PDF download Download Article
Discover the messages from your spirit guides in your dreams
PDF download Download Article

Have you been having the same dream over and over again? Maybe you keep getting into a car that won’t start. Or, maybe you're dreaming about a butterfly landing on your shoulder. For centuries, people have turned to the mysterious world of dreams to search for spiritual guidance. Many even believe that dreams contain important and meaningful signs from spirit guides. If you're hoping to learn about the spiritual messages in your recurring dreams, you’ve come to the right place! Keep reading for everything you need to know about having the same dream twice, as well as some interpretations for common recurring dreams, and advice on how to explore your dreams more deeply.

This article is based on an interview with our international intuitive counselor and happiness coach, Kari Samuels. Check out the full interview here.

Things You Should Know

  • Recurring dreams could be messages from your spirit guides, or they could be your subconscious wisdom reaching out to you.
  • Common recurring dreams, such as dreaming of your teeth falling out or dreaming of falling, could mean that there’s a specific area of your life you need to focus on.
  • If you’ve had a dream you would like to return to, learning how to lucid dream may be the key.
Section 1 of 4:

Spiritual Meanings

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you're having the same dream multiple times, it could be a sign that your spirit guides are trying to communicate with you. There could be a hidden lesson in the plotline of the recurring dream, so pay close attention! If the repeating dreams eventually stop, this could be a sign that you successfully received the message and implemented it in your life. [1]
  2. Recurring dreams could be guiding you toward your life’s purpose. [2] Maybe you just applied for a new job, and you’re nervous about making this big change. Then you start having recurring dreams of being successful in this new position. This could be your spirit guides reassuring you that you’re in the right place and encouraging you to go after your dreams!
    Advertisement
  3. Recurring dreams could be a sign from your subconscious indicating that there’s something specific you need to learn to get on your destined path. This might be a situation that you aren’t paying enough attention to in your waking life, but it’s having a deep effect on you subconsciously. Dreams are an opportunity for your subconscious to get your attention, so take note when the same themes keep popping up!
  4. If you’re having repeated dreams about a specific person, the universe could be trying to bring you together. [3] If this person is a new acquaintance, your connection might develop into something deeper. If this person is someone from your past, you might be destined to reconnect in some way. Whatever the circumstances, your recurring dreams could be a sign that your souls are meant to be connected.
  5. If you’re having recurring dreams about a stranger, your spirit guides might be encouraging you to learn more about yourself. Some believe that the stranger appearing in your dreams actually represents the traits you possess that you're unaware of. [4]
    • If the stranger appears to be cool and confident, you might be much more secure in yourself than you think.
    • If the stranger is super intelligent or high-achieving, you might be much more capable and exceptional than you believe yourself to be.
    • Get to know these unknown sides of yourself so that you can feel confident in your abilities in your waking life!
  6. If you’re having recurring bad dreams about something you’ve been through, it might be time to confront the situation and heal. Your dreams could be giving you a safe space to explore your feelings about this tough situation, so you can try out different responses and see which one works best. [5] As you process through your emotions in your dream state, you might start to feel more confident and solid about the situation in your waking life.
  7. If you’re having recurring dreams where you appear as a different person (you’re a different age, a different gender, or from a different place), your dreams might be a window into a past life. [6] It can be a bit scary or unsettling to be a different person in your dreams, but remember, you are safe and secure now. Your spirit guides might just be trying to reveal wisdom from a previous life so you can implement it in your current life.
  8. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Meanings of Common Recurring Dreams

