Railroad Crossing
To see a railroad crossing gate in your dream symbolizes temporary setbacks toward achieving your goals, especially if the gate is going down. If the gate is up, then it means that you have overcome certain obstacles in your life. You are not letting something or someone get in your way of your goals. Rain To see and hear rain falling symbolizes forgiveness and grace. Falling rain is also a metaphor for tears, crying and sadness. Alternatively, rain symbolizes fertility and renewal. If you get wet from the rain, then it indicates cleaning from your troubles and problems. In particular, dreaming of acid rain indicates that you have been mislead. You are letting hatred and revenge take over and define you. To dream that you are watching the rain from a window indicates that spiritual ideas and insights are being brought to your awareness. It may also symbolize fortune and love. To hear rain tapping on the roof denotes spiritual ideas coming to fruition in your mind. Rainbow To see a rainbow in your dream represents hope, success and good fortune in the form of money, prestige, or fame. The rainbow is also seen as a bridge between your earthly, grounded self and the higher, spiritual self. It refers to joy and happiness in your relationship. Alternatively, the rainbow implies that your troubles are almost over. Good will come out of your issues. Just hang in there. In the western culture, the rainbow is a symbol for gay pride. To see an all white rainbow in your dream signifies heightened spirituality and purity. To see a rainbow at night or a lunar rainbow in your dream is symbolic of a spiritual or emotional connection within your personal relationship or religious beliefs. To dream that something is rainbow colored implies that you need to see things in a more positive light. You need to be more optimistic. Also consider the significance of the object. To dream that you have rainbow colored hair refers to your light-hearted and carefree nature. You are headed in a positive spiritual direction. Raincoat To dream that you are wearing a raincoat suggests that you are shielding yourself from your emotions. You are not able to face the nastiness. Alternatively, wearing a raincoat in your dream refers to your pessimistic outlook and unpleasantness. Rainforest To dream that you are in a rainforest suggests that you feel your emotions are being undermined and "cut down". Alternatively, the dream represents your waking concerns about the environment. It may also be a metaphor of the impact that you have on your surroundings. Raisins To dream that you are eating raisins represent some negative force that is working against you. The dream may also be a metaphor for something or someone who is old and shriveled. Rake To dream that you are using a rake indicates that some task or project will never be accomplished unless you do it yourself. Alternatively, the dream suggests that you need to have better planning and organization in your life. You need to figure out the direction you want to take in life and then carry out that plan. To see someone raking in your dream denotes that you are effectively taking advantage of some situation. Ram To see a ram in your dream signifies aggression, energy, and impulsiveness. You may be pursuing a decision that should be approached with more tact and consideration. A ram also symbolizes strong and powerful friends who will use their influence and authority to your advantage. To dream that a ram is pursuing you indicates some misfortune or unlucky threat. Perhaps, you feel that something is being "rammed" down your throat or that you feel that you are being rammed by a situation or decision. Rambling To dream that you are rambling suggests that you have a lot that you need to get off your mind. You need to express these thoughts and feelings in your waking life or it will continue to haunt you in your dream state. Ramp To dream that you are going up a ramp signifies your struggles in achieving a goal. It is symbolic of your determination and ambition. If you fail to go up a ramp, then it suggests that you are not able to overcome your difficulties. There are still obstacles standing on your way. To dream that you are going down a ramp refers to some instability and lack of control in your life. Ranch To dream that you are at a ranch suggests that you need to take stock of your life and ascertain what you hope to achieve and gain. The dream may also refer to your own livelihood and concerns about money. Ransom To dream that somebody is demanding ransom from you suggests that you have been deceived. To demand ransom in your dream means that you are feeling unfairly treated. Rapping To hear or dream that you are rapping suggests that you need to better verbalize your thoughts and feelings. Rape To dream that you were raped or almost raped indicates vengeful or resentful feelings toward the opposite sex. You feel that you have been violated or that you have been taken advantage of. Something or someone is jeopardizing