Dreaming of snakes: meaning, interpretation and other information

You dreamed of snakes – is this mystical snake a positive or ominous symbol? Snakes have appeared in people’s dreams since ancient times, and their enchanting presence can symbolize change, healing, and danger. What does this dream mean in your life? We will help you decipher it with our complete guide below with 11 meanings behind dreams about snakes.

Table of Contents

You are dealing with a toxic person

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Dreams about snakes symbolize the influence of toxic people in your life. This evasive reptile slithers through your subconscious; It is a manifestation of stress and anxiety when you interact with toxic people. Maybe you know who that person is in your life, and the dream snake is trying to signal that it’s time to wake up and act. ^{[1] X Research Source}

If you see a rattlesnake : The snake acts as a warning. Someone is bringing unnecessary negativity and stress into your life.
If you are bitten by a snake from behind : This is a dangerous warning signal that someone is stabbing you in the back or spreading rumors about you.
If you have repeated dreams about the same snake : Someone you see regularly (such as a colleague or relative) seems to be channeling toxic energy into your life.

Are you struggling with an inner conflict?

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Snakes in dreams symbolize duality and chaos in the subconscious. Maybe you’re going through a cognitive crisis or a life upheaval – like a career change or the end of a relationship. The snake itself is not a negative symbol. In fact, the appearance of a snake in a dream is meant to encourage you to take a closer look at your intentions and what you need. ^{[2] X Research Source}

A talking snake in a dream usually signals that a part of your subconscious is trying to communicate with you.
Two-headed snakes reflect a situation where you are drawn in both directions, but ultimately you will move towards wise and positive change. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

You are facing an important decision

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With a squiggly crawling movement, snakes can represent turns. This is especially true in a dream where you hold a snake. You may be facing a difficult decision or an important choice in your personal or professional life. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Notice how you feel about the snake in your dream. If you’re feeling scared, you may be wanting to step back before making a big life decision. If you feel calm then it’s time to move on and make a change in your life.
Black snakes represent the unknown in dreams. If you see a black snake, it may signal your uncertainty about the choice you will make.

Are you facing temptation?

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This interpretation comes from the serpent in the Garden of Eden. Just as the biblical snake lured Eve, a snake appearing in a dream can be a manifestation of inner struggle when you have to choose between right and wrong. Are you feeling guilty about the choices before you? Do you need to redeem yourself or choose a different path? ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Green snakes are most closely associated with temptation and jealousy.

Do you feel that you are constrained or financially tight?

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There are snakes that squeeze their prey to exhaustion. Recall the snake that appeared in your dream. A clutching South American python or anaconda can mean that you are feeling tied down or suffocated by a certain situation in your life. ^{[6] X Source of Research} You may be struggling with money or dealing with an overbearing, domineering boss, parent, partner or friend.

The red snake symbolizes malevolent energy and potential danger.

You are vulnerable

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Dreaming of being bitten by a snake can symbolize exposure and sensitivity. This lovable condition can be physical or mental. ^{[7] X Research Sources} You may be worried about your health or safety in general, you may be afraid to let someone see your “true self”. The good news here is, dreaming of snakes will help you cope with your fear of being hurt and move forward.

If you were attacked by a snake in your dream, that attack might reflect your feelings of helplessness and defenselessness. What steps can you take to set boundaries in your life? What can you do to take better control of the situation?
If you see a striped snake in a dream, it means you don’t trust someone, but gradually you realize that they are harmless.

Are you experiencing insecurity?

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Dreaming of snakes crawling over people reflects a lack of confidence. Maybe you feel uncomfortable with how you look or worry about what other people think of you. ^{[8] X Research Source} Snakes often appear in dreams after someone makes malicious comments that can destroy your confidence.

Finally, you have the power to act in life. Although the snake can represent uncertainty, it also symbolizes growth and new beginnings.

You are suppressing your sexual desire

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The snake is also a phallic symbol. If you dreamed of a harmless snake, it could be a sign of sexual desire that you are suppressing subconsciously. ^{[9] X Research Source} Where are you dreaming of snakes? If you see a snake in your bedroom, lying on your lap or wrapped around your legs, it is most likely sending a signal about your sex life.

Remember that snakes represent warning signs. Is your impulsive action really a good idea? Or is that snake warning you of an erotic relationship?

Are you recovering mentally or physically?

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Surprisingly, a snake bite in a dream also represents healing. These dual natures are symbols of both poison and medicine. ^{[10] X Research Source} Being bitten by a snake in a dream is like an injection in a doctor’s office. If you are struggling with a health problem or a mental wound, the snake in your dream could portend recovery.

Brown snakes are most closely associated with healing.

You are going through a transformation

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Snakes are known for molting, which is a symbol of rebirth. If you dreamed of a snake shedding its skin or crawling away, it could be leading you down a new path. ^{[11] X Research Source} In particular, notice the snake eating its own tail, a symbol of the endless cycle of death and rebirth.

The blue snake symbolizes creation and rebirth.
In ancient Mesoamerican culture, snakes were associated with creation, stemming from the legend that the feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl helped create the world. ^{[12] X Research Source}
In Buddhism and Hinduism, the naga is a half-human, half-god creature with the ability to transform, thus representing change and rebirth. ^{[13] X Research Source}

You gain new understanding and knowledge

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In mythology, snakes are closely related to prophets and sages. When a snake appears in a dream, it can signal that you are about to make a big breakthrough. ^{[14] X Research Sources} If you’re struggling to figure out how to handle a problem or dilemma, it’s possible that your snake friend is saying you’ll get over it soon.

The white snake symbolizes good fortune, good karma, and self-belief.
In East Asian cultures, snakes often symbolize wealth and prosperity. ^{[15] X Research Source}

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