DREAM DICTIONARY
Basil – Birch Dream Symbols & Meanings
DREAMS: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Basil Dreams
(see Herbs)
Love, especially if seen sitting on a windowsill. This was a way that Italian women welcomed their suitors.
An alternative dragon emblem, full of fire and power, having taken its name from the legendary “basilisk.”
Indian: The observation of sacred offering and rites. This herb is used regularly on altars to Krishna and Vishnu.
Basket Dreams
(see Bowl, Cauldron, Chalice, Circle)
The shape of a basket makes it a natural symbol of the womb, the feminine aspect, and pregnancy.
If the basket is full, a sign of productivity and providence. Conversely, an empty basket speaks of something in your life that is wanting for fulfillment.
What specifically does the basket contain? If it’s filled with eggs, this can either portend productivity, or act as a warning not to “keep all your eggs in one basket.”
Harvest, fertility, or unexpected surprises. Several important legends center around children found in floating baskets filled with rushes, including the story of Moses, and Romulus and Remus.
Bat Dreams
(see Animals, Birds, Flying)
Learn all about Spirit, Totem & Power Animals.
Because of the duality of their symbolism, dreams about Bats are among the most powerful omens one can receive during the Dreamtime.
Bats portend of an ability to traverse “darkness” of a figurative nature, but one that may not be recognized. Native Americans believe these creatures are guides because of their uncanny navigation abilities. See where the bat is taking you, and watch closely the path by which you go.
If the bat is you, or you have bat wings, it’s likely a type of flying dream.
In Babylonia and South Africa, bats are thought to carry souls. So, this might be an Out-of-Body Experience, or a message from a departed person.
In China, Bats are emblems of good luck and happiness.
Conversely, the meaning of a dream about Bats can be that of tremendously negative energy. They are associated with tales of vampires and other demonic entities. Because of this bats symbolize being internally (mentally, emotionally and spiritually) ‘unclean’. Black bat dreams speak of forthcoming personal disasters so be diligent in discerning if it is time to conduct a spiritual cleanup of yourself and surroundings.
Alternately, seeing bats in your dreams could be symbols of individuals in your sphere who are ‘energy vampires’. These people will suck you dry of any resource (financial, emotional and mental) you have.
Blind as a Bat Dreams
This is a literal symbol alerting you to stay alert regarding a situation you might be walking into ‘blind’. Take this an omen to pay close attention and be extremely discerning when investigating and considering all the facts hidden and obvious.
White Bat Dreams
The color White is one of the most archetypal symbols of purity and ascension. Hence, dreams about a white bat may symbolize the death of someone in your sphere as many cultures regard death and dying as one of the ultimate purification rituals.
Note:
Not all dreams about bats are morbid. Depending on other factors of the dream, your subconscious or higher-self could be transmitting a gentle joke letting you know that you or someone close to you is acting a little “batty”.
Batteries Dreams
Carefully using your resources or energy so as to have enough left over for needful times (see Electricity).
Dead batteries indicate that you’ve overstretched yourself and now need to rest.
A source of energy or power within, of which you may be unaware.
Bay Dreams
(see Herbs)
Victory, recognition, and success. Bay crowns were used in Greece to honor kings, priests, poets, and heroes.
Unrequited love. Daphne was changed to a bay laurel tree to keep her safe from Apollo’s pursuit.
Averting emotional storms. Anciently this herb was considered a good amulet to protect the home against damage from the thunder and lightning.
Beach Dreams
(see Sand, Seashell, Water)
Bean Dreams
(see Eating, Vegetables)
If seen in pairs, this represents male virility.
Lima beans specifically portend the end to a quarrel.
Among the ancient Romans and Greeks, beans were used for ballots. A white bean was a positive response; a black bean was negative. What color are the beans in your dream?
Eating beans may act as a humorous counsel from your subconscious not to get “puffed up” so that your words don’t come out as hot air!
In the East, soybeans represent luck.
During the Middle Ages, lentils were eaten to control the temperament. How balanced have your emotions been lately?
Beans are unique in that they twine and grow counterclockwise. You may find similarly that your way of growing and changing is vastly different than those around you.
Bear Dreams
(see Animals)
Learn all about Spirit, Totem & Power Animals.
The grizzly or domineering side of our moods (e.g., acting “bearish”).
The wildness within that wishes more expression.
Heraldic: Among the medieval artisans, this creature provided the perfect vehicle for visual puns, and usually stood for for-BEAR-ance.
She-bear protecting cubs: The maternal instinct fully developed; righteous anger or anxiety with real foundations.
Hibernation: An alternative type of death dream. Also, resting and storing up energy for difficult times ahead (see Cave).
Fearlessness: The term “berserkers” among warrior clans came from “bear sarks,” a shirt originated by Artemis to give strength and protection to those defending her lands.
Native American: Supernatural power and fortitude.
Biblical: The she-bear, particularly, is portrayed as ferocious (noted in Samuel, Hosea, and Proverbs). To what project or relationship are you, or should you be, applying this type of fervently protective energy?
Bed Dreams
Seeing yourself asleep in bed may indicate that you are either experiencing a great sense of weariness, or that you are disregarding the signals coming from the subconscious (see Dreams). Alternatively, esoterically this may be some type of Out-of-Body Experience in which the spirit hovers above the body and can see it clearly.
