If you would like to try your hand at interpreting one of your dreams, please use this page as a reference.  I have placed all of the dream symbol meanings that I used in my blog here. In no way is this a complete listing of dream symbols and their meanings.  All symbols listed here have been taken from the following reference books.  Please refer to these books for a more complete listing of symbol meanings.

Dream Book References:    

“Dreams, Images, and Symbols (A Dictionary)” by Kevin J. Todeschi, ARE Press

“Symbols-Guiding Lights Along the Journey of Life” by Kathleen R. Prata, ARE Press

“Dreams:  Tonight’s Answers for Tomorrow’s Questions” by Mark Thurston, PH.D., St. Martin’s Paperbacks

“The Ultimate Guide to Understanding the Dreams You Dream” by Ira Milligan, Destiny Image Press Publications

MEANINGS: 

Accent- trying to make what you’re saying seem better or more appropriate or different than what it actually is.

Actor-That personality we present to the world.  Associated with the role we play in life.

Airplane-lofty idea or project.

Alien-corresponds to that which is out of place or from another environment.  Maybe associated with a foreign or unknown part of one’s self.

Altar-Corresponds to ritual or faith.

Apartment-One’s place of residence. Temporary lodging or condition.  One’s current situation or experience or personality.

Arizona-the actual state itself or what I think of it. 

Atmosphere-indicates one’s emotional or mental state about what is occurring.

Attack-A conflict with oneself and others or portions of oneself.  Associated with feeling weak, inferior, or criticized.  Environment of hostility or oppression.

Argument-conflict with others or with one’s self.Arm-ability to reach out to others or the ability to give expression or service to others.  Work, duty or responsibility.

Aunt-the actual person or what she represents to you. For example, an aunt within your family could be very loving but also very bossy.

Authority figures-one who is in authority.  Could indicate a disciplinary figure or parental figure.

Automobile/Car-symbolic of yourself, your work, or your current situation.  What the car is doing could be indicative of how it is going.  For example, speeding could indicate a possible dangerous situation or rushing to achieve your destination.

Baby-new beginning/idea/or possibility.  Creative endeavor or project.

Backyard-What we keep to ourselves (secrets from the outside world).

Band-the means by which one’s energy is being directed.   One’s emotional nature.  The type of band would be indicative of the way in which the energy is perceived or experienced.  For example, “hard rock” could indicate anger, explosiveness. 

Basement- can correspond to the unconscious or subconscious mind. Might correspond to untapped wisdom, information, or intuition.

Battle/Fight- a conflict with others or portions of one’s self. Could be associated with the need to fight for what’s right.

Beach-a time of joyfulness, or peaceful or solitary reflection.  Consciousness between spirit(emotions) and the physical world.

Bear-something or someone with two sides.  For example, gentle and kind but when angered, ferocious and mean.  Also, how the bear appears or what type of bear can give a greater clue to the meaning:  For example, there is no specific meaning for a Panda.  In this case, you would apply what you observe about the Panda, such as his colors, state of mind and behavior.

Beard-Proliferation of ideas or creativity.  Or possibly the need to hide.

Bed/Bedroom-sexual activity, intimacy, and passion.  Sleep, rest, the unconsciousness.

Belly (stomach)-assimilation, digestion.  Personal constitution.

Bite-can symbolize that which is gnawing, irritating or bugging one.  That which is sucking the life out of you or another.

Black-knowledge associated with the unknown, the unconsciousness, or the suppressed. Mystery.  The unknown or unconscious knowledge we have which is being brought to our awareness.

Blanket/Covers-personal security and comfort.  That which covers the situation.

Blood- represents the physical forces of life itself. Can correspond to the ideas and ideals flowing through a person’s body. Bleeding in a dream might indicate you are pouring too much of yourself into whatever you are doing. Symbolic of the sacrifice of Christ.

Blonde (yellow)-intelligence, power, wisdom, creativity. 

Blue-often associated with spiritual truth or insight.

Boat-body of thought. Spiritual voyage or experience.

Bobcat- someone who makes aggressive or spiteful comments.  Wild or aggressive situation.

Body/Corpse- something that has come to an end.

Bombs-that which is explosive or disruptive.  Type of bomb could bring more description: for example, nuclear would indicate something huge and possibly life-changing.

Books-associated with knowledge or lessons that may be gained or that are already in one’s possession.

