Most people tend to be weirded out by snakes both because of how different these animals are from us and because of the multitude of myths and legends we have about them. This makes dreaming of encountering or killing snakes all the more distressing. What does such a dream mean?
Does it mean that you are surrounded by enemies you need to stomp out? That you are being led into temptation? That you’ll succeed in your current endeavor and find good fortune? All of these interpretations are possible as well as a few others depending on the details of the dream and your life’s circumstances. So, let’s go over the 10 common interpretations of dreaming of killing snakes.
Dreaming of killing snakes and what that symbolizes
The spiritual meaning of killing a snake in your dream usually has both a positive and a negative component. Almost always, however, it has something to do with a type of change you’re going through as snakes are first and foremost a symbol of transformation.
The exact interpretation can vary based on some details but most dreams of killing a snake are usually pretty similar – the dreamer sees the snake suddenly appear next to them, they jump up, and kill it, either with a knife or with a heavy piece of furniture. Other variants are also possible but rarer.
1. You feel that you’re being betrayed and you need to act
Probably, by far, the most common dream interpretation of dreaming of killing snakes is that of a warning of deception. Especially if the dream featured a black snake, this is seen to mean that someone close to you is about to – or in the process of – betraying you. Or, at the very least – that you feel like someone is betraying you.
The reason for this dream is that we associate sneaks with betrayal, deception, sneakiness, and slithering behind our backs. Whether or not we are right to feel betrayed is another matter, of course – the dream simply indicates the presence of the feeling. The rest is up to you to figure out.
2. Your subconscious mind is trying to overcome your ego and attain some degree of spiritual development
Our conscious and subconscious minds are constant competitors as every psychologist since Carl Jung can attest to. The struggle between the two is often the source of a lot of frustration too and it tends to spill over into our dreams. As such, dreaming of killing snakes often indicates that our subconscious mind has been feeling way too suppressed for a while and is fighting for control.
This usually happens when the dreamer has been ignoring their subconscious, emotions, feelings, and instincts for too long or has been outright trying to suppress them. In essence, such a dream is telling you that your subconscious is trying to “kill” the “snake” that is your ego or your conscious mind.
3. Your subconscious mind is getting out of control
The exact opposite of the above interpretation is also quite possible. Very often people fall into the trap of the subconscious mind and start relying on it so much that they get overcome with crippling fears, overwhelming emotions, and general disorientation in life.
In those cases, a snake-killing dream means that you need to defeat the “snake”, i.e. your subconscious mind, and wrestle some control back into your life. This dream and its interpretation are particularly common for people with severe ADHD tendencies and/or depression.
4. You may be dealing with an unwanted pregnancy
Seeing and killing a serpent in your dream is often a sign that you have gotten pregnant by accident. Very often, the dreamer doesn’t even realize it at the time but their body is aware of the pregnancy and is letting them know through the dream.
This dream can sometimes be interpreted as your body telling you to abort the fetus but that doesn’t need to be taken as a sign that you need to do that – it’s natural for a woman’s body to interpret the sudden unwanted presence as something that needs to be “removed” but what you should do is entirely up to you.
In the same vein, seeing a dead snake that you didn’t kill in your dream can be seen as a sign of an upcoming miscarriage.
5. There are some real-life issues you’ve been ignoring for a while
Our subconscious mind can also translate the image of the snake as a metaphor for hidden dangers and potholes in our life that the dreamer should be careful about. This interpretation is similar to that of an incoming betrayal, only here the evil you’re being warned about doesn’t come from a person but your life’s circumstances.
When you have such a dream, it tends to be a sign that you have a lot of anxiety build-up about certain parts of your life you’ve been putting on hold.
6. You are being tempted by something and you’re trying to resist
The common Biblical meaning of snakes is that of temptation, bad luck, and Satan himself. In Genesis, the very first part of the Bible, the snake means that the devil is trying to tempt Even in the Garden of Eden. And this is indeed one of the most common interpretations of dreams about snakes people have, particularly if they are born into an Abrahamic religion.
Another Biblical interpretation comes from Psalm 58 where evil people are said to have “the poison of a snake”. More commonly, however, snakes – especially a white snake – is associated with temptation. So, killing said snake in your dream can be seen as your intuitive desire to resist the temptation at all costs.
7. You are sick of something and looking for a cure
Snakes are also seen as a metaphor for healing by a lot of people as snake venom has been a symbol of medicine for thousands of years. So, it’s only natural for a person suffering from illness to dream of themselves killing a snake and extracting its venom.
Such a dream isn’t necessarily a sign of recovery, however – usually, it’s a sign that you are trying to recover and you’re looking for ways to get better. Whether or not that’s going to be successful can’t be determined just by a dream.
