Snakes & Ladders 3: Dream Symbolisms

Today we look into the symbolisms of snakes and ladders in dreams. Dreams provide an endless supply of themes for an artist. No two dreams are ever alike, just as no two moments in our lives are ever identical. Thus, it is important for us to be cognizant of the symbols in our dreams as they will help us understand the struggles and troubles in our waking moments.

I have also collected  some dreamlike paintings from different artists, hopefully they will inspire you to remember and draw those powerful images from your dreamworld.

SNAKE DREAMS
Interpretations from snake dreams.org

Key Interpretation Tip #1

The most important point to remember when interpreting a snake dream is that the presence of a serpent in your sleep means you’re symbolically receiving a wake up call from your unconscious.

Dreaming about a snake means that you need to pay attention to something important that you have been avoiding or that has escaped your awareness until now. Interpreting your dream will help you discover what it is and what you could do to about it.

In conclusion, when you’re dreaming of a snake, you can use your interpretation to encourage positive changes in your life. A snake dream can function like a two-sided coin: For each negative feeling in the dream, such as fear, apprehension, anxiety, or confusion, there’s an opportunity to realize something positive that will serve you in your waking life. Use this dream interpretation guide to decipher the precious clues that your dream is giving.

Key Interpretation Tip #2

It’s important to recall the presence of the snake as it was in the dream, so you can get information about qualities that could remind you of a situation, a person or your emotional state in your waking life. This will get you started in finding out what the snake in your dream symbolizes because this reptile is most likely an transposed image or symbol of something that’s actually happening or preoccupying you while you’re awake.

Read more 

“White Snake Dream”
Jenny Badger Sultan, 1998
acrylic on panel, 42 x 36”
Image via the  artist’s website

“The Man with the Snake”
Image via worlddreambank

“Water Serpents I”
Gustav Klimt, 1904
Image via gustav-klimt.com

“AYŞEGÜL’S DREAMS ” (WITH SNAKES)”
Image via brooklynartproject

LADDER DREAMS

1.  Interpretation from  astrology.com

The ladder may indicate access to high places in this life or access to special places in the universe. It is also sometimes an object you fall from when you have dreams that include the falling sensation.

The central idea of a ladder is gaining special, albeit precarious, access to other places. Such access often carries with it the possibility of a dramatic loss of ability or favor with the prevailing influences of the situation.

If you are in a situation that requires you to obtain a ladder, it may be that you see yourself as inadequate in your current means. The limitations of height and gravity are acutely felt in this world. If your dreams do not offer you the possibility of flight, the ladder is often the only solution to the problem. Read more

2. Interpretation from dreammoods.com

To dream that you are climbing up a ladder suggests that you have reached a new level of achievement. It is symbolic of prosperity, hard work and your efforts. Consider also the phrase of “climbing the social ladder” in which you have achieved a promotion, a higher status, more power, or an important goal. Alternatively, it indicates meditation and prayer. You are setting forth on a spiritual path and higher awareness. Each rung of the ladder is symbolic of a stage in your spiritual awareness. The dream may also highlight how you are looking things from a different perspective.

To dream that you are climbing down a ladder suggests that you are escaping from your spiritual responsibilities. It is an indication of future disappointments.

To dream that you are walking under a ladder signifies bad luck. Perhaps you are having regrets over a decision you made.

To dream that someone is holding a ladder for you indicates that you will find success if you have the support of others. You will rise to a level of prominence.

To dream that you fall from a ladder denotes the hardships, risks or failures you are faced with in your endeavors.

To see a broken ladder in your dream indicates consistent failures in your undertakings. You may feel that you are being handicapped in pursuing your goals.

To dream that you escape by means of a ladder signifies that you will be successful after much struggle and obstacles. Read more

“Ladder World”
Imery Watson
Image via smart

“The Escape Ladder”
Joan Miró, 1940
Photograph: Successió Miró
Image via the guardian

“Sailing on Dreams”
Sabina Nore
Image via the artist’s website

“When Dreams Collide”
Jaime Best
Image via artfire

So do...pay more attention to the symbolisms in your dreams; perhaps start a dreamlogue. You’ll be surprised how the answers you seek in your waking moments are hovering in your dreamworld.