Dreaming Lens: Were you in, near or on the river? Did it feel safe? Were the rapids swift or gentle? Did you want to cross it? Were you able to cross it? Were you traveling downstream? Were you fighting to move upstream? Was the river running dry? Did you know where it lead to, or originated from? Were there any boats or other people present?
Personal Focus: Any dream that involves water connects to emotions. In the case of a river, the essential meaning relates to the expression of feelings and emotional flow. All rivers eventually deposit their contents into the ocean, the symbol of all that is unconscious. This adds the perspective of emotions that move freely across our conscious awareness as they travel back to their ultimate mysterious source. The intensity of the river’s flow in a dream is a direct barometer of the level of emotionality of your life that is being expressed by this image.
The force of a river can run the gamut from a babbling brook to a torrential powerhouse. The volume of water involved can also vary greatly. A dry or barren riverbed indicates a lack of expression and a desperate need for emotional content. One that is overwhelmed by flooding might point to a situation that may feel dangerous and threatening to the stability in your life. An obstacle that blocks a river, such as a dam, reveals some level of emotional blockage. All of these distinctions will figure prominently into an accurate interpretation.
The underlying message to be considered when a river appears in a dream is that of surrender. Over time, the path of a river has enormous impact on the land surrounding it. With a mind of its own, it carves its way with force and determination. Symbolically, a river would be the emotional experiences in life that rush upon you. While sometimes frightening, if you surrender to them, you will be carried to the next destination on your journey, possibly even your heart’s desire.
Rivers often appear in dreams when you need to let go of things in your life as they are and go with the flow. A river is in charge of the journey it takes you on, often pushing you up against obstacles or inviting you to maneuver around them. The call to action here may indicate a need to trust your feelings, no matter how frightening they may be. Human beings, by nature, resist change and are often overwhelmed by the sense of vulnerability that comes with it. Your unconscious mind may be calling you to relinquish control and move gracefully from where you are to where you are going.