8. You may be having some relationship trouble
Snakes are unfortunately also a common sign of an unfaithful spouse or a partner that you’re having trouble with. In such dreams, the snake usually takes the form of a cobra but not exclusively.
As with many of the other interpretations above – don’t take such a dream as “proof” that your partner is being unfaithful to you. The dream usually only signifies that you are feeling betrayed by your partner, not whether or not those feelings are justified. More often than not, this dream appears when the two partners have been quarreling for a while, for whatever reason.
The dream also doesn’t indicate whether and how the two partners should fix their relationship and whether they should separate.
9. You’ve been trying to overcome a long-held fear
Dreaming of killing snakes – especially when it’s multiple snakes all at once – often symbolizes the dreamer’s struggle with some of their fears. That dream is usually a good omen, however, rather than a negative as it means that the dreamer is ready to start overcoming their fear in their waking life.
A similar interpretation is that the dreamer has been overwhelmed with lots of issues recently and is getting fed up with them and looking to get rid of all their problems simultaneously. This is a common dream for people who want to scrap everything they are doing and start with a clean slate.
10. You are – or you’re trying to be – more optimistic about your future than usual
Probably the simplest and most optimistic interpretation is that the dreamer is putting their worries aside and is looking at their life with a new-found satisfaction. In this case, the killing of the snake symbolizes the dreamer’s feeling that they’ve successfully cleaned their life of most issues and are facing a bright future.
The serpent in these dreams is usually a green snake too – a reptile commonly associated with wisdom and future monetary gains.
In conclusion, what’s the meaning of dreaming of killing snakes
As you can see, you can find many different snake dream meanings out there but pinpointing which applies to you is difficult. Many dream books interpret the killing of a snake in your dream as a sign of good luck and stumbling on a lot of money but, in our experience, such dreams have more to do with our emotional state and some circumstances in our waking life.
This isn’t to say that killing a snake in your dream isn’t a good omen – in fact, it usually is. But that tends to be because we are in a transitional part of our life and we are beginning – or have begun – to make some major changes.
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FAQs
What is the meaning of Dreaming killing snakes? ›
Dreaming of killing a snake can mean rejecting toxicity in your life. You may have something draining your vital power and poisoning your body or mind. Killing a snake in a dream can point toward the need to cleanse yourself from all that may cause you harm.
What does it mean when you dream about multiple snakes? ›“Multiple snakes can represent multiple toxic people or a toxic situation that has many facets to it,” Loewenberg says. Alternatively, “multiple snakes could represent multiple health issues or one health issue that has many elements to it.”
What is the message when you dream of snakes? ›If snakes appear in your dreams, it can signify that you are moving forward, are healing and have entered a phase of personal transformation. Most likely, you have moved beyond a hindrance on your path that existed till recently.
What happens when you dream about big snakes? ›Types of Snakes in Dreams
Dreaming of big snakes represents good luck and indicates that there will be other people helping in your career. Your income is also very good and your abilities are rewarded. Dreaming of small snakes indicates that you will treat some people as friends, but they will secretly slander you.
Cutting off a snake's head can signify your desire to end bad habits, behavior, or situations that negatively affect you. It can come in emotions that bring more harm than good, such as frequently being angry or feeling jealous of others' success.
Had a dream about dead snakes? ›In your dreams, the dead snake represents something that is gone—and that can be a good thing. If your snake is dead and gone, it means that you're not letting yourself get too carried away by other people's expectations or temptations.
What does the snake represent? ›Snakes have been used for worship, magic potions and, medicine, and they have been the symbol of love, health, disease, medicine, pharmacy, immortality, death and even wisdom.
What does it mean when you dream about rattlesnakes everywhere? ›When interpreting the meanings of rattlesnake dreams, you must consider if you are feeling overwhelmed or rattled in any area of your life. You must also check if you are overstepping the boundaries in someone else's life. The rattlesnake dream may be the universe telling you to back off if the other person means harm.
What does it mean when 2 snakes bite you in a dream? ›Dream Of a Snake Biting You
If a snake bites you twice, then it is a bad omen. This dream implies you refuse to walk away from a toxic situation even though the signs are clear and you are hurting. This could relate to an addiction you're struggling with or an emotionally or physically abusive relationship.
- Seeing a snake is considered good luck. - Seeing a partridge is considered bad luck.
What is the meaning of seeing snake in dream in Hinduism? ›
In Hindu mythology, seeing a snake in one's dreams brings forth troubles and worries, but catching one, would be perceived as victory over enemies. Being bitten by a snake is lucky, but killing a snake is unlucky.
What does it mean when a snake wraps around you? ›But why do snakes wrap around you? It's most likely that your pet snake is wrapping around you to prevent themselves from falling while exploring. A hungry snake may also wrap around you as part of an instinctive feeding response called 'constricting'.
