The Transformative Journey of Swimming in Circles: Insights from Your Dreams

Dreaming of swimming in circles can evoke a range of emotions and reflections, often pointing to feelings of stagnation or confusion in one's waking life. This type of dream may indicate that you are currently feeling trapped by certain circumstances or caught in a cycle of repetitive thoughts and behaviors. From a spiritual perspective, swimming represents a deep dive into the subconscious, while circular motions might suggest that despite your efforts, you feel you are not making progress.

Just like the water envelops you, so can your current situation seem encompassing. Comprehending the symbolism behind such dreams encourages us to pause and contemplate our emotional landscapes, urging us to explore paths of clarity and resolution. Often, these dreams serve as gentle reminders to break free from unhelpful patterns and seek guidance in navigating our challenges.

• Dreaming of swimming in circles may indicate feelings of being trapped or confused.
• It could reflect the dreamer's current state of mind or emotional struggles.
• This dream can be a call for introspection and identifying patterns in life.
• Exploring the nature of your challenges can lead to greater clarity and direction.
• These dreams highlight the importance of seeking guidance and support in overcoming issues.

Symbols

• swimming
  • Government:

    (Ocean. See Swimmer)

  • Troubled waters:

    Swimming in troubled waters or in high tides in a dream means adversities, or having to face a strong opponent.

  • Swimmer:

    A swimmer in a dream represents someone who strives to serve his superiors or people in the government, though little is what he can offer.

• diving
  • Pearl fishery:
  • Treasure hunting:
  • Diver:

    (Go under; Submerse) In a dream, a diver represents a spy, an inspector or a reporter.

• bathing
  • Public bath:
  • Ghusul:

    (Ablution; Ghusul: Ritual ablution; Wash) A ritual bath ( arb. Ghusul. Islamic Law) is customarily performed on a festival day, or before the Friday congregational prayers, before starting a pilgrimage, after recovering from an illness, or is necessitated by the emission of sperms either during one’s sleep or following a marital intercourse.

    A ritual ablution is also given to a deceased person before his funeral and burial, or otherwise is taken by the undertaker himself after washing the dead. To take a ritual ablution in a dream before the Friday congregational prayers means purifying oneself, washing oneself from sin, repenting from sin, serving one’s parents, or being true to one’s friends. Taking a ritual ablution for any of the above reason during the wintertime and using cold water in the dream means distress, trouble or a sickness.

    If hot water is used, then it means profits, benefits and recovering from sickness. Taking a ritual ablution in a dream before attending a festival means getting married. Taking a ritual ablution after seeing either a solar or a lunar eclipses in a dream means an adversity, and the same applies if one takes a ritual ablution in a dream before the prayers of asking for rain.

    To take a ritual ablution after washing a deceased person in a dream means abandoning one’s association with heedless people. If the person who performs such an ablution is mentally DICTIONARY OF DREAMS 363 deranged, it means that he will wake-up cured from his condition. Taking a ritual ablution prior to joining the sacred pilgrimage in a dream means happiness, success, victory over one’s enemy, paying one’s debts, or reuniting with one’s beloveds.

    Taking a ritual ablution before circumambulating the sacred House in Mecca in a dream means working for one’s livelihood, serving rich people, or caring for one’s wife and parents. If a sick person sees himself taking a ritual ablution then putting on a new garment in a dream, it means that he will soon recover from his illness. Taking a ritual ablution in a dream also could mean the release of a prisoner, payment of one's debts, dispelling one’s distress, or it could mean richness, prosperity, attending the sacred pilgrimage in Mecca, or having a successful business.

    If one does not put a new garment after taking his ritual ablution in the dream, it means that he will be able to lighten his burdens, or recover his good health. Walking into a pond, or descending a well, or stepping into a bathtub to take a bath in a dream means marriage. Washing oneself with soap during such an ablution means dispensing of one’s debts, or dispelling one’s stress.

    Washing one’s garment after taking a Ghusul in a dream means correcting one’s conduct, pursuing the correct religious life, paying one’s debts, or washing away one’s filth. If one sees a deceased person washing himself before his burial in a dream, it means relief for one’s dependents and increase of their wealth after him. Giving a ritual ablution to a deceased person in a dream also means that someone will repent for his sins at the hand of the undertaker.

    If a deceased person asks someone to wash his clothes for him in a dream, it means that he needs someone to pray for him, or to intercede on his behalf before his Lord, or to pay charity for the benefit of his soul, or to pay his debts, or to fulfill his will, or to do him justice. If one does fulfills the deceased person’s wish and washes his clothes for him in the dream, it means the redemption of such a person.

