Popular Dream Symbols

Consider what animals epitomize: They're instinctual creatures that live in harmony with nature and are difficult to control. They're powerful, but they can be ferocious with sharp fangs and claws. Animals are typically feared in young children's dreams; however, children can have dreams of happily playing with a favorite furry friend. A child's view of animals (ones she likes or fears) is going to be shaped by what she's exposed to at home. (Do you have pets? What kinds of pets? Do you live in the country or the city?) Furthermore, if you think about it, animals and children live somewhat parallel lives in the sense that they're both savage to a degree. (How many times do parents say, "He acts like a little wild animal?!"). And human beings alter natural environments and try to tame wild creatures just as parents try to teach their children self-control and instruct them on how to behave. So when talking animals appear in kids dreams by talking or giving advice, this may be part of the child's self-realization that he's growing up and is more in control of his behavior.