Are you dreaming about rats? Perhaps they are chasing you in the dream, or maybe they are taking over your home! Dreams of rats are pretty common. This is because rats have a lot of different connotations in society.
When we dream, our subconsciousness uses symbolism to reveal our hidden or repressed emotions. This means that dreaming of rats isn’t usually about these little furry creatures! Instead, they are a symbol of something within us.
Let’s look at common rat dreams and what they might mean for you.
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Why Do We Dream?
Before we dive into what dreaming of rats means, let’s take a moment to remind ourselves of the importance of dreams.
Nobody really knows why we actually dream. However, there are loads of pretty interesting theories! One fascinating theory comes from psychologist Antti Revonsuo. It is called the threat simulation theory and suggests that our dreams are us practicing real-life threats. When we dream, we are acting out threats we may face in the physical world, which means we are prepared if these situations actually occur! I can totally understand this when it comes to rats. I live in a city, and there is nothing as scary as meeting a huge town rat in the back lanes at night!
However, this theory kind of falls short. Sometimes we dream of weddings or have birthday dreams, but this isn’t because we fear these fun events.
A significant theory of dreaming comes from Freud, who suggests that dreams are symbols. Our inhibitions are left behind when we are asleep, and we can explore our subconsciousness. What we dream about symbolizes the hidden depths of our minds and souls.
Dreaming About Rats: Spirit Animals
There are also fascinating spiritual explanations of dreams. Many people believe that our dreams hold messages from our spirit guides.
You may be dreaming about rats because they are your spirit animal. The idea of spirit animals is an incredibly old tradition and is found in cultures around the globe.
Our spirit animal can be anything and is there to guide us in life. They appear in our dreams and the world around us, and we feel deeply connected to them.
If you have the rat as your spirit animal, you are a strong-willed and assertive individual. You are very intelligent and know how to solve problems in a rational and constructive way.
Those with rats as their spirit animals are usually very wise and are able to provide others with advice and support.
Dreaming About Rats Meaning
If the rat isn’t your spirit animal, there are other reasons why you may be dreaming about them. In order to understand why you are dreaming about rats, it is useful to reflect on your feelings toward them.
Many of us associate rats with illness as people believed that they spread the Black Death in the Middle Ages. However, others admire them for their intelligence and friendliness. What connotations do you have regarding rats?
It is also helpful to recall your emotions in the dream. Are you scared? Are you worried? Paying attention to how you feel in the dream will help you understand what your subconsciousness is trying to tell you.
Now, let’s look at the common dreams about rats and what they mean.
Dreaming About Being Chased By Rats
Dreaming about rats can be pretty scary, especially when they are chasing you! This dream usually signifies a subconscious worry about your health.
If you are dreaming about being chased by rats, it is time to focus on your health and well-being. Are certain worries niggling at you? Is there a health problem you need to address? Reflect on your overall health and figure out what the rats could symbolize.
It may be time to go to the doctor for a general check-in to ease your worries. You may also benefit from making healthy changes in your life, such as kicking smoking or eating better food. Little changes can do the world of good!
Dreaming About Rats in the House
Dreaming about rats in the house often represents your interpersonal relationships and how you feel about those in your life.
Rats usually symbolize negativity and harm, and this means that your dream represents your worry about this energy coming into your safe space. Perhaps you do not trust a certain friend or family member and you are concerned about how they are impacting your life. It may be someone that you simply have to deal with, such as a coworker.
If you are dreaming about rats in the house, it may be time to work on your personal boundaries. If you feel threatened by a negative person, make sure you are putting the steps in place to keep them from effecting your happiness and home.
Dreaming About Rats Biting You
Because of the link between rats and disease, dreaming about rats biting you represents a fear you have regarding the negative influence of other people. In the dream, this person is represented by the rat, and the biting reflects their poison.
Do you have a narcissist in your life? Is there a person who you find draining and negative?