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you’re dreaming about someone you used to be romantically connected to, there might be something you still need to uncover and process about that relationship. Maybe you never got closure, or maybe you feel like they’re the one that got away, and your spirit guides could be pushing you to explore your unresolved feelings. This recurring dream could also be a sign that you're destined to run into this person again, so your spirit guides could be preparing you for that meeting. [7]
  2. This could be a sign that there's some romantic energy between you, even if you haven't thought of this person in that way before. Additionally, some believe that people appear in your dreams when they’re thinking about you, so it’s possible that this person has hidden feelings for you. [8]
  3. Dreams about flying can have multiple meanings. On the one hand, these exhilarating dreams can represent personal freedom and liberation. On the other hand, dreams about flying can indicate a desire to flee from your daily reality and escape into your imagination. If you feel afraid while flying, your dreams are likely asking you to pay attention to your desire for escapism. If you feel excited and free while you’re flying, however, these dreams likely represent your liberation from norms or restrictions. You’re unapologetically following your own path! [9]
  4. Spiritually, this common recurring dream could be an omen of rebirth and transformation. When your teeth fall out as a child, new teeth grow in to replace them. This image in your dream could be a sign that something is about to change in your life. Though it could be jarring at first, this change could be opening the door for positive growth. [10]
    • Psychologically, dreaming of your teeth falling out could be linked to anxiety, stress, or the feeling that you’re losing control. [11]
    • This dream could also indicate that you are feeling insecure or struggling with your self-esteem subconsciously. [12]
  5. Dreaming about falling could be a sign that you feel out of control in your life. On the other hand, if you felt relieved or free while you were falling in your dream, it could be a sign that you're letting go of something that's been weighing you down. [13] Either way, this recurring dream is pointing out the importance of taking things as they come and letting go of the things that are outside of your control.
  6. If you’re having stressful dreams that you’re back in school taking an important test, you’re not alone. This recurring dream is actually very common. You might dream that you’re taking a final exam even though you never took the class, or maybe you’ve arrived late and you’re rushing to finish all the questions. Either way, this recurring dream indicates that you’re dealing with a fear of failure in your waking life. You might feel underprepared for the challenges you’re facing, which leaves you feeling stressed out and frazzled, as if you were taking a test without studying. Your dreams are encouraging you to get organized to combat your overwhelmed feelings and set yourself up for success.
    • Keep a written schedule to stay on top of all your commitments. This will make sure you don’t forget anything important, and it can help you feel more in control!
    • Set up a productive workspace in your home. Having a productive area in your living space will help you stay focused on your goals and projects.
  7. If you’re dreaming about being in a car that won’t start, it could be a sign that you're feeling stuck or stagnant in your life. [14] Your spirit guides could be telling you it’s time to shake things up in your life, even if you thought you were satisfied where you are. It's time to think big and challenge yourself to level up!
    • If you’re unhappy in your current career, it might be time to find a job you’re passionate about .
    • Take the leap and start looking for a career that excites you. Your dreams could be urging you to go after your ambitions and find your purpose.
  8. Dreaming about wandering through a house could indicate that there are unexplored parts of yourself that you need to confront. If you feel afraid in these dreams, this could suggest that you’re afraid to explore these aspects of who you are. [15] Your spirit guides could be urging you to truly see yourself and embrace who you are fully!
    • If you’re struggling to accept yourself, try working on self-compassion. This involves recognizing when you’re struggling and being kind to yourself in those moments, which can reduce anxious or depressed feelings. [16]
    • Recite positive affirmations to build up your self-esteem and show yourself some kindness.
  9. This common recurring dream could mean that you’re running away from something in your waking life. You might be trying to escape deep rooted fears or desires that you don’t want to confront. If an animal is chasing you, you could be trying to run from your anger or passion. If a stranger is chasing you, you could be hiding from a past trauma. [17] If you’ve had any of these recurring dreams, it might be time to confront the feelings you’re running from in order to heal.
  10. If you’ve been dreaming about a loved one who has passed away, they could be appearing in your dreams to let you know that you’re supported and provide some guidance. They might also be using the dream to let you know that they're thinking of you, or they could simply be dropping by to say hello. Whatever the case, you can interpret this visit as a positive sign from a loved one wanting to point you in the right direction. [18]
  11. This dream could be a sign to pause and appreciate the beauty of the present moment. Your spirit guides could be urging you to not take things for granted and enjoy the abundance around you. You could also be in the process of transformation, and all your hard work might pay off sooner than you expected. Just like a caterpillar turns into a butterfly, you could be going through a metamorphosis and becoming your best self!
    • Practice mindfulness to train yourself to live in the moment. Mindfulness involves staying aware of your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surroundings moment-by-moment. [19]
    • Try out mindful meditation to get started with a mindful lifestyle. Find a quiet place to sit or lie down. Focus on what you’re experiencing, feel the flow of your breath, and let any thoughts that come up pass without judgment. [20]
  12. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

How to Explore Your Dreams

PDF download Download Article
  1. In order to truly interpret the messages coming to you as you sleep, keep a detailed record of your dreams . As soon as you wake up in the morning, try to recall the details of any dream you were having, and write them down in a journal. [21] This will help you keep track of your dreams so that you can look out for any connections or common threads!
  2. Go over your written records of your dreams to look for reappearing plotlines, themes, or symbols that you might have missed at first. [22] For example, if you dreamed about a friend’s dog one night and then dreamed about your childhood dog a few nights later, this common thread could indicate that you’re lonely or in need of affection.
  3. Lucid dreaming involves becoming aware of the fact that you’re dreaming while you’re still asleep. Some people even report being able to control or manipulate their dreams once they become lucid. [23] If you’ve had a dream that you want to return to or explore more, lucid dreaming could be the key. Here are some tips on how to lucid dream :
    • Throughout the day, perform reality testing. This involves checking whether or not things are real while you’re awake.
      • Push on solid objects, look in the mirror, or try to breathe through your nose while pinching it to test your reality.
      • If you do this enough while awake, you might end up doing this in your dreams. If the tests have different results in your dreams, this could alert you to the fact you’re dreaming. [24]
    • Set an alarm to wake up two hours earlier than you usually do. Stay awake for a short time, then go back to bed.
      • This could increase your awareness of your late-stage REM dreams, which will be fresh in your mind. [25]
      • Eventually, this awareness could occur while you’re still dreaming, meaning you’ll be lucid and able to navigate your dream.
  4. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Other Popular Dream Scenarios

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you’re interested in dream interpretations, there’s more to explore. Dreams reveal things your conscious mind might not pick up on in waking life. Check out these other dream scenarios and their spiritual messages:
    • Dreaming of the same person : Signifies that you see the other person often or admire them. Sometimes, your dream may represent unresolved issues with them.
    • Dreaming within a dream : Signifies you have anxiety in real life. You may be receiving a message from your spirit guides or deceased relatives.
    • Dreaming of crying : Signifies suppressed emotions and unresolved trauma. You might also have a fear of the future.
    • Dreaming of fighting someone : Represents stress, unresolved conflict, and suppressed emotions.
    • Dreaming of kissing someone : Signifies that you’re in love or attracted to someone. It may also mean you’re hiding your true personality.
    • Dreaming of being kidnapped : Signals that someone is trying to manipulate you or that you’re feeling stagnant in life.
    • Dreaming of getting shot : Represents vulnerability, fear, and transformation. Psychologically, it could mean you have unresolved trauma.
    • Dreaming of your partner cheating : May signal that you’re feeling neglected in your relationship, or that you’re jealous of your partner spending time without you.
    • Dreaming of someone dying : Represents transformation or the end of a chapter in your life. You could also be worried about losing the person in your dream.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 17,285 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement