Little Giant Encyclopedia

by Klaus Vollmar
Something has come to an end, has been completely dissolved. Ashes often signify weakness, the loss of vitality, and act as a reminder to enjoy life and have fun. Symbol of the Phoenix, the Bird, who, after total self-condemnation, sets himself on Fire, only to be born again by rising from the ashes. In that sense, the ashes are a sign of rebirth, transformation and, in the last analysis, of Birth, and Death.

One feels burned out, with no interests (depression, as in Abyss and Murder). Insults, disappointments, Illness, and the Death of a loved one can create such dreams. Guilt, blame, and atonement for transgressions (Ash Wednesday, the mark on the forehead). Glowing ashes point to self-reflection and purification.

According to C. G. Jung, ashes were in the olden days seen as protection from demons, particularly against the ghosts of death. In addition, ashes are the product of cremation.

The physical shell must be completely destroyed before the soul can become free.

Dreamers Dictionary

by Garuda
Symbol: The symbol of death, a grieving ritual, and penance.

Vision: Dreaming about ashes is not a good omen. Seeing or disbursing ashes in a dream is a message that someone is going to die. Falling into or stepping on ashes means a loss of money—be careful during financial transactions. Dreaming about seeing a lot of ashes: bitter disappointment and hurt. Collecting ashes: an increase in material goods.

Depth Psychology: The image of ashes is either a warning of impending hurt and disappointment or a promise of spiritual rebirth (the phoenix rising from the ashes).

Islamic Dream Interpretation

by Ibn Seerin
(Coal, Fire, Fumes, Oven) In a dream, ashes represent unlawful money or they could mean burns. Ashes in a dream are also interpreted to mean money one will receive from someone in authority or directly from the government. Seeing ashes then mean difficulties or toiling for no benefit in the service of a person in authority. Ashes in a dream also mean vain talk, or a knowledge one cannot benefit from.

If one sees himself carrying a container filled with ashes in a dream, it means that he is engaged in falsehood, backbiting or in acquiring useless knowledge.

If one sees himself blowing air into cold ashes in a dream, it means that he will engage in futile undertaking. Ashes in a dream also denote sadness, sore-eyes or heedlessness. Ashes in a dream also mean quelling the fire of war, suppressing upheaval, or attaining peace. Ashes which are collected from baking in a dream represent charity, or curiosity.

(Also see Coal)