your self-esteem and emotional well-being. Things are being forced upon you. Dreams of rape are also common for those who were actually raped in their waking life. To see a rape being committed in your dream denotes sexual dysfunction or uncertainty. In particular, if you witness a gang rape in your dream, then it signifies complete helplessness in a situation. You are lacking the resources or power to do the right thing. It may also mean that you or someone has been humiliated. If you dream of raping someone, then it represents your need to control others and show them who is in charge. You also have a sense of entitlement. Dreaming that your young daughter was raped symbolizes your fears as she grows and becomes more independent. You are learning to let go and that can't always be there to protect her. Rapids To dream that you are carried away by the rapids suggests that you are experiencing some intense feelings. You may be literally be getting carried away by your emotions. Rapture To dream that you have been raptured symbolizes your strong faith and spirituality. To dream that the rapture is coming forewarns that you need to get aspects of your life in order. Something major is happening in your life that you need to prepare for it. Dreaming that you are left behind in the rapture symbolizes feelings of abandonment and unworthiness. You may have self-esteem issues and often feel overlooked. Rare To dream that something is rare indicates that you need to appreciate certain things. Consider the symbolism or significance of the rare object or event. Don't take things for granted. Rash To dream that you have a rash indicates repressed anger, frustrations and annoyances. You may be holding in your anger and frustrations, instead of expressing it. Alternatively, the dream suggests that others are trying to put doubt in your head about some decision or choice that you are making. It may be a pun on a "rash" decision that you are making. You need to think twice before going through with your choice. Raspberry To see or eat raspberries in your dream represent some precious or delicate matter. Ration To dream that you are rationing something indicates that you are not getting your fair share of something, either emotionally, financially or materially. Alternatively, it symbolizes your fairness and diplomacy in some matter. Rats To see a rat in your dream signifies feelings of doubts, greed, guilt, unworthiness and envy. You are keeping something to yourself that is eating you up inside. Or you have done something that you are not proud of. Alternatively, a rat denotes repulsion, decay, dirtiness, and even death. The dream may also be a pun on someone who is a rat. Are you feeling betrayed? In particular, to see a black rat represents deceit and covert activities. If you see a white rat in your dream, then it means that you will receive help from an unexpected source. To dream that a rat is biting your feet is analogous to the rat race that you are experiencing in your waking life. To dream that you catch a rat with your bare hands indicates that you are not letting greed, jealousy, betrayal or some other negativity get the best of you. Rattle To see or play with a rattle in a dream signifies joy, tranquility and contentment in the home. To hear a rattle in your dream represents some situation or issue that you need to tend to. Rattlesnake To see a rattlesnake in your dream represents the passage of time. ** *Go to Common Dreams: Snake Dreams for further analysis. Please see Snake . Raven To see a raven in your dream symbolizes betrayal, disharmony, misfortune, and death. The death may be a symbolic death in that it signals an end to a habit or phase in your life. Alternatively, the dream suggests that someone is taking advantage of your misfortune. Ravine To see a ravine in your dream represents your need to be sheltered and protected. You are in deep contemplation about your own emotions or relationships. Perhaps you are trying to make sense of your hidden feelings. Raw To eat something that is raw signifies some unexplored or untried experiences. Perhaps you are feeling apprehensive and ill prepared about what is ahead for you. Alternatively, the dream may be a metaphor for your "raw" emotions. Razor To see a razor in your dream suggests that there is a situation or problem that you need to smooth out. To dream that you are sharpening a razor indicates that you are ruthless and "cutthroat." Razor Blade To see or use a razor blade in your dream symbolizes precision and accuracy in what you do. To find a razor blade in your food refers to some cutting remark that you made and is coming back to haunt you. RC Car To see or play with an RC Car in your dream represents your ability to make quick decision. You are also feeling in control of your goals. Alternatively, the dream may mean that your goals are set too low. You are not challenging yourself. Reach To dream that you are reaching for something or someone signifies a yearning or desire for something you do