18 Dreams About Sharks & What They Mean Spiritually

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Demystify dreams about sharks attacking you, eating you & more

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IN THIS ARTICLE

1 Seeing a shark

2 Being attacked by a shark

3 Fighting a shark

4 A shark is chasing you

5 A shark is circling you

6 You survive a shark attack

7 You lose a limb in a shark attack

8 A shark is swimming towards you

9 A shark is in a pool

10 A shark eats you

11 Killing a shark

12 Catching a shark

13 You are a shark

14 Seeing multiple sharks

15 Seeing a dead shark

16 Seeing a baby shark

17 Seeing a black or white shark

18 Seeing a nurse, hammerhead, or great white shark

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Co-authored by Kari Samuels and Devin McSween

Last Updated: November 6, 2024 Fact Checked

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You’re peacefully floating in the ocean when out of the corner of your eye, you notice a shark circling you. As it threatens to get closer…you thankfully wake up. While seeing a shark in your dream can feel nightmarish in the moment, these creatures might carry spiritual meanings that apply to your waking life. In this article, we’ll go over all the different interpretations of shark dreams, from surviving an attack to being eaten whole. Read on to learn more!

Things You Should Know

• Dreaming about a shark attack might be a warning about a situation or person that can bring you harm in your waking life.
• A dream about a shark circling you can mean that you feel stressed about problems at work or in your personal life.
• Killing a shark in your dream can signify that you feel confident and in control of your circumstances.

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1

Seeing a shark

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1. In general, shark dreams represent strength and danger. Dreaming about a shark is a powerful biblical and spiritual symbol. Depending on the scenario, the shark might represent God’s power or His protection over you. Or, it can serve as a warning to be cautious about people or situations that can harm you.

   • Shark dreams can also signify your power, whether they’re a sign that you are in control, or that you need to gather courage to face challenges.
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2

Being attacked by a shark

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1. Getting charged by a shark might be a warning that you’re in danger. Dreaming about a thrashing, biting shark coming after you can indicate that a harmful situation or person is nearby. This might be a sign to watch out for your health, as a cold or illness might be in your future, or to look out for a scheming coworker who’s after your job.

   • When you have this dream, take it as a sign to take care of yourself so you’re prepared to face any issues. Get at least 8 hours of sleep each night, destress with yoga or meditation, and incorporate your hobbies into your daily life.

3

Fighting a shark

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1. Hitting away a shark might be a sign to face your problems head-on. A dream about battling off a shark can signify that obstacles are coming between you and reaching your dreams. So, this is your sign to face the challenges at work or school that are keeping you from getting a promotion or making it on the honor roll.

   • Recognizing that you’re dealing with a problem is the first step to facing challenges. Then, brainstorm different solutions to your problem and put them into motion.
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4

A shark is chasing you

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1. A shark coming after you can be a sign to go after your dreams. Being chased by a hungry shark might symbolize your desire to accomplish your goals. This dream can indicate that your previous attempts to go after your dream job or master a new skill didn’t work out, so your subconscious is telling you to take a different approach to go after them.

   • To set and accomplish your goals, write down each task you need to do and break it down into smaller items that are more manageable to tackle.

5

A shark is circling you

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1. A shark swimming around you can indicate you feel stressed. A dream where a shark threateningly circles you in the water can symbolize problems you’re worried about at work or in your relationships. This might signify that the stress is making you feel trapped or like you’re not in control.

   • When you’re feeling anxious or worried, take time to relax and destress. Go for a refreshing walk outside, listen to your favorite music, or put on a TV show.
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6

You survive a shark attack

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1. Being unharmed by a shark can mean you’ll overcome your problems. Coming out unscathed from a shark attack in your dreams might signify that you have the power and strength to tackle life’s challenges. If you’re working on a difficult project at work or struggling with a relationship problem, this is a good omen that you’ll work through the issue and come out on top.

   • When you’re facing a problem in your life, write the issue down. This helps you gain perspective about it, how to tackle it, and feel less stressed about it.

7

You lose a limb in a shark attack

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1. A shark biting off a limb can signify you’re questioning your decisions. If you’re doubting recent choices you’ve made, your brain might turn your worries into a vengeful shark tearing at you piece by piece. This dream is often a reminder that the decisions you make at work or in your personal life affect you and others, so weigh them carefully to make the right ones.

   • Jot down a pros and cons list whenever you have to make a tough decision about your career or life. This helps you identify the best path forward.
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8

A shark is swimming towards you

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1. A shark coming close to you can mean a challenge is on the horizon. Dreaming that a shark is getting close to you as you swim can be a sign that you’re going to face difficult problems in your waking life. This can mean trouble at work, like being assigned a tough project, or in your personal life, such as an acquaintance talking about you behind your back.

