In biblical tradition, eclipses are potent symbols of divine intervention, judgment, and cosmic upheaval. The darkening of the sun is referenced in prophetic passages such as Joel 2:31 ('The sun shall be turned into darkness... before the great and terrible day of the Lord come') and in the Gospels during the crucifixion of Jesus (Luke 23:44-45). Such imagery often signals periods of trial, spiritual reckoning, or the unveiling of hidden truths. Dreaming of an eclipse in a biblical context may reflect a sense of spiritual crisis, a call to repentance, or the need to seek faith and clarity when God's presence seems obscured.

In Buddhist symbolism, an eclipse represents the obscuration of one’s true nature (Buddha-nature) by ignorance (avidya) or delusion. The temporary darkness serves as a metaphor for the mind clouded by attachments and illusions. Dreaming of an eclipse may reflect a phase where clarity is lost, but also an opportunity to recognize impermanence and the illusory nature of phenomena, encouraging mindfulness, insight, and the pursuit of enlightenment.

Across cultures, eclipses have been regarded with awe, fear, and reverence, often interpreted as omens of change, upheaval, or the intervention of supernatural forces. Many societies hold rituals to ward off misfortune or to honor the cosmic event. In dreams, an eclipse may symbolize collective anxieties, transitions, or the anticipation of significant life changes, reflecting the universal human response to the mysterious and uncontrollable.

In Hindu mythology, eclipses are linked to the legend of Rahu and Ketu, celestial entities who periodically swallow the sun or moon, causing eclipses. These events are considered times of heightened spiritual energy but also of potential inauspiciousness, prompting rituals and prayers to mitigate negative influences. Dreaming of an eclipse may indicate karmic disturbances, hidden challenges, or the need for purification and intensified spiritual practice.

In Islam, eclipses are seen as awe-inspiring signs (āyāt) of Allah’s majesty and power, not as omens of evil. The Prophet Muhammad instituted the Salat al-Kusuf (eclipse prayer) to mark these events, emphasizing humility, remembrance, and seeking forgiveness. Dreaming of an eclipse may symbolize a period of spiritual reflection, a reminder of human dependence on God, or a prompt to engage in prayer and repentance during times of uncertainty or awe.

From a psychological perspective, an eclipse in dreams often represents the temporary overshadowing of conscious awareness by unconscious material. The sun (symbolizing consciousness and ego) being covered by the moon (representing the unconscious, emotions, or instincts) suggests a period when hidden feelings, fears, or unresolved issues come to the surface. This disruption of clarity can provoke anxiety but also offers an opportunity for self-discovery and integration of repressed content.

Spiritually, an eclipse is a powerful symbol of transformation and the interplay between light and shadow. It marks a threshold where the familiar is temporarily obscured, creating space for renewal, revelation, or the emergence of hidden wisdom. Dreaming of an eclipse may signal a spiritual awakening, a need to embrace both light and darkness within oneself, or a call to trust the cyclical process of transformation and growth.