What number is snake? ›A dog is 12, a cat is 26, a snake is 14. Whatever you dream about, the local collector can tell you its number and you can place your bet in the country's most popular illegal lottery, a game called jueteng.
What is the spiritual meaning of Python? ›The python spirit is often looked upon as a spirit that targets individuals with various afflictions. These afflictions range from depression, religious delusion, or drug addiction. It is true that the python spirit does affect individuals with these maladies, but the python spirit is more concerned with crowds.
What does it mean when you dream about your ex? ›Ex dreams may be a sign that you're feeling lonely, you need to work on a current relationship, or you're having some inner turmoil. Dreams about an ex usually aren't a reason to worry, but "consider therapy if you are having frequent, repetitive, distressing dreams about them long after the break-up," Barrett says.
What does cutting snake mean? ›M. mad as a cut snake. Very angry; crazy; eccentric. The phrase also takes the form mad as a snake.
What does it mean when a snake bobs its head? ›Some recent research on other snakes suggests that it may help them avoid being noticed by a predator. On windy days, this head-bobbing may enable Rough Green Snakes to blend in with the motion of the surrounding vegetation.
What is the origin of cut the head off the snake? ›There is a saying, attributed to the Arabs, that to kill a snake, cut off its head. Of course, there are other ways to do that, but the saying is an apt explanation or justification for the assassination of political and military leaders throughout the centuries.
What does it mean to dream about a dead snake biblical? ›Dream about dead snakes – Dream Prayers
Dreaming of a dead snake signifies victory. If the snake is green, black, it therefore means the downfall of your enemies.
So it is more than just an old wives tale. Dead snakes can still evenomate you, even if they've been dead for quite a while. So stay away from the pointy ends of snakes, and stop killing them for crying out loud.
How long do snakes move after they are dead? ›
Because of a less well developed nervous system a snake's body may continue exhibiting movement for many hours after brain death - or indeed decapitation. These residual muscle reflexes do not indicate life.
What did God say about snakes? ›The LORD said to Moses, "Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live." So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived. The Israelites moved on and camped at Oboth.
What does snake symbolize God? ›Like the Greek deity Asclepius, Eshmun was the god of medicine whose symbol was a serpent.
What does a snake mean to God? ›It can represent death, destruction, evil, a penetrating legless essence, and/or poison. In the Christian tradition, Satan (in the guise of the serpent) instigated the fall by tricking Eve into breaking God's command. Thus the serpent can represent temptation, the devil, and deceit.
What does a yellow snake symbolize? ›What is this? On one end, yellow snakes represent wisdom and healing, while on the other, they signify betrayal, loss, and obstacles. The dream could warn you about someone trying to hurt you or encourage you to face your fears.
What do snake bites mean in dreams spiritually? ›If you dream of a snake bite, it might symbolize a wake-up call. It reminds you that there is something important to accomplish. A painful bite usually signifies an urgent reminder that you've missed some significant issues in your life. You need to react quickly.
What does don't let the same snake bite you twice mean? ›Thus, the Hadith means that a believer should never be so gullible that he would be deceived by the same trick more than once, in the same way one who is bitten by a snake would be very careful not to be bitten again.
What are snakes spiritual signs? ›Fertility and rebirth
Historically, serpents and snakes represent fertility or a creative life force. As snakes shed their skin through sloughing, they are symbols of rebirth, transformation, immortality, and healing. The ouroboros is a symbol of eternity and continual renewal of life.
Things that will bring Snakes luck:
Lucky colors: black, red, and yellow. Lucky flowers: orchid and cactus. Lucky directions: east, west, and southwest. Lucky months: the 1st, 8th, and 11th lunar months.
The Snake is also the symbol of fortune. According to the ancient legends, the Snake has its own underground kingdom with numerous precious treasures, and those who are eager to make a great fortune should pray piously in the temple of the Snake.
Who are the snakes in Indian mythology? ›
Three notable nagas are Shesha (or Ananta), who in the Hindu myth of creation supports Narayana (Vishnu) as he lies on the cosmic ocean and on whom the created world rests; Vasuki, who was used as a churning rope to churn the cosmic ocean of milk; and Takshaka, the tribal chief of the snakes.
What does it mean when you dream about a snake biting your right hand? ›Dream About Snake Biting on Hand
Snake biting on your hands is a bad omen. Usually, it signifies corruption and illegal involvement. However, you can clearly understand this dream once you know which hand the snake had bit. According to the Bible, the right hand symbolizes authority, luxury, sovereignty, and strength.
The purpose of a rattlesnake's rattle is to warn potential predators of the snake's venomous bite. The sound produced by the rattle is meant to scare off predators and warn them of the danger.