   • Take this dream as a sign to deal with the challenges life throws your way. When you face a problem, calm yourself with several deep breaths then break it down to find a solution.

9

A shark is in a pool

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1. Seeing a shark in a pool can be a sign you’re attracted to someone. In the world of dreams, sharks often represent your desire to date and be with someone you know in your waking life. This might be your subconscious cluing you in on your crush and telling you to make your move!

   • Sometimes, seeing a shark in a pool can be a warning about dangerous people or situations. If you’re meeting someone new or starting a new project at work, take this dream as a sign to proceed cautiously.
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10

A shark eats you

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1. Being swallowed whole by a shark might indicate you feel helpless. If your responsibilities are piling up at school, work, or home, you might have a nightmare about a huge shark eating you. This can indicate that you feel overwhelmed or like you can’t possibly tackle all of the tasks that are pulling at you.

   • When you feel overwhelmed, take deep breaths to calm yourself down. Just inhale slowly for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7, and then exhale for 8 seconds.

11

Killing a shark

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1. Defeating a shark in your dream can mean you feel confident. A dream about killing a shark that’s chasing after you is typically a good omen. This is a sign that you feel in control of your waking life. You might feel like you’ve got all the skills and abilities to succeed in your career or budding relationship.

   • Taking down a shark can also signify that it’s time to let go of things that aren’t serving you. If there’s a friend who isn’t treating you well, this might be your sign to end the friendship and peacefully move on.
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12

Catching a shark

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1. Trapping a shark might mean you have the strength to solve problems. Whether you were fishing for a shark in your dream or caught one right before it lunged at you, this dream is a positive sign. If you’re facing a lot of challenges at work or school, this is reassurance that you have the power and ability to tackle them and succeed.

   • Take this dream as a sign that you’re improving your problem-solving skills. With all the hard work you’re putting in, you might be rewarded with a pay raise at work or a certificate for your great grades.

13

You are a shark

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1. Transforming into a shark can mean you feel vengeful or aggressive. Dreaming about swimming in the depths of the ocean as a shark is often a sign that you’re taking on shark-like qualities in your waking life. For example, a friend might’ve wronged you, so you want to take revenge on them. Or, there might be an opening at your company, so you’re ruthlessly going after it without regard to anyone else.

   • While sticking up for yourself and being ambitious are great qualities, this dream can also be a reminder to be empathetic and consider how your actions affect others.
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14

Seeing multiple sharks

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1. Witnessing a group of sharks can indicate your reputation is in danger. If seeing 1 shark swim towards you in a dream signifies danger, watching multiple sharks might be a sign that multiple shady people are on your radar. Use this dream as a warning to be cautious around new people, as they might throw your reputation under the bus to score your job or coveted social status.

   • Trust your gut when you hang out with new people. If someone gives you an uneasy feeling, listen to that and don’t make plans with them again.

15

Seeing a dead shark

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1. A lifeless shark can signify a guardian angel is protecting you. Sharks are often signs of danger and stress in your life, so seeing a dead one might mean your guardian angel or spirit guide is looking out for you. They’re watching out for potential people and situations that might cause you harm and steering you away from them.

   • Seeing a dead shark in your dream might also mean that success will be easier for you. The shark symbolizes all the obstacles that are now clear from your path.
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16

Seeing a baby shark

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1. A dream about a baby shark can indicate you feel emotionally immature. If you’re confused about the emotions you’ve been feeling recently, you might dream about baby sharks. This can be a sign that you don’t feel completely emotionally mature yet, or that you feel like you can’t control your feelings.

   • When you start to feel your emotions spinning out of control, take a brief moment to reflect how you’re feeling. Recognizing your feelings is typically the first step to controlling your emotions.

17

Seeing a black or white shark

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1. The shark’s color can be a sign to watch out for people or your health. Typically, dream sharks are either black or white. Black usually represents death and illness, so this can be a warning to look after your physical and mental health. If the shark you see is white, this might be a warning that someone is trying to deceive you.

   • White usually represents purity and goodness. If you didn’t feel scared by the white shark, it might signify that you’re surrounded by positive, loving people.
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18

Seeing a nurse, hammerhead, or great white shark

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1. The type of shark might influence the meaning of your dream. Dreaming about a specific kind of shark, like a nurse, hammerhead, or great white, can add symbolism and meaning to the events of your dream. For example, different sharks carry different messages like:

   • Nurse shark: stay calm and peaceful during stressful times.
   • Hammerhead: be aggressive only when the situation calls for it.
   • Great white: you might be feeling nervous or threatened by something.
   • Tiger shark: be forgiving to others and about your past mistakes.
   • Zambezi shark: remain even-tempered even when you’re provoked.

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