Dreaming of someone who passed on could be startling, even if they were a loved one. Many people claim that such dreams could only occur if you had earlier thoughts about the dead person in your conscious awareness. Others say that such dreams come as a natural way of dealing with the emotions of losing someone. Well, the interpretations vary a lot. So what does it mean when you dream about someone who is already dead?
Though many people remain silent about such dreams, it is one of the most common ones experienced during sleep. You could dream that the person was calling you, standing beside you, communicating with you, or even eating with you! It is one of the dreams that always strike a question even after waking up. To understand their meaning, it is important to understand several factors. Read along and discover all the possible explanations of dreaming about dead persons.
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Dreams About Dead People & Their General Meanings
Here are some generalized meanings that can be associated with all types of dreams about dead people:
You’re Still Mourning
Dreaming of a newly deceased person is your subconscious communicating that you’re not done grieving the person. Mourning the loss of a loved one can be a lengthy process, especially if death was not expected. It is a metaphor for how you are not dealing with your emotions during this time. That is why it is typical to have dreams repeatedly some few weeks and months after the burial.
You’ll need to stop hiding the sad emotions and deal with what you are feeling. It’s actually advisable to openly discuss your feelings about the deceased with some else. Opening up is a simple way of releasing any toxic or sad emotions that could be depressing you. And you’ll be amazed how there is always someone willing to listen and empathize with your situation. The dreams will disappear with time after your heart is completely healed from the loss.
End of a Life Stage
Dreams of deceased people do not always carry negative connotations. In some cases, the dream symbolizes the end of a phrase in life. It could be your conscious trying to get you ready for some life changes therefore predicting new techniques. Soon enough, you may get some sort of news that will sort you out.
And since the dream communicates the end of a stage, it also assures you the beginning of a new phrase. Your circumstances will change soon. If you can remember the emotions provoked by the dream, you will find it easy to connect the dream to the events in your life. For example, if you felt happy to have seen the person in the dream, you can expect a new season of joy.
Obstacles in Your Life
Death takes away life. And something dead is regarded useless since it cannot be useful. That is why we do not keep dead things around us; they form clutter and become obstacles in our environment. Think about the dead phone, laptop, TV, etc. The best you can do with dead things is separate from them, by throwing them away. Did you dream of a dead man inside a coffin? If yes, this might be representing the obstacles surrounding your life that limit progress.
You’ll agree that in such dreams, you were unable to remember the face of the deceased or if you do, they are people you do not know. Figuratively, that is a representation of the things in life that you need to separate yourself from and live a free life. It could be relationships, situations, or other associations. That way, you’ll feel ‘lighter’ and find it easy to soar higher with no distractions or obstacles.
Reviving Old Memories
Memories are not always sweet. We all have those events in life that we wouldn’t want to recall; it could be molestations, child abuse, domestic violence, abusive relationships, sexual harassments etc. Even though these things might have occurred some time back, remembering them brings pain and tears. When you are in such situations and you dream that you’re burying a dead person, it could mean that you’re trying to bury and forget these events in your life.
Unburning a coffin is associated with bringing sad memories back. You are the best interpreter of your dream. In such cases, you’ll need to evaluate your recent memories and flash out anything that disturbs your peace. The dream warns against harboring such memories in mind as they may cause depression or stress.
Communication
Some people still believe that the dead watch over them and will send communication to the living through dreams. Though this may sound as a superstitious interpretation, it is a vital aspect that we should never overlook. If you are at the crossroads and dream that the dead are smiling at you, it probably means that you’re about to make the right decision in life and you should go on.
Similarly, if you dream of seeing a deceased person happy and alive, it implies that they approve of your choices and actions. Others dream of the dead giving specific instructions. It’d be wise to consult a more knowledgeable or elderly person before performing these instructions.
Types of Dreams about People Who Have Already Died and Their Meanings
Dreams about the dead are prevalent occurrences. The departed people you are dreaming could be a subconscious projection of your unmet needs. However, we wouldn’t want to assume that this statement is applicable in every dream. The most important thing is collecting as much information as possible, so that you can put the pieces together and reflect how the dream applies to your life’s situation.
