In the Biblical tradition, the concept of ghosts is ambiguous. The Bible generally discourages belief in the lingering spirits of the dead, emphasizing instead the finality of death and the separation between the living and the dead (Ecclesiastes 9:5-6). Notable exceptions, such as the appearance of Samuel's spirit to Saul via the medium at Endor (1 Samuel 28), are portrayed negatively, warning against necromancy and seeking forbidden knowledge. Dreaming of ghosts, therefore, may symbolize spiritual confusion, guilt, or unresolved sin, and can serve as a call to repentance and to seek reconciliation with God rather than turning to forbidden or deceptive sources for guidance.

In Buddhism, ghosts (preta or hungry ghosts) symbolize insatiable craving, attachment, and the suffering caused by unfulfilled desires. Dreaming of ghosts may reflect the dreamer's own attachments or unresolved karma, serving as a reminder to cultivate detachment, compassion, and mindfulness. Such dreams may also indicate the need for merit-making practices or rituals to assist deceased relatives in their spiritual journey.

Culturally, the symbolism of ghosts in dreams varies, but they often represent the unresolved past, collective memory, or fear of the unknown. In many societies, ghosts are seen as omens or messengers, prompting reflection on loss, grief, or unfinished business. Their presence in dreams may encourage the dreamer to confront fears, honor ancestors, or seek closure, with interpretations shaped by local folklore and tradition.

In Hinduism, ghosts (preta or bhuta) are believed to be souls that have not received proper rites or have unresolved desires. Dreaming of ghosts may point to ancestral spirits seeking attention, unfulfilled familial obligations, or personal guilt. Such dreams often prompt the dreamer to perform ritual offerings (shraddha), acts of charity, or spiritual purification to appease restless souls and restore harmony.

Islamic theology rejects the idea of human spirits lingering as ghosts; instead, the souls of the dead transition to Barzakh, awaiting resurrection. Encounters with ghosts in dreams are often attributed to jinn, or are seen as projections of personal anxieties and unresolved matters. Such dreams may prompt the dreamer to fulfill religious duties, seek forgiveness, or pray (dua) for the deceased. The emphasis is on resolving worldly affairs and maintaining spiritual vigilance, as Islam discourages seeking contact with spirits or the supernatural.

Psychologically, ghosts in dreams often represent repressed emotions, unresolved trauma, or aspects of the self that have been denied or forgotten. According to Jungian theory, such figures are manifestations of the 'shadow'—the unconscious parts of the psyche that surface when integration is needed. The appearance of a ghost may indicate that the dreamer is grappling with guilt, loss, or unfinished business, and the dream serves as an invitation to confront and integrate these hidden aspects.

From a spiritual perspective, ghosts in dreams can be interpreted as signs of energetic imbalance, lingering attachments, or messages from the spirit world. These dreams may urge the dreamer to release past burdens, perform acts of healing, or engage in rituals of closure. In some spiritual traditions, ghosts are seen as guides or messengers, prompting the dreamer to pay attention to neglected aspects of their spiritual journey or to assist restless souls through prayer or ritual.