When studying the symbols found in tea leaf reading and charm casting it can be useful to begin by analysing your own dreams. A dream dictionary can be a quick starter guide if you get stuck.

The psychologists Sigmund Freud and Karl Jung both studied dream analysis. They had sometimes very differing views and beliefs about how our conscious and unconscious minds worked. However, they left a lasting legacy today for people to study and learn how to tap into their unconscious minds and this includes analysing symbolism, thoughts and synchronicity seemingly found in dreams and patterns in everyday life around us.

Analysing the symbols

The first step in learning to analyse symbolism is to devise your own symbols dictionary. This can help with interpreting dreams, tea leaves, charm casting and for more involved divination systems like tarot and lenormand.

Symbols Dictionary

A

Acorn - Abundance, Autumn, Harvest

Aeroplane - Long distance travel, Long-term goals

Alligator/Crocodile - Authority, Fierceness, Resistance, Snappy, Slippery

Anchor - Stability, Support, Stuck, Stubborn

Angel - Good news, Protection, Spiritual matters, Loved ones in spirit

Ant - Industrious, Busy, Hardworking

Apple - Health, Happiness, Romance, Temptation

Arrow - Direction (good or not so good depending on direction)

Axe - Quick, Decisive, Action, Destruction, Arguments

B

Baby/Child - New, Beginning, Small, Immature, Innocence, Pregnancy

Badger - Standing your ground, Aggression, Nocturnal

Bag - Responsibilities, Burdens, Clutter, Emotions, Memories

Balloon - Celebration, Party, Promotion, Stress, Letting go

Basket - Gift, Wealth, Abundance

Bat - Rebirth, Intuition, Intelligence, Different perspective

Bear - Strength, Courage, Protection, Grounding, Aggression, Mother figure, Tribal

Bee - Hard work, Rewards, Success, Productive, Sweetness

Bell - News, Wedding, Engagement, Birth, Funeral, Announcement, Church, Urgency

Bicycle - Own pace, Steady movement, Progress

Bingo - Luck, Chance

Bird - News, Messages, Spirit communication, Conversation, Gossip, Freedom

Boat/Ship - Journey, Commerce, Business, Overseas connections, Slow progress

Bomb/Cannon - Anger, Over-emotional, On target, Victory, Military

Book - Knowledge, Learning, Secrets, Paperwork

Boot - Making the effort, Putting best foot forward, Proactive

Bouquet - Social occasions, Romance

Box - Parcel, Gift, Surprise, Boundaries, Restrictions

Bread - Abundance, Nourishment, Sharing, Spiritual sustenance, Rising

Bridge - Transition, Change, Journey, Connections

Broom - Spring clean, Clearing negative energy, Refreshing, Hard work

Bus - Journey, Progress, Opportunities, New stage in life, Connections with people

Butterfly - Change, Transformation, Joy, New love, Freedom, Delicate

C

Cage - Trapped, Restricted, Confined, Restrained

Cake - Sweetness, Celebration, Good luck, Happiness, Greed, Gluttony

Camel - Responsibility, Sure-footed, Long journey, Stubborn, Resilience

Candle - Inner wisdom, Guidance, Peace, Meditation, Spirit

Cane - Support, The elderly, Mobility, Helping others, Taking your time

Car - Short journey, Life path, Physical body

Caravan/Tent - Travel, Adventure, Exploration, Temporary situation, Time out, Care of one’s self

Cards - Taking a risk, Revealing true intentions, Games

Castle/Palace - Comfort, Luxury, Power, Wealth, Family, Greed, Extravagance, Royalty

Cat - Independence, Contentment, Laziness, Aloofness, Agility, Territorial, Female friend, Spiteful

Chair - Comfort, Taking a break, Resting, Laziness, Loneliness, Someone leaving your life

Cherries - Abundance, New romance, In pairs or threes, Luck, Pleasant, Sweetness, Excess

Church - Religion or spiritual experience, Baptism, Marriage, Funeral, Prayer, Meditation, Finding one’s spiritual group or tribe

Circle - Wholeness, Unity, Infinity

Clock - Timing, Living in the present moment, Hurry up or slow down

Clouds - Wisdom, Lightness, Problems, Dullness, Misery, Scrying

Clover - Good luck, Opportunity, Abundance, Happiness, Health, Herbalism

Clown - Humour, Joy, Laughter, Parties, Mimicry, Fearful

Coat/Cloak - Protection, Hidden, Safety, Respect, Honour

Coffin/Gravestone - Endings, Sadness, Changes, Grief, The past, Ancestors, New beginning

Comb - Entangled, Problem solving, Straightening out, Self care

Compass - Change of direction, Mapping out the future, New path, Magnetism, Travel, Mathematics, Plotting, Techical drawing

