- Dreaming about deceased relatives is a normal part of the grieving process. They usually mean that miss them and want to talk to them again.
- You may be dreaming of a departed relative because you're seeking guidance or closure, or you're coming to terms with your own mortality.
- If your relative appears happy and healthy in your dream, you’re probably healing from your loss.
Why are you dreaming of dead relatives?
You’re grieving. It’s incredibly common to dream about a deceased loved one during the grieving process. You’re still trying to come to terms with their death, and this is often your brain’s way of processing it. Your dream could vary depending on which stage of grief you’re in. For example, if you’re in the denial stage, dreaming of your relative alive could mean you haven’t accepted their death. If you’re in the acceptance stage, the dream could be the final goodbye you need to move on.
You feel guilty. Sometimes, we still have unresolved issues or things left unsaid when a loved one passes. If you find yourself dreaming of them, you might be seeking closure.
You’re going through a transition. While grief dreams typically occur soon after your loved one has passed, they’re also common when you’re going through a life change. This could be a divorce or when you’re approaching the end of your own life. Dreaming of your loved ones might provide comfort during a difficult time. Intuitive counselor and happiness coach Kari Samuels says, “Pay attention to your dreams because your dreams are always telling you things that your conscious mind doesn't want to pick up on.” Having a dream about a dead relative during a stressful time might mean you need to take a step back and try to relax.
They’re sending you a message. Many people believe the dead use dreams to communicate with the living. If you’re dreaming about a dead relative, they may be trying to send you a message, reassurance, or even a warning. Write about your dream in a journal, including as many details as possible. Read through your entry to find new clarity and understand emotions that were unclear before. Talk to a loved one. Sharing your dream with another person could also provide new insight. Ask a relative to help you decode any hidden messages in your dream.
You’re coming to terms with your own mortality. Sometimes when a loved one passes, it’s your first experience with death. In your dream, you might be discussing the concept of death and the unknown with your relative. This likely means you’ve been contemplating the idea of your own eventual death.
You’re just thinking about them. Perhaps their birthday or anniversary is coming up. Maybe you found an old photo of you two together. If a departed relative is on your mind for whatever reason, there’s a good chance they’ll appear in your dreams.
Common Dream Scenarios
Talking to a dead relative. When you dream of talking to your dead relative, you may be subconsciously seeking their advice. This person was likely someone you looked up to in life, and you may still look for them for guidance even though they’re no longer here. If your loved one offers advice in your dream, pay attention to it. It may help you solve your problem.
Attending the burial of a dead relative. If you dream of attending your loved one’s funeral, it could be a good or bad omen depending on the weather. Dreaming of a burial on a nice, warm day is a sign that abundance is coming your way. You can expect financial prosperity and healthy relationships. On the other hand, if you dream of a burial on a rainy day, this could signal sickness, emotional distress, or the end of a relationship.
A dead relative is resurrected. If you dream your relative has died and come back to life, it means you miss them. You want them back even though you know it’s not possible. If you find that missing your relative is negatively affecting your life, talk to a trusted loved one or a grief counselor about your feelings.
Eating with a dead relative. Eating with your relative means you may have a good, long life. If you’ve been sick, you may recover soon. This dream can also signify good news regarding work or business.
Traveling with a dead relative. If you dream of traveling with your dead relative, you’re likely facing problems alone. You wish you had someone to support you during your struggles, but you might not trust anyone in your waking life or you don’t want to burden them with your problems. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Being vulnerable and showing emotion is how you connect with people on a deeper level.
A dead relative chasing you. Dreaming of a dead relative chasing you often shows you have a fear of commitment or vulnerability. You may struggle with abandonment and trust issues and have a hard time developing relationships. If you feel the death of your loved one has affected your ability to develop relationships, consider talking to a grief counselor or other mental health professional. “You have to take time to yourself every day to process your emotions,” says intuitive counselor and happiness coach Kari Samuels. If you have a lot of negative thoughts, she recommends meditation. “First, bring your awareness into your heart. Now, bring your awareness into your ribcage and just focus on the actual physical act of breathing where you're feeling the air come into your lungs… How calming that is, right?”
A dead relative giving you money. There are different interpretations of this dream. Some believe a dead relative giving you money is a sign you’ll soon receive something good. If it’s a large amount of money, this might mean getting something you’ve always wanted. However, other interpreters believe this dream is a sign something negative is about to happen.
Questions to Help You Interpret Your Dream
What is your loved one’s state of mind? Examine how your relative is feeling. If they’re happy, this likely means they’ve moved on to a better place. If they’re sad or angry, they may have unfinished business. They might be reaching out to you to help them move on. Noticing their emotions and state of mind is a great starting point for interpreting your dream.
What is your relative doing? Your relative’s actions can tell you a lot about the meaning of your dream. Are they behaving normally or are they doing something out of the ordinary? For example, if your relative cannot speak, this could mean you’re afraid of the truth or don’t want to hear what they’re trying to say to you. If they’re walking around like normal, they’ve likely moved on into the afterlife.
How do they look? Does your loved one look the way they did when they were alive? Do they look better or worse? If they look healthy, you may be handling your grief better than if they appeared sickly. If they look younger than they did when they died, you may be beginning to leave your mourning period.
What was your relationship like? When you dream of a dead relative, consider how you felt about your relationship with them. Who is the relative you’re dreaming of, and were you close when they were alive? Examining what your relative meant to you can help you clarify the meaning of your dream and any messages you might be receiving.
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