What Does It Mean When You Dream About Snakes?

By: Lisa Lindquist // Updated: December 15, 2021  

Some people think that when they dream about snakes, it's a sign of trouble. Others say that dreaming about snakes is actually a good thing. So what does it mean when you dream about snakes?

It's good to know what your dreams are trying to tell you. There are many meanings to these dreams. My ultimate guide will tell you everything you need to know about what it means when you dream about snakes.

What Does It Mean When You Dream About Snakes?

Dreaming about snakes can vary in meaning depending on the context of the dream and the feelings you experience during it.

If you feel safe and comfortable, dreaming about snakes may denote positive changes in your life. If, however, you feel afraid or unable to escape, the meaning may change.

Snakes can indicate negative feelings, such as fear, anger, or guilt. They may be harbingers of positive change, like growth and transformation, or they can represent the qualities of slyness, temptation, and deceit.

Spiritual Meaning of Snakes in a Dream

In spiritual symbolism, the snake is one of the most complex and nuanced creatures around. It's considered an esoteric symbol of metaphysical significance and can represent various things, depending on the dreamer's particular context and life experience.

Snakes can indicate transformation, shedding of old skin, primal energy, and spiritual power. They can also suggest qualities like wisdom, sexual strength, healing, and fertility.

Snakes in a biblical context often have negative connotations. They can be interpreted as a sign of temptation or a spiritual attack. Or they can be seen as symbols of evil, sin, and temptation.

If you have a dream about snakes, it's important to interpret it based on the context of the dream and your personal feelings and thoughts about it.

Dreaming of Snakes—Different Scenarios & Its Meanings

Dreaming of snakes can be a simple reminder that you are "slithering" through life. This dream could also signify your fear of the unknown, insecurity about what lies ahead, or even feeling like someone is watching you while you do things. 

The following is an overview of some common meanings for dreaming about snakes and what it could mean for your waking life.

Dream About Dead Snakes

In most cases, dreaming about a dead snake represents the end of something. This includes the end of some part of your life, a phase of your life, some beliefs you may hold, or relationships that are no longer viable.

It can symbolize something that has been very debilitating in your life, such as an energy drain or a limitation that you no longer want to be around. It can also be symbolic of something consuming your time and not allowing you to grow.

You're probably ready to move on from a toxic aspect of your life. Think about whether you have been attached to some part of your life that is no longer serving you.

Killing a Snake in Dream

If you kill a snake in your dream, it might represent the repressed anger or rage that you are feeling. You may have animosity towards someone or something in your life. This could be towards somebody else or yourself.

Alternatively, this dream could be a warning from your subconscious to watch your words and actions, as you may provoke someone's anger. Or there is something you need to address but have been avoiding.

Killing a snake in your dream is a sign that you are ready to confront some difficult truths.

Recurring Dreams About Snakes

There are several reasons someone may have recurring dreams about snakes. Common themes may include:

1. You are deceiving yourself or others.

Snakes can symbolize deceit because they sneak around and do things with no one knowing. Perhaps you are deceiving yourself into thinking that something is good for you when it really isn't, or maybe you are trying to deceive others by withholding information.

2. You feel you're in danger.

When you dream about snakes, it's often because you feel like you are in danger or that something terrible will happen. This could be a sign that you need to pay more attention to your intuition and gut feelings, as they may be trying to tell you something.

3. You're experiencing a rebirth.

Snake dreams can also symbolize rebirth because they shed their skin and come out better than before. If you're experiencing a time of change or growth in your life, this type of dream could be a sign of going through a metamorphosis and a reminder that you can get through it.

Lots of Snakes in Dreams

The appearance of a lot of snakes in dreams may represent the need to share specific thoughts and feelings with others instead of hiding them and keeping them to yourself.

Snakes may also represent fear and hesitation to succeed in what you're working towards. Or, it could suggest feelings of suffocation and restriction. In some instances, snakes may symbolize the repressed dark side of your personality.

Alternatively, seeing lots of snakes may be associated with sexual feelings, such as temptation and lust, and related self-confidence or self-esteem issues. 

Two-Headed Snake Dream

Dreaming of a two-headed snake could mean that you are feeling conflicted about something or facing a complicated decision. It could also mean that you are trying to juggle too many things at once.

Alternatively, this dream could represent the duality of good and evil and the choices you have to make between the two. It may also imply that you are feeling double-crossed or betrayed by someone, perhaps even yourself. 

If you see a two-headed snake in your dream, it is vital to pay close attention to the other symbols and events in the dream. The meanings of the other symbols in the dream will help you understand the specific message that the two-headed snake is trying to convey.

Meaning of Colorful Snakes in Dreams

Dreaming of colorful snakes can symbolize something new or different happening in your life at the moment. If you are seeing brightly-colored snakes, it could be a sign that you need to pay attention to your surroundings and the new people that have recently entered your life.

Snakes can be brightly colored or dull in appearance. A brightly colored snake often symbolizes good news or positive change. This could mean that you are on the verge of some good news.

On the other hand, a dull-colored snake might symbolize some type of negativity or problem in your life. If you are struggling with a particular issue, the dream might be prompting you to address it.

Dreams About Rattlesnakes

A dream about a rattlesnake may symbolize two different things. One is that you are feeling threatened by someone who's trying to get close to you. The other possibility is that you are feeling guilty or afraid of what others might think of you.

Generally, the way that the snake appears in your dream will differentiate between these situations. 

For example, if it hisses at you, it may mean that someone is trying to get close to you and scare you off. If the snake seems friendly or inviting, it may represent guilt or worry about what others might think of your behavior.

Eating Snakes in Dreams

The interpretation of eating a snake in a dream can be a symbol of transformation, sexuality, or danger. 