Following are some of the most common types of dreams about departed people. Read on and discover their meanings.
What does it mean when you dream that the deceased loved one has appeared in a different way?
Dreaming that the deceased has appeared in an unusual manner than the way you last saw them a comforting dream. It gives an assurance that they are resting well. The deceased may appear younger, healthier, or more vibrant than they did when they died. Often, you’ll see them smiling and looking happier than you could last remember them. All they are saying is that they are no longer suffering and you need to relax.
What does it mean when you dream that the deceased loved is watching you sleep?
Have you ever dreamt that someone who already dies is watching you? This dream could be one way that your loved one is using to assure you that they are nearby. When you awaken from the dream, you will have the sense that someone was watching over you. Or, you will feel like you were not alone in the room as you slept. Although this feeling could be disturbing, it should make you feel safer.
What does it mean when you dream that the deceased is talking to you?
Sometimes, you will dream that your deceased is speaking to you. Or, you might dream of only hearing their voice but not getting the sense of what they are communicating. If you are having such dreams, you will need to pay closer attention to the clues you’re receiving from the deceased. Often, the dead might be trying to warn you of an upcoming change or a harmful situation that is awaiting you.
Often, they will know that you are worried about something that is beyond your control. So, they will appear in your dream to give you directions or affirm that you’re about to make the wrong or right choice. If you can remember the exact words of the dream, it will be easier to connect the dots and understand the dream’s meaning.
What does it mean when you dream that the deceased is giving you something?
Are you suffering from the loss of a sole breadwinner in your life? It could be your parent, guardian, relative, child, etc. If you dream that the deceased is giving you something, it is an indication he/she was once a strong support system in your life.
You’ll also need to be keen in knowing the exact thing that was given in the dream. For instance, if the dead gave you a key, it means that you have all it takes to unlock any opportunities in life and be successful. If you were given a clean, white sheet, it might mean that the deceased desires that you continue living a pure and peaceful life.
What does it mean when you dream that the deceased is calling you?
This dream is considered the scariest one that you could ever encounter. It is a symbol of death. Figuratively, when a dead person is calling you, they are inviting you over to participate in their state. Therefore, the dream indicates that you are soon going to be in a deadly situation in your waking life. You may encounter serious health complications or a fatal accident leading to death. When having such dreams, you are to reject the call of the deceased, or else, you’ll be inviting the spirit of death in your life.
What Is the Spiritual Meaning of Dreams Concerning People Who Are Already Dead?
Dreams of people who are already dead could be messages from God. Spiritually, dreaming of being dead represents feelings of loss or total failure. Similarly, the fact that you’re dreaming of someone who is already dead in real life most likely reflects an aspect of your personality. It could be a reflection of your fear for change and difficulties in handling the transitions in life, example, getting married, giving birth, starting college, etc.
If these dreams are to take on more positive themes, they probably reflect positive transformations and changes that are likely to occur in your life. It could be the end of relationships, friendships, or other important aspects of your life.
What Is the Biblical Meaning of Dreams Concerning People Who are Already Dead?
If you can remember the deceased, look up the spiritual connotation of the deceased name, (the Hebrew roots), and read the biblical verses attached to it. Sometimes, that is what God is communicating to you. It may not be so much about the person, but what his/her name represents.
All in all, the bible indicates that there can be no association between the living and the dead. Ecclesiastes 9:5 says, “The dead are gone and soon they are forgotten.” and Isaiah 26:14 says, “…their departed spirit will not return!” That means, if you have such dreams, it might be a negative connotation and you’ll need to rebuke such.
Dream Interpretation About People Who are Already Dead
If you often dream about people who are already dead, it is time to sit down and ask yourself the following questions:
- Are you always thinking of or missing your deceased loved one?
- Are you trying to deal with your emotions during the difficult times of your life?
- Are you rushing into things and are unsure of the choices you’re about to make?
- Are you still questioning whether the ‘soul’ of your loved one rest in peace?
