I must say, I have a fondness for tigers--especially the rare white tigers. I find them exotic, powerful, and fascinating. Obviously, if I dream of tigers, my psyche is probably using the symbol to signify one of those ideas. However, there are many other interpretations as to what a tiger represents in a dream.

Tigers are related to cats; they are cats but on a much larger scale. They are far more powerful and they are wild. But given the relationship to cats, it may be useful to look at the symbolism of cats in dreams. You can find an article about dream cats at: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art10577.asp

As with cats, tigers represent sexuality--specifically feminine sexuality. They also represent power and beauty. They can also serve as symbols of something that you must pay attention to: turning one's back on a tiger is probably not the best of all ideas!

In the Thoth Tarot deck, the Princess of Wands is depicted as a woman who has a tiger by the tail. The tiger trails behind her as she moves on to other adventures. In her case, she has subdued the tiger. The card is an excellent symbol of the positive aspect of dreams about tigers. The tiger, with it's orange body, may represent the fire element. The fire element is a source of great power and once that power is dealt with and respected, it becomes a great ally.

However, having the 'tiger by the tail' can also have a very negative connotation as the Chinese proverb, "Ch'i 'hu nan hsia pei" points out. The proverb is translated as "He who rides a tiger is afraid to dismount." Having the tiger by the tail can mean that only the tip of a dangerous problem is being handled. Once the tail is released, danger is certain. Again, with regard to the fire symbolism, it must be noted that fire, in the hands of the careless is a terribly destructive element. Look to your dream and see what kind of feelings the tiger elicits. Do you feel at peace or afraid of the tiger? Your feelings can help you sort out if the tiger is appearing in a positive or negative light.

Think of the actions of tigers in the wild. Tigers are predators who stealthily stalk their victims. Are you feeling stalked by something? Are you feeling like there is something lurking out there that may catch up with you?

Another of the tiger's actions in the wild is its ability to pounce without warning. Therefore, a tiger in a dream can represent powerful emotions that seem to spew up from nowhere, or powerful mood swings. Take a look at your emotions and see if there is something you've been repressing that may be waiting to leap out without warning.

Tigers are also renowned for their fierceness when protecting their young. In this aspect, your dream tiger could be representing your own desire to fiercely protect something consider your 'baby.'

Tigers as a dream symbol have a range of possible meanings, however, as we have seen, most meanings have something to do with power, beauty or sexuality. Whether the power, beauty or sexuality carries positive or negative connotations is up to you to decide.

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

One of my favorite books of stupendous silliness is "Bad Cat" listed below. It has great photos of 'good cats gone bad' with hilarious bios. Check it out!

If you're looking for something more serious, check out Barbara Walker's "Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets", listed below. It has interesting information about god/desses, mythology, and symbols. I use frequently to help interpret symbols in my own dreams!