not have. The dream may also be symbolic of an emotional void in your life that you are trying to fill. Reading To dream that you are reading indicates that you need to obtain more information and knowledge before making a decision. You need to think things through and consider all your options. Real Estate *Please see Property. Reality Show To dream that you are in a reality show suggests that you feel your life is under public scrutiny. You feel that someone is criticizing your decisions and actions. The dream may also be a pun that you are in need of a reality check. Realtor To see or dream that you are a realtor indicates that you are searching for a new sense of self. Reapers To see reapers working in your dream denote prosperity and pleasure. Rear Ended To dream that you have been rear ended indicates that something from your past is still impacting your present situation. You need to learn from the past in order to move forward. Rearview Mirror To dream that you are looking through the rearview mirror suggests that you are dwelling on the past too much. It may indicate regrets, past hurts or "what ifs". On the other hand, the dream may be telling you not to forget about the past and what you have left behind. You need to maintain a happy median between what is ahead for you in the future and what you left behind in the past. Rebel To dream that you are a rebel indicates that you need to stand up for yourself and be your own person, even though it may go against the masses. It is time to take action. Rebirth To dream that you are born again indicates that you need to deal with issues that you have been avoiding. You may have been given a second chance to regain what was previously thought to be lost. Alternatively, the dream means that you are starting or entering a new stage in your life. You are looking toward the future instead of dwelling on the past. Some Christians are described as "born again". Thus the dream may also represent your renewed religious faith and commitment. Receipt To see a receipt in your dream indicates that you are accepting or acknowledging some aspect of yourself. It is a reflection of your openness and genuineness. What is the receipt for? Alternatively, the dream symbolizes guaranteed success. Better times are ahead for you. To dream that you cannot find a receipt points to some regret about something you did in the past. Reception To dream that you are attending a reception represents togetherness and social gatherings. The dream may parallel your social calendar. Alternatively, the dream could be a pun that you need to be more "receptive" to some new idea, situation, relationship or person. Recess To dream about recess time suggests that you need to take a little break from your daily life for yourself. It is time to think things through and replenish your energy. Recipe To dream of a recipe symbolizes your creativity, talents and enjoyment of life. You need to take advantage of life's pleasures. Consider what the recipe is for. Desserts suggest that you need to indulge in life and devote some time to leisure. A recipe for preparing meat represents your desires for physical/emotional satisfaction. Recital To dream that you are in a recital indicates your level of self-confidence and self esteem. Consider how you perform in the recital and how it may parallel a waking situation. Recliner To see or sit on a recliner in your dream suggests that you need to take a step back to evaluate a situation. Since a recliner is sometimes referred to as a "lazy boy", the dream may indicate that you are unproductive. Recognition To dream that you are being recognized suggests that your hard work and abilities are not going unnoticed. Keep up the good work! To dream that someone is being recognized indicates that you need to incorporate some aspects of their character into your own self. Alternatively, the dream refers to your hidden feelings and fondness toward that person. Reconcilement To dream about a reconcilement represents a person in your waking life who you need to reconnect with. You need to rid yourself of some burden that has been weighing you down. Alternatively, the dream suggests that you need to come to terms with the changes in your life. Record To see or listen to a record in your dream suggests that you need to consider both sides of a situation before making a decision. You need to be more in tune with your instincts. Maybe there is something that you need to say "on or off the record." Or the dream is telling you that you are going round and round in circles; you are not making any progress in life. Alternatively, a record represents a need for enjoyment and sensual pleasure. To dream that the record is scratched may be a pun on how you are "sounding like a broken record". Or the dream may literally mean "breaking a record". Record Player To see a record player in your dream suggests that you are going around in circles over a problem or situation. In other words, you are going nowhere. To dream that the record player