Are snakes protective symbols? ›The symbolic attributes of snakes, which have appeared in art for thousands of years in all corners of the world, make them a popular icon. In Etruria, bearded snakes become symbols of fear, protection, and perhaps even the afterlife (due to the shedding of their skin), i.e., as the chthonic dwellers of the Underworld.
How do snakes show they love you? ›One common way snakes show affection is by rubbing their head against the object they're trying to be affectionate towards. This display is known as head-bobbing. They may also do similar things like necking or wrapping themselves around the object in an affectionate way.
Is it good or bad to dream about snakes? ›If snakes appear in your dreams, it can signify that you are moving forward, are healing and have entered a phase of personal transformation. Most likely, you have moved beyond a hindrance on your path that existed till recently.
What is the symbol code for snake? ›snake (U+1F40D)
Who has a symbol of a snake? ›WHO's emblem was chosen by the First World Health Assembly in 1948. The emblem consists of the United Nations symbol surmounted by a staff with a snake coiling round it. The staff with the snake has long been a symbol of medicine and the medical profession.
What is the spiritual energy of the snake? ›Snakes are also symbols of primal energy, also referred to as kundalini, which is an ancient Sanskrit word. Kundalini is a healing form of divine spiritual energy that is sourced at the base of the spine.
What snake means power? ›Snake Meanings in Aztec and Mayan Culture
In both Mayan and Aztec traditions, Snake is both a creature to be feared and also to be respected. They are associated with power, and rebirth, and are generally seen as symbols associated with the Divine.
Why is python snake important? ›
These long, legless reptiles play an important role in the natural environment and food webs. Effective hunters and ambush predators, snakes use their highly-developed senses of sight, taste, hearing and touch to locate, recognise and track their prey.
Does dreaming of an ex mean they miss you? ›Most people wake up from a dream about their former lovers and immediately assume they must miss this person. Frank explains it's likely not your ex that you're missing, but an aspect of who you were when you were with them you're longing for.
How do you know if someone still loves their ex? ›Although it is normal to bring up one's ex, frequently mentioning them may be a sign of lingering feelings. If your partner seems to be constantly mentioning their ex, it is likely that they are still on their mind. Even if they are badmouthing their ex, too much talk can indicate that they have not moved on.
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.
Is it good or bad to see snakes in dreams? ›If snakes appear in your dreams, it can signify that you are moving forward, are healing and have entered a phase of personal transformation. Most likely, you have moved beyond a hindrance on your path that existed till recently.
Why do I keep Dreaming about venomous snakes? ›Viper: Dreaming of a viper could signify your fear of getting bitten by a toxic person in your real life. Venomous serpent: This type of snake typically symbolizes harmful or toxic behavior. Such dreams serve as a warning to refrain from toxic people, generally men, or actions that can poison your life.
What does it mean when you see a black snake in your yard? ›Black snakes are omens of good fortune. Like most good fortune, they are inconspicuous and rare. So, when a specimen presents itself, it behooves one to take notice.
What do snakes represent spiritually? ›Fertility and rebirth
Historically, serpents and snakes represent fertility or a creative life force. As snakes shed their skin through sloughing, they are symbols of rebirth, transformation, immortality, and healing. The ouroboros is a symbol of eternity and continual renewal of life.
If you dream you got bitten by a snake in your left hand, it is bringing attention to something about yourself that you didn't realize before. If you dream you got bitten by a snake in your right hand, it is bringing attention to something in your environment that you didn't see before.
What it means when you dream of someone? ›So, “if you're dreaming about [someone], it's not likely they're dreaming about you as well.” As dreams are all about the self—your feelings and behaviors—if you're dreaming about a specific person in your life, then it's likely there's some aspect of them that is currently at work in your life, Loewenberg explains.
What do snakes mean biblically? ›
The serpent was a symbol of evil power and chaos from the underworld as well as a symbol of fertility, life, healing, and rebirth. Nāḥāš (נחש), Hebrew for "snake", is also associated with divination, including the verb form meaning "to practice divination or fortune-telling".
What are signs of a snake in your house? ›If you find a dry, scaly sheet of the skin or a crumpled heap somewhere close to an entrance into the walls of your home or small space areas. If you are inspecting a dusty area or crawl space, you might notice slither tracks that indicate where a snake has traveled. Snakes have a distinctive smell that is noticeable.
What does the Bible say about snakes? ›The LORD said to Moses, "Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live." So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived. The Israelites moved on and camped at Oboth.
Why do snakes rub against you? ›Your Snake Is Stressed
Snakes can get stressed by a lot of factors, but usually it stems from feeling unsafe. When they do not feel secure in their enclosure, they will try to get out of the enclosure and this is where the face rubbing starts.