- Do you find it difficult to let go or setting yourself free from some form of entanglements?
- Do you feel extremely dissatisfied with yourself and regret that something in your past cannot be changed or corrected?
- Do you feel it’s time to let go of that relationship, home, or job?
- Do you feel that a part of you is neglected and dying?
- Are you undergoing some form of stress in your waking life?
- Do you feel like it’s time to change a social status in your life?
Dream Associations About People Who are Already Dead
Here is a summary of the positive and negative associations of dreams about people who are already dead:
Positive associations
- End of misery in your life
- The beginning of a new phrase of life
- Your deceased loved one has rested in peace
- Enlightenment in your decision, direction, or choice making
- Supernatural protection
Negative associations
- You are surrounded by people who dislike you
- Reviving the old and sad memories
- Regrets about your past that cannot be changed
- Obstacles in life
Read more: What Does it Mean When you Die in your Dream
FAQs
What does it mean when you dream about someone who has already passed away? ›
Miller's Guild wrote about this saying “the most common reason you might dream of someone who is already deceased is that your brain is trying to process your feelings about this person that have come to your conscious awareness.”
How do you know if someone who passed away is with you? ›- Dream Visitations. One of the most commonly described signs from the other side is a visitation from a departed loved one in the form of a dream. ...
- Familiar Sensations or Smells. ...
- Animal Messengers. ...
- Pennies and Dimes. ...
- Lost and Found Objects. ...
- Electrical Disturbances.
They are a symbol of grief and loss in your life
These dreams about dead family and friends are a way to maintain the relationship in waking life, feel connected, or comfort you and visit with them just once more. It can represent your wish to get closure.
The reunion of believing loved ones
When Paul writes to believers who grieve the loss of a loved one, he offers them this comfort: “We who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:17, emphasis mine).
You Are Grieving or Processing Your Grief
Dreaming about your late mother is a way for your mind to process and cope with grief and loss. You're trying to process your feelings about her and what her loss means to your life. Dreams are our subconscious way of fulfilling our desires.
General Deceased Parents Dream Meanings
It may mean that you are healing from the loss and moving on to the next stage of grief. Dreaming of your deceased parent in an argument, violent situation, or even dyingcan symbolize how you feel about their death and what it means for yourself.
We enter heaven immediately upon our death, or our souls sleep until the second coming of Christ and the accompanying resurrection. Most have chosen to believe what the Bible appears to overwhelmingly propose: our souls (spirits) penetrate heaven immediately after we take our final breath.
What is the last sense to go when someone dies? ›Research suggests that even as your body transitions into unconsciousness, it's possible that you'll still be able to feel comforting touches from your loved ones and hear them speaking. Touch and hearing are the last senses to go when we die.
What bird symbolizes a passed loved one? ›A cardinal is a representative of a loved one who has passed. When you see one, it means they are visiting you. They usually show up when you most need them or miss them. They also make an appearance during times of celebration as well as despair to let you know they will always be with you.
Why do I keep seeing my dead dad in my dreams? ›You Have Unresolved Issues
Dreaming about your deceased father implies you have unresolved issues concerning him, and this is affecting you. Perhaps he did something or said something that hurt you and you never had time to clear the air between you two. This dream could symbolize your hidden feelings toward him.
What does it mean to dream of a late aunt? ›
Dreams with your dead aunt often symbolize sound judgment. You have realized that a situation or person does not add value to your life. And because of that, you burden yourself emotionally without a good reason. That's why you focus better on yourself for a while, and you need to eliminate traumatic events.
Do you reunite with your spouse in heaven? ›HAVING RELATIONSHIPS WITH SPOUSES, LOVED ONES IN HEAVEN
A. Yes to both. The reunion will take place, but not as husband and wife. We learn this in Jesus' explanation to the Sadducees: "When people rise from death, there will be no marriage.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died."
Many Christians rely on Matthew 22:30, in which Jesus tells a group of questioners, "At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.”