  • Ritual ablution:
• rings
  • Wedding band:

    In a dream, a ring represents peace, tranquility, authority, a wife, a child, or a job, the reward of which will equal the value and size of the gemstone which is placed on it. If one’s wife is pregnant, and if he sees himself wearing a golden ring in a dream, it means that she will give birth to a son. The king’s ring in a dream represents his kingdom.

    Cutting off a tight ring with a pair of pliers in a dream means the end to one’s authority. Any incrustations on one’s ring in a dream represent his goals. If the gemstone of one’s ring falls in a dream, it may mean the death of his child, or the loss of his business.

    A broken ring in a dream means divorce. Wearing a ring made of iron in a dream means that one will receive benefits though with great strain on him. Wearing a golden ring carry ing a precious stone in a dream means that such benefits will come with ease.

    If it is a plain ring or a band with no stone, it means engaging in a strenuous project and getting nothing out of it. Rings made of ivory or from an animal’s horn in a dream represent glad tidings for a woman. Seeing someone in authority stamping a document with his ring as a seal in a dream means that one will receive an important political appointment.

    If one who is accustomed to wearing a silver ring sees himself offering it as a gift to whoever he wishes in a dream, it means that he will preside over an honorable post. Wearing the governor’s DICTIONARY OF DREAMS 361 ring in a dream means an appointment as a dignitary, or inheriting such a rank from one’s father. If one’s father does not hold such a position, then it means the opposite of one’s wishes.

    Finding a lost ring in a dream means earning money from a foreign land, or having a new born son, or it could mean a marriage to a righteous woman. If the stone of one’s ring seems unstable in the dream, it means that one will be fired form his job. Removing one’s ring in a dream means that one maybe removed from his job.

    If a woman sees herself removing her wedding ring in a dream, it means the death of either her husband or of a close relative. A ring in a dream also connotes a band, an encumbrance, or a shackle. If one’s ring disappears and only the stone remains in the dream, it means that once the responsibilities are gone, good memories of the person will remain.

    A man wearing a golden ring in a dream represents innovation, and the results will bring about afflictions, betrayal, or a revolt. Wearing a tight ring in the dream means that one will be let off from a vicious woman, or that he will be spared from a wicked duty. A borrowed wedding ring in a dream represents an ownership that will not last.

    If one buys an engraved ring in a dream, it means that he will own something he never owned before, such as a house, a vehicle, or perhaps he may get married, or bear a child. If one sees rings being sold in the open market in a dream, it means that the estates of the high society are for sale or it could represent foreclosure. If one sees the skies raining rings in a dream, it means that he will conceive a child during that year.

    If he is unwed, it means that he will marry a rich and a virgin young woman during that same year. If they are gold rings in the dream, it means that such a woman has lost her wealth. If one places a ring in his little finger then removes it to place it on his ring finger, then removes it again to place it on his middle finger in the dream, it means that he solicits customers for a prostitute.

    If one notices his ring sometime in his little finger, then in his middle finger, then in his ring finger without his doing in the dream, it means that his wife will betray him with another man. If he sells his ring for pennies or a handful of sesame, or for little flour in a dream, it means that he will separate from his wife, though they will have respect for one another, or it could mean that he will offer her a good financial arrangement. Receiving a ring that is inlaid with a precious stone from one’s son in a dream represents the good character and qualities of such a son.

    A stone which is made from worthless glass beads in the dream denotes a weak authority. A ring that is inlaid with a green sapphire in the dream means begetting an intelligent son who will become a great man of knowledge. A wooden ring in a dream represents a hypocritical woman.

    If a woman is offered a ring in a dream, it means that she will get married, and for a married woman, it means that she will give birth to a son. If the ring in one’s dream is interpreted to mean money or clothing, then it represents one’s status and high esteem his field. Receiving a ring as a gift in a dream also means happy news, or a marriage to a beautiful woman.

    Seeing an atheist who publicly brags about his actions and thoughts wearing a ring and turning its stone toward the palm of his hand in a dream, it means that he engages in sodomy. If a believer turns his ring inside during prayers in a dream, then it represents his modesty. Wearing a ring that carries two gemstones, one to the outside and the other to the inside in a dream means that one may chair two important appointments, material and a spiritual ones, or inner and outer ones.

    Wearing a ring with a carnelian-red stone in a dream means an end to one’s poverty. If a pious person, a religious person or an ascetic receives a silver ring from God Almighty in a dream, it means his salvation on the Day of Judgment. If he receives a silver ring from God’s Messenger (uwbp) in a dream, it represents a gift of a greater knowledge.

