The unicorn, as referenced in the King James Bible, is a translation of the Hebrew 're'em,' likely referring to a wild ox rather than the mythical creature. However, in the biblical imagination, the unicorn has come to represent untamable strength, purity, and the awe-inspiring aspects of God's creation. Dreaming of a unicorn in a biblical context may symbolize a call to recognize the mysterious and powerful nature of the divine, a reminder to uphold innocence and moral integrity, or an invitation to trust in God's unfathomable wisdom and might.

While unicorns are not canonical Buddhist symbols, their qualities align with Buddhist ideals of purity, compassion, and the pursuit of enlightenment. In East Asian traditions, the qilin—a unicorn-like creature—embodies benevolence and auspiciousness. Dreaming of a unicorn may reflect the aspiration for spiritual purity, the cultivation of rare virtues, or an appreciation for the preciousness of human life and the opportunity it affords for awakening.

Across cultures, unicorns are enduring symbols of innocence, magic, and the unattainable. In Western folklore, they are associated with purity and can only be approached by the pure of heart. In medieval and Renaissance art, unicorns symbolized chastity and were linked to the Virgin Mary. In contemporary culture, unicorns have become icons of individuality, hope, and the enduring human fascination with the mysterious and magical.

Though unicorns are not prominent in Hindu mythology, the ekashringa (one-horned) appears in ancient texts, symbolizing uniqueness, purity, and spiritual focus. Dreaming of a unicorn may indicate the awakening of unique spiritual gifts, the pursuit of dharma (righteousness), or the presence of divine grace guiding the dreamer toward self-realization and spiritual fulfillment.

Although unicorns are absent from Islamic scripture, Islamic dream interpretation often treats rare or mythical creatures as metaphors for extraordinary blessings, spiritual purity, or lofty, perhaps unattainable, aspirations. A unicorn in a dream may signify the pursuit of spiritual excellence, the presence of rare divine favor (barakah), or the dreamer's yearning for purity and uniqueness in faith. It could also allude to a test of faith or the emergence of unique spiritual gifts.

Psychologically, the unicorn functions as an archetype of innocence, individuality, and the integration of the fantastical or transcendent within the psyche. Dreaming of a unicorn may reflect a longing for wonder, a desire to reconnect with one's inner child, or the pursuit of ideals that seem out of reach. It can also symbolize the process of individuation—embracing one's unique qualities and integrating them into a cohesive sense of self.

Spiritually, the unicorn is a potent symbol of purity, transcendence, and the miraculous. It may appear in dreams as a guide to higher consciousness, a messenger from the spiritual realm, or an emblem of the soul's journey toward its highest ideals. Encountering a unicorn in a dream can signal a period of spiritual awakening, transformation, or the arrival of a rare opportunity for growth and enlightenment.