What does it mean to dream of talking to your dead mother on the phone? ›If you dream about talking to your dead mother on the phone, it's a warning that you'll encounter some difficulties soon. It's also a reminder for you to tap into your inner strength. Things may be hard at first, but you'll be able to get through them. Just have faith in yourself!
What does it mean when the dead talk to you? ›A dead friend talking to you in your sleep means that you miss them and wish to revisit the memories you shared. If they are not dead, this dream is a reminder that you should reconnect with them before it is too late. Or on the other hand, this may be a method of coping with their death if they are no longer alive.
What does it mean to see your mother and sister in dream? ›Seeing Your Mother and Sister In Dreams:
To see both your mother and sister in dreams means that you need to take care of your mother and sister and they need your support. They are very much dependent on you and you can not ignore them as they are the one, who stood up for you when you have no support in your life.
Any hope of heaven is based on the exact same thing our forgiveness is based on and that is Jesus, Jesus, only Jesus. Paul then clearly states who and what determines who gets into heaven — “we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” God determines who gets into heaven.
How long does it take to get to the gates of heaven? ›The shortest queue time is around 1 hour but some people have waited up to 2-3 hours.
What does the Bible say about cremation? ›In 2 Kings 23:16-20, Josiah took the bones out of the tomb, burned them on the altar, and “defiled it.” However, nowhere in the Old Testament does the Bible command the deceased cannot be burned, nor are there any judgments attached to those that have been cremated.
What is the first sense you lose when dying? ›
Sight Is The Sense That Dying People Tend To Lose First.
What happens to the soul 40 days after death? ›There is a belief that the soul continues to wander the Earth for another 40 days after the initial death. While wandering, the soul visits significant places from their life as well as their fresh grave. At the end of the 40 days, the soul finally departs from this world.
What bird means visit from heaven? ›There is an old folklore saying that, “When a cardinal appears in your yard, it's a visitor from heaven.” People often wonder what it means when God sends a cardinal to their yard.
What bird is a symbol of heaven? ›To this day, red cardinals are one of the most common spiritual signs that people receive from Heaven. Cardinals also have a deep connection with lost souls. People have often reported that after the death of their loved ones, they begin to see cardinals frequently.
What does it mean when God sends cardinals? ›When god sends a cardinal to you, it is usually seen as a sign of good fortune. Cardinals are believed to be divine messengers, and their striking red plumage is said to resemble the robes of cardinals in the Catholic church. As such, when one appears unexpectedly in your life, it is often seen as a message from above.
What do fathers represent in dreams? ›The symbolic father in dreams can represent experience, wisdom, commitment, support, guidance, protection and unconditional love. The father may appear as a great source of inspiration and comfort, even a deep connection with the Divine, and provide a sense of knowing your place and purpose in the world.
What is the meaning of seeing dead father alive in dream islamic interpretation? ›According to Ibrahim Karmani رحمة الله عليه; seeing your dead father alive in a happy state and in good clothes in a dream represents that the dreamer will earn money and fame. seeing your dead mother alive or talking to your dead mother in a dream is a relief from grief.
What does it mean to see dead father crying in dream? ›It could mean that he was sorry for something that he did during his life that was harmful to you. It could also mean that you , today, are doing something in life that makes him upset.
What does it mean to be crying in a dream? ›If you see yourself crying in your dream, then it could mean that you wish to express your feelings to someone or people in general. This could be suppressed anger, grief, joy, agony or ecstasy etc.
What does my aunt passed away mean? ›You can say that someone passed away to mean that they died, if you want to avoid using the word 'die' because you think it might upset or offend people. He unfortunately passed away last year. [
Why do I keep dreaming about my deceased wife? ›
Dreams are symbols of what's going on in your life. When you dream about your deceased spouse, it might be a calming, peaceful dream, or a confusing, combative dream. Either way, it might be a sign that your loved one is communicating with you by helping you create meaning out of your personal dream symbols.
How many people do you meet in heaven? ›The Five People You Meet in Heaven. Hyperion.
How long after death of a spouse can you remarry? ›Although three years is the ideal waiting time with regards to widow/widower remarrying etiquette, every individual is different and should remarry if and when they decide to do so.
