Fish Dream Interpretation

Fish Dream Interpretation: Symbolism and Meaning

(Sea life, Human being) In dreams, fish can represent different aspects of life, depending on the context. When their number is known, they symbolize women; when the number is unknown, they represent money from a doubtful source. The following are various interpretations of fish dreams:

Fishing and Wealth

If one sees a fish colony gathering at the seabed, catching and eating them raw as they please, it means the person will prosper and invest wealth in different ventures. Fishing in murky waters brings sorrow or distress, while fishing in clear waters signifies wealth or hearing good news.

Types of Fish

• Large Fish: Represents significant wealth or responsibility.
• Small Fish: Signifies difficulties, burdens, and stress.
• Soft-Skinned Fish: Denotes benefits for someone intending to deceive others for monetary gain.
• Dead Fish: Represents a hopeless situation or loss of opportunity.

Whales in Dreams

A whale in a dream represents authority or significant challenges. Seeing a whale in a pond can symbolize confinement or a difficult situation. Trying to catch a whale in a small pond represents a financial challenge with significant obstacles.

Fish and Relationships

Seeing a fish in a pond is a sign of small benefits, while finding a fish in one's bed could represent illness or difficulty, particularly for travelers or those far from home. Fish coming from one’s mouth symbolizes slander or ill-speaking about a woman.

Spiritual and Financial Aspects

Eating fish in a dream, particularly fried or broiled, can signify that one’s prayers will be answered or spiritual journeys will be undertaken. Catching a fish with a gold ring in its belly symbolizes gaining authority or success, while a pearl in a fish’s belly represents marriage and wealth.

Adultery and Moral Lessons

Dreaming of eating a rotten fish suggests adultery, while buying a fish signifies marriage. Fishing on dry land indicates a moral lapse, such as adultery, or could bring good news.

Unusual Fish Appearances

Seeing human-like fish represents companions or colleagues. If the fish appear beautiful, the dreamer’s companions are trustworthy; if ugly, the dreamer is associated with negative influences.

Conclusion

In summary, fish dreams can vary significantly in meaning depending on the context, the type of fish, and the situation in which they are encountered.

See Also: Meat

Water is the element in which fish live, so there may be a strong emotional factor in a dream about fish; fish can also represent unconscious insights, as the unconscious is often represented by the sea, the fish being ideas flitting through it. According to Jung, fish are symbols used in the dream to mimic impulses that suddenly dart out of the unconscious and which have a frightening or redeeming effect in waking life. In the realm of sleep, fish are considered harbingers of inspiration and creativity, so a fish or schools of fish glimpsed beneath the surface often represent unconscious material or truths hidden within yourself. To dream of a fish’s eye symbolizes a watchful and diligent nature, but to see a dead fish signifies a worry about the way you interact with others. Is your lack of emotional warmth turning you into a cold fish? If you dreamed of a fish leaping out of the ocean before returning to the waves or fish caught in the net and brought to the surface, this may indicate the brief emergence of intuition.

If the fish are dirty, injured or ugly, this doesn’t mean that you are too; it just means the phase you’re currently in may be painful and tough. This is a time for patience and gentleness with yourself.

If fish are swimming just below the surface, they may represent the wisdom you have not yet brought to consciousness in waking life, whilst dead fish in your dream may suggest you have failed to express your basic urges or emotions. If, in your dream, the fish are in an aquarium, this may refer to aspects of your personality that are prevented from expressing themselves, or constricting emotional conditions in general. The dream may also refer to aspects of yourself that need to be nourished emotionally; a goldfish bowl may simply suggest boredom or a lack of privacy or confidentiality.

If you dream of a fish that needs your care, it is likely that you are a creative, sensitive person who has become trapped in a lifestyle that inhibits self-expression. According to Freud, fish are a phallic symbol because of their elongated shape, and, because females spawn hundreds of eggs, he also associated them with fertility.

