If you’ve been dreaming of dead relatives recently or have dreamt of dead relatives in the past, it can surely bring up some tense emotions no matter if the dream was good or bad. Dreaming of dead relatives can be comforting and positive in many ways by giving us a sign that our loved ones have passed onto the life over. No matter what took place in the dream, dreams can sometimes feel so real that we feel as though we’re actually living in them. However, it’s important to realize why we may be having these dreams and how they apply to our waking lives despite them not being real.
If you’ve been dreaming of dead relatives, chances are that you’re still mourning them. When we have dreams about dead relatives, they may be there to help us process feelings of loss and grief while serving as a direct source to try and communicate with them.
Ahead, we discuss why you may be dreaming about dead relatives and everything else you need to know.
Why am I dreaming about dead relatives?
Our dreams serve as a gateway to access and hold onto memories within our subconscious mind. If you’ve recently had a dream about dead relatives, this can indicate your relationship with your deceased loved ones, whether it’s a child, a parent, or a spouse. These particular dreams can highlight those relationships by creating scenarios that portray real situations and experiences.
5 Meanings Behind Dreaming of Dead Relatives
Dreaming of dead relatives can bring up many emotions that may have been laying dormant or were not in our conscious awareness. It is important to listen to what the dream may mean so that you can be aware of exactly what the message is. Knowing the message will then allow you to make the most informed decision about what to do next–seek professional help, mourn the loss of the relative in a physical and cathartic way, honor their memory by doing an activity they used to enjoy or anything that is helpful to you.
Still mourning the loss of a dead relative
When our loved ones pass on to the next life, it’s okay to still miss them no matter how much or how little time has passed. When you lose someone who’s extremely important to you, the mourning process can sometimes be harder to deal with, making your subconscious mind more susceptible to dreaming about them.
Projecting emotions
Dreaming of dead relatives can likely indicate themes of emotional projection. If the relative in your dream expresses feelings of sadness or anger, you may actually be feeling these emotions toward how you feel about yourself. It’s important to analyze the dream scenario and see how it could pertain to you and some unresolved feelings you may have about the loss of a loved one.
Desiring connection
When a loved one passes, desiring connection is always one of the first feelings that may pop up if you’re still actively grieving. Feelings of loneliness and isolation are often a result of the mourning process, which is why it’s important to give yourself compassion and grace during this difficult time.
Spiritually connected
Dreaming of dead relatives can definitely signify you’re connection to the spiritual realm. While dreams are created from our subconscious minds, they are definitely ways our spirit guides, ancestors, and loved ones try to communicate with us. When we’re asleep, we’re in a vulnerable state that allows us to tap further into divine realms, which often results in us seeing our loved ones on the other side.
Needing support and guidance
And though seeing dead relatives in a dream can bring up positive and comforting feelings, there’s also a chance that you may need some support and guidance along the grieving path. If you’re constantly dreaming about dead relatives or are having a difficult time coping with day-to-day tasks, seeking professional support can help you through some difficult emotions.
It’s okay to feel how you feel, however, it’s important not to let negative feelings drive you further and further into a black hole. Try thinking about what your loved ones would want, and from there choose to continue living your life the best way you can.
When to seek professional support
While mourning the loss of those we love dearly, it’s never a one size fits all situation. Sometimes, mourning can take months to years to filling a never-ending void that, frankly, cannot be filled. If you’re feeling lonely, isolated, or alone, seeking professional help can be the way to move forward for you. And though it may not be the same path as it once was, it can certainly help to bridge new paths of joy, peace, and inner fulfillment.
Embrace The Dreams and Emotions
Dreaming of dead relatives can bring a wide range of emotions. Whether comforting or not, it’s important to identify the root cause of why you may be having these dreams and ways you can cope with them. If you’ve been having a difficult time lately while going through the grieving process, don’t be afraid to reach out for support—it’s always there when you need it. In fact, mourning with others through communicating memories, experiences or feelings about the person or grieving process is often a productive way to allow the grief to move through you without stifling or shutting it down. In the long run, this is the best way to manage and move through grief.