    If it is gold, iron, or copper, then it has negative consequences, because iron rings represent the chains of the dwellers of hell-fire. Somehow, to wear a simple band in one’s dream is better than wearing a heavy ring. Heavy rings in a dream also may connote an assassination or deceit.

    On the other hand, large rings in a dream also can be interpreted to mean something great, or something which entails sizable benefits. Lead rings in a dream mean weak authority. If one sends his ring to some people who returns it to him in the dream, it means that he is asking to betroth someone from such a family, but his request will be declined.

    If one sees his ring being forcefully pulled out from his finger in a dream, it means that he will lose his rank or whatever the ring represents to him. If one loses his ring in a dream, it means that he will experience something he hates to see it happening to him. (Also see Games; Solomon’s ring)

  • Rubber stamp:
  • Ring:

    In a dream, a ring represents peace, tranquility, authority, a wife, a child, or a job, the reward of which will equal the value and size of the gemstone which is placed on it. If one’s wife is pregnant, and if he sees himself wearing a golden ring in a dream, it means that she will give birth to a son. The king’s ring in a dream represents his kingdom.

    Cutting off a tight ring with a pair of pliers in a dream means the end to one’s authority. Any incrustations on one’s ring in a dream represent his goals. If the gemstone of one’s ring falls in a dream, it may mean the death of his child, or the loss of his business.

    A broken ring in a dream means divorce. Wearing a ring made of iron in a dream means that one will receive benefits though with great strain on him. Wearing a golden ring carry ing a precious stone in a dream means that such benefits will come with ease.

    If it is a plain ring or a band with no stone, it means engaging in a strenuous project and getting nothing out of it. Rings made of ivory or from an animal’s horn in a dream represent glad tidings for a woman. Seeing someone in authority stamping a document with his ring as a seal in a dream means that one will receive an important political appointment.

    If one who is accustomed to wearing a silver ring sees himself offering it as a gift to whoever he wishes in a dream, it means that he will preside over an honorable post. Wearing the governor’s DICTIONARY OF DREAMS 361 ring in a dream means an appointment as a dignitary, or inheriting such a rank from one’s father. If one’s father does not hold such a position, then it means the opposite of one’s wishes.

    Finding a lost ring in a dream means earning money from a foreign land, or having a new born son, or it could mean a marriage to a righteous woman. If the stone of one’s ring seems unstable in the dream, it means that one will be fired form his job. Removing one’s ring in a dream means that one maybe removed from his job.

    If a woman sees herself removing her wedding ring in a dream, it means the death of either her husband or of a close relative. A ring in a dream also connotes a band, an encumbrance, or a shackle. If one’s ring disappears and only the stone remains in the dream, it means that once the responsibilities are gone, good memories of the person will remain.

    A man wearing a golden ring in a dream represents innovation, and the results will bring about afflictions, betrayal, or a revolt. Wearing a tight ring in the dream means that one will be let off from a vicious woman, or that he will be spared from a wicked duty. A borrowed wedding ring in a dream represents an ownership that will not last.

    If one buys an engraved ring in a dream, it means that he will own something he never owned before, such as a house, a vehicle, or perhaps he may get married, or bear a child. If one sees rings being sold in the open market in a dream, it means that the estates of the high society are for sale or it could represent foreclosure. If one sees the skies raining rings in a dream, it means that he will conceive a child during that year.

    If he is unwed, it means that he will marry a rich and a virgin young woman during that same year. If they are gold rings in the dream, it means that such a woman has lost her wealth. If one places a ring in his little finger then removes it to place it on his ring finger, then removes it again to place it on his middle finger in the dream, it means that he solicits customers for a prostitute.

    If one notices his ring sometime in his little finger, then in his middle finger, then in his ring finger without his doing in the dream, it means that his wife will betray him with another man. If he sells his ring for pennies or a handful of sesame, or for little flour in a dream, it means that he will separate from his wife, though they will have respect for one another, or it could mean that he will offer her a good financial arrangement. Receiving a ring that is inlaid with a precious stone from one’s son in a dream represents the good character and qualities of such a son.

    A stone which is made from worthless glass beads in the dream denotes a weak authority. A ring that is inlaid with a green sapphire in the dream means begetting an intelligent son who will become a great man of knowledge. A wooden ring in a dream represents a hypocritical woman.

    If a woman is offered a ring in a dream, it means that she will get married, and for a married woman, it means that she will give birth to a son. If the ring in one’s dream is interpreted to mean money or clothing, then it represents one’s status and high esteem his field. Receiving a ring as a gift in a dream also means happy news, or a marriage to a beautiful woman.