The symbol of Pisces in the Zodiac is a fish, and dream fish may perhaps be reminding you of a person you know born under that sign. The fish is also one of the oldest symbols of Christianity, so a dream of a fish, fishing or eating fish may also reflect your desire for spiritual nourishment. Fish may also appear in your dream as messengers telling you that something does not feel right, that something ’smells fishy’; alternatively, they may be telling you that you are feeling misplaced or you don’t belong, like a ’fish out of water’. A fish on a hook may suggest accepting something completely, without hesitation or question; but be attentive to what being a ’wet fish’ means.

See Also: PETS.

Universal Landscape: Ideas that swim in the unconscious.

Dreaming Lens: What was the container for the water that housed the fish? Was it natural or man-made? Was it the ocean? Was it clean and clear? Were the fish colorful? Was there one fish or an entire school? Did they feel dangerous or innocuous? Was the fish out of water? Was it dead? Was it being consumed as food?

Personal Focus: Bodies of water represent the unconscious mind. Below the surface and invisible from land is all the material that we are unaware of in our day-to-day lives. Most of the content of the unconscious mind is emotional in nature as symbolized by the ocean. The beings that inhabit these waters are the thoughts that swim freely about their watery habitat. Some are quite close to the surface while others dwell at depths of almost unimaginable darkness. This is also true of our unconscious thoughts. There are thoughts that are accessible from the surface and those that must be fished for, but that can be caught with intention and effort. Still others are completely inaccessible.

The size of the fish correlates to the scope of the idea being represented. Schools of fish are individuals that move in the same direction, so the more fish there are, the more agreement or concurrence of thought is being expressed. Fish that are colorful and interesting might indicate creative ideas that want to be expressed. The food chain of larger fish eating smaller fish is symbolic of the way ideas grow and get bigger in our minds. Fish that are dangerous or poisonous can relate to negative or destructive thinking.

Fish in a tank may be the ideas from your unconscious of which you are actually becoming aware. Containing them in a tank can indicate that you are ready to act on them, but containment could also indicate being stuck in a cycle of limiting your creative expression. A live fish out of water reacts violently. In a dream, this often symbolizes the awkwardness surrounding vulnerable expression. Eating fish is to experience satisfaction from the constructive use of your ideas and thoughts.

If your dream involves the act of fishing, there is an entirely different interpretation to consider. The act of fishing is the search for an idea that matches a particular desire. The process requires the proper tools, an element of attraction (bait), and the most important ingredient—patience.

By proximity to the sea, many cultures have considered fish to be sacred. In fact, in Asian rites, fish were worshiped; and priests, for this reason, were forbidden from eating fish. Given that fish inhabit the depths, they are also located at the unconscious level and their interpretation is associated with WATER. Therefore, when they emerge at the surface, they come to consciousness as a warning sign or to remind you of hidden emotions or past experiences. To dream that you try to catch a fish with your hands and it escapes expresses frustration and disappointment. Fish represent everything you want to hold on to, that turns out to be slippery. In addition, they are indicative of states of loneliness and isolation. To see fish inside of a fishbowl denotes a longing for freedom. The dreamer may feel emotionally withdrawn and their dream reveals a repressed desire for release. The Freudian school links fish exclusively to sexuality and associates it with the phallus. However, the cold blood that characterizes the fish seems to contradict this symbolism, attributing connotations of frigidity or impotence. Finally, we must not forget the connection between fish and fertility. This dream may announce that you are experiencing a period of personal growth. Fish oppose the material and mundane point of view of everyday life.

The fish symbolizes Christ. In many other religions, the fish has also served

to represent their gods. They are the spiritual abundance that feeds everyone. The dream may be highlighting all these qualities in you.

Fish hook It is a clear symbol of disappointment, betrayal, and deception.

Fisherman The figure of the fisherman is associated with preaching and ministry. But, the fisherman is also one who draws elements from the deep, that is to say, the unconscious. In this sense, the figure of the fisherman can be a great help on the road to self knowledge. You should pay attention to the elements that he pulls from the bottom of yourself and what they symbolize.

To see fish swimming freely in clear water is an omen of wealth and personal power.

If you were fishing in clear water and could see the fish bite, it indicates that you will discover or acquire some knowledge which can be used very advantageously.

Dead fish either in their natural habitat or in a market are an omen of disappointment or discouragement.

