Discover the meaning behind the myths that still shape our world.

Dreaming of a woman kissing you signifies deceit, a man’s kiss heralds friendship, and seeing a horse in a dream brings great luck.

Dream Symbols: Kisses and Horses in Sleep Lore

Details

According to traditional dream lore, specific symbols in dreams convey interpersonal truths and fortune omens. A dream in which a woman kisses you foreshadows betrayal or deceptive affection in waking life. Conversely, a kiss from a man signals genuine companionship or loyalty. Meanwhile, dreaming of a horse—regardless of color or breed—is believed to be exceptionally fortunate, possibly foretelling financial gain, freedom, or positive change. These interpretations were often written in dream dictionaries or passed down orally, based on symbolic associations. They were frequently used by individuals seeking insight into their emotional or social futures and were sometimes consulted alongside astrology or palm readings. The symbolism typically depends on the dreamer’s gender, personal context, and cultural setting. People might recount these dreams the following day and seek interpretations from elders or folklore sources.

Historical Context

The interpretation of kisses and animals in dreams stems from 19th-century European dream books, which categorized symbols as omens with moral or predictive value. Women were often associated with temptation or duplicity in patriarchal narratives, which may explain why a kiss from a woman was viewed suspiciously. Men, interpreted more positively in this context, symbolize trust or brotherhood in dreams. Horses, long associated with strength, travel, and prosperity, were seen as beneficent dream symbols across multiple cultures—particularly for those in agrarian or cavalry-based societies. The Victorian fascination with dreams as messages from the subconscious or spiritual realm led to the proliferation of dream dictionaries and manuals, where such interpretations were widely disseminated. These books were often published anonymously or under pseudonyms and combined Christian and classical mythology with folk beliefs.

Modern Relevance

While modern psychology, particularly the work of Freud and Jung, has largely replaced these symbolic dream interpretations with psychoanalytic methods, remnants of these beliefs still persist today. Horse imagery in dreams is still frequently interpreted positively in popular dream websites, symbolizing power, freedom, or progress. The kiss interpretations also linger in internet forums or casual conversation, though now often explained metaphorically rather than literally. In some Eastern European, South American, or folk-Catholic regions, traditional dream guides remain popular in rural households. Additionally, with increasing global interest in spirituality and dream journaling apps, elements of historical dream interpretation—especially around common symbols like animals or personal interactions—are resurfacing in modern wellness and lucid dreaming communities.

Sources

Storm, Hyemeyohsts. Seven Arrows. Ballantine Books, 1972.

Quick Facts

Historical Period

Victorian Era (likely 19th Century)

Practice Type

Symbolic Interpretation

Classification

Good Luck and Warning Superstition

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