In the biblical context, birds frequently represent spiritual messengers, divine care, and the omnipresence of God's providence (Matthew 6:26). While seagulls are not directly mentioned in scripture, their association with the sea can evoke themes of the Holy Spirit hovering over the waters at creation (Genesis 1:2) and God's sovereignty over all creation. Dreaming of a seagull may thus symbolize a call to trust in God's guidance during uncertain times, an invitation to spiritual freedom, or reassurance of divine provision, especially when navigating life's metaphorical 'seas.'

In Buddhist symbolism, birds often represent liberation from samsara—the cycle of suffering and rebirth. A seagull soaring above the ocean may embody the mind's potential to detach from worldly attachments and observe the flow of thoughts and emotions with equanimity. If the seagull is wounded or trapped, it may reflect the suffering that arises from clinging or aversion, highlighting areas where the dreamer is not yet free.

Culturally, seagulls are emblematic of the sea, freedom, and adaptability. In literature and folklore, they often symbolize wanderers, survivors, or messengers, and are sometimes associated with omens or the presence of the supernatural. In dreams, seagulls may reflect a longing for adventure, the need to adapt to changing circumstances, or complex feelings about community and boundaries—since seagulls are both solitary and communal. Negative encounters with seagulls can symbolize annoyance, intrusion, or a sense of loss or disruption.

In Hindu thought, birds are seen as vehicles of the atman (soul) and messengers between the earthly and divine realms. The seagull's connection to water—often a symbol of consciousness and the subconscious—suggests the soul's journey across the ocean of samsara. Its flight can symbolize transcendence and spiritual progress, while a wounded seagull may indicate karmic obstacles or a sense of spiritual limitation that needs to be addressed.

In Islamic dream interpretation, birds are often seen as symbols of the soul, spiritual ascent, and messages from the divine. Seagulls, as birds of the sea, may represent the soul's journey across the vastness of life's trials and the unknown. According to Ibn Sirin, seeing a bird in a dream can herald good news or divine messages, particularly if the bird is flying freely. A seagull may also signify unexpected sustenance (rizq) and Allah's mercy, as referenced in Qur'an 24:41, which highlights God's care for all creatures, including those of the sea and sky.

Psychologically, seagulls are potent symbols of freedom, adaptability, and the ability to rise above emotional turbulence (symbolized by the ocean). Jungian analysis often interprets birds as manifestations of the psyche's drive toward transcendence and integration of the unconscious. Dreaming of a seagull may indicate a yearning for autonomy, a wish to escape constraints, or a need to gain perspective on emotional issues. Conversely, a wounded or trapped seagull could reflect vulnerability, anxiety about losing independence, or unresolved emotional wounds.

Spiritually, the seagull is regarded as a liminal creature, bridging the realms of land, sea, and sky. Its appearance in dreams may signal a period of spiritual transition, the need to rise above mundane concerns, or the soul's capacity to find nourishment and meaning in adversity. The seagull's resourcefulness and ability to thrive in harsh environments further symbolize resilience and spiritual adaptability.