Dreaming of sharks: What It Means

A crocodile usually stands for a hidden threat or an intimidating person, and the dream is generally read as a warning. It often points to danger lurking where you least expect it.

The ocean often stands for the unconscious, big emotions and open possibility. Calm water feels like peace and opportunity, while rough or murky water can reflect anxiety or a situation that feels too big.

Drowning dreams usually reflect feeling overwhelmed by emotions or circumstances. Because water is often tied to abundance in folk readings, some traditions give them a more hopeful twist depending on the details.

Snake dreams are among the most common and most talked-about dreams. They can point to transformation, healing and hidden energy, but also to fears you haven't faced or someone you don't fully trust; the details of the dream decide which.

Pig dreams are mixed in Western symbolism, where pigs can stand for appetite, indulgence and comfort. In East Asian folklore, though, a pig is a famously lucky sign of prosperity, and that more upbeat reading is the one this dream usually gets.

A big, thick snake such as a python or boa is a powerful symbol of strength, transformation and something large moving through your life. In East Asian folklore the large snake is a protector of the home and a sign of great fortune, while Western readings lean toward deep change or a big fear.