    Seeing an atheist who publicly brags about his actions and thoughts wearing a ring and turning its stone toward the palm of his hand in a dream, it means that he engages in sodomy. If a believer turns his ring inside during prayers in a dream, then it represents his modesty. Wearing a ring that carries two gemstones, one to the outside and the other to the inside in a dream means that one may chair two important appointments, material and a spiritual ones, or inner and outer ones.

    Wearing a ring with a carnelian-red stone in a dream means an end to one’s poverty. If a pious person, a religious person or an ascetic receives a silver ring from God Almighty in a dream, it means his salvation on the Day of Judgment. If he receives a silver ring from God’s Messenger (uwbp) in a dream, it represents a gift of a greater knowledge.

    If it is gold, iron, or copper, then it has negative consequences, because iron rings represent the chains of the dwellers of hell-fire. Somehow, to wear a simple band in one’s dream is better than wearing a heavy ring. Heavy rings in a dream also may connote an assassination or deceit.

    On the other hand, large rings in a dream also can be interpreted to mean something great, or something which entails sizable benefits. Lead rings in a dream mean weak authority. If one sends his ring to some people who returns it to him in the dream, it means that he is asking to betroth someone from such a family, but his request will be declined.

    If one sees his ring being forcefully pulled out from his finger in a dream, it means that he will lose his rank or whatever the ring represents to him. If one loses his ring in a dream, it means that he will experience something he hates to see it happening to him. (Also see Games; Solomon’s ring)

• circles
  • Orbit:

    (Sun or moon orbits) In a dream, these two orbits may represent encircling one’s opponents, surrounding the path of debtors, a sign of a major meeting of leaders, adversities, or despise. The circle itself represents the noble and just people.

  • Galaxy:

    (Constellations; Firmaments; Heavens) Seeing oneself at the first celestial sphere in a dream means associating with a tyrant or a liar or befriending a mail carrier. The second celestial sphere represents the scribes of a king. The third celestial sphere represents a marriage to a woman from a noble lineage.

    The fourth celestial sphere represents leadership, prosperity and reverence. The fifth celestial sphere represents marriage to a most beautiful woman. Travelling in its orbit together with its stars in that galaxy in a dream means travelling to meet a ruler, a warrior, a pious man, or a perfect man.

    The sixth celestial sphere represents knowledge, blessings and steadfastness. The seventh celestial sphere represents the inner circles of a ruler. The eight celestial sphere represents the company of a great ruler.

    The ninth celestial sphere represents the company of a revered man. Seeing the tenth celestial sphere or the all-encompassing sphere in a dream means meeting the greatest ruler. Orbiting a celestial sphere or a galaxy or seeing them in a dream means rising in station and honor, attaining one’s goals, or increase in one’s power.

    If one sees the all-encompassing sphere in a dream, it means that he will meet the Almighty Lord, the Master of the universes, God Almighty Himself or become the intimate friend of the greatest ruler in the world. If one sees himself in a dream changing the order of stars, galaxies or constellations, it means being unjust or trying to obscure the truth. If a woman sees herself under the first celestial sphere in a dream, it means that she will marry someone from the ruling class.

    (Also see Constellations, Dog; Moon; Skies; Star)

  • Ambulate:

    (Ambulate; Ka'aba; Mecca; Walk around) If a sinner sees himself circumambulating God’s House in Mecca in a dream, it means that he will be freed from suffering in hell-fire. If one is unmarried, it means that he will get married. If one qualifies for promotion, it means that he will receive it.

    Seeingoneself performing a pilgrimage in a dream also means circumambulating God’s house in Mecca, developing a good character, living a straight and a worthy life, safety from fear, repayment of one’s debts, delivering entrusted merchandise to their rightful owners or money to its people on demand, being trustworthy, living an ascetic life, fulfilling a promise, atonement for one’s sins, distributing expiatory gifts or interceding on behalf of a trustworthy and a noble Imam. Seeing oneself circumambulating God’s house while riding on a mare in a dream means that one will commit the abominable sin of adultery with a member of his own family or with a consanguineous blood relative with whom it is not permissible to have sexual relationship. (Also see Ka'aba; Rituals of the pilgrimage; Sa‘i)

• loops
  • Under garment:

    (Under garment; Underpants) In a dream, a slip represents a free woman. A woman wearing an underwear slip in a dream denotes marriage. If she is wearing a flashy red slip in the dream, it means that she will be accused of wrongdoing.

    If a respectable woman adventures with her slip into the streets in a dream, it means that her misfortune will become the talk of the town.

  • Burrow:

    (Burrow; Hole; Underground passage) In a dream, a tunnel represents trickery and deception. If one sees himself digging a tunnel or a hole for someone else in a dream, it means tricking and deceiving him. If one enters the tunnel that he dug in the dream, it means that he will fall in his own trap.

