Last Updated on August 27, 2016
Dreams can give us a lot of insight into our lives — when we can understand them.
One of the more interesting themes at bedtime is a dream about being chased. If you have been having such dreams, then you are probably asking yourself what the dreams mean. While every dream has a unique meaning to the dreamer, there are some themes and theories about dreams about being chased that could apply to your situation. Pull out your dream journal, jot down your thoughts and consider these interpretations.
The first thing you want to do when interpreting a dream is look at the details.
If you’re being chased by humans: It is said that in many cases, when you dream about being chased by humans, the unconscious part of you is telling you that you are avoiding either a certain person or a certain issue. In such dreams, context is of great importance. It includes identifying the chaser. So whoever is chasing you will help you know what you are trying to avoid.
Ask yourself, who is chasing me? Is it someone you know? If it is someone you know, are you avoiding that person? If not, think about the qualities that person represents, and ask yourself if you’re avoiding something related to those qualities. For example, if you see that person as being responsible and stable, you might be running from responsibility in your own life. If you don’t know the person, could you be running away from the unknown or a particular fear in your life?
It is also said that such dreams represent running away from the truth or a feeling of being trapped in the daily grind of life and wanting to escape. You may also be feeling insecure, inadequate or just feel like you have failed at something. Many factors will determine the meaning of such dreams.
If you’re being chased by animals: Animals in dreams often represent a quality that we associate with that animal. When you are being pursued by an angry tiger, lion or emu, it could symbolize the anger you are repressing. It could mean that the subconscious part of you has taken all the bad feelings and projected them onto a wild animal.
The pace at which you are running also has a meaning. For instance, in dreams where you are running away in slow motion it could mean that you are given an opportunity to plan an escape route. However, being stuck to the ground or glued down could mean that you have to confront the issue at hand.
Generally, being unable to run away from your chaser means that you are frozen internally and there is nothing you can do. Being stuck in quicksand implies that the issue is pointless. So no matter how much you avoid it, you will just have to deal with it. A chat with a psychic could also give you insight into your dreams.
