If there is one type of dream that has become a part of the human psyche, it’s dreams about nature. More specifically, dreaming about animals like birds have been part of the way people foretold the future since humanity lived in tribes.
For example, in Ancient Rome, foretellers named auspices would look at bird behavior to determine whether a person would have good luck or bad luck. Needless to say, birds are part of the fortune-telling territory.
Black birds are beautiful birds that people tend to admire from afar. Dreaming about these birds, though, is fairly rare. What does this dream mean? One might say it’s literally auspicious…
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What Does It Mean If You Dream About A Black Bird?
1. Traditionally, black bird dreams were associated with magic and trickster energy
In Native American culture, the black bird was a trickster who possessed strong magic. In other cultures, black birds are often linked to bad omens and magic—often because of how their black feathers appear ominous.
How you can interpret this depends on your dream. For example, if you dream of a black bird attacking you, it could mean that someone cast a spell on you. Unfortunately, that attack means it’s more of a curse than a blessing.
On the other hand, if you dream of a black bird teaching you something or befriending you, you’re in luck. The Hopi tribe and other Native groups might say this means you have a black bird totem.
People with this totem often have a magical inclination and the ability to gain knowledge not accessible to others. It also may mean you have an animal spirit who would help you out in a time of need. It’s just that it’s not a falcon or a dove. It’s a black bird.
2. In some cases, a black bird dream can mean an unknown fear
Black is a color that is often ascribed to mystery and hidden messages. This can include a fear or worry that you may not have been willing to confront quite yet. It can be a fear of being alone, or a fear of running from the roost.
3. Black birds can also be seen as links between our world and the underworld
This often means that, like owls, black birds are seen as omens of death. Thankfully, both the Hopi and Cherokee tribes would tell you that this doesn’t always indicate that you’ll die. This could also suggest that you are going to die a metaphoric death.
Black bird dreams often mean that you are going to go through a particularly powerful transition in life. You may not even recognize yourself after the transition is done. Your aspirations, attitudes, and relationships will be different…but better!
4. Like all birds, this could be a sign of freedom
All birds have a certain degree of freedom that we as humans don’t. Who doesn’t love the idea of being able to fly away when things get rough, right? Whether you dream of an eagle, a hawk, or even a simple black bird, this could be a dream about freedom in your world.
Did you recently cut someone loose? If you have a job that just gave you more freedom to express yourself, then this could be a dream that indicates that you will actually take hold of that freedom.
5. A black bird in a cage could also be a sign that you feel imprisoned
Do you find yourself in a situation where nothing is quite your choice? Have you boxed yourself into a corner? If so, you might want to try to seek out freedom. Your caged bird dream indicates that your life feels more like a prison than you want to admit.
Now would be a good time to consider whether or not you want to keep going your path, and why you feel caged.
6. Catching a black bird can have two different meanings
If you dream of catching a black bird, then it could be that you don’t feel guilt about a deed you did, even if you should feel some type of way. You may feel like you were right to do so, but in reality, you may have come across as arrogant or even needlessly cruel.
A dream about others catching a black bird has a similar meaning. In this dream, you may have started to let your pride and opinions get in the way of your friendships. Have you been too vocal about your opinions? Careful. You could alienate others that way!
7. If you dream about buying a caged bird, you may need to look at how you treat your people
Dreaming this dream is a warning that suggests that you’re trying to force friendships or relationships that really shouldn’t continue. Did your jealousy force your partner to stay with you when they wanted to leave? Did you alienate their friends to keep them?
This is one of those dreams that doesn’t change based on the type of bird. However, the black bird aspect suggests that your intuition can tell you whether or not the relationship is salvageable. Either way, please let that “bird” free!
8. Freeing a black bird is a particularly good omen
If you dream of a black bird being freed from a cage, that’s a great thing. That means that you are going to be able to see more freedom, or that you will help someone else find their true self. That goodness will be repaid in one way or another.
Another way to see this is that you may go through a major change that will help you come out better for it. While black birds are often negative omens in divination, setting a bird free is always seen as a good deed. Expect good new beginnings.
9. Black birds attacking you can also mean that you’re encroaching on someone else’s territory
One thing that separates black birds from other types of birds is their tendency toward being territorial, especially when it comes to their eggs. Attack dreams could be a warning sign that you might be walking on someone else’s turf.
When people feel that you’re ignoring their boundaries or that you’re looking to threaten them, they can and will start reacting negatively. Watch how you behave, and be careful that you don’t make enemies. There’s a pecking order for a reason!
10. You may also get an olive branch extended to you
Though many people see black birds as harbingers of death and misery, they have a flip side that is worth discussing. Black birds are also messengers of peace and harmony, especially after a long time of conflict.
Dreaming of a friendly black bird can suggest that you will have the chance to “bury the hatchet” with someone you’ve had a long rivalry with. Now would be a good time to ask yourself if you’re ready to forgive them. It may be about time for a change.
11. Black birds following you may suggest bad news
Black birds can often symbolize misfortune, grief, and betrayal. If you dream of a bunch of black birds following you, it could mean that your friends are gossips that can’t resist the temptation of trashing you. Or, that they aren’t really your friends at all.
Be careful of who you surround yourself with at this time. If you are in a precarious position, the only person you can truly trust to serve your best interest is probably you.
12. Seeing a black bird outside your window or door may be an omen of illness
Black birds have a tendency of having a bad reputation for being harbingers of death. It’s only true when it comes to dreams of black birds outside your window or doors. Truthfully, they tend to be less harbingers of death, and more harbingers of troubles.
Traditional folktales often mention that black birds tend to be a sign of sorrowful times ahead. If you see one standing at your window in a dream, it may mean that you will have a loved one who falls ill in the near future.
On a similar note, black birds that seem to be swirling around you in dreams may suggest that you will be the one who gets sick.
13. Dreams about black birds fighting amongst one another suggests a heated argument
Black birds can be quarrelsome creatures if they are crossed, but then again, so are we. If you dream about two black birds fighting, this is usually an omen that you will bear witness to an argument that is pretty heated and potentially friendship-ending.
Now would be a good time to brace yourself if you are worried about quarreling with someone. It could be more likely than you think. In some cases, this can also mean that you’ll enter a longstanding disagreement on a key issue.
Last words
Black bird dreams can be scary or uplifting, depending on how you see them. Did you recently have one that you felt connected to? Tell us about your dream and experience in the comments below.
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Sheila
Monday 16th of January 2023
In my dream I was at home looking through a bypass window into the living room when I saw a black ferret jump really high. Then noticed a black bird on the floor picking up a mess from the ferret, there were suddenly several black birds on the floor picking at the mess. I went to lead them all down the hall and out of the house, but was startled by a black panther walking towards me with the birds. I was a little nervous, but acted like I was fine and continued to guide the animals down the hall. The black panther stopped and acted like it wanted to come closer to me. I tried to push it's behind but it was pretty firm with it's intention to come closer to me. I did not want to act afraid so I allowed it. It walked up to me and rubbed against me. I bent down and hugged the panther. I felt loved and happy.