Dreaming of seeing or encountering shit in a dream carries a complex and multi-faceted symbolism. It can often serve as a metaphorical representation of those things in our lives that we find distasteful, that we’d rather not deal with, or that make us feel soiled or diminished in some way. This dream can act as a mirror, reflecting our internal feelings of shame or embarrassment regarding certain situations in our waking lives.
Picture, for a moment, a man named Mark. Now, Mark has always been a go-getter, always pushing himself to achieve and maintain a pristine image in both his professional and personal life. However, one day, Mark makes a mistake at work, and his reputation takes a hit. That night, he dreams of stepping into a large pile of shit. The feeling of disgust, the stain on his shoe, the unpleasant odor, all mirrors the feelings he experiences in his waking life regarding his diminished reputation.
Dreaming of shit can also be indicative of situations or relationships we might feel are “messy” or complicated. It might be pointing towards unresolved issues or feelings of guilt and regret. On the other hand, given that shit is a natural byproduct of the body’s digestive process, it can also symbolize the need for elimination or purging of negative emotions, thoughts, or situations. Just as the body needs to get rid of waste to function properly, our mind and soul sometimes need a bit of cleansing too.
But here’s the ironic twist: while the sight or smell of shit is undeniably repugnant to most, it’s also a natural fertilizer. It nourishes the earth and helps plants grow. So, in some strange way, shit in a dream might be pointing you to the idea that sometimes, from our messiest, most embarrassing moments, come our greatest periods of growth and renewal.
Imagine Lucy, a young artist, constantly battling with self-doubt and insecurities about her work. One night, she dreams of a garden, fertile and thriving, but at its center is a large pile of shit. However, surrounding this pile are the most beautiful flowers she has ever seen. Upon waking, Lucy realizes that her doubts and fears, while uncomfortable, can be the very things that fuel her creativity. They push her to strive better, work harder, and bloom in ways she never thought possible.
If you’ve dreamt of shit, it might also suggest that there are untouchable or taboo subjects in your life that you avoid. These are the topics or feelings that you might find hard to confront, but confronting them might be necessary for personal growth.
Culturally, the interpretation of shit in dreams can vary. In some cultures, dreaming of shit is seen as a sign of wealth or luck, suggesting that unexpected riches or good fortune is heading your way. In others, it might signify a situation where one feels “stuck” or unable to move forward, much like the feeling of stepping into something unpleasant and getting stuck in it.
As you awake from your shit-laden dream, don’t rush to scrub it from your memory. Instead, dive deep into its murky waters. What is it trying to tell you? Is there something in your life that feels dirty or untouchable? Is there a situation you’d rather avoid but know deep down you must face? Or perhaps, like Lucy, you are being nudged to find the beauty in the mess, to grow and thrive in spite of, or even because of, the challenges you face.
Carry the lessons and introspections from this dream into your waking life. Embrace the messy, complicated, and sometimes unpleasant aspects of life. For it’s often from these very situations that we find our strength, resilience, and an unexpected path to growth. After all, life isn’t always a bed of roses, but even roses need a bit of muck to truly flourish.