Bookshelves-a way to keep knowledge or lessons organized and accessible.

Boss-one who is in authority.  A disciplinary or parental figure.

Boulder (rock)-Difficulties that need to be overcome or gone around.  Emotional aloofness or the inability to change or open up.

Box-the conditions surrounding one’s life.  That which is hemmed in by circumstances, the environment, or one’s state of mind.

Boy-may represent an idea, a project or a person of about the same age.

Boyfriend-relationship with that person or what it represents to you.

Bread- that which is needed (kneaded) or used for one’s own physical, mental or spiritual well-being, development or success.

Bridge-transformation or journey in understanding.

Broken-something that was neglected, broken, ignored.  Something that is no longer of use.

Brother-in-law- the relationship with the person themselves or a representation of an aspect of yourself.

Brown- associated with the earth or the material world.

Builder- associated with that which creates one’s life or experience.

Building- associated with one’s habits, patterns, beliefs, situations, even particular relationships.

Cap/Headdress- associated with an idea, an opinion, or an attitude. May represent an individual’s occupation or that with which they are involved.

Car/Automobile-symbolic of yourself, your work, or your current situation.  What the car is doing could be indicative of how it is going.  For example, speeding could indicate a possible dangerous situation or rushing to achieve your destination.

Carnival-how I am handling the situation.

Chaos-may be symbolic of the challenges one is currently facing. Could be associated with emotional problems and upsets.

Chase-A conflict  between others or portions of oneself.

Cheating-having an affair with another person.  Deceiving or being deceived.

Children-your actual children or what they represent to you. Being full of potential, but presently undeveloped. A new beginning or fresh start.  May represent a particular situation or experience of the same age in your life (a project, business, memory).  May represent actual children one knows.

China-ancient wisdom/mysterious/unknown.

Church-Symbolic of religious or personal beliefs or a childhood association with religion.  One’s spiritual or moral life.

City-one’s community, environment or current situation. Can also represent various aspects of one’s self.  Each city can represent what you personally think of that city.  The area of the city can also indicate what part of oneself is represented or how it is being affected.  Downtown in a city is usually where the heart of city government and business originates.

Clothing-outer personality, attitudes, and behaviors.  The type of clothes is indicative of what in the personality, attitude, behavior is effected.

Closet-that which is in storage and may be utilized at a later date, such as memories, emotions, or experiences.

Concrete-something real, stable, and unyielding.

Condemned/Sentenced-An idea or belief system that has been condemned.

Corral (fenced in area for animals)-prevents passage in or out.  Could represent being confined through the limits of emotions and/or beliefs.

Costume-the role one plays in life.  Also associated with ideas, thoughts and experiences.  Something a person hides behind.

Cousin-literally that person and/or what they represent to you.

Crash-warning about one’s situation.

Crawling-something that just creeps along.  Could suggest humility or the need for it.

Crime-the act of doing something one should not have done.  Something unlawful, immoral, or out of character.

Crowd-work or family life.

Crying-release of emotions/severe disappointment.

Cup-represents a mission, a duty, a higher purpose, or a journey.

Curtains (blinds/shades)-the opening or closing of a portion of one’s life or a death. That which conceals, cloaks, hides, or obscures visions.

Cuts/Gashes- the opening of something. Limitations that have been held in. Something that effects or hurts deeply.

Dark-The unknown, the mysterious, or the unconscious.

Day-fresh start/new beginning.  Clarity, truth, insight. 

Daughter-Can represent the relationship with your actual daughter or a warning about your daughter or what she might represent to you.  That part of one’s self that might need direction.  Might represent someone else who is like your daughter in personality or relationship.

Dead (death)-the end of an idea, an experience, a project or relationship.  Symbolic of a transition or change.

Deer/Buck-independence/nature/wild or gentleness/kindness.

Desert-that which is not fertile, is bleak, or is abandoned.

Desk-can correspond to one’s work situation and environment.  Putting in order/reorganizing (one’s work, thoughts, etc.)

Destination-where one’s efforts are leading.

Diaper-something that needs to be changed.

Dog-may be symbolic of loyalty and faithfulness or aggressiveness and territorialism.  Type of dog-a Scottish terrier has high energy and can be loving and fun.

Door-an opportunity, experience, idea or new pathways to personal expression.  Unexplored regions of the self.  Front door, what is coming next.

