Jaws certainly left a lasting impression on the collective unconscious. Even some thirty years later the movie still has the ability to scare people out of the water - if they dared to go in in the first place!

Sharks cause an irrational fear in many people and are often viewed as mindless animals bent on destruction. However, the truth of the shark is that unprovoked shark attacks are actually quite rare. As with most phobias, though, facts rarely alleviate fear.

Sharks, in nature, are fascinating animals. Perhaps the most prominent feature of the shark is their massive jaws and teeth which are what wreak havoc on their prey and give many people nightmares! As exceptional predators, sharks remain in constant motion extracting oxygen from the water as they swim in search of their next meal. And while their only purpose may appear to be to eat, it is important to keep in mind that sharks are in integral part of the underwater eco-system, helping to maintain balance in the ocean.

Sharks, while not a terribly common symbol, do nevertheless make appearances in dreams. By examining how sharks behave in waking life we can get some clues to understanding what they mean when they show up in dreams.

Predators

Sharks may represent predators or predatory situations in waking life. This can be a person, a relationship, or even a job situation that feels as if it is taking a serious toll on your life. Look at your waking life and see if there is a situation that feels predatory.

Danger

A similar interpretation is that of a dangerous situation. The shark may come into one's dream as an omen, a warning that one is in deep water, in over one's head, and that the results of continuing on may be disastrous.

Emotion

Animals in dreams often stand in for parts of one's self. As underwater creatures, sharks may represent deep emotions hidden in the unconscious. Since many people associate negatively with sharks, the shark may represent negative emotional states such as frenzied anger or resentment. The shark may be symbolic of the destruction these emotions can bring about if not recognized and dealt with.

The shark, especially if it is chasing you, may represent emotions that feel irrational and uncontrollable. Similarly, the shark may be standing in as a "shadow" symbol - parts of one's self that one is not acknowledging. More information on the shadow may be found here: Shadow

Perseverance and Stamina

As creatures the remain in constant motion, the shark may represent one's ability to persevere in order to achieve one's goals. Be careful though not to get so wrapped up in attaining a goal that scruples and the feelings of others are left by the wayside.

Aggression

Sharks may be symbols of aggressive people, or they may also be symbolic of one's own feelings of aggression. These feelings may be laying deep within one's psyche and may be the result of feeling helpless over a situation that one is unable to control. These feelings may not be readily identifiable as oftentimes we deny the parts of ourselves that are less than pleasant.

Until next time, sleep well and dream out loud!

*~Aisling Ireland~* is an ordained Spiritual Counselor providing dream interpretation and Tarot readings. To make an appointment check out her website at: web.mac.com/aisling.ireland

For more extensive information on animals in dreams, you might be interested in the links below. Animal Life in Nature, Myth and Dreams show the relationship between animals in nature and in our consciousness and in the unconscious. Medicine Cards is an oracle to help you work with and develop a relationship to animals that appear in dreams, or with which you have a special affinity.