Cork/Wine bottle/Glass - Celebration, Success, Achievement, Admiration

Cow - Abundance, Steadiness, Peaceful, Stubborn, Steadfast

Crab - Cancer in the zodiac, The moon, Rebirth, Family, Emotions, Bad tempered, Moodiness, Change of direction

Cross - Fate, Religion or spirituality, Life purpose, Burdens, Suffering, Illness, Endings

Crown - Fame, Royalty, Achievement, Popularity, Wealth, Honour, Splendour, Authority

Cup - Emotions, Feelings, Containment, Positive or negative outlook

D

Dancer - Celebrations, Parties, Happiness, Romance, Joy

Deer - Pathfinder, Gentleness, Harmony, Eloquence, Elegance

Devil - Temptation, Lust, Excess, Greed, Deviousness, Shadow self, Vices

Dice/Dominoes - Luck, Chance, Speculation, Gambling, Addiction

Dinosaur - Ancient, Fear, Change, Evolution, Extinction, Predatory

Dog - Friendship, Loyalty, Trust, Companionship, Docile, Dull, Boring, Aggression

Dolphin - Joy, Sound healing, Inner child, Intelligence, Playfulness, Rebirth

Donkey - Hard work, Diligence, Integrity, Sure-footed, Being of service to others, Determination, Strong will

Dragon - Power, Passion, Fire, Ancient, Strength, Danger, Good luck, Fortune

Drum - Communication, Power, Expression, Creativity, Rhythm of life, Warning

Duck - Faithfulness, Community, Soumates, Communication

E

Eagle - Freedom, Foresight, Higher self, Majestic, Clarity

Egg - New beginning, Prosperity, Birth, Fertility, Potential

Elephant - Memories, Wisdom, Old soul, Knowledge, Slow, Strength, Heaviness

Envelope/Letter - News, Messages, Warning, Opportunities, Communication, Channelling

Eye - Psychic vision, Perception, Enlightenment, Inuition, Wisdom, Focus

F

Fairy - Imagination, Illusion, Magical, Playfulness, Childlike, Nature spirits

Fan - Hidden, Protection, Allure, Shyness, Sensuality, Secretive, Courtship, Cooling

Feather - Spiritual message, Lightness, Floatiness, Dreaminess

Fence - Boundaries, Protection

Fire - Energy, Passion, Destruction, Desire, Purification, Illumination, Anger

Fish - Abundance, Good luck, Friends, Christianity, Charity

Flag - Warning, Pride, Patriotic

Flower - Beauty, Happiness, Positivity

Fly - Adaptability, Persistence, Hovering, Disease

Fork - Crossroads, Decisions, Separation

Fountain - Ecstacy, Joy, Prosperity, Achievement, Overflowing

Fox - Sly, Cunning, Clever, Intelligent, Curiosity, Maternal

Frog - Fertility, Restlessness, Decluttering, Leap of faith, Priorities,

G

Garden - Innocence, Happiness, Nurturing, Satisfaction, Care, Tending

Gate - Transformation, Opportunity, New beginning

Goat - Fertility, Virility, Desire, Creativity, Leadership, Sure-footed, Sense of purpose, Strong-minded, Stubborn

Giraffe - Foresight, Grace, Elegance, Self-awareness, Seeing the future, Standing out from the crowd

Grapes - Abundance, Fertility, Socialising

Grasshopper - Freedom, Independence

Gun - Power, Control, Fear, Aggression, Anger

H

Hammer - Masculinity, Strength, Craftmanship, Divine power, Meaningful work, Leadership, Directness, Practical

Hand - Generosity, Sharing, Hospitality, Friendship, Service to others, Charity

Handcuffs - Restrictions, Restraint, Blockages, Dominance, Trapped

Hat - Authority, Protection, Shelter, Different roles in life

Heart - Love, Romance, Passion, Hate, Beauty

Horse - Short journey, Message that arrives quickly, New romance, Stamina, Masculine energy

House - Homely, Comfortable, Stability, Security, Confinement, Family, Relaxation

I

Ink - Communication, Self-expression, Permanent, Ancient widsom

Insect - Industrious, Busyness, Anxiety, Worry

J

Jellyfish - Entanglement, Regeneration, Adaptability, Healing

K

Kettle - Magic, Ideas, Anticipation, New beginning, Overwhelming

Key - Success, New opportunities, Experiences, Future outcomes, House move

King - Authority, Leadership, Power, Control

Kite - Freedom, Attainment, Achievement, Fulfilment, Escaping

Knife - Severance, Liberation, Conflict, Separation, Cutting something or someone out of one’s life

