In the Bible, dragons are potent symbols of chaos, evil, and resistance to divine order. Most notably, Revelation 12:3-9 depicts the dragon as Satan, the adversary of God and His people, embodying deception, destruction, and spiritual warfare. Old Testament references to Leviathan (Job 41; Isaiah 27:1) evoke dragon-like creatures subdued only by God, underscoring His ultimate authority over all forces of darkness. Thus, dreaming of a dragon in a biblical context often signifies facing profound spiritual opposition, temptation, or overwhelming adversity, and may be a call to rely on faith and God's deliverance.

In Buddhist tradition, dragons (nāga) are revered as wise and powerful protectors, often associated with water, rain, and the safeguarding of sacred teachings. Dreaming of a dragon may signal spiritual protection, the emergence of wisdom, or the necessity to harmonize powerful emotions. An aggressive dragon, however, could represent unchecked desires or obstacles impeding progress toward enlightenment.

Culturally, dragons possess a wide spectrum of meanings. In Western traditions, they are often seen as fearsome adversaries representing chaos, greed, or evil—beasts to be slain by heroes. In contrast, Eastern cultures, particularly Chinese, revere dragons as auspicious beings symbolizing power, wisdom, prosperity, and protection. Dreaming of a dragon may reflect these cultural attitudes toward power, transformation, or the unknown, with the dream's tone—threatening or benevolent—often shaped by the dreamer's cultural background.

Hindu mythology features serpent-dragons such as Vritra and the nāgas, representing both chaos and cosmic order. Dragons can symbolize primal energy (kundalini), hidden spiritual power, or the eternal struggle between good and evil. Dreaming of a dragon may reflect the awakening of spiritual energy, the need to overcome internal demons, or the guardianship of spiritual treasures. The nature of the dream often mirrors the dreamer's spiritual progress and readiness for transformation.

While dragons are not directly referenced in the Qur'an or Hadith, Islamic dream interpretation (ta'bir al-ru'ya) often treats formidable beasts as metaphors for powerful enemies, oppressive rulers, or major personal challenges. A dragon in a dream may symbolize a tyrant, a grave trial, or an intense struggle with one's nafs (lower self). Successfully overcoming or taming the dragon can indicate triumph over adversity, purification of the soul, or spiritual elevation through steadfastness and faith.

From a Jungian psychological perspective, dragons are archetypal manifestations of the shadow—the hidden, repressed, or feared aspects of the psyche. Encountering a dragon in a dream may signal the need to confront personal fears, instincts, or unresolved conflicts. Befriending or integrating the dragon reflects the process of embracing and transforming these shadow elements, fostering individuation and personal growth. Dragons can also symbolize latent creative power or the drive to overcome obstacles.

Spiritually, dragons are multifaceted symbols, embodying both destructive and transformative energies. They may represent the awakening of kundalini energy, the guardianship of hidden wisdom, or the confrontation with primal instincts. Facing a dragon in a dream can signify a rite of passage or spiritual test, challenging the dreamer to transcend lower impulses and access higher consciousness. The dragon thus serves as both a trial and a guide on the path to spiritual realization.