14 Spiritual Meanings & Interpretations of Flying in Your Dreams

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Find out what the universe might be trying to tell you

Co-authored by Cheyenne Main Reviewed by Jason Zuk

Last Updated: August 21, 2024 Fact Checked

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General Spiritual Meanings

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Common Flying Dream Scenarios

Dreams about flying are incredibly common, and depending on the situation, they can be interpreted in a lot of ways spiritually. Most happy, positive flying dreams represent freedom or independence, while negative, anxiety-filled dreams can be a sign that issues from your waking life are following you to your dream world. Let’s dive into all the interpretations of flight in dreams and what it might mean for you.

Things You Should Know

Flying in a dream can represent a desire for freedom and independence in your waking life or a feeling of freedom as you break free from issues that have been plaguing you.
It can also represent a desire to escape from daily life or to bring in a major life transition that will bring you a fresh perspective, new experiences, and adventure.
People also interpret this dream as a sign that their spirit has left their mortal body and is connected with a higher plane of consciousness.

Section 1 of 2:

Spiritual Meaning of Flying in a Dream

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Positive flying dreams might reflect a desire for freedom and independence in your waking life.^{[1]
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They can also represent a feeling of empowerment as you break away from your day-to-day problems and feel free to soar in the air.^{[2]
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Research source}A negative flying dream can mean that you feel like you’re lacking direction.
Some people interpret dreams about flying as a sign that their spirit has left their mortal body (either metaphorically or through astral projection) and connected with a higher plane of consciousness.This dream may represent transcendence, enlightenment, salvation, or a deeper understanding of yourself and the world.A negative flying dream can signify that you’re afraid of losing touch with your friends and family or a part of yourself.

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Dreaming about flying can represent a desire to break free from daily life or to bring on a major life transformation.

You might seek a broader perspective, new experiences, or adventure and exploration.

This dream can also indicate that a transition is coming or that you need to expand your vision outside of your day-to-day life.^{[3]
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Research source}A fearful, anxious flying dream might mean that you’re feeling restless and eager to escape.
Dreaming about flying can represent your ability to rise above difficult situations.You have the strength and resilience to conquer the barriers ahead and achieve your goals.A negative flying dream can mean that in trying to achieve more, you’re reaching far beyond what you need to do, creating unnecessarily stressful situations.
Flying in a dream can mean that you’re feeling a sense of control over your life.You have a clear direction you’re heading in, and you navigate life with confidence and assurance.A negative flying dream can represent a fear or anxiety that you’ve taken too big of a risk. It can also mean that you feel like your life or emotions are out of control.

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Meaning of Different Flying Dream Scenarios

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Dreaming about flying in a plane or other vehicle can represent your control over your next destination or goal.

If your ride is smooth sailing, it may be a sign that you can safely overcome challenges and move from one stage of life to another.^{[4]
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Experiencing turbulence or crashing could mean that something in your waking life is preventing you from reaching the next stage.^{[5]
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Research source}Flying on an animal can represent a fear of the unknown or that your “wild self” is having a destructive impact on your waking life.
Flying through a clear sky can represent your desire to break free from your earthly bounds. The fact that there are no obstacles in the sky can mean you already have the power to overcome challenges. Flying through clouds and other obstacles could mean you’re feeling lost or overcrowded in your waking life.
Dreaming about flying over water could symbolize that you’re feeling a sense of control over your emotions.^{[6]
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Research source}If you’re flying over turbulent water, you may have an emotional issue that you aren’t addressing.
Flying away from danger can represent fear or dread that’s following you in your waking life. You may be actively trying to flee from bad situations or you may feel anxious that something bad might happen.If you successfully fly away, it could mean that you’ve avoided an obstacle or challenge you’ve been dreading.
Whether you take the shape of a bird or you have wings attached to your back, wings can symbolize freedom and new opportunities. As you soar forward, you encounter new beginnings that bring you hope, happiness, and fulfillment.Flying with your arms might mean your life is going well—your ambition and ability to create have given you a sense of freedom and satisfaction.
Soaring through space in your dreams may be a sign that a major change or transformation is about to happen in your waking life.If you feel unprepared for these changes or have a desire to escape reality, this dream might reassure you that these changes will bring you more opportunities for adventure.Flying too high without being able to come down can symbolize that you’re too overambitious. If you don’t glide back down, you may burn yourself out.
Flying beside someone you know can mean that you feel safe and supported by that person. You could also be ready to take a risk with them or start a new adventure together.

If you’re flying beside someone you don’t like, you might have similar traits to them that you’re unable to come to terms with.^{[7]
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Flying with someone who died can mean they’re watching over you and can protect you from any harm that comes your way.^{[8]
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Dreaming about falling can be a sign that you feel anxious, out of control, unsupported, or afraid of taking risks in your waking life.

You might also feel indecisive or fearful during the dream and after you wake.^{[9]
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If you’re struggling to lift off the ground, it could be a sign that something in your waking world is holding you back from advancing to the next stage in your life.^{[10]
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Lucid dreaming is being aware and able to control the objects, people, or events in your dreams.^{[11]
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These are generally positive, empowering experiences that can contribute to your well-being and personal growth.^{[12]
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If you lucid dream about flying, it might mean you might seek spiritual growth and awareness in your waking life.

Flying is one of the most popular activities for lucid dreamers.^{[13]
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