Drinking-may represent the inclination to escape or lose control.

Driver’s Education Class-learning to take control of one’s destiny and/or the direction your life is going.

Driving-associated with one’s journey or direction.

Drums-announcement or important message, or one who seeks attention to emphasize their point of view.

Dusk (sunset)-the ending of one period in one’s life, experience, or relationship.

Ears- associated with listening or the need to be heard. Could indicate openness or receptivity or the lack of it.

Earthquake- may indicate a warning or a message. Can indicate a shattering or problem situation. An emotional upheaval. Might indicate a real earthquake.

Ear Wax- a blockage to listening or being receptive.

Envelope-the arrival of a new idea, an opportunity, a communication, or an insight.  A message.

Explosion-To discredit or prove false.  Can represent a sudden or dramatic change.

Eyes-the ability to see, vision.  The windows to the soul; one’s own individuality.  May correspond to one’s own outlook on life.

Factory-can correspond to regularity/predictability/hard work.

Fall Festival- indicates a celebration for a time of life where old ways are slipping away.

Family-can correspond to various aspects of oneself. May represent aspects of oneself in relationship to that person or talents, qualities, or experiences that one associates with that person. A parental figure could indicate the need to look after one’s activities. Might indicate a literal suggestion or a warning in terms of the person’s welfare.

Father-represents authority, leadership, or power.  Can also represent what one thinks of their actual father.

Fence-prevents passage in or out.  Could represent being confined through the limits of emotions and/or beliefs.

Field-one’s place of duty, harvest, or mission.  May be associated with one’s field of work.

Fight-a conflict with others or portions of one’s self. Could be associated with the need to fight for what’s right.

Fire-Consuming conditions in one’s experiences/behavior/thinking/etc.

Firefighters- help to overcome strong emotions or a burning issue or putting out that which inflames a situation.

Firewood-behaviors and thoughts which could  ignite one’s reactions to others when one feel’s slighted.

Flooding-corresponds to an inundation of water, spirit, emotion, or frustration. Something that overwhelms one’s situation; breakdown.

Floor/Level of home- consciousness, the conscious mind, or the place of everyday life. Third floor can indicate adding another level of consciousness.

Fly-associated with rising above or overcoming a situation or experience.  To journey freely in understanding.  Associated with rising above or overcoming a situation or experience. May be symbolic of astral or mind travel.

Food- nourishment or sustenance of a physical, mental or spiritual nature.  The type of food could be indicative of the quality or nature of what you are receiving.  Associated with spiritual truths, new ideas, or something that you’re feeding or that you need to feed to yourself or another.

Foot-direction/journey/personal stance/foundation.

Fortunes-wishful or hopeful thinking.

Four-associated with stability, materiality, and something that is of the earth.

Friend- a suggestion or warning in terms of your friend’s welfare.  Could correspond to the relationship you possess with that individual, such as wanting to be friends with the person or to be more intimate with what they represent.  Friendly relationship with another. If the person is unknown to you, could indicate as aspect of yourself that needs to be befriended. Can be associated with aspects of ourselves in relationship to that person, or talents, qualities, or experiences that we associate with that person.

Forest-growth, nature, new ideas.

Front yard-what we show the world.  Awaiting what comes next in life.

Giant- people or conditions that are threatening or present themselves as obstacles. May indicate that which has the brawn but not the brains (the power but not the insight).

Giraffe- ability to see from above. Something that is out of reach.  The will. Might have a great distance between one’s thoughts (head) and one’s emotions ( heart).

Glass-that which holds something to eat or drink.  Could represent a fragile part of one’s life.

Grass-associated with growth, healing, energy or vibrancy.

Grief (sad)- a severe disappointment.  Activities or interactions causing one to be unhappy, depressed, sorrowful, or melancholy.

Groceries-associated with choices and decisions. May symbolize opportunities or possible directions in one’s current situation.

Gun-one’s need to defend oneself with words/actions, etc.  Violence or aggression.

Hair-Ideas, thoughts, creativity, intellect, state of mind, mental processes.  The thinking that one has.

Hall-transition from one consciousness to another.

Hands-service, participation, or work.

Head- ideas, intentions, or one’s current state of mind.

Helicopter-a practical idea or project of a spiritual nature. 