How many heavens are there? ›In religious or mythological cosmology, the seven heavens refer to seven levels or divisions of the Heavens.
What does the Bible say about communicating with ancestors? ›The Bible has a negative view of necromancy or attempts to communicate with the dead. In fact, all contact with the spirit world is expressly forbidden irrespective of the nature of the spirits concerned (Lv 19:26-31; Dt 18:10-11; Job 7:7-10; Is 8:18-20; Lk 16:19-31).
How does God communicate with us? ›Additionally, He speaks to us through His Holy Spirit and through dreams, visions and our thoughts. Further, God will use events and circumstances to speak with us. More often than not, God uses the people He has placed in our lives to speak to us.
What does God say about remembering? ›REV 2:5 Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place unless you repent. REV 3:3 So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent.
Were Adam and Eve married? ›Several thousand years have passed since Adam and Eve became man and wife, but God hasn't changed what he first instructed mankind regarding marriage in the Bible.
Do animals go to heaven? ›So if all animals praise the Lord—and thus believe in Him—and if “whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life,” it stands to reason that one beloved verse, John 3:16, tells us that animals will also be with their Creator in heaven.
Do pets go to heaven? ›The scriptures I use make it clear that animals not only go to heaven when they die, but they will also be resurrected with us. However, they will have a much lesser glory than the sons of God. 1Corinthians 15:39-42 and Romans 8:19-23.
Is it true that if you dream about someone they miss you? ›
When you dream about someone, it is more likely a reflection of your own feelings or emotions than theirs. In other words, the dreams are not always a sign that the person misses you. If you have been thinking about them and missing them, this may be why you're dreaming of them.
What does it mean when you dream about your sister that passed away? ›Dreaming about your sister dying might indicate that there's some kind of stress or anxiety in your life that you're not addressing. Maybe your sister is going through changes or facing some difficulties that are also affecting you. If you're feeling stressed about it, it might also influence your dreams.
When you dream about someone are they thinking of you? ›While dreaming about someone usually means they are thinking of you, dreaming of the same person over and over again could also mean that they have thought of you so much that when you dream about them, it's just another instance where that thought enters your head.
What does it mean when your deceased husband comes to you in a dream? ›And dreams about your deceased husband are a sign that you will soon earn good fortune and be happy. Your late husband's presence is a great sign of good changes and career growth. This is his way of making sure that you will have a good and financially stable life, even now that he is gone and can't provide for you.
How do you know if someone is constantly thinking about you? ›You Dream About Them
This is especially true for people who have not seen each other for a long time. If they are thinking actively about you, it might be enough to trigger a psychic manifestation in your dreams. Sometimes, these dreams are so vivid and intense that they might hint at what the person is thinking.
Can the other person feel when you miss them? Definitely, not all people but some people can sense it, especially empaths. An empath or someone you're in sync with can catch your vibrations easily and this can often clue them into what you are thinking or feeling.
What does it mean when I dream of my brother who passed away? ›A dream about a deceased brother most commonly indicates that there is something in your past you need to let go of. It can be something you know about, something you're actively getting ready to put behind you, or something you have yet to properly realize.
What does it mean when I dream about talking to my dead brother? ›Dreams about talking to a dead sibling could mean that you are dealing with unwanted competition or rivalry. You tend to have this kind of dream of you being in a working space with too many competitions.
Why do people come in dreams? ›"In Jungian psychology, every person in a dream represents some aspect of the dreamer," Dr. Manly tells Bustle. "The person who 'shows up' is generally symbolic of some aspect of the dreamer's self; other people are simply conjured up by the psyche to offer a symbolic representation of a certain theme or issue."
What your dreams are telling you? ›Scientists and psychologists, old and new, tell us that dreams reveal critical aspects about ourselves. Dreams are a reflection of your recent state of mind, future possibilities, and changes that you have experienced.
What does it mean when someone appears in your dreams? ›
Dreaming about someone usually means you have some unfinished business with that person. You're worried about something he or she did, said, or didn't do or say to you. It could be events in the past or an emotional issue.