To dream of catching a fish is an augury of success, and the bigger the fish the bigger the success: and if you saw a fish moving its fins, you can expect to be freed of any worrying responsibilities.

If your dream featured carp, it is a warning against subjecting yourself to criticism by ill-considered actions.

Eating or cooking fish (except carp) is considered a general good omen for your current undertakings.

If your dream involved a fishnet, it means reverses if the net was empty, success if it was full, and disappointment if it was tom, unless it was tom but still had fish in it, in which case it signifies success of a limited nature.

Tropical or goldfish in tanks, bowls, or pools indicate ephemeral pleasures.

Baiting a fishhook in a dream is a prediction of a passionate new love affair—and if you’re not eligible, it will be someone close enough to share the excitement with you; but to get a fishhook stuck in any part of the body is a warning against deceitful acquaintances.

To dream of seeing a variety of food fish (live) of rather uncommon species, such as salmon, trout, etc., indicates an increase in social activity and prestige.

A dream of trying to hold a fish which wriggles out of your grasp has the obvious meaning, and you must be prepared to lower your sights or find a new liaison.

Oddly enough, really rotten fish are an exception to the dead fish rule and are a sign of a sudden large increase in income.

The fish is a very powerful and positive image in many world traditions.

To the Babylonians, Phoenicians, and Assyrians, it was honored as a symbol of fertility.

In Native American tradition, the fish is a symbol for mystical secrets, for it can swim to the deepest regions of the ocean and explore its hidden knowledge.

In British lore, it was believed that eating fish before lovemaking could enable a couple to conceive a child.

The early Christians used the fish as the symbol for the Christ Consciousness. It was widely believed that this symbol resulted from the Greek acronym for \”Jesus Christ, Son of God.\” But there is also the fact that the coming of Jesus ushered in the Age of Pisces the Fish, which encapsulates the mysticism, love, and happiness to which all world traditions ascribe to the fish.

In Scandinavia, fish was considered an aphrodisiac, and was popularly consumed on Friday, the feast day of Freya, Goddess of Love - and in her honor Friday was a day dedicated to lovemaking. There are, therefore, many possibilities if you dream of a fish - all good, even if the fish was a greatly feared one like the shark.

If there is a possibility of a pregnancy, dreaming of a fish could mean that a child is on the way, and the pregnancy and birth will be uneventful and result in a healthy baby.

If the dreamer is in love but is not yet sure about the beloved’s feelings, dreaming of a fish strongly indicates that the feelings are indeed reciprocated.

Dreaming of catching fish, either with a pole or with a net, indicates success and prosperity ahead. Seeing fish swimming in a clear pool indicates that a number of secrets about yourself and the world around you are going to suddenly become clearer.

(See Also: Animals, River)

Miracles, especially those of providence, as portrayed in the story of Christ and the loaves and fishes.

Determined procreativity. Some fish, like salmon, fight their way against water currents to mate.

According to Edgar Cayce, ugly fish represent evil. Hooking a fish: Seizing a spiritual or personal quality.

Hindus regard fish as representative of charity and timely rescue, especially from the emotional nature.

The first incarnation of Vishnu was a fish that saved humankind from the flood.

In China, this symbolizes prosperity, renewal, and peace.

The word for fish in Chinese is actually a homophone for abundance.

An alternative icon dream, because fish coincide with many savior figures, including those of ancient Babylonia and India.

Among Buddhists, the symbol of separation from desires and attachments.

In Japan, the carp specifically is an emblem of the masculine nature (See Also: Men).

Potentially a play on words that warns against a “fishy” situation.

Seeing yourself fishing indicates a search. Watch your catch, however, as your hook can snag an old shoe as easily as it might the prize you seek!

Casting nets for fish reveals a person who is liable to accept all received information as truth, without discriminating good information from bad (See Also: Webs).

Each type offish can become a distinct symbol within your dream.

For example, a flounder indicates someone who is constantly wavering and unable to make a decisions (e.g., “floundering around”). On the other hand, a piranha reveals a biting personality, or one that is anxious for success at any cost.

