Are Black Dogs in Dreams Unlucky?
Black dogs do usually show up in your subconscious, such as in a dream, when you are dealing with a difficult emotions that is connected to your shadow side. These can be any unpleasant emotions that are coming to the surface that you are fearful of, ashamed of, or are still trying to repress such as a trauma.
But, just because they show up when we are dealing with difficult emotions, does that mean that they are unlucky?
Seeing a black dog in a dream is not unlucky, even though it might show up when unlucky events are happening to you. They show up to give you information, and to help you bring shadow energy to the surface so you can work past it. More likely, they show up when you are going through deep internal change, or releasing negative energy from your space.
Often times black dogs show up because of the negative emotions that result due to unwanted changes in your life. For example, after a relationship ends you might feel grief and sadness and have scary dreams about a black dog. The black dog did not cause the breakup; it shows up to help you process those emotions so you can move on to a healthier relationship.
Usually, black dogs bring the energy of protection, so keeping black dogs in your house can protect your space from unwanted energies, and may even prevent bad luck.
Many people report having dreams of black dogs after experiencing episodes of depression and periods of feeling emotionally unwell. This is also where the term “black dog” is used as a metaphor for depression. So, do black dogs represent depression?
Black dogs can show up in dreams as the valence of what your depression represents. In a sense, if you are trying to deal with your depression, your depression can take on the form of a black dog so it is easier to process.
If you dream of a black dog while struggling with depression, the black dog could be a symbol of what that depression is doing to your energetic space.
For example, if you are running away from a black dog, you may be avoiding these emotions and letting them take over your life. Or, if a black dog bites or attacks you, you may feel completely overwhelmed and defeated by your depression.
Regardless of the dream, it is a positive sign because it means your subconscious is finally ready to face and deal with the depressions that are holding you back in life. Even if it seems scary, you may start feeling like you have the energy and ability to ask for help or incorporate habits that can help you manage your periods of feeling down.
Black dogs are shadow animal guides and are here to help you deal with the scary stuff stuck in the dark corners of the mind.
Spiritually, black dogs are very important figures and appear frequently to us in the form of dreams, visions, or ghostly figures that pass through the house during the night. While this can seem alarming, black dogs are a spiritual presence that shouldn’t be feared.
Seeing a black dog can have two spiritual meanings, and show up in two separate contexts:
Black dogs are one of the animal spirit guardians of the shadow realm, and often appear to people who need a shadow animal to help them get through deeply repressed emotions. These stuck emotions prevent us from growing spiritually.
Another situation where black dogs show up in dreams and visions is when our own pets pass away. If you recently had a dog pass away and see a big black dog in a dream or vision, this is a positive sign that your dog is being looked after and guided to the other side.
When a dog spirit that has passed on decides to visit, it is usually accompanied by a big black dog.
What Does a Black Dog Symbolize?
Black dogs have historically been connected to death, especially in European folklore and superstition. They have been known to be guardians of the underworld, keeping a watchful and protective eye on all those who have passed.
In contrast, many ancient cultures such as the Native American and East Asian cultures, dogs were seen as pack animals that belonged to a human tribe. They were praised for the utility that they brought with them, such as protection, hunting, playfulness, and companionship.
They represented guardianship, protection, and were often given as names to warriors who could watch over their people, known as “watchdogs.”
Going back thousands of years to when dogs were first domesticated, there is evidence to believe that dogs were not domesticated by humans; rather, they were wild wolves that chose to domesticate themselves. Seeing that wolves and humans could work in a symbiotic relationship, they helped each other survive and thrive, and soon became “man’s best friend.”
So, what does this have to do with black dogs? Black dogs are seen as the “wild wolf” in the spirit world that has decided to be a guardian and protector over our shadow side. Helping us in our shadow work has benefits to the collective consciousness, and it is a symbiotic relationship.
You want to meet Your Life Goals
If you dream about a giant black dog, it means that you want to achieve most of your life goals. It’s an encouraging thing to do, but as for you, you want to do it by all means possible.
The dream tells you that pushing to make yourself better is good. But it would be best if you had limits when you make plans to meet your targets.
Ensure you break down the goals into small and achievable targets. If you attack the whole black dog by all the means you can think of; it will make you greedy.
Remember, if you do or cruelly achieve things, you won’t have peace in the future. Deal with everything with wisdom and care, and then you’ll see your targets falling into place.
Black Dog in Dream Meaning – Black Dog Bite in Dream
Dreaming of a black dog attacking you in a dream is a sign that you are ready to face your shadow side, and are undergoing a deep internal shift. It is a scary process but in the end, you will become stronger. You are starting to face the difficulties of releasing your ego and stepping into a higher state of being.