The bed itself may represent passion or sexual encounters. Here, the condition of the bed reflects the condition of the relationship.
If you envision the bed being made, this refers to the aphorism of “having made your bed, now lie in it.” Basically, whatever situation you’re currently experiencing has been brought about by your own actions or lack thereof.
Something underneath a bed symbolizes hidden matters, secrets, or fears that you’re purposely avoiding.
Bee Dreams
(see Honey, Insects)
Learn all about Spirit, Totem & Power Animals.
Stinging you: An unpleasant experience that literally left a “stinger” behind, often of an emotional nature.
At the hive: Community and socialization; knowing your place and function within a specific group; harmonious teamwork.
Flying from flower to flower: Gathering life’s nectar, enjoying sweetness wherever it may be found. Alternatively, a fickle nature.
Buzzing: A message; the ancients felt that bees carried missives direct from the gods themselves. The priestesses of Delphi were called “Melissae,” which means bees, and they were often give honey cakes as an offering in payment for their visionary talents.
Hornet’s nest: Trouble just waiting to happen. Don’t aggravate this situation or you will get stung.
In China, dreaming of a bee swarm is a lucky omen.
A ghostly visitor. Both Pliny and Aristotle believed that good souls could reincarnate as a bee.
The spirit of the Muse. In Greece, eloquent people were believed to have been touched on the lips by the Birds of the muses (bees), including Sophocles, Plato, and Virgil.
Flying down a chimney-omen of death of figurative or literal nature.
In medieval Bestiaries, an emblem of honor.
In the Koran, the symbol of faithfulness, intelligence, and wisdom.
Folkloric: A portent of forthcoming profits, especially in your trade.
Queen bees represent the ancient Mother Goddess, and as such can symbolize your own mother, your maternal instincts, or your feminine nature.
Beer Dreams
(see Beverages, Brewing)
In Egypt, dreaming of barley beer meant longevity to the dreamer, whereas a beer made from wheat portended joyous times ahead.
Love and commitment. In Old Germany, the Minne (love) cup filled with ritual beer was offered to the bride and groom at weddings.
Social occasions. In Norse tradition especially, and among American sports fans, this beverage holds the connotation of something shared with good company. As such, it may also represent the spirit of hospitality.
A sense of fitting in and being one of the “guys.” Among almost all civilizations, beer was the beverage of common, everyday folk, who usually enjoyed it with each other.
Beets Dreams
(see Vegetables)
If you dream of eating beets, this foretells good news soon to follow.
Because of their color, they are an alterative emblem for blood. In fact, beet soup is often a part of Passover rites for this reason.
Long life that is filled with love. Aphrodite, the goddess of love, ate beets to increase her beauty. Also, in folklore, if two people can eat from the beet, they will have love eternal.
Beggar Dreams
(see Poverty)
Bells Dreams
(see Church, Music)
Happy occasions; ringing out the old and welcoming the new.
Protection and warnings. Bells were used among the ancient Hebrews and medieval Europeans to frighten off mischievous spirits, fairies, and malicious magic.
A call to introspection: In Tibet, bowls that resound like bells are used for meditation and prayer. During the Christian era, bells announced the arrival of the Holy Spirit, and a time of worship.
Traditionally, if a bell tolls the time, listen to the hour. Midnight is the most ominous, portending an ending or death (see Clocks, Numbers).
A gong: Used in many Eastern ands to presage an announcement, gathering, or other matters of import. If you’re experiencing news, it is soon to come. Also, the number of times the gong sounds may be significant (see Numbers).
Belt Dreams
(see Clothes)
Berries Dreams
(see Eating, Fruit)
Blackberries represent the harvest. Here you reap what you sow.
Red berries portend happy occasions (see others by Colors).
Strawberries usually symbolize matters of love or passion. They were sacred to the Scandinavian goddess Freya, who was the protectress of marriage and a wise counseling wife to Odin. Alternatively, these may represent long lasting strength, as strawberries were eaten by the Norse gods to ensure their vitality.
Profuseness in some area of your life. Berries reflect earth’s bounty by their numbers and the fact that they grow wild.
Beryl Dreams
(see Crystals)
Beverage Dreams
(see by type, Brewing, Chalice)
Situational dream caused by being thirsty during the night.
Metaphorical thirst for something or someone. In this case, what you quaff in the dream may be very revealing. For example, drinking a love potion can reflect the need to internalize self-love, or the desire to find someone with whom you can share your life.
Bible Dreams
(see Books)
Billboard Dreams
(see Signage)
What does the billboard have on it? Words and images here are often messages from the subconscious or Higher Self.
Make sure you take time to notice and read the signs that life, others, or circumstances are giving you.
Birch Dreams
(see Forest, Trees)
Birth and origination. This tree gets its name from the first letter of the Druidical alphabet, which also represents beginnings.
Making a mark that distinguishes your personal territory on the job, at home, or in a situation. Birch rods were used in ancient rites called Beating the Bounds in which people would walk and mark their lands (see Wand).
Sturdiness. This tree is even hardier than an oak.
Matters of communication, especially writing. Birch bark was predominantly used in the ancient world as a type of paper.
A fresh start that leads to fruitful manifestation. In many rural regions, the blossoming of the birch marks the beginning of the growing season.
As the Lady of the Woods, the birch also represents refined grace and elegance.