Pelican

Gathering.

Collecting.

A large capacity for something (such as for knowledge, information, or empathy).

Taking in a lot something (information, advice, etc.) and then sorting through it to find what’s useful to you.

Carrying a lot (such as responsibilities, emotional or mental baggage, etc.), or a willingness or tendency to do so.

Dreaming of this animal can represent too much or not enough of one of those qualities, or someone or something you associate with the quality or animal.

Consider also the animal’s actions, context, and your feelings about it.

See Bird, Crane, Heron, Flamingo, Stork

(see Birds, Featheis, Wings)

Rising above circumstances, or staying afloat when a sea of emotion threatens to overcome you. Despite their large, awkward size, pelicans are actually very buoyant.

Wise frugality, even during periods of apparent abundance. Pelicans do not immediately eat their catch, but save it in their bills.

Folkloric: Self-sacrifice for something you love, or a greater good.

The red streak on the pelican’s chest supposedly occurred when it opened itself to feed its starving young.

Symbolizes authority, responsibility, and sacrifice for others; it is said that when a pelican can’t find food for its young, it nourishes them with its own blood. Because of these connotations, it’s related to paternal love. It indicates a feeling of generosity toward people close to you, but could also be a symbol of an excess of responsibilities that burden you. In this case, the dream is interpreted as the need for a well-deserved break.