What is the omen if you dream of drowning?

What Does It Mean to Dream About Drowning or Flooding?

According to Zhou Gong's Dream Interpretation and ancient Chinese dream books:

Drowning Dreams

• Dreaming of drowning: Warns of potential misfortune or relapse of an old illness. Stay vigilant.

• Struggling in water: Suggests inner conflict—repressed emotions, unease about current situations, or subconscious warnings about flawed plans. May also predict serious misunderstandings or health risks (e.g., recurring kidney issues for susceptible individuals).

• Nearly drowning but being saved: Hints that perseverance or timely help will rescue you from crisis.

• Seeing others drown: May foreshadow bad news.

Flood Dreams

• Roads flooded: Signals concern for a loved one facing difficulties.

• Home flooded: Reflects overwhelming work or life burdens.

• Flooded pathways: Urges a health check-up, especially for respiratory issues.

• Feeling suffocated in water: May indicate respiratory illness or mental health risks.

Ancient Texts' Interpretations (Dunhuang & Meng Lin Xuan Jie)

• "Dream of drowning but surfacing": Lucky. "Submerged without resurfacing": Ominous.

• "Woman drowning in water": Predicts birth of an illustrious child (Dunhuang).

• "Drowning person rescued": Very auspicious.

• For merchants: Traveling traders face bad luck; local business thrives.

• For the elderly: May symbolize nearing life’s end.

• Family-related drowning dreams:

  • Spouse drowning: Warns of marital strife (husband: debauchery; wife: childbirth risks).

  • Children drowning: Portends early death unless rituals avert it.

  • Parents drowning: Suggests financial and personal loss.