Fish are lucky in dreams, representing spiritual growth and transformation. Some specific fish dream meanings: To see fish swimming in your dream, signifies insights from your unconscious mind.

To dream of catching a fish represents important insights about yourself and your life which have been brought to the surface.

To dream about eating fish symbolizes your beliefs, spirituality, luck and energy. Think about the phrase, “Food for the soul.” To see a dead or dying fish, signifies disappointment and loss of power or money.

To dream of cooking fish indicates that you are incorporating your new realizations with your spiritual feelings and knowledge.

To dream that you are cleaning fish suggests that you are changing your emotional expression in a way that you think makes you seem better or more acceptable to others. You are not expressing how you completely feel.

To dream of catching a fish predicts personal success.

The bigger the fish, the bigger your success will be.

A dream of trying to hold a fish which wriggles out of your grasp, means a relationship isn’t satisfying you, or you are having trouble hooking up with someone you care about. You must be prepared to lower your sights or find a new match.

If you dream of being a fish, it could be an expression of your spiritual desires, or your romantic longings.

If you were caught in the dream (in a net, or on a hook), you might find yourself “caught” in a complicated life situation. Look to your values for the answer, or imagine how the person you want to be in 5 years would deal with all of this.

To dream that you see fish in clear water streams indicates that you will find approval from the wealthy and the distinguished.

For young women to dream of fish suggests that she will find a charming, good-looking mate.

If the fish is swimming, then this could indicate conception. Some women will dream of fish swimming when they become pregnant.

The fish is also an old symbol of Christianity.

To dream about eating fish represents your faith, fortune, spirituality, stamina, kindness, and lasting relationships.

To dream about wading into water to catch fish suggests that you will find fortune through your talents and efforts.

To dream about dead fish represents that you may lose money or influence through a difficult circumstance.

To dream about cooking fish suggests that you are combining new beliefs with your faith and wisdom.

If you are cleaning fish then you are changing your outward expressions so they will be more satisfying to others. You are purging ill intent and being cautious of how you present your feelings.

Symbol: The fish is a symbol of water, life, and fertility.

Vision: Dreaming about several fish in clear water might mean to try your luck in the lottery. Catching fish means success for a project started recendy; or you might come into money. Pregnant women dreaming about earing fish means that labor will be easy. Men eating fish means good luck with women. Seeing or catching small fish: you are dissatisfied and sad.

If the fish is cold or slippery: someone is flattering you and you are being taken advantage of.

Dreaming of a fishing rod is a promise of hope and financial gain.

Dreaming of being swallowed by a fish means you are in a deep emotional conflict and feeling helpless.

Depth Psychology: The fish often stands for sexual cravings or a desire to have children. You might also do well to fish around in your unconscious to gain more self-knowledge.

Fish are like ideas that are floating under the surface of your unconscious mind.

Dreaming of fish means you are considering what is lurking just below your awareness, the thoughts and feelings that are close enough to be known to you but that you may have to make an effort to get to the heart of.

If the fish are colorful and beautiful, they may be representing more creative aspects of your potential expression. Fish in a tank may be the ideas from your unconscious of which you are actually becoming aware. Containing them in a tank may be considering taking action on them, but could also indicate being stuck in a cycle of limiting your creative expression.

A live fish out of water reacts violently. In a dream, this could symbolize the awkwardness surrounding vulnerable expression. Eating fish is to experience satisfaction from the constructive use of your ideas and thoughts.

To dream that you see fish in clear-water streams, denotes that you will be favored by the rich and powerful. Dead fish, signifies the loss of wealth and power through some dire calamity.

For a young woman to dream of seeing fish, portends that she will have a handsome and talented lover.

To dream of catching a catfish, denotes that you will be embarrassed by evil designs of enemies, but your luck and presence of mind will tide you safely over the trouble.

To wade in water, catching fish, denotes that you will possess wealth acquired by your own ability and enterprise.

To dream of fishing, denotes energy and economy; but if you do not succeed in catching any, your efforts to obtain honors and wealth will be futile. Eating fish, denotes warm and lasting attachments.

(1) A fish is a common symbol of fertility, which in psychological terms means (a promise of) personal growth.

