In the biblical tradition, vomiting is a potent metaphor for spiritual rejection and moral folly. Proverbs 26:11—'As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly'—underscores the cyclical nature of sin and the dangers of returning to past transgressions. Revelation 3:16’s imagery of God 'spitting out' the lukewarm further intensifies the association with divine disgust and the necessity of wholehearted commitment. Thus, dreaming of vomiting may symbolize a deep, perhaps subconscious, call to repentance, a warning against spiritual complacency, and an urgent need to purge oneself of recurring sins or spiritual mediocrity.

In Buddhist dream symbolism, vomiting represents the active purging of kilesas—defilements such as greed, hatred, and delusion—that impede enlightenment. The act of vomiting in a dream may signal the practitioner’s progress on the path of purification, reflecting a conscious or unconscious effort to let go of attachments and unwholesome mental states. This process is integral to achieving clarity, equanimity, and ultimately, liberation from suffering.

Culturally, vomiting in dreams is widely associated with the rejection of what is intolerable, whether it be a toxic relationship, overwhelming stress, or a distressing experience. It can also reflect fears of social embarrassment, shame, or the aftermath of a traumatic event. In some traditions, such dreams are interpreted as cathartic, marking the end of turmoil and the beginning of healing. The symbolism is thus both personal and collective, reflecting universal themes of rejection, purification, and renewal.

In Hindu dream interpretation, vomiting is closely tied to the expulsion of doshas (imbalances) and the cleansing of negative karma. The dream may signal the body and mind’s attempt to rid themselves of impurities, both physical and spiritual, and is often seen as a harbinger of relief, renewal, or the resolution of inner conflicts. Such dreams may encourage self-purification, atonement, and a conscious effort to restore balance and harmony.

Islamic dream interpretation, especially as detailed by scholars like Ibn Sirin, views vomiting as a complex symbol of repentance, restitution, and purification. Voluntary vomiting suggests a sincere desire to return ill-gotten gains or to seek forgiveness, while involuntary or painful vomiting may portend difficulty in the process of atonement or the struggle to right past wrongs. Vomiting blood, in particular, is interpreted as the restoration of rights or the end of suffering. The dream thus serves as both a warning and an encouragement to pursue spiritual and ethical cleansing.

Psychologically, vomiting in dreams is a vivid manifestation of the psyche’s attempt to expel what is intolerable—be it repressed emotions, guilt, shame, or psychological toxins. It may indicate unresolved anxieties, disgust with oneself or others, or the aftermath of emotional overwhelm. Jungian analysis might see this as the unconscious mind’s effort to rid itself of shadow material, while Freudian perspectives could link it to suppressed desires or traumas. The dream signals a pressing need for catharsis and emotional processing.

Spiritually, vomiting in dreams is a powerful symbol of energetic detoxification and transformation. It may indicate the release of negative attachments, toxic influences, or spiritual blockages hindering the dreamer’s growth. Many esoteric traditions view such purging as a precursor to spiritual awakening, suggesting the dreamer is undergoing a process of inner cleansing that can lead to healing, renewal, and greater alignment with their higher self.