The meaning of dreaming about fish

Here at DreamingFish we’re always asked why we chose that name, and what’s it got to do with video production and animation?

We’ll tell you the answer at the end of the article, but what does dreaming about fish actually mean? Interpretations can vary depending on cultural, personal, and contextual factors, but fish appearing in dreams often carry symbolic meanings that relates to emotions, spiritual growth, creativity, and abundance. In this blog, we’ll explore the possible meanings of dreaming about fish, as well as some common scenarios and interpretations.

The universal symbolism of fish 🌍

Fish have long been symbolic in various cultures. In many traditions, fish are seen as a representation of the unconscious mind, a symbol of life’s flow, and a sign of fertility or abundance. Because they live in water, which is frequently linked with emotions, the realm of the unconscious, and intuition, fish are often considered messengers or guides to deeper insights. In Christianity, for instance, fish symbolise spiritual nourishment, often associated with the miracles performed by Jesus, such as feeding the 5,000 with loaves and fish. In many Eastern philosophies, fish are symbols of luck, prosperity, and transformation. Chinese culture, for example, associates fish (specifically koi) with abundance and good fortune. In general, dreaming about fish can symbolise the following:

• Emotions and the unconscious: Fish live in water, and as we’ve said this is often linked to the emotional or subconscious realm. Dreams about fish could therefore indicate a need to explore deeper emotions or hidden feelings.

• Abundance and prosperity: Fish, especially in large numbers, are often seen as symbols of abundance, fertility, or wealth. A fish in a dream might point to prosperity coming your way.

• Spiritual growth: In many cultures, fish are symbolic of spiritual development, transformation, or enlightenment. Dreaming about fish may signify that you’re undergoing an inner transformation or that spiritual wisdom is becoming more accessible to you.

• Creativity and potential: Fish can represent untapped potential or creative energy, swimming beneath the surface and waiting to be realised.

Common dream scenarios involving fish 🎣

1. Catching fish in a dream – Catching fish in a dream is often associated with successfully achieving your goals or reaping the rewards of your efforts. This type of dream might symbolise that you’re in a position to attain something significant—whether it’s a career achievement, a personal goal, or even a spiritual insight. If the fish you catch is large or numerous, this could indicate that the rewards are plentiful, representing abundance or the manifestation of your desires. On the other hand, struggling to catch a fish in your dream could point to obstacles in your waking life. Perhaps you are feeling frustrated or challenged in your attempts to achieve something important. It may be a sign to reassess your approach or be patient, as things may take time to manifest.

2. Fish swimming freely in dream – Fish swimming peacefully in clear water might symbolise emotional balance, fluidity in your life, or harmony between your conscious and unconscious mind. This dream may reflect a time when you’re feeling calm, content, and in control of your emotions. Alternatively, if the fish appear to be swimming gracefully in large numbers, it could be a sign of abundance, suggesting that you’re entering a period of great opportunity. If the water in which the fish swim is murky or turbulent, however, it may indicate emotional confusion or unrest. Fish in troubled waters may suggest that you need to examine your emotions or that you’re struggling with unresolved feelings.

3. Dead fish in dream – Dreaming about dead fish can be a powerful symbol of stagnation or loss. It may represent missed opportunities, the end of a project, or emotional numbness. If the fish in your dream are rotting or lifeless, it could point to feelings of disappointment or a part of your life that has become stagnant, such as a relationship, career, or personal goal. Alternatively, a dead fish may symbolize something that once held emotional significance but has now lost its vitality. The dream may be urging you to let go and move on from past situations or negative patterns that no longer serve you.

4. Fish out of water in dream – A fish out of water in a dream may reflect feelings of discomfort, being out of your element, or struggling to adapt to a situation. This could indicate that you’re facing challenges in your waking life where you feel out of place, or that you’re not fully connected with your emotions or instincts. If the fish is struggling to breathe or survive outside the water, it might signify that you’re feeling disconnected from your true self or that you’re experiencing a sense of emotional alienation. On a more positive note, fish out of water could also symbolize an invitation to step outside your comfort zone and explore new experiences. This could be a sign that it’s time to embrace change or embark on a new journey, even if it feels challenging at first.

5. Eating fish in dream – Eating fish in a dream could symbolise nourishment—both physical and spiritual. In some cases, eating fish may reflect a desire for emotional or psychological sustenance. You might be seeking answers, guidance, or a deeper connection with your inner self. Eating fish can also be a sign of abundance, as fish is often a source of sustenance and energy in many cultures. If the fish you are eating is unappetising or unpleasant, however, it might suggest feelings of dissatisfaction or a lack of fulfilment in your waking life. Perhaps you’re pursuing something that, while seemingly rewarding, is not providing you with the emotional or spiritual nourishment you need.

6. Large schools of fish in dream – Dreaming about schools of fish (groups of fish swimming together in perfect harmony) can symbolise unity, cooperation, and social connection. This may indicate that you are surrounded by a supportive community, or it could suggest that you are part of a larger collective effort, whether in your personal life, work, or social circles. The dream may also signify the need for teamwork, collaboration, or aligning with others to achieve a common goal. Alternatively, large schools of fish could represent a sense of being overwhelmed. If you feel lost or insignificant within the group, the dream may be urging you to find your own voice and purpose amidst the crowd.

Personal interpretations and context 📝

As with all dreams, the meaning of dreaming about fish will vary based on your personal experiences and emotions. The specific details of the dream—such as the type of fish, the condition of the water, or the actions you take—will provide further context for interpretation. If you’re experiencing a particular challenge in your life, a dream about fish may be highlighting an emotional or psychological aspect of that situation. Similarly, if you’re going through a period of personal growth or transformation, fish might appear in your dreams to encourage you to dive deeper into your own subconscious and explore new possibilities.

Reflecting on your dream about fish 💭🐡

Dreaming about fish can be a deeply insightful experience, offering a window into your emotional state, subconscious mind, and even your spiritual journey. Whether you see fish as symbols of abundance, transformation, or emotional exploration, these dreams can guide you to a greater understanding of yourself and the circumstances you’re navigating in your waking life. As you reflect on your dream, consider the feelings and emotions you experienced during the dream and how they might connect to your current life situation. Fish, with their rich symbolism, may be nudging you to explore your inner world, embrace change, or reconnect with the flow of life. Ultimately, dreams about fish remind us that, like these creatures of the deep, we all have an inner world that is vast, mysterious, and full of potential—waiting to be discovered and explored.

So what’s this got to do with DreamingFish and video production?

At DreamingFish we provide creative video production and animation solutions to technology and high-growth companies in the UK and US, but was DreamingFish named because it relates to abundance and transformation? Perhaps it was because we’re all about exploring our inner world, taking a peek under the surface and looking deeper. Well that may all be the case, but actually one of our directors is a Pisces…and that’s a whole other blog!!!