing in your waking life…such as attention, power, recognition, or emotional security. This dream may appear during periods of insecurity, comparison, or when boundaries feel blurred. On a deeper level, stealing in a dream can point to guilt, self-judgment, or concern about crossing ethical or emotional lines. It may also suggest reclaiming something you believe was taken from you, such as confidence or opportunity. Overall, this dream encourages reflection on needs, boundaries, and whether you’re seeking fulfillment in healthy, honest ways.
Steel
Suggests inner strength and resilience.
Stepbrother
Dreaming of a stepbrother often symbolizes social connection, rivalry, or the blending of family dynamics. It can reflect feelings about competition, camaraderie, or navigating relationships with peers or siblings. The stepbrother’s behavior, friendly, distant, or challenging, may reveal your emotions, conflicts, or desires for acceptance and understanding. Such dreams may also suggest the need to integrate differing influences or relationships in your personal and family life.
Stepdaughter
Dreaming of a stepdaughter symbolizes blended relationships, family dynamics, and adaptation to change. It may reflect feelings about integration, responsibility, or your role within a non-traditional family structure. Positive interactions suggest harmony and acceptance, while conflict may indicate tension, unresolved issues, or feelings of inadequacy. The dream encourages understanding, empathy, and fostering healthy connections in blended family situations.
Stepfather
Dreaming of a stepfather often symbolizes protection, guidance, or authority within family or social structures. It can reflect your relationship with male figures, mentors, or the influence of someone who provides support or discipline. The stepfather’s actions, kind, strict, or distant, may reveal your feelings, challenges, or unresolved issues related to guidance and control. Such dreams may also indicate the need to balance respect, independence, and understanding in relationships with authority figures
Stepmother
Dreaming of a stepmother often symbolizes authority, guidance, or complex family dynamics. It can reflect feelings about nurturing, discipline, or the influence of someone who plays a parental role in your life. The stepmother’s behavior—supportive, critical, or distant—can reveal your emotions, conflicts, or expectations regarding family relationships. Such dreams may also suggest the need to navigate boundaries, acceptance, or integration of different influences in your life.
Stepson
Dreaming of a stepson often symbolizes responsibility, care, and the dynamics of blended family relationships. It can reflect feelings about mentorship, guidance, or the influence of someone younger in your life. The stepson’s behavior, obedient, rebellious, or distant, may reveal your emotions, concerns, or hopes regarding your role in nurturing or supporting others. Such dreams may also suggest the need to balance authority, empathy, and understanding within family or close relationships.
Stingray
Symbol of grace, emotional sensitivity, and hidden defense mechanisms.
Stolen Car
Dreaming of a stolen car symbolizes loss of control, identity disruption, or feeling that your direction in life has been taken from you. Because cars often represent autonomy and personal momentum, a stolen car can reflect situations where plans are derailed, independence is threatened, or someone else’s actions interfere with your progress. This dream commonly appears during periods of instability, unexpected change, or when you feel powerless in an important area of your life. On a deeper level, a stolen car may point to fear of losing status, purpose, or motivation. It can also reflect self-doubt—questioning whether you’re truly in charge of your own decisions or allowing external pressures to steer your path. If the dream focuses on searching for the car, it suggests a desire to reclaim control or direction. Overall, this dream encourages reassessment of boundaries, priorities, and what you need to feel empowered again.
Stone / Stones
Represent stability, endurance, or emotional coldness; may also symbolize burdens or unspoken truths.
Storm / Storms
Reflect emotional upheaval, conflict, or powerful release; after the storm often comes clarity.
Stork
Symbol of birth, fertility, and new beginnings.
Street
Represents your life path; obstacles suggest detours or delays.
Strong Wind
Symbolizes external pressures or rapid change.
Submarine
Represents exploring deep emotions or subconscious thoughts.
Subscription
Symbolizes commitment or feeling “locked in” to something; may suggest reevaluating where your energy is going.
Sugar
Represents pleasure, comfort, or overindulgence.
Suitcase
Symbol of emotional baggage or preparation for change.
Sunflower
Spiritually, the sunflower represents loyalty, faith, and perseverance, always following the “light” of truth or love. A field of sunflowers may reflect abundance and harmony in your emotional world, while a single sunflower could symbolize self-assurance or the strength to stand tall alone.
Sun
Represents vitality, clarity, and life force; a rising sun signifies new beginnings, while a setting sun may mean closure or rest.
Sunflowers
The sunflower often points to optimism, vitality, and personal growth. These bright blooms mirror the sun itself … symbols of joy, hope, and staying true to your purpose. Seeing a sunflower in a dream suggests your spirit is turning toward positivity and light, even if you’ve been through darker days.
Surgery
Symbolizes healing, cutting out toxicity, or emotional repair.
Swallow (bird)
Represents loyalty, safe return, and renewed hope.
Swan / Swans
Symbolize love, purity, and transformation; may also represent the union of opposites or twin flames.
Sweat
Suggests stress, hard work, or guilt that needs release.
Swimming
Symbolizes emotional control, freedom, or immersion in feelings.
Sword
Represents truth, justice, and protection; may also suggest conflict or decisive action.
Sycamore Tree
Symbol of longevity, strength, and divine protection.
Explore more meanings in our A–Z Dream Dictionary.
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