Hispanic-very group/family oriented.  More relationship focused. More fatalistic, less time conscious.

Hole/Damage-a dark situation, experience, or passage.

Horns/Antlers- power, might, honor.

House/Home-one’s personality or current situation or experience. The status of one’s state of consciousness.  For example, type of home or whose home can be a more clear indicator of what exactly is being addressed.   A friend’s home could indicate you are experiencing a current situation very similar to how you view your friend as living or thinking.  A haunted house adventure would indicate travelling through an experience which can be scary but is controlled.  An actual haunted house would indicate a state of consciousness filled with fears, thoughts, the past or that which keeps haunting one’s self.

Husband-actual husband or what he represents to me.  Suggests literal aspects of the relationship with one’s husband.

Ice-that which is frozen, impenetrable, or cold.  Separation between consciousness or physicality and spirit.

Instructor (teacher)-anyone or anything that aids one’s development.  Authority figure.  One who gives advice or counsel.

Insurance- corresponds to personal protection. May indicate that one is assured of the proper outcome. 

Island-could correspond to a place of safety from the environment.  Associated with something that is isolated.

Jade-symbol of prosperity in Asian cultures.

Journey-a passage through time, experiences or awareness.  One’s life journey.

Kidnapped- that which is taken unlawfully. Can correspond to that which is under complete control by another.

Killing-associated with that which you are trying to kill or dispose of or that which is trying to do away with you.

Kitchen-where one is fed or nurtured physically, mentally, spiritually.

Knees-flexibility, ability to bend, bowing to Divine Will.

Lamp-can correspond to an awareness, a light, or an insight.  That which is illuminated. 

Land-representative of a place of consciousness.

Leaves-ideas, new growth, rebirth. One’s memories or past experiences.

Left-receptive, open-minded, liberal.  The unconscious part of one’s self.

Leg-that which is one’s foundation, support, principles, or morals.

Legless-to be without principles, a backbone, sense of direction, a job, self-respect.

Lighting/light/headlamp-bringing something under investigation, a lesson/truth/knowledge coming to light. Associated with great lessons, great truths, or higher knowledge.  That which provides illumination for others. 

Living Room-one’s state of mind or environment.  Could correspond to one’s daily activities or a more formal and public life.

Lottery ticket-taking a risk to obtain something of value in a new experience.

Maat-the name of an ancient Egyptian goddess who represented Truth/law/universal order.

Mail-receiving a message/idea/insight.

Man-corresponds to the masculine side of one’s nature.  Masculine traits-strength, courage, determination, virility.  Independence.

Map-seeing an overview of the situation/an upcoming experience.

Medicine/Drugs- may be associated with either a source of healing or a source of escape.

Military- corresponds to order, power, discipline, or the relinquishment of personal will. Can represent a warlike environment or situation. Associated with placing oneself subservient to a greater goal or good.

Mirror-that which reflects one’s own image, experience, or situation.  Egotism and thinking of only one’s self.  The reflection may have to do with the symbolism: a poor self image, a split personality, etc.

Misbehavior-an idea, project or person that is not going as it should.

Monster-corresponds to irrational thoughts or behaviors.  Repressed or ignored portions of oneself.  One’s own fears.

Mother-in-law-The individual or what she represents to me.  The need to look after one’s activities.

Moving-can correspond to a change or progression in understanding or consciousness.

Music-in harmony, coordinating one’s energy into a specific direction or purpose.

Nail Clippers- refining those aspects of our personality which act as safeguards to protect us.

Neck-personal will, self.

Neighbor-the actual person or the relationship one has with their neighbor.  Something or someone near to one that must be lived with or endured.

Neighborhood-sharing a similar psyche/attitude/consciousness with a group of people. The overall atmosphere surrounding the issue.

Nephew-the person himself or what one thinks of that person.

Night-an ending, a completion, a dormancy, a closing.

Niece-the person herself or what one thinks of that person.

Nose-being “on the nose”.  Being specific about the subject and not speaking of anything else.

Ocean-the deepest reaches of the soul, the unconscious, or the emotions.  An ocean journey can symbolize an emotional or spiritual experience.  Associated with a spiritual journey or a life journey.

Office-associated with work or a working relationship.  May correspond to one’s duty or obligation.

One-associated with the first, the beginning, the One God, oneness with God.  Unity, individuality, or independence.  Maybe symbolic of God.