L

Ladder - Increase in earnings, Social climber, Attainment, Progress, Spiritual ascension

Lady/Woman - Femininity, Gentleness, Beauty, Gracefulness, Maternal, Nurturing, Intuition

Ladybird - Good luck, Blessings, Grace, Fun, Prosperity, New romance

Leaf - New beginning, Growth, Nature

Lightbulb - Idea, Inspiration, Eureka moment, Inventiveness

Lighthouse/Beacon - Safety, Navigation, Warning, Homecoming, Rescue, Helping, Illumination

Lines - Paths

Lion - Bravery, Courage, Power, Strength, Helpful colleague or friend, Loud, Assertiveness, Dominant

Litter/Rubbish - Discarded, Worthless, Valuable, Recycling, Charity, Letting go

Lizard - Dreams, Healing, Survival, Regeneration, Renewal, Adaptability, Slithery

Lobster - Hanging on, Aches and pains, Predatory, Financial woes (feeling the pinch), Resilience

Lock - Secrecy, Restriction, Privacy, Security

Log - Warmth, Success, Profitable, Growth, Renewal

M

Man - Masculine, Power, Stength, Courage, Proactive, Paternal, Provider

Mask - Protection, Hiding, Deception, Secretive, Shy, Lacking confidence, Mysterious

Medal - Achievement, Success, Accolade, Winner, Honour

Mermaid - Secretive, Mysterious, Imagination, Illusion, Emotions, Meditation, Dreams, Alluring, Deceptive, Beauty, Temptation

Meteor/Comet/Shooting Star - Inspiration, Luck, Amazement, Rare, Fleeting, Quickly, Seize the moment, Extraordinary, Changes

Mole - Investigating, Detective work, Efforts, Hard work, Persistence, Destruction, Annoying

Monk/Nun - Spiritual commitment, Chastity, Prayer, Meditation, God, Simplicity, Faith, Trust, Solitude, Loner

Monster - Fearful, Shadow side, Unpleasantness, Threatening, Wickedness, Nightmares, Obsessions, Unrealistic

Money - Abundance, Possessions, Greed, Ambition, Debts, Multiples, Successful

Monkey - Mischievous, Cheekiness, Playfulness, Childlike, Showing off, Thief, Trickster, Entertainer, Agility

Moon - Emotions, Intuition, Dreams, Paranoia, Depression, Psychic powers, Cycles, Reflective, Timing of one month

Mountain/Pyramid - Hard work, Obstacles, Strength, Achievement, Ancient, Vastness, Stuck, Stability

Mouse - Timidity, Small, Minor annoyances or problems, Evasive, Avoidance, Running away, Resourcefulness, Attention to detail, Cunning, Fertility, Survival

Moustache - Getting noticed, Self expression, Authority, Flamboyance

Mushroom - Rapid growth, Nature, Toxins, Multiplying, Herbal remedies, Dampness, Autumn, Spreading, Drugs, Gambling, Habits, Rise to success

N

Nail - Stability, Holding it together, Problems, Security, Suffering, Finishing tasks, Hard work, Labour

Necklace - Personal identity, Status, Spiritual connection, Confidence, Beauty, Glamour, Joie de vivre, Harmony, Dating

Needle - Healing, Repairing, Creating

Nurse - Healing, Health, Cure, Respect, Caring

O

Owl - Symbols, Omens, Wisdom, Foresight, Intelligence, Nocturnal

Oyster - Prosperity, Femininity, Fertility, Reincarnation

P

Parrot - Gossip, Chatterbox, Mocking, Betrayal, Exotic, Colourful

Peacock - Ego, Strut your stuff, Attractive, Success, Wealth, Showing off, Courtship

Pencil - Artistic, Creativity, Planning, Plotting, New beginning

Pendulum - Regulating, Choices, Decisions, Yes or no, Consistency, Accuracy, Timekeeping, Divination

Piano - Harmony, Creativity, Inspiration, Genius, Flair

Pig - Luck, Abundance, Greed, Cleanliness, intelligence, Focus, Fertility

Pigeon/Dove - Messenger, Loyalty, Homecoming, Focus, Direction, Accuracy, Faithfulness, Fidelity, Peace

Pin - Accuracy, Good luck, Being held together

Pineapple - Luxury, Beauty, Wealth, Opulence, Hospitality, Royalty, Splendour, Self esteem

Pumpkin - Abundance, Autumn, Halloween, Good times, Motherhood, Good health

Purse - Secretive, Security, Value, Precious, Economising, Comfort

Q

Queen - Prestige, Grace, Strength, Courage, Power, Authority, Success

R

Rabbit - Fertility, Springtime, Timidity, Abundance, Creativity, Sensitivity, Gentleness, Agility

