In biblical symbolism, poison is a potent metaphor for the insidious nature of sin, deceit, and spiritual corruption. Scripture frequently associates poison with the destructive power of words and intentions, as seen in James 3:8, which likens the tongue to 'an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.' Similarly, Psalm 140:3 describes evildoers as having 'poison of asps under their lips,' emphasizing the hidden dangers of malice and falsehood. Dreaming of poison may thus serve as a divine warning to remain vigilant against spiritual threats, to guard one's heart and speech, and to seek forgiveness for harboring bitterness or resentment, which can spiritually 'poison' the soul.

In Buddhist symbolism, poison is intimately connected to the 'three poisons'—ignorance, attachment, and aversion—which are the root causes of suffering (dukkha). Dreaming of poison may indicate that the dreamer is struggling with these mental afflictions or encountering situations that reinforce them. The dream serves as a reminder to cultivate mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom to neutralize these poisons and progress toward enlightenment.

Culturally, poison is a universal symbol of danger, betrayal, and hidden threats. In literature and folklore, poison often represents treachery or moral decay. Dreaming of poison may reflect anxieties about trust, vulnerability, or the risk of being harmed by unseen forces in one's social environment. It can also symbolize the impact of toxic societal norms or relationships that undermine personal well-being.

In Hindu tradition, poison (visha) is a powerful symbol, most famously illustrated in the myth of Shiva consuming the Halahala poison to save the world during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). Dreaming of poison may represent confronting one's own destructive tendencies or the necessity to absorb and transmute negativity for a higher purpose. It can also signal the presence of harmful influences or unresolved karma, prompting the dreamer to seek purification through spiritual practices such as mantra, yoga, or ritual.

In Islamic dream interpretation, poison is generally viewed as an omen of harmful influences, spiritual corruption, or the presence of envy (hasad) and black magic (sihr). Ibn Sirin notes that drinking poison in a dream may indicate being afflicted by slander or the malice of others. However, if the dreamer survives the poison, it can symbolize overcoming adversity and receiving Allah's protection. Poison may also represent engaging in forbidden (haram) actions or consuming what is unlawful, prompting the dreamer to purify their intentions and actions through repentance and spiritual discipline.

Psychologically, poison in dreams often represents internalized negativity, toxic relationships, or self-destructive patterns. Drawing on Jungian theory, poison may symbolize the shadow—the repressed aspects of the psyche that, if ignored, can undermine mental health. The spread of poison can reflect feelings of guilt, shame, or unresolved trauma, while handling poison may indicate awareness of one's own capacity for harm or the temptation to engage in unhealthy behaviors. Such dreams are invitations to confront and process these toxic elements, fostering self-awareness and healing.

Spiritually, poison in dreams can signify the presence of negative energies, psychic attacks, or karmic burdens affecting the dreamer's spiritual path. It may signal the need for energetic cleansing, forgiveness, or the release of attachments that are spiritually detrimental. In some traditions, poison is also seen as a catalyst for transformation, urging the dreamer to transmute darkness into wisdom through practices such as prayer, meditation, or ritual purification.