Violence In Dreams Can Symbolize A Constructive Assault, Says Dream Analyst David Rivinus

Violence in a dream is usually a symbol for harm being done, says dream analyst, David Rivinus. But unlike real life, in a dream this is not necessarily a bad thing. “It depends on who or what is being assaulted,” says Rivinus. “There is an aspect to the psychology of violence that goes beyond injury; it includes a sense of defiling.” In a dream, this defilement can be a metaphor for something positive.  

“Suppose a dreamer is addicted to drugs,” explains Rivinus, “but his efforts to break the habit have been unsuccessful.” If the dreamer dreams of being the victim of some kind of violence—especially degrading violence—it could be a warning about the effects of the addiction; the dreamer is, literally and figuratively, being beaten up by his habit. Such a warning can be invaluable.  

Instead, what if the dreamer is successfully overcoming his habit. “If he has a dream in which he sees his drug pusher being pummeled, this could be the most positive dream possible, even though it is violent,” says Rivinus.  

According to Rivinus, violence in dreams is common. “The main thing to remember is that dreams are almost always about the dreamer’s own internal conflict,” he says, “and it depends on what the conflict is about.”  

Rivinus says that it is also important to remember that all characters in a dream are symbols of some part of the dreamer. “That includes the so-called bad guys or perpetrators in dreams. They are almost invariably a symbol for some aspect of the dreamer himself,” he says. To a person trying to end an abusive drug habit, a pusher would quite possibly represent that part of himself that is the actual addiction. Hence, to see it violently defeated is a good thing. “In this case the violence is simply a statement of how hard it has been for the dreamer to overcome his addiction.”    

Upsetting dreams can be powerful and usually contain messages of vital and immediate concern to the dreamer. But when they are acted on constructively, they can bring profound relief and resolution.  

David Rivinus is the author of the book “Always Dreaming” published by Ozark Mountain Publishing. He is a dream analyst with over three decades of experience. He has lectured, held workshops and facilitated dreams internationally. For more information, go to www.teacherofdreams.com