Outside-what one is cultivating currently.

Overweight/Fat- something excessive, overly pronounced, or very productive, or actually overweight.

Pant-one’s personal identity, philosophy, or direction.  Type of pants: Jeans (getting down to work or easy journey).

Parking Lot (parked)-a place to rest.

Phone (telephone)-Associated with gaining information or insight.

Picture-memories, ideas, or relationships.

Pillow-Can correspond to rest, relaxation, sleep, or sexual activity.

Police- corresponds to the law (man-made or universal). Could represent one’s own conscience.

Prison/Jail-that which confines, surrounds, penalizes.  Losing individual freedom and will.  That  which has caused one to be trapped (i.e. habits, circumstances, a relationship, or one’s environment.)

Prisoner- associated with one who is being controlled or trapped by circumstance, conditions, feelings, others, or the environment.

Puddle (water)- the source of all life, sustenance, understanding, or wisdom. May represent emotions, the unconscious or subconscious, or the soul. 

Puppies-growing loyalty/faithfulness/unconditional love/instincts.   

Purple-Honor, spiritual vision, or that which is extremely important.  Selflessness or personal suffering.  Spiritual development.

Purse-that which carries one’s ideas, resources, attitudes, or emotions.  One’s identity.

Rain-spiritual healing or purification.  Conditions that are coming down/emotions and the release of feelings/a cleansing process.

Rape- corresponds to being forced into submission. An aggressive assault against one who is in a position of vulnerability.

Red-Desire (lust), energy, trouble, misunderstanding or anger.  One’s desires.

Relative- the person themselves or what they represent to me.  The relationship you have with that person.  Could indicate a suggestion or warning in terms of the relative’s welfare.

Restaurant-a place to be fed or nurtured physically, mentally, spiritually. A diner would be more casual, less formal.

Right-may indicate a proper choice, good judgment, or a correct direction.  Fixed, conservative.

River-flow of spirit/information/insights.  May be associated with one’s life path or direction.

Road/Street/Freeway-associated with the journey of life.  May indicate the direction one is pursuing.  The type of road can indicate more information.  For example, slick conditions-indication to slow down in one’s direction or efforts, difficulties. 

Rock- difficulties that need to be overcome or gone around.

Room-often represents aspects of one’s self.

Running-Associated with that part of oneself that is running away from something.

RV (recreational vehicle)-One’s current situation or experience that is mobile or temporary.

Scissors-could indicate what needs to be cut out of one’s life, activities, or interactions.  The desire to cut loose from that which binds.

Scorpion-associated with danger. May correspond to that which is hurtful, bitter, or stinging.

Semi-Desert-something which may not be very fertile, or is somewhat bleak, or almost abandoned.  It’s ability to grow ideas/spirituality/etc is limited.

Sentenced/Condemned-An idea or belief system that has been condemned.

Sex-can correspond to creativity, love, reproduction, or self gratification. May indicate a close relationship or the need to develop a unified relationship.

Sharks-treacherous/dangerous. Be ready for unexpected attacks.

Shelf- a place of safekeeping or putting something away.

Ship-one’s life journey. Having a particular spiritual voyage or experience. Obstacles along the way cause a spiritual inundation due to the obstacle. One’s life journey might be adjusted or redirected.

Shirt- the outer personality shown to others.  One’s own thoughts, ideas, occupation.  A black shirt might symbolize a stance indicating one’s understanding of the “mysteries of God”.

Shoes-an individual’s beliefs, ideas, occupation, foundation, principles, direction, perspective.

Sister-in-law-the relationship with the person themselves or a representation of an aspect of yourself.

Skirt- can correspond to one’s image, appearance, or a particular experience

Skin-associated with self.  Corresponds to one’s own situation or the environment in which one lives.

Skydiving-to dive into something using a lofty idea or project, which can end in disaster if not done correctly.

Sleep (asleep)-associated with being unconscious to the external environment.  The internal feminine, waiting to be awakened.

Smoke-Lack of clarity or insight.

Snake-Wisdom, energy, temptation, power.  Harmful or threatening conditions.

Spanking-a reaction to another’s misbehavior.  A more extreme effort to take control of a situation.

Stairs-rising or descending to another level of consciousness, awareness, spirituality, etc.

Stomach- associated with digestion and assimilation (food, ideas, emotions, etc.)

