The Meaning of a Bell in a Dream

In dreams you may see bells, or hear them, or both. The meaning of a bell in a dream can vary greatly, but is often a sign that is intended to draw your attention to something. Bells in dreams are often signifiers of some important message from your own subconscious.

Bells as Symbols

Many religions and cultures around the world consider bells are deeply significant. The bells may be deep and resonant, light and joyous, sad and sombre or loud and celebrational.

Bells are not things we see or hear as often as we might have in previous generations, but their symbolic significance still holds a profound sway over many of us. While we may not see actual bells so often in day to day life, we still have more abstract bells around us in many forms. Door bells, the “ring tones” on our phones, the alarm clock and so on are all forms of bells. So what does it mean to dream of bells?

Bells as a Spiritual Calling

Bells call us to prayer, so in a dream they may symbolise a spiritual calling, or even a special message we are about to receive. When you dream of a bell in this way in a dream, it may be accompanied by a profound sense of significance. Pay attention to what comes next in your dream. Did an animal or person appear? Consider what is special about them. Did you receive a kind of message, either written, spoken or somehow “revealed” to you. This may be important advice to you. Sometimes a bell dream will occur before receiving some important information in waking life. Pay attention to what signs you receive the next day. In your dream the bell may be calling you back to prayer, meditation, mindfulness or your own spiritual practice.

Calling Attention with Bells

Town criers historically used bells to announce important events. In a dream you may hear bells when your subconscious is trying to ensure you pay attention. If there is important information it is trying to impart, you may also dream of the front door ringing or your phone beeping. Is there something new in your life that requires you to look more closely? Is there an area of your life, a person or relationship that has been neglected? Maybe someone is trying to tell you something, and the answers you seek are available to you if you just take notice. Sometimes we will also dream of our alarm bell when we need to wake early! The meaning of a bell in a dream should be considered with what happens before and after it, as well as the symbol of the bell itself.

Celebrational Bells

Bells at their most celebrational can signal an end to war, the highest of holy days or a wedding. To dream of such joyous bells as this is a wonderful sign of exceptional and blessed transition. Dreams of celebrational bells may signify an achievement in life, either internally or externally. You may have reached a goal, made peace with the past or made amends for a mistake. Bells may symbolise an end to waring parts of your own personality, a sign that you are reconciling deeply held internal conflicts. Dreams of such celebrational bells may signify a sacred union, a merging of the opposing male and female sides we all contain within us. These dreams can remind us of the very best aspects about being alive.

Happy Bells

Other bells are happy but more frivolous, such as the bells on sleighs, horses, costumes and so forth. Bells of this kind are intended to induce a light-hearted mood, to dispel gloom and encourage cheerfulness. This can be especially important in the midsts of dark winters, but also difficult times such as financial hardships, relationships stresses and so on. Dreams of cheerful bells remind us there is light and laughter to be found even in the darkest coldest times.

Warning Bells

The meaning of a bell in a dream may also be a warning. Ships use bells to alert their presence when in the fog or dark. Bicycle bells warn you that they are approaching and to get out of the way. Sirens, a modern form of bells, warn when air raids, attacks or natural disasters are imminent. And many people use alarm bells to wake up. To dream of an alarm bell may be a sign that you need to take action, calling you to your work, your education, or even your greater purpose.

To dream of bells in the fog or dark may be a sign you are feeling lost and seeking guidance. It may also symbolise feeling alone, and appear in dreams when you are reaching for another to share your journey with. Alternatively, you may be hearing this call from another. It is up to you how you choose to respond when you hear a lonely cry in the dark, but imagining how we would feel ourselves in such a situation is a good place to start.

If you dream of a siren or bells that have a sense of foreboding, take heed of their warning. These kind of dreams may appear to help you make a better life decision. You may need to give up a habit that is proving destructive in your life, end a relationship, or take better care of your health. Listen to your intuition and allow it to guide you. It can help you make the best decisions for yourself and those with whom you share your life.

Funeral Bells

To dream of funeral bells may be a sign of mourning. You may be mourning a lost life, or it may be more symbolic loss such as the end of of certain life stage, the finishing of a relationship or the letting go of a youthful dream in order to embrace a new adult approach to life. Funeral bells in dreams are not a reason to panic and see them as an omen. These dreams are more likely reflecting you current inner state. If you are feeling anxious and worried, the dream may be exploring these feelings you have and trying to help you face your fears. It is only be recognising and facing these fears that we are able to move past them. Dreams can help us do that.