(2) If the fish are in the sea, the sea may symbolize the unconscious, the fish unconscious urges.

(3) According to Jung, fish, being cold-blooded and primitive creatures, may symbolize a deep level of unconsciousness.

(4) Fishes and snakes are favourite symbols for describing psychic happenings or experiences that suddenly dart out of the unconscious and have a frightening or redeeming effect (Jung).

(5) They may also, says Jung, represent libido or greed.

(6) A fish is a symbol of Christ and may therefore function psychologicallv as a symbol of your tme self.

Residents of your emotions. Take note of his appearance and personality. Some people believe that when you dream about fish you, will soon find out that you or someone you know is pregnant (water of the womb). Others believe that if you see fish in your dreams, it is a forecast for sickness and poor health. In Christianity, Christ is at times represented by the fish symbol (spirituality). These water dwelling animals may represent messages from our unconscious and indicate to us how well we navigate through our emotional waters. They could symbolize body and soul nourishment and navigation through the unknown depths of ourselves. 

1- Dreaming of fish connects with the emotional side of ourselves, but more our ability to be wise without being strategic. We can often simply respond instinctively to what is going on, without needing to analyse it.

2- The Collective Unconscious as Jung has called it - that part of life everyone shares, the common experience, awareness and knowledge which we all have is becoming available to us.

3- Fish signify temporal and spiritual power. When pictured as two fish swimming in opposite directions, it is recognised as the sign of Pisces.

In dreams, fish symbolize spiritual aspects of your life, so to be eating a fish in your dream suggests a desire for spiritual nourishment and inspiration. Fish oil stands for a highly beneficial characteristic or element. Consider also the word association of ‘fishy’, meaning suspicion and a questioning sense regarding something. To see shrimps in your dream suggests that you are feeling overpowered and insignificant.

See Also: REPTILES, FISH AND AMPHIBIANS.

Fish, because they are aquatic, represents the feminine essence and are the symbol of the Christ.

A fish is also a sign of the creative element in life and going with the flow. Also fish can represent sperm and perhaps the subconscious desire for a baby, as well as for unconscious wisdom that you have yet to understand.

For a better understanding of the significance of this dream, consider its feeling tone and context.

See Also: Swim, Salmon.

Psychological / emotional perspective: Dreaming of fish connects with the emotional side of ourselves, but more our ability to be wise without being strategic. We can often simply respond instinctively to what is going on, without needing to analyze it.

The salmon symbolizes wisdom; a cooked fish is a completed task and other fish represent prosperity.

The fin of a fish signifies positive movement and ‘going with the flow’.

To see live fish in a dream is very much good luck unless the fish was carp, in which case it is a warning against subjecting yourself by your actions to criticism.

A fish swimming in clear water is an omen that you will acquire personal wealth and power. but to see a dead fish as in a market is an omen of disappointment. Cooking and eating fish, except carp, indicates your present endeavors will meet with success.

To see a fish in the water indicates the dreamer is likely to receive unexpected favors.

A dead fish warns of losses.

The fish is a symbol of life, so, if the dreamer sees a fish swimming away among rocks and small caverns, it shows a desire to retrogress into an abyss of darkness where cares and responsibilities can be forgotten. Fishing quietly is a sign of good luck.

Fish represent wealth and abundance.

A fish can represent a business prospect or an opportunity for financial reward. Being served a filet of sole may represent the opening up of the power of the soul and its wisdom. Eating fish may mention that you are enjoying an abundant life. As an ancient symbol, the fish represents the self or the soul in its wholeness.

1. Speed, cleverness, evasiveness, yet graceful; quick to change direction.

2. Wealth, power and very good fortune (note the health of fish).

3. Difficulties in relationship should be ad­dressed (inability to hold a fish).

4. Alienation, feelings of not being able to fit in (as in “fish out of water”).

Fish signify temporal and spiritual power. When pictured as two fish swimming in opposite directions, it is recognized as the sign of pisces.

The collective unconscious as jung has called it – that part of life everyone shares, the common experience, awareness and knowledge that we all have – is becoming available to us.

