Dreaming of Strangers – Symbolism & Meaning
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Dreams about strangers are common and, in most cases, they’re simply seen as silhouettes that can represent what you have rejected, denied, or did not know about yourself. If you have had a dream about a stranger, it is important to pay attention to the various elements of the dream, as this will help you to analyze and interpret it. You’ll need to consider how you feel about the stranger, what they look like, where you saw them, and what they or you were doing in the dream.
Carl Jung & the Shadow Self through Dreams of Strangers
Swiss psychoanalyst, Carl Jung, explored such dream interpretations and came up with an interesting guideline. One of Jung’s highlighting theories surrounds strangers in dreamtime with a distinct connection to myths and legends.
Jung linked the idea of encountering strange people or dark figures to the shadow self – the dark side of our personality. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that such dreams are bad or evil. In fact, they could simply represent something that’s hidden or kept secret from the world.
Dreaming about Strangers – Some Common Scenarios
Dreaming of a Stranger Knocking on Your Door
Doors in dreams generally symbolize some sort of life transformation. Therefore, dreaming about a stranger knocking on your door could symbolize that something is about to change in your waking life. How you feel about it or your ability to accept it will determine what the dream means.
If the knock was frightening or ominous, it could mean that you have an inability or lack the desire to deal with the change that’s coming. If the knocker opens the door and forces their way in, it’s likely the change is going to happen regardless of whether you want it to or not.
Dreaming of Seeing a Stranger
The meaning of this dream depends mostly on how you feel about the stranger. For example, if the stranger frightens you or makes you feel uncomfortable to the point where you wake up, the dream could mean that you feel envious about someone in your waking life, or insecure about yourself.
Perhaps you underestimate yourself and do not value yourself as much as you should. If this is the case, this dream could be giving you a sign that it’s time to realize how important and unique you are.
Dreaming about a Stranger Wearing Dirty Clothes
Dreaming of a stranger dressed in dirty clothes could indicate that you’re in conflict with someone you love and care about. Now may be a good time to start repairing your relationship with this person.
On the other hand, this dream could also mean that you will soon, if not already, face financial difficulties.
Dreaming about a Dead Stranger
This dream scenario can have an extremely negative meaning, typically related to death. It could mean that you or someone in your waking life is in danger and lives are at risk. However, it could also have something to do with your feelings, indicating that you feel fragile or are struggling with your emotions.
The dead stranger in your dream may also signify that you’re not satisfied with your current state of things and that you need to focus on making some changes in your life.
Dreaming about a Stranger Dressed in White
White generally represents cleanliness, innocence, purity, and freedom, however, if you dream of a stranger dressed in white, it could represent your religious beliefs. Perhaps you have a strong relationship with the divine.
On the other hand, this dream could also be a cry for help. You may be currently going through some difficult times in your personal or professional life. You may also be having financial trouble. If this is the case, this dream could be trying to tell you that it’s time to ask those who are close to you for help.
Dreaming of Travelling with a Stranger
If you see yourself travelling with one or more strangers, it signifies that your relationship with your significant other is about to improve. Perhaps you, your partner, or both of you will change and give more to your relationship, putting in the effort to make it a success.
Dreaming about a Handsome Stranger
If you’re currently single, dreaming about a handsome stranger could mean that you will soon find yourself in a healthy, successful relationship. Love could be just around the corner.
This dream could also be a sign of change or progress. For instance, if you’re already in a relationship, it could mean that your relationship is ready for the next level, possibly marriage.
On the other hand, if you’re already married and have been having some trouble in your marriage, this dream could be a sign that some positive changes will soon take place.
Dreaming of Being Hit by a Stranger
Although this dream scenario sounds awkward and unpleasant, it actually has a highly positive meaning. Dreaming of a stranger hitting you is a sign that happiness, success, and prosperity are ahead. It also represents that you will soon reap the benefits of your hard work.
Dreaming of Drinking at a Bar with a Stranger
Dreaming of drinking at a bar with a stranger suggests an intimate yet public connection with yourself. If the interaction was positive or the character gave you advice, it could be useful to solve a problem in your waking life.
However, if you had a tense or difficult conversation with a stranger that ended without resolution or closure, it suggests that you may be lying to yourself about something that you don’t want to face.
The type of alcohol you were drinking can also affect the meaning of your dream. Different types of alcohol can represent different things. For example, red wine suggests cheerfulness and optimism while white wine could indicate sincerity. Whiskey could denote severe mood swings and beer conveys relaxation.
Dreaming of a Stranger Invading Your Home
To dream of a stranger invading your home can be frightening and leave you feeling helpless and terrified upon waking up. Many who see such dreams believe that it’s meaning should be taken literally or that something bad is about to happen.
However, this dream simply represents you or your state of mind. For instance, it could mean that you’re having obsessive thoughts, irrational fears, or the pressure of certain obligations.
Dreaming of Falling in Love with a Stranger
If you fall in love with the stranger in your dream, it could mean that you’re deeply longing for something in your waking life. If there was anything sexual about the interaction, this yearning could involve a search for pleasure and satisfaction.
However, if you’re married, this could be a warning dream as it could indicate that you’re missing something in your relationship. If this is a recurring dream, you may want to think seriously about the relationship you’re in and the kind of changes you need to make.
In Brief
Most times, dreams about strangers can help you to learn, develop, and grow beyond your perceived limitations. They can also help you to find solutions to certain problems you may be having in your waking life. Your subconscious mind could be trying to show you the solutions through the dreams, so analyzing all the elements of the dream carefully could help you to gain a better understanding of yourse