So, when you eat a snake in a dream, it could mean that you are accepting some kind of change in your life, that you are embracing your sexuality, or that you are feeling threatened by something.

As you are eating the snake, you are likely challenging some aspect of your life or attempting to swallow something difficult.

If you see someone else eating a snake in your dream, it could represent something you envy or aspire to have. Alternatively, it could suggest that someone is trying to take advantage by manipulating your emotions.

Another common interpretation of eating a snake in a dream relates to the expression "snake in the grass," a metaphor for someone who appears trustworthy and kind, but in reality, they are not what they seem.

Attacked by a Snake in Dream

When you dream about being attacked by a snake, it usually means being emotionally attacked. It may be that someone is trying to exploit you or hurt your feelings.

Alternatively, it may represent some dark side of yourself that you do not want to acknowledge, such as your anger or vengeful feelings.

If you dream about being attacked by a non-venomous snake, it could mean that you are being excessively critical of yourself. You may be a perfectionist or a harsh critic when it comes to your own abilities.

A Snake Bite Dream

A snake bite dream can often be interpreted as a warning that someone is attempting to pull you away from what you're focused on. This person may be trying to divert your attention to something irrelevant or even malicious.

This dream could be alerting you to the fact that someone is jealous of your success.

If a snake bites someone else in your dream, it may mean that you're worried about their well-being or safety. It could also suggest that you feel responsible for this person's suffering or that you are afraid of losing someone close to you.

Holding a Snake in My Dream: What Does It Mean?

If you find yourself dreaming about holding a snake, it could symbolize several things. It could mean that you feel powerful and in control or that you feel vulnerable and exposed.

If you are looking directly at the snake, it may suggest that you have an opportunity to take a closer look at some aspect of yourself. This could be about your personal power, perception of others, or how you deal with situations.

If you see a snake and look away, it may suggest that you don't want to confront something about yourself or are putting on a front and trying to present an image that isn't an authentic representation of yourself.

What Does It Mean When Snakes Are Crawling All Over Your Body?

Dreaming of snakes crawling all over your body may suggest feeling overwhelmed and suffocated by a situation or problem in your life.

Snakes can be seen as symbols of sin, temptation, and dangerous desires. So, when you see them slithering all over your body in a dream, it may be a sign that you are feeling out of control in some area of your life, usually related to your sexuality or primal instincts.

Another interpretation of this dream can represent how a person feels about themselves. It may imply that the dreamer feels ugly, base, or vile. There may be a strong sense of shame and guilt coming from deep within.

A Snake in the Car, in Room, or in the Bath: What Does It Mean?

If you dream of a snake in the car, it could symbolize that someone in your life is trying to undermine your success. The snake could also represent your own subconscious desire to sabotage your success.

If you dream of a snake in your room, it could suggest something that you are reluctant to confront. There may be a situation that still bothers you, but you don't want to think about it. 

The dream could be a way for your unconscious to offer you insight into what is troubling you and a means to confront it.

The snake often symbolizes something challenging to control, especially in the area of sexuality. When dreaming about a snake slithering in the bathtub, you're possibly feeling out of control or vulnerable, especially when it comes to sex or some other aspect of sexuality.

What Does It Mean if I Defeat the Snake in My Dream?

If you dream of defeating a snake, it usually symbolizes victory over an enemy or overcoming a physical or emotional challenge in your life. This can be seen as a sign that you now feel more confident and in control of your life.

It may also mean that you are ready to confront and overcome challenges that lie ahead, and this dream is a message from your subconscious that you can overcome them.

Is It Good or Bad To See a Snake in a Dream?

Snakes in dreams can be interpreted in many ways. They can be seen as negative symbols, indicating feelings of fear or danger; however, they can also be interpreted as positive symbols representing transformation or healing.

Snakes are often seen as representing the following:

  • The power to act stealthily or with cunning behavior.
  • The ability to eliminate something that is harmful or undesirable.
  • A lack of fear of any consequence.
  • Wealth and prosperity.
  • Death and rebirth.

With these meanings in mind, here is a further look at some common meanings of dreams involving snakes:

Transformation

Snakes can symbolize transformation because they shed their skin when it gets too small for them, revealing a new layer underneath.

Similarly, if something inhibits your growth (such as old habits or patterns), then dreaming about snakes could signify that you're ready to shed your old ways and grow into a new person.

The Unknown

Snakes are often seen as creatures of the unknown because they're often associated with dark, hidden places. They can represent the mysterious and unknown in our own minds and the hidden fears we don't like to think about.

When you dream about snakes, it could be a signal that you're feeling uncertain or scared about something in your life that you don't understand.

The Subconscious

Snakes can also represent the subconscious mind, as they often appear in dreams when we're not consciously aware of what's going on in our waking life. The snake could represent feelings, thoughts, or issues that you have not yet acknowledged.

If you're feeling lost or confused, dreaming about snakes could be a hint that you need to start paying more attention to what's going on inside your head and explore what your subconscious is trying to tell you.

Sex and Sexuality

Snakes can represent sexuality and fertility, as they're seen as symbols of life and growth. Dreaming about snakes could be a sign that you're feeling sexual or fertile or that there's something in your life that needs to be reborn.

If you're trying to conceive, dreaming about snakes could signify that you're fertile and ready to start a family.

As with all symbols, it's essential to look at the context of your dream to understand what the snake may be trying to tell you.

If you're feeling lost or scared, then the snake may be a sign that you need to face your fears. If you're feeling ready for change, then the snake may be a sign that it's time to let go of the past and embrace the future.

Trust your intuition and explore the meaning of your dream to get the most out of it.