Sleep and Dreaming What It Means When You Dream About Snakes, According to Dream Experts Could it be something from your emotional *hissss*tory? By Arlin Cuncic, MA Arlin Cuncic, MA Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of The Anxiety Workbook and founder of the website About Social Anxiety. She has a Master's degree in clinical psychology. Learn about our editorial process Updated on July 23, 2023 Reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by mental health professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD, FAAN Reviewed by Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD, FAAN Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD, is an award-winning physician-scientist and clinical development specialist. Learn about our Review Board Print Verywell Mind / Stocksy Trending Videos Close this video player Dreaming about snakes can have powerful and often symbolic meanings. In general, dreaming of a snake can indicate something unpredictable or untamed in your life. Snakes can represent transformation, change, and the power to overcome obstacles in our lives. If the snake sheds its skin in your dream, it may symbolize new beginnings or letting go of old habits that no longer serve you. In terms of prevalence, Tzivia Gover, a Certified Dreamwork Professional at Third House Moon, notes "Snakes are counted among the universal dream symbols that people experience across countries and cultures. When it comes to animals that appear in people's dreams, snakes rank high: They are often counted among the top 3-5 animals that appear in dreams." What Is the Spiritual Meaning of a Snake in a Dream? The spiritual meaning of dreaming about snakes is highly subjective according to various cultures and belief systems. Tzivia Gover, a Certified Dreamwork Professional When it comes to animals that appear in people's dreams, snakes rank high: They are often counted among the top 3-5 animals that appear in dreams. — Tzivia Gover, a Certified Dreamwork Professional Generally, a snake in a dream can represent transformation, rebirth, or the shedding of outdated habits and beliefs. It could also be a warning sign that something dangerous may soon enter your life, or it could symbolically represent an unknown force within you attempting to break free from its cocoon. Is It Good to See Snakes in Dreams? Whether dreaming about snakes is good or bad largely depends on how you interpret the dream. How You Interpret and Perceive the Dream Matters If you perceive the dream to be a sign of transformation, then it can be interpreted as such. However, if it feels like a warning sign from your subconscious that something dangerous may enter your life, then it might not have such positive connotations. The interpretation is entirely up to you. What Do Two Snakes in a Dream Mean? Dreaming about two snakes usually signifies a balance between the opposing forces in your life. It could also be an indication that you are coming to terms with the duality of who you are and what you want. It may also represent a powerful energy that is both creative and destructive in nature. In some cases, dreaming about two snakes can represent temptation or conflicting desires, which could signify internal conflict or inner turmoil. This could be anything from anger, fear, confusion, or guilt. It may also represent a powerful energy that is both creative and destructive in nature. Multiple Snakes in Your Dream May Indicate Toxicity in Your Life Lauri Quinn Loewenberg, a certified dream analyst, notes that everything about your dream is important to think about. Where the snake is, what it's doing, and even the type of snake are all important details to think about. "Everything in a dream is a piece of the puzzle. The bigger the snake or the more snakes there are, the bigger the issue or the more of a threat this toxic person poses. In fact, multiple snakes could be several people that are toxic in your life, for example, a toxic work environment," says Loewenberg. What Does It Mean When You Dream About a Snake Trying to Bite You? If you’re being chased by a snake in a dream, it could symbolize something that is chasing you in waking life, such as an unresolved issue or an emotional burden. Alternatively, it could represent a fear or insecurity that is preventing you from making a necessary decision or moving forward. What If the Snake in the Dream Actually Bites Me? If the snake actually bites you in your dream, it could symbolize a feeling of vulnerability or helplessness. It might also point to feelings of betrayal, guilt, shame, or regret about something that happened in the past. What Does It Mean to Dream About Spiders? I Saw a Black Snake in My Dream—What Does That Mean? A black snake in a dream can symbolize danger, fear, and the unknown. It could be a warning sign that something dangerous will soon enter your life or it could represent a suppressed emotion or hidden power within you. Other color variations of snake dreams can symbolize different things, so it’s important to pay attention to the details of the dream. For example, a white snake can be interpreted as a sign of healing and transformation. Color Psychology: Does It Affect How You Feel? What Does It Mean If You Dream About a Snake Wrapping Itself Around You? The behavior of the snake that appears in your dream can also reveal hidden messages from your subconscious. For example, if the snake is aggressive or attacking you, it could be a sign of anxiety and fear. On the other hand, if the snake is peaceful and not confronting you, it can signify healing and renewal. You May Be Feeling Overwhelmed Dreaming of a snake wrapping around you can be interpreted as the feeling of being overwhelmed by something or someone in your life. It could also symbolize passion and desire, or it could signify fear or anxiety surrounding an upcoming event. What Does It Mean If You Dream of a Snake Slithering Away From You? Dreaming of a snake slithering away from you might mean that you are trying to avoid something or someone in your life. It could also signify a fear of change or uncertainty surrounding an upcoming event. Additionally, it could represent suppressed emotions or past experiences resurfacing. What Does It Mean If a Snake Appears in a Sensual Dream? Snakes may represent temptation or desire, particularly if the dream includes a conflict between yourself and the snake. It could also signify a power struggle or the fear of intimacy. A snake can also be a symbol of love, so if you've entered a new relationship or are feeling affection for someone, it's possible the snake is representative of that connection. What Does It Mean When You Dream About Someone? What to Do If You Dream About a Snake If you dream about a snake, take the time to reflect on your experiences and feelings during the dream. Consider how you felt in the dream and note any symbols or details that could help explain what the dream may be trying to tell you. It can also be helpful to write down your thoughts and feelings in order to gain clarity. Dream Interpretation Advice From a Certified Dreamwork Professional Gover's advice—"Because each individual has different associations and experiences, it's best to use these interpretations as a starting point. Write about your dream, draw it, and or talk to a trusted friend or dream worker about it. Ask yourself how you felt in the dream, what snakes mean to you, and what message your dream might be bringing you." Why Do I Have Recurring Nightmares? 3 Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Antoniou SA, Antoniou GA, Learney R, Granderath FA, Antoniou AI. The rod and the serpent: history's ultimate healing symbol. World J Surg. 2011;35(1):217-221. doi:10.1007/s00268-010-0686-y Holzinger B, Nierwetberg F, Cosentino L, Mayer L. DreamSenseMemory - a Gestalt-based dream-work approach embracing all our senses. Res Psychother. 2021 Aug 24;24(2):529. doi: 10.4081/ripppo.2021.529. PMID: 34568103; PMCID: PMC8451216. Okuda J, Kiyokawa R. Snake as a symbol in medicine and pharmacy — a historical study. Yakushigaku Zasshi. 2000;35(1):25-40. By Arlin Cuncic, MA Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of The Anxiety Workbook and founder of the website About Social Anxiety. She has a Master's degree in clinical psychology. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit