Bear Dream Interpretation: Insights from 37 Unique Sources

If the bear is recognized as male, then it could refer to an overbearing person, or perhaps the father figure in a person’s life.

The bear is largely a solitary animal that prefers to live and survive alone. This, and its human way of standing, may be major reasons for bears appearing in dreams. We can therefore link the bear with feelings about living alone or surviving by one’s own strength. Because of the bear’s ability to hibernate, it can also represent our ability to recreate ourselves after a period of rest and reflection.

Bears in dreams may also link to feelings we have about becoming independent, or meeting strength and independence in someone else, or even wild rage as ‘the bear with a sore head’.

If the latter is the case, it could suggest your relationship with someone who is touchy or grouchy or powerfully possessive in a smothering relationship. It could also indicate the danger of sudden unpredictable reactions.

The grizzly or domineering side of our moods (e.g., acting “bearish”).

The wildness within that wishes more expression.

Heraldic: Among the medieval artisans, this creature provided the perfect vehicle for visual puns, and usually stood for for-BEAR-ance.

She-bear protecting cubs: The maternal instinct fully developed; righteous anger or anxiety with real foundations.

Hibernation: An alternative type of death dream. Also, resting and storing up energy for difficult times ahead (See Cave).

Fearlessness.

The term “berserkers” among warrior clans came from “bear sarks,” a shirt originated by Artemis to give strength and protection to those defending her lands.

Native American: Supernatural power and fortitude.

Biblical: The she-bear, particularly, is portrayed as ferocious (noted in Samuel, Hosea, and Proverbs).

To what project or relationship are you, or should you be, applying this type of fervently protective energy?

For our ancestors, the bear represented a real danger and threat. Those who wore a bearskin became attackers and experienced a tremendous increase in energy and vitality.

Can also be a person who is a little stupid but good- natured.

The symbol often indicates disappointment or that one is about to disappoint somebody. Often a symbol of the neglected inner animal (extinction).

According to Jung, symbol of the negative side of masculine strength.

In Nordic mythology the bear usually symbolizes female attributes. Also, the followers of Artemis called themselves arktoi (bears). Since ancient times, the bear has been depicted as a motherly, earthbound animal that represents the female drive.

ASTROLOGY: The bear corresponds to Taurus.

A bear in a dream also represents a dull and a heavy looking woman who takes pleasure in partying, uninhibitedness and enjoying all types of entertainment. Seeing a bear in a dream also means capture or imprisonment, or he could represent a stupid enemy, a thief, an effeminate person, or a trickster.

If one sees himself riding over a bear in a dream, should he qualify, it means that he will manage a loathsome business. Otherwise, it means that he will be struck with fear and distress, then he will escape from his trials.

A bear in a dream also means travels, returning from a journey or he could represent a prostitute.

If one has access to such a woman, he must beware not to commit adultery.

Depth Psychology: A bear often indicates deception and disappointment. Maybe somebody—perhaps a woman—is trying to deceive you. You are also not quite certain about a particular woman.

See Animals.

For the urban shaman, the bear’s call may be to a profession in the healing arts such as massage therapy or reflexology. As an archetype, the bear pos sesses strength and a grounded connection to the earth.

The bear often represents the nurturing or mothering aspect that comforts and heals as the primary relationship early in life.

Thus, an angry bear can signify a response to the devouring nature of your own mother.

(2) A bear may also symbolize mother, either vour actual mother, or the wisdom that is available to you in your unconscious.

See Mother.

(3) Alternatively, simply take the bear as a symbol of your unconscious and try to work out - from the dream action - what particular aspect of the unconscious is being presented to your attention: for example, the functions of feeling, as distinct from thinking or fantasizing; or an intuitive oneness with Nature.

It is considered the representation of the dangerous aspect of the unconscious. The bear is the example of the cruel and primitive man. In any case, if the dream is pleasant, it could represent maternal protection. Beneath its imposing figure, a generous soul may be hidden. In this last case, the unconscious is communicating the need to express your qualities. You have to externalize these noble thoughts that, sometimes, you hide behind a proud front.

To dream about a polar bear represents a reawakening.

A dream with a bear in it is asking you to consider whether it is time for aggression or time to retreat and wait for the right season.

1- To have a bear appear alive in a dream indicates aggression, or if it is dead, the handling of one’s deeper negative instincts.

To dream of a toy bear i.e. a teddy bear shows a childlike need for security.

2- Psychologically; we have recognised the need to meet the force of our own creativity.

3- The bear symbolises spiritual strength and power, both latent for example, when a bear hibernates and also apparent.

As potentially fierce animals, they can also represent the untamed, animal side of the self. Paradoxically, bears are also regarded as soft, cuddly creatures, and thus can symbolize the softer side of human nature. (See Teddy Bear.)

The image may be of the possessive, devouring mother or of the all-caring mother.

If it is recognized in the dream that the bear is masculine, the image may then be of an overbearing person, or possibly the father.

If you kill a bear, you will overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.

If you are chased by a bear, you will have many business problems and will have to deal with unpleasant people.

If you track or hunt a bear, you will gain in stature and be greatly respected.

A bear also represents a rival you may have for your loved one, if the bear is seen to be climbing, then the outcome will be in your favor.

To kill a bear, portends extrication from former entanglements.

A young woman who dreams of a bear will have a threatening rival or some misfortune.

See Animal.

For a woman, it is a threat of a rival who is interested in her occupation or the object of her affections.

If you succeed in killing the Bear, or driving it away, you may expect success eventually.

2. A leader, especially military; a warrior.

3. Out-of-control unconscious elements, usually dan­gerous.

4. To become berserk; transformation.

2. Destroy young children young Christians; 1 Sam. 17:34-37

3. Powerful spiritual force; Rev. 13:2;

4. Russia or Iran; Ezek. 38:16.

See Animal.

A parent defending their child; see “animals”

attacked by a: you wil be persecuted by one who professes to love you.

being a: your vitality has returned to face major problems.

cage, in a: liberation from charges of complicity.

cub, of one: a friendly hint wil be given; charming and cuddly are in.

many: emotional sorrow from an overprotective situation.

in a cage: you are feeling possessed by your mother.

dancing: you wil be tempted into speculations whose profit wil be inconsistent.

with a: your plan wil endure with your strength.

dead: resolution of emotional ambiguities.

drinking, milk: others are envious of your power.

driving off an attacking: the darkness that occurs before spiritual rebirth.

eating, meat: a long il ness wil initiate you into next phase.

hibernating, a: a wish to retreat from reality.

killing a: defeat your adversaries with their own gossip.

man dreaming of a: create a distance from your mother.

of a: great competition in every pursuit.

polar, in a zoo: loss of heritage and solid foundations makes a path slippery.

sunny habitat: must find your comfort zone between old and new.

several: people gossip about your raw primitive instinct.

standing: insecurities towards your mother.

transformed into a: you wil be able to free yourself from your inhibitions.

woman dreaming of a: a rival wil threaten your love.

working, a: the competition is overwhelming.