    If one enters a tunnel or a burrow and cannot see light at the end of it, or if a traveller digs a hole, enters it and can longer see the skies or the stars above him in the dream, it means that thieves will rob him from his luggage, or that he will be high¬ jacked, or stopped by a band of highway robbers. If one sees himself taking an ablution or a bath inside the tunnel or in the hole in a dream, it means that he will arrest the robbers and recover his property. If one enters a tunnel and takes a bath inside it in a dream, it means that he will pay his debts, or repent for his sins, or if he is incarcerated, it means that he will be released.

    If one digs a tunnel and draws water from it or discovers a hole filled with still water inside it in a dream, it means that he earns his livelihood from trickery and deception.

  • Underground passage:

    (Burrow; Hole; Underground passage) In a dream, a tunnel represents trickery and deception. If one sees himself digging a tunnel or a hole for someone else in a dream, it means tricking and deceiving him. If one enters the tunnel that he dug in the dream, it means that he will fall in his own trap.

    If one enters a tunnel or a burrow and cannot see light at the end of it, or if a traveller digs a hole, enters it and can longer see the skies or the stars above him in the dream, it means that thieves will rob him from his luggage, or that he will be high¬ jacked, or stopped by a band of highway robbers. If one sees himself taking an ablution or a bath inside the tunnel or in the hole in a dream, it means that he will arrest the robbers and recover his property. If one enters a tunnel and takes a bath inside it in a dream, it means that he will pay his debts, or repent for his sins, or if he is incarcerated, it means that he will be released.

    If one digs a tunnel and draws water from it or discovers a hole filled with still water inside it in a dream, it means that he earns his livelihood from trickery and deception.

Practical Tips for Navigating the Waters of Your Dreams

• Reflect on Patterns in Your Life

  Take a moment to observe the recurring themes in your life. Are there cyclical patterns that keep appearing? Whether in relationships, work, or personal goals, recognizing these patterns can be the first step toward change.

  Keep a journal where you jot down feelings and thoughts when you wake up from these dreams. Reflection can reveal insights about what might be holding you back. If you often feel like you are swimming in circles, explore which areas induce these feelings.

  Open discussions with trusted friends or family members can also provide external perspectives during such reflections.

• Seek a Deeper Understanding

  Dreams often serve as the subconscious mind's way of communicating meaningful insights. Consider engaging in practices such as meditation or prayer to seek clarity. These practices can help you connect with your inner self and gain deeper understanding of the emotions tied to your dream.

  This doesn't mean that you need to solve everything at once, but allowing a moment for introspection can foster inner peace. Consulting a mental health professional might also provide essential tools to navigate your feelings and find strategies for dealing with repeated cycles in your life.

• Embrace Change

  Realizing that you can change your circumstances can empower you. Analyzing your dream can help identify steps you can take to break free from a cycle. This could be as simple as changing your daily routine, setting new goals, or even facing a challenge head-on that you’ve been avoiding.

  Acknowledging your capacity for growth can transform fear into action. Incorporate small changes gradually and observe how it affects your emotional and mental states. Remember, progress often comes in small, manageable steps.

FAQs

• What does it mean to dream of swimming in circles?

  Dreaming of swimming in circles typically signifies feelings of being trapped or caught in a cycle of repetitive situations or thoughts. It can reflect emotional confusion and the need for clarity in your life. This dream may encourage you to introspect and analyze areas in your life that feel stagnant.

• Is there a spiritual significance behind circular swimming dreams?

  Yes, from a spiritual perspective, swimming often represents a journey into the subconscious. Circular motions might indicate that while you are exploring deep emotions, you might still feel lost or not making progress. It's a call to engage in self-reflection and seek inner peace.

• How can I interpret feelings I experienced during the dream?

  Your feelings during the dream hold crucial clues. If you felt anxious while swimming in circles, it might highlight your real-life anxieties. Conversely, if you felt calm, it could signify acceptance or the need to embrace your current situation. Keeping a dream journal can help you articulate these feelings and reflect upon them.

• What can I do if I have recurring dreams of swimming in circles?

  If you experience recurring dreams, it may indicate unresolved issues in your life. Take time to reflect on recurring themes in your waking life and consider speaking with a mental health professional or spiritual advisor for guidance. Addressing underlying concerns could help alleviate such dreams.

• How can I break the cycle depicted in my dreams?

  Breaking the cycle requires acknowledgment and proactive steps. Reflect on areas of your life that feel stagnant and identify small changes you can implement. This could involve changing daily habits, setting new goals, or seeking support from family and friends.

References