Gives gender-specific: It has been thought that small fish represent semen in a woman’s dream and larger fish suggest children. In a man’s dream, small ‘fry’ suggest problems with self-image – he has not yet integrated certain aspects of his personality.

The rod probably represents the penis.

Material aspects: In dreams the fish tends to represent anything – an idea or project – that is taking on form but at this point has not yet become conscious. Catching a fish is to get hold of such an idea.

The fish and fishing can also represent the actual process of dreaming itself.

Much pleasure, and comparative independence (Raphael). A dream of fish denotes gastric disturbances (Manaceine). Originally an emblem of sex and of fecundity it was adopted by the Christians as a symbol of Christ and the church.

If a person sees a specific number of fish in his dream it suggests that he will come into contact with a woman or he will marry a woman.. But if its number or quantity is unknown it means he will acquire wealth or booty.

It is lucky for a young woman to dream of seeing or catching fish for it is a sure sign that she will have an exceedingly good-looking lover who will have the capability of keeping her interest in life.

A highly spiritual symbol, eating fish suggests you are evaluating your beliefs. You may be going through some kind of transition. This is generally a positive sign.

Symbolic of Christians, proselytes, or other people, Eccl. 9:12, Mark. 1:17, Zeph. 1:10. Fish may also be symbolic of the things you catch from an environment

To see a fish swimming indicates joy and success.

To catch a fish means that there will be illness in the family.

To eat a fish means you will fall sick.

To dream of Fish swimming freely, is a sign of coming good fortune; but if you catch them, or see them dead, as in a shop, then expect trouble.

Need for meditation, spiritual food. The bigger the fish, the more meditation is needed. Also, something may be fishy, or not quite right.

You will have good fortune if you dream of seeing fish swimming in a stream, particularly trout.

You catch fishes with fish net: you’ll soon win your own prize

Mankind in the sea of life

lucky numbers: 18-21-30-39-45-48

anchovies: suffering through memories of first lover.

aquarium, being in an: are constricted by your inability to express emotions.

darting back and forth: time for you to leave present position.

bait: a lure is no substitute for solid facts.

barracuda, being attacked by a: must change environment to succeed.

birth of a: the treasures or sustenance of your inner, unconscious life.

boiled, eating: spiritual surrender to God’s wil .

bones of a: survive the emotional state and rationalize it continuously.

carp, several: your chance to win a contest.

cod, a: wil have an unexpected visitor.

cooking: freedom from detestable work to quest your own enterprising talents.

cuttlefish, buying: an important decision must be made in a hurry.

dead, in a store: the nourishing influence needs your vitality to actuate.

stream: a distant dire calamity has echoed into your water.

flying, a: travel to odd places with even odder experiences.

several: wil enjoy pleasures that wil cost money.

fried, eating: wil find a lost trinket among the bones.

hatching: wil have difficulties in bearing a child.

jellyfish, having: support you expect, wil dissipate along with the indecisive people.

kingfisher, flying across the water: recovery of lost money through conscientious effort.

mackerel, of a: expensive pleasures cause quarrels and suffering.

many colors, of: expect to quarrel with your partner.

market, a: wil obtain a highly honorable position among the wealthy and powerful.

mermaid, of a: are deceived by a lover under false pretensions.

pickerel, a: trouble with a lover you should never have trusted.

red-colored: are fishing for compliments.

salmon: lighten up and your deep emotional conflict can be solved.

salted: wil have to fight to avoid misery.

several: your presence of mind to play the lottery wil tide you over the rough times.

shallow water, in: warm reputation and lasting friendships wil taint you.

story, the, that got away: extracting yourself from an enmeshed love triangle is futile.

sushi, eating: wil require uncooked, spiritual food.

swallowed by a, being: period of terrific and terrifying introversion into madness.

swimming freely about: seek and bring to light your inner spiritual realization.

swordfish, angling a: a battle of elegance; the nobility of capture.

eating: wil gain riches by changing sources.

offered: wil be complimented by sincere friends.

tuna, eating: your lively independent mind needs to mediate out the fishy order.

tinned: extreme shyness intermittent with bursts of outrage.