is broken indicates that you have broken free from a cycle or habit. Recording Studio To dream that you are in a recording studio suggests that there is a message that you need to absorb and incorporate into your daily life. Recovery To dream that you are recovering or in recovery means that you are visualizing success or envisioning a positive future. You will overcome current struggles or hardships. Dreaming that you are recovering an object means you are trying to relive parts of your past. Rectangle To see a rectangle in your dream represents permanence, materialism and stability. Because of its four corners and four sides, it is also symbolic of the number 4. Recurring Dream To have recurring dreams indicate unresolved issues, unhealthy behavior patterns, or unexpressed emotions in your waking life. *For more information, please See Dream Moods' article on Recurring Dreams. Recycle To dream that you are recycling suggests that you are trying to sort out aspects of your life. You are trying to learn from your past mistakes and turn them into positives. Alternatively, the dream may mean that you are reliving the past. It is time to move forward. Red Carpet To dream that you are walking on a red carpet represents your desire to be admired and looked up to. You are seeking validation and acknowledgement for your achievements. To see the red carpet in your dream suggests that you are welcoming fun and festivities in your life. You are ready for a celebration. Red Cross To see the Red Cross in your dream suggests that you are in need of spiritual healing. Don't be shy about asking for help when you need it. The Red Cross is also representative of humanitarian work. Red Giant To dream of a Red Giant implies that the end is near in your career or relationship. Red Light To dream that you are running a red stoplight indicates that you are doing something despite being told not to do it. You are going against the rules. Red Snapper To dream of a red snapper fish implies that you are speaking and acting out of anger. You are letting negative emotions dictate your behavior. Redecorating To dream that you are redecorating indicates your need for change. You need a makeover of yourself. Redhead To dream that you are a redhead suggests that you need more spontaneity and vitality in your life. It is time to make some dramatic changes. Redwood To see redwood trees in your dream symbolize longevity and continuity. Due to their color, the redwoods also represent passion, life, and blood. Reeds To see reeds in your dream symbolize your flexibility and resilience in various situations. Reef To see a reef in your dream suggests that you are blocking out subconscious material from emerging onto the surface. Alternatively, the dream may also mean a refuge or protection from your emotions. Reenactment To dream of a reenactment signifies a memory, especially if it is a painful or difficult memory. Your subconscious is trying to protect you by creating a level of separation from a direct memory. Referee To see a referee in your dream signifies an inner battle between your own ideals and values and between the ideals and values of others. You are looking for a resolution to some conflict in your daily life. Reflection To see your reflection in your dream represents your true self; it is time to look within. The reflection may highlight both your flaws and positive attributes. Learn from your flaws and how to improve them. At the same time, appreciate your good qualities. Alternatively, your reflection indicates how you want others to perceive you. If you see a strange figure or something other than your own reflection, then it suggests that you are undergoing some identity crisis. You are not sure about who you are anymore. To dream that you do not see your reflection in a mirror implies that you have lost your self-identity. Perhaps you have changed for the benefit of others that you don't know who you are anymore. Refrigerator To see or open a refrigerator in your dream represents your chilling personality and/or cold emotions. The dream may also be telling you that you need to put some goal, plan, or situation on hold. Alternatively, a refrigerator signifies that you have accomplished what you have been subconsciously seeking. To dream that the refrigerator has broken down suggests that you need to warm up to somebody or some situation. It is time to let go of those harsh, cold feelings. If you dream of a very full refrigerator, then it symbolizes your untapped resources. Refugee To dream that you are a refugee refers to feelings of rejection by society. You feel emotionally isolated and that you do not belong anywhere. Alternatively, the dream means that you are trying to escape a situation or issue instead of confronting it. Refusal To dream that you are refusing something suggests that you are in denial about something. Consider what you are refusing. Alternatively, the dream may be a pun on "refuse" or trash. Is there some aspect or characteristic that you are rejecting?