In Jungian terms, a cave symbolizes the unconscious (dark secret). To enter and explore is to gain the process of awareness or transformation or individuation. As a dark place to enter or leave, cave is also a symbol of the womb, and can represent mother; the feminine the vagina; sex; the birth process. In myth it sometimes symbolizes a place of initiation or rebirth, where one learns secrets truths that lead to growth and enlightenment.
The cave was the symbol of Demeter, Greek goddess of earth or fertility (corn, fruits). Her symbolic animal was the pig. Demeter was one form of the Great Mother, and the mother of Persephone, condemned to live part of the year in the underworld. Persephone’s cyclic emergence is a rebirth symbol.
Metaphysically, the cave refers to a created location within the head that serves as access to the higher self or universal creative energies; the doorway to the soul.
See also catacomb, pigs, tunnel.
Related dream symbolsHead
6 Personal Dreams and Interpretations so far ↓
Wendy // Jan 24, 2015 at 5:18 pm
I dreamed of my old sixth-grade students (who are now all in college), and we were all in a large cave. I was extremely frustrated and tried to hide my embarrassment by not remembering anyone’s name but one boy, Adrian. They were all still 11 years old, and I kept mixing up their names. (Upon waking, I remembered all their names immediately. This was an extraordinary class of unforgettable, extremely smart and talented youngsters – in a sea of usually below average classes – with whom I’ve stayed in touch.)
Kate // Jul 16, 2012 at 7:50 am
I was entering a cave i’s apparently been to many times in my dream world. before entering, a little baby owl flew out. it was so cute and I stood and looked at it for a while. it blew me a few tiny bubbles, and I went on my way to enter the cave. The cave as I had remembered it had changed drastically, it was now tight fitting tunnels that were difficult to crawl through…even wiggle through. I then realized that the walls were just a thin veil of sand…so i started destroying them with my fist as i slithered so I could fit through more easily.
kellly // Mar 27, 2011 at 10:22 am
I was in a small cave with one of my friends when it collapsed and we were both stuck in it sideways for 7+ hours.
Wes S // Feb 28, 2011 at 2:48 pm
As I entered a cave on the side of a mountain I was confronted by Jesus with a sword. We battled awhile but there was a feeling of brotherhood at the end and was no slaying of one another. Soon we went out of the cave, arriving at the top of a mountain with a beautiful view and surrounded by family as well as a feeling of a refreshing enlightenment although I didn’t know what of. p.s. I’m atheist and always have been even before this dream that was when I was around 8 years old.
Lisa // Oct 10, 2010 at 6:23 am
Last night I dreamed I was in a cave, reluctantly trying to find my way out. I was walking and I saw a snake just a meter away. I was terrified and I ran quickly and found myself coming out from the cave.. then I woke up.
Jake // Apr 19, 2009 at 5:40 am
I found myself running through a very dark cave (literally pitch black), and I was carrying a torch with me. I was running through the cave because the torch was burning low and I feared that it might go out. As I progressed I continually upset groups of bats, which flew directly into me. Eventually I came to a steep pebble/gravel covered slope covered with a lot of black snakes and at the bottom large red, black, and white striped snakes. I began sliding down the slope and had to avoid the snakes on the way down. (Then I woke up)
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