At first glance a crab seems to be a very negative dream symbol. It could represent a “crabby” or unpleasant personality.
The claws could be symbolic of a clinging and hurtful person, or a side of your own personality. There may be too much dependence, clinging and forcefulness in your life.
The crab may also symbolize your inability to effectively move forward and address your own difficulties.
(Remember the crab often moves sideways or backwards.) Some folklore interpretations say that the crab is an omen of poor health. However, there is a more positive interpretation for the crab in your dream. In some areas of metaphysics, the crab is a representative of the sea and the sky. It represents physical nourishment which can be obtained from the sea and also intellectual nourishment. As with all water dwelling animals, the crab could also represent something in the unconscious and the emotions.
[1]The crab is a water creature and so relates to feelings, emotions, and the feminine principle.
A crab’s habitat is connected to the tides, which relates these creatures to the interaction of the conscious and unconscious minds as well as the cycles of the moon. Their medicine can be hard to connect to because of their pinchers, which keep them out of our grasp. When the crab appears in your dream, powerful information is being offered from the depths of the unconscious, and that wisdom is best understood from a place of stillness and receptivity.
[2]These animals are a symbol of indecision and doubt because of the backwards motion that characterizes them. When they star in your oneiric thoughts, they must be interpreted as a warning: you must not get carried away by prejudice because this would prevent you from moving forward.
It is the astrological sign of Cancer, armored but with a tender heart, romantic and in love with the past (in fact, he walks backwards). Its presence in dreams portends disputes and separations, especially if it is red; black indicates delays in business.
[3](See Also: Fish, Zodiac Signs: Cancer)
Scuttling about, carrying half truths with you wherever you go.
The hard shell of the crab equates to armor that you may use for protection.
Metaphorically, a crabby or grabby personality manifesting itself.
A life in limbo. Among Buddhists, a crab is used to represent the time between death and the next incarnation. Perhaps you feel like everything is on “hold” right now.
If so, just be patient.
A fresh beginning is around the corner.
[4]1- A crab appearing in a dream can indicate mothering, particularly of the ‘smother love’ type, but can also be the qualities of unreliability and self-interest.
The crab can also, because of the way it moves, denote deviousness.
2- By word association the crab can represent sickness, or something eating away at us.
3- The Astrological sign of Cancer and the Great Mother (See Also: Introduction) are represented by the crab.
[5]A symbol of both the sea and the sky, the crab can stand for physical nourishment from the ocean and intellectual nourishment from the interpretation of the horoscope. Claws are tenacious and clinging, which can indicate something about the relationships the dreamer is in, especially with the opposite sex.
[6]Psychological / emotional perspective: Because the crab has a hard shell and is thus self-protective, in dreams this quality can be highlighted. When someone is ‘crabby’ they are irritable or morose.
The crab apple is small and sour and therefore has this same connotation.
[7]To dream of a crab represents stubborn and determined aspects of your personality. You may possibly be too reliant on others and refuse to let go of a fruitless venture or dream. Crabs may also imply that you are feeling aggravated and frustrated.
[8]Gives gender-specific: In a woman’s dream the crab will often represent the different aspects of the three-faceted moon goddess, maid, mother and crone. In a man’s dream it is more likely to suggest the ‘smother mother’.
[9]The shell of bnttle emotions we guard ourself with, grasping or hurtful attitudes. Being nipped by crab: physical or psychosomatic pain or even illness caused by being too tight or self protective.
See Also: shellfish under fish.
[10]Look sharp for tricky rivals in business and/or love if you dreamed of this crusty fellow, unless you cooked or ate him, in which case it might be an auspicious time for a bit of cautious gambling—but don’t plunge!
[11]It represents a man of sound character and strong principles. When he makes decisions he does so with confidence. His stoic beliefs sometimes give the impression that he is stern, proud and haughty.
[12]Astrologically speaking, dreams of a crab represents extreme empathy, depth of feeling. Perhaps this dream is showing you that you have been crabby and are taking things too personally.
[13]A dream about crabs means you feel fulfilled emotionally and physically.
If a crab pinches you in a dream, your partner in a love relationship is being “clingy.”
[14]Necessary to move ahead or problem solve in an indirect manner; or, you are now moving sideways rather than straight ahead. Your current disposition: crabby.
[15]The dream of a ruinous lawsuit (Gypsy); a modern expression for an ill-tempered person; the tenacity of the crab has become symbolic.
[16]To dream of a crab can denote that someone may be trying to deceive you. That you or someone you know is trying to side-step an issue.
[17]1. Believer with a hard shell; Matt. 4:19
2. Temperamental person; (crabby person)
3. Sharing an unclean thing; Lev. 11:9-10
[18]The astrological sign of cancer and the great mother are both represented by the crab.
[19]1. Suggestion that one tends to complain too much.
2. Try to move a little faster.
[20]Signifies the possibility of a lawsuit with someone you thought of as a friend.
[21]As in the case of all unusual creatures, this is a sign of coming difficulties.
[22]You see a crab or crabs: your illness or troubles will vanish
[23]Person who is grouchy
[24]