Understanding Common Dreams: What Do They Mean?

Dreams can be divided into two categories: those arising from our subconscious and those carrying messages from the realm of truth.

Some dreams reveal the future, with numerous documented accounts. Rabbi Zamir Cohen explains, citing Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (the Ramchal), that during sleep, the lower level of a person's spiritual self—the soul—remains in the body while the higher levels of the soul ascend. This is why we may receive messages from the truth during sleep.

However, most dreams stem from our subconscious—fears, pressures, anxieties, daily issues, desires, and ambitions. The sages noted that most dreams are derived from a person’s thoughts, as stated in the Talmud: "One only sees in a dream what is suggested by one's own heart" (Berakhot 55b). Generally, people's dreams result from the thoughts and activities they engaged in throughout the day, rather than higher revelations. The 'Sefer Chassidim' says: "Whatever one's soul longs for, whether a place or a certain act, in a dream those desires manifest, but such dreams are only reflections of inner thoughts rather than angelic revelations" (Sefer Chassidim, Siman 382).

Here are five of the most common dreams and their meanings:

Falling

According to psychologists, a dream about falling indicates vulnerabilities, lack of confidence, or inadequate support in life. It can also represent fear of losing control, failing to handle an existing issue, or fear of losing something significant, such as health, a job, or wealth. You might feel uncertain about your future.
Additionally, such a dream might reflect feelings of failure or disappointment. Perhaps you are struggling to reach a personal goal or feel you haven't met others' expectations.

Failing an Exam or Public Speaking

Do you know that dream where you show up for a school exam unprepared, forgetting the material, even though you're long past school age? This dream has various interpretations. It may indicate underlying stress or concerns, as well as a fear of failure in different life areas. It suggests a deep-seated desire for success compared to others.
Standing before a crowd in a dream suggests fear of exposing your inner self.

Being Chased

Is there something in your life you are suppressing or avoiding? This dream may point to parts of yourself you've denied, someone you're evading, or a situation or emotion you're fleeing. It could also reflect unresolved past issues "chasing" you. Generally, this dream signifies an aspect of your life you are trying to escape.

Pregnancy and Birth

Dreaming about pregnancy or birth doesn't mean it's time to contact a doula, but it certainly signifies something new on the horizon. Pregnancy symbolizes new growth and development, which can emerge in any area—new projects, moving homes, finding a partner, and starting a family, among others.

Missing a Bus/Train/Flight

If you dream of just missing a train or being late for an important meeting, you may feel a sense of missed opportunities or fear losing something crucial. This fear can manifest in any area: relationships with a partner or children, missed life purposes, spiritual growth, or self-fulfillment. You might feel you're not seizing the opportunities life presents to you. If you've had this dream, your subconscious might be signaling it's time to reorder priorities in your life according to your true goals.

Recommended Reading:

"I Had a Bad Dream" – Understanding Dream Reversal and Remedies for Avoiding Nightmares