Store/Restaurant- a place where one might buy any need, idea, or possibility (i.e. physical-literal diet or food for thought; mental-a new image or attitude; spiritual- where to search next in one’s journey)

Storm- a big upheaval, challenges or difficulties.

Superman-the way in which one handles a lofty idea or project.

Swimming- associated with being engulfed in spirituality, emotions, feelings, creative ideas, a goal, or a project. Feeling relaxed and assured could represent feeling confident in one’s present situation.

Table-putting things out in the open.  One’s family. 

Talking/Speaking-communicating.

Teeth-Symbolic of one’s words; what one says.  Metaphorically, can be used as follows:  getting one’s teeth into it- getting involved.

Test-corresponds to a test or lesson.  Often associated with a challenging experience or situation.

Three-Body, mind and spirit. Trinity.  Great strength.  May represent a particular situation or experience of the same age in your life.

Tickets-one’s passage, entry, chance, or permission into the experience.

Time-may correspond to the appropriate timing for an activity, event, relationship, or change.

Tire-a basic belief, idea, foundation, principle, direction or perspective necessary to help one do what they need to with themselves, their work or their current situation.

Tire rim-a basic value needed to make a belief, idea, foundation, principle, direction or perspective work in relation with one’s self, one’s work, or one’s current situation.

Toe-an extension of one’s principals/stance.

Toenail- protective layer one uses to help safeguard one’s personal stance or foundation.

Torture- associated with great pain, revenge or control. Can correspond to emotional anguish or distress.

Tree/Branches-Wisdom, knowledge and belief systems.  Possibly symbolic of the Cross, and/or Enlightenment.

Trial-the act of being judged, being too judging or judging oneself.  Could correspond to being convicted of a crime or misdeed.

Truck-that which can carry people, belongings, ideas, etc.  May be associated with oneself, one’s work, or one’s current situation.

Turtle-slow, methodical, dependable. Protection.  Motherly compassion.

Two-division of the whole, or cooperation, union, and adaptability.

Ugly- that which is unpleasant to look at. May be symbolic of a negative activity or behavior in oneself or others.

Uniform/Clothes- associated with one’s duty, occupation or state of mind. Might be associated with fairness or balance.

Vampire-associated with something that sucks or drains one’s life, emotions, energy, or patience.

Waitress/Server- taking or giving orders or being of service. May symbolize what one is waiting for.

Walking-one’s current activities, situation, state of mind, or journey. One’s course of action or conduct.

Wall- symbolic of an obstacle that stands in the way or that might be overcome.  May represent a protective barrier, shelter, or boundary.

Water- the source of all life, sustenance, understanding, or wisdom. May represent emotions, the unconscious or subconscious, or the soul. (Puddle/lake/stream/ocean,etc.)

Wash-cleansing or purifying something.

Wasps-that which is irritating or stings.

Weight/Fat- something excessive, overweight, overly pronounced, or very productive. 

Western-indicative of independence and self-reliance.  Can also indicate lawlessness.

White-generally associated with purity, virginity, innocence, holiness, spiritual.  The ideal of completeness.

Windows-associated with sight, awareness, attitudes, or that which is presented to the world.

Window shade (curtains/blinds)- the opening or closing of a portion of one’s life or a death. That which conceals, cloaks, hides, or obscures visions.

Window shade- the opening or closing of a portion of one’s life or a death. That which conceals, cloaks, hides, or obscures visions.

Woman-Can represent the emotional, intuitive, family, or maternal instincts.  An idea, project, or person who is represented by the symbol of the woman with similar characteristics and/or behaviors.

Wooden-new possibilities or something constructive about to occur.

Work-One’s present occupation and/or one’s duty or obligation.  One’s feelings about work or what is going on there.

Worm-that which is earthy.  A despicable person.

Yard-Awaiting what comes next in life.

Year-corresponds to time, the passage of time, or increments of time.  May represent any cycle of evolutionary period.

Yelling-indicates an important message, warning or idea.  Something which arouses one from a current state of mind or present situation.

Yellow (Blonde)-intelligence, power, wisdom, creativity. 

Young-youthfulness, naiveté, or inexperience.

Zombies- an instinctual or mindless way of reacting and/or behaving when in specific situations or relationships.  An idea that was killed and should have remained dead, suddenly resurfacing.