It may be hard to avoid these kinds of people. However, there are things you can do to avoid their negativity impacting your own happiness. Set clear boundaries and remind yourself that you have the strength to rise above their bad attitude.
Dreaming About Dead Rats
Dreaming about dead rats can be extremely upsetting. However, it actually holds quite a positive message if you are scared of rats!
In this dream, the rat symbolizes fears or unhealthy relationships. Because it is dead, it suggests that this negativity is coming to an end, with a clear opportunity to become a healthy and positive individual.
In dreams, death usually signifies a time of renewal and rebirth. What can you do to embrace this energy and let go of the things that are holding you back?
Dreaming About Rats Scratching You
You may be dreaming about rats scratching you because you are ignoring an issue in your waking life. The rat is a force of negativity or ill health, and it is scratching you to get your attention!
Your subconsciousness knows that, in order to be happy, you need to address whatever it is that the rat symbolizes. This may be unhealthy behaviors, toxic relationships, or negative attitudes.
Check in on your mental, physical, and spiritual health. Work out if there is anything you need to do to maintain a balance and healthy lifestyle.
Dreaming About Rats Crawling on You
Dreaming about rats crawling on you is an incredibly overwhelming dream. It sticks with you for ages after you wake up, and you can almost feel them still on your body!
This dream usually reflects health anxiety. You may be overwhelmed with worry about your health and well-being, and you feel as if it is taking over your life. Anxiety over physical health is really common, however, it can begin to affect your mental health.
You may benefit from speaking about your worries with your doctor. They are able to reassure you that everything is okay, and provide you with tips on how to deal with your anxiety.
Dreams About Rats Running
Dreaming about rats running around usually reflects worry and doubt. You may feel as if you have no control in life, and this is represented by your lack of control over the rats in your dream.
These worries may be rooted in insecurity. Perhaps you are worried about your friends and loved ones abandoning you. Or, maybe you feel as if you are not good enough to achieve your goals.
Whatever it is, it is time to focus on your self-confidence. Work with positive affirmations to boost your self-esteem and remind yourself daily that you are loved and worthy.
Dreaming About Rats: Specific Colors and Their Meanings
Our subconsciousness often uses color to symbolize our emotions. This means that the color of the rats we are dreaming about is significant.
Let’s look at the different colors of rats and what they might mean for you.
White Rats
The color white is typically associated with life and hope. Because of this, dreaming about white rats usually signifies a renewal regarding your health and well-being.
You may begin to feel much more positive about yourself, with issues and insecurities addressed and overcome. Any problems that have been holding you back will be solved and you will find yourself in a positive and hopeful place.
Brown Rats
We often associate the color brown with stability and the material world. If you are dreaming about brown rats, your subconsciousness may want you to address any issues in the material world and work to maintain balance and security.
As rats are often associated with ill health, the symbolism of safety and balance is reflected in your well-being. It may be time to focus on your overall health and work on maintaining balance in your mind, body, and soul.
Black Rats
The color black is often linked to negative energy and deception. If you are dreaming about black rats, it may be because you have a deep fear of being deceived and hurt by those around you.
It is time to work out if your fears are grounded in reality or not. Do you have a reason to be suspicious of others? Or, does this anxiety come from within?
Pink Rats
Linked to love and joy, the color pink has great spiritual and symbolic meanings. Dreaming about pink rats may be a sign of renewal and hope. Things may have been difficult for you recently, but your subconscious wants you to know that you have the love and compassion to overcome any issues.
Things will begin to get better. Make sure you are trusting in yourself and let your inner knowledge guide you forward.
Are You Dreaming About Rats?
Dreaming about rats can be pretty scary. Rats are associated with ill health and worries. However, these dreams usually serve as a reminder that you are able to overcome this negative energy and thrive.
If you want to learn more about dreams, have a look at my in-depth guide to dream interpretation. This will help you explore the hidden messages within your dreams. I also have a guide to the most common dreams and what they mean here.