Rainbow - Luck, Hopes, Wishes, Fortune, Transformation, New beginning

Rat - Agility, Shyness, Mean, Fertility, Clever, Envy, Survival, Resourcefulness, Hard worker, Disease

Ring - Commitment, Marriage, Engagement, Contract, Eternity, Union, Wholeness

Rocket/Firework - Quick progress, Ambition, Desire, Arguments

Rooster - Bossiness, Confidence, Bravery, Enthusiasm, Positivity

Rose - Beauty, Love, Artistic, Creativity, Delicate, Gracefulness, Be careful, Prickly

S

Saturn - Hard work, Father figue, Seriousness, Heavy going, Achievement

Scales - Balance, Justice, Legal matters, Contracts, Libra, Weighing things up, Adjustments

Scissors - Separation, Cutting ties, Letting go, Farewells

Scorpion - Love, Passion, Sex, Death, Rebirth, Power

Scythe - Anger, Aggression, Separation, Harvesting, Endings

Shark - Power, Strength, Tenacity, Predatory, Fearful, Danger

Sheep - Contentment, Groups/Tribe, Simplicity, Joy, Children, Vulnerability, Innocence, Community, Conformity

Shell - Femininity, Protection, Vulnerability, Resilient, Determined, Unconscious mind

Snake - Healing, Renewal, Reincarnation, Spiteful, Wisdom, Transformation, Temptation, Abandonment of the old, Poison

Soldier - Discipline, Teamwork, Hardships, Order, Hierarchy, Conflicts

Spade - Hard work, Labour, Energy, Patience, Wisdom

Spider - Maternal, Connections, Internet, Weaving, Entanglements, Power, Mysterious, Creativity, Patterns, Cleverness, Manifestation

Spoon - Receiving, Sharing, Blessings, Community, Unity, Satisfaction, Nourishment

Squirrel - Abundance, Gathering, Hibernation, Resourcefulness, Preparation, Preparedness, Self-sufficiency

Star - Wishes, Fame, Achievement

Statue - Permanence, Authority, Importance, Idol, Worship, Ancient

Submarine - Subconscious mind, Emotions, Vulnerability, Exploration, Self-discovery

Sun - Happiness, Positivity, Summer, Joy, Creativity

Swan - Gracefulness, Soulmates, Twin flames, Prosperity, Beauty, Loyalty, Protective

Sword - Power, Protection, Authority, Aggression, Violence

T

Table - Community, Family, Gathering

Tap - Flow of spiritual energy, Emotions, Taking control of one’s life

Teapot - Friendship, Socialising, Meetings, Communication

Telescope - Analysis, Seeing the bigger picture, Clarity, Insight

Tiger - Dynamic, Primal instincts, Unpredictable, Intelligence, Strength, Majestic

Tornado - Spiritual awakening, Profound changes, Chaos, Destruction, Upheaval, Suppressed feelings, Arguments, Fast moving, New beginnings

Tortoise/Turtle - Protective, Slow, Strong, Stable, Wanderer

Tower - Career, Building, Hospital, Offices, Success, Commerce, Organisation, Isolation, Promotion

Train - Journey, Life purpose, Being on right track, New beginning, Passage of time, Goals, Plans, Ambitions

Tramp/Vagrant - Frugality, Prudence, Economising, Exercise care, Safety, Security, Freedom, Adventure, Dissatisfaction

Triangle - Unity, Trinity, Power of 3, Third party, Equilibrium, Balance, Harmony, Union between spiritual and physical world

Tree - Growth, Health, Nature, Family, Tee of life

Tunnel - Dark night of the soul, Light at the end of a tunnel, Opportunities, Positive future outcomes, Restrictive, Darkness

U

Umbrella - Protection, Shelter, Positivity during difficult times, Caring friend or stranger, Security

V

Volcano - Abruptness, Conflicts, Tensions, Anger, Rage, Pent-up emotions, Release

W

Wheel - Advancement, Going with the flow, Priorities, Time management, Movement

Windmill - Self-sufficiency, Resilience, Perseverance, Serenity

Witch - Psychic abilities, Magic, Manifestation, Ancient practices, Herbalism

Wolf - Guardianship, Loyalty, Family, Teamwork, Protection, Freedom, Instincts, Maternal

Worm - Regeneration, Renewal, Escaping, Grounding, Breakthrough, Earthiness

X

Xylophone - Channelling energy, Harmony, Inner child, Play, Creativity

Y

Yacht - Travel, Luxury, Wealth

Z

Zebra - Duality, Determination, Empowerment, Community, Communication, Nothing is black or white, Uniqueness

Zip - Effort, Stuck, Security, Stability, Intimacy, Misplaced trust and openness

Sigmund Freud