In the biblical context, witches are unequivocally condemned as practitioners of forbidden arts, associated with rebellion against God and the invocation of evil spirits. Passages such as Exodus 22:18 ('Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live') and Deuteronomy 18:10-12 frame witchcraft as an abomination and a form of idolatry. Dreaming of a witch, therefore, may symbolize a confrontation with spiritual temptation, deception, or the presence of unrepentant sin. Alternatively, it may evoke anxieties about being unjustly accused or persecuted, echoing the historical witch trials where innocents suffered due to fear and misunderstanding.

In Buddhist symbolism, witches are not central figures, but they can represent the kleshas—mental afflictions such as ignorance, desire, and fear. A witch in a dream may symbolize the illusions and attachments that hinder enlightenment. Being threatened by a witch may reflect internal struggles with negative emotions or karma, while receiving something from a witch could suggest an opportunity to transform suffering into wisdom, provided one approaches with mindfulness and compassion.

Culturally, the image of the witch is multifaceted—ranging from wise woman and healer to outcast and scapegoat. In Western folklore, witches embody both fear and fascination with the unknown, representing societal anxieties about female power, independence, and nonconformity. Dreaming of a witch may reflect personal or collective fears of marginalization, misunderstanding, or punishment for being different. Alternatively, it can symbolize reclaiming power, wisdom, and autonomy.

In Hindu tradition, witches (chudails, daayans) are often associated with maya (illusion) and the darker aspects of shakti (power). Dreaming of a witch may indicate unresolved karmic issues, hidden fears, or the influence of negative energies. However, the witch can also represent the transformative power of the goddess—such as Kali or Durga—who destroys ignorance and liberates the soul. Such dreams may call for spiritual discipline, self-purification, or the harnessing of inner strength.

In Islam, witchcraft (sihr) is regarded as a grave sin and a source of spiritual corruption, as referenced in the Quran (Al-Baqarah 2:102). Dreaming of a witch may indicate the presence of harmful influences, envy (hasad), or concealed hostility. Such a dream serves as a warning to seek protection through prayer, recitation of Quranic verses (especially Al-Falaq and An-Nas), and reliance on Allah. It may also reflect anxieties about being wrongfully accused, as Islam emphasizes justice and the prohibition of false allegations.

From a psychological perspective, especially in Jungian analysis, the witch archetype embodies the shadow—the repressed, unacknowledged aspects of the psyche. Encountering a witch in a dream may reflect internal conflicts, anxieties about judgment, or the process of integrating neglected parts of oneself. The witch can also symbolize transformation, creativity, and the potential for personal growth, particularly if she offers guidance or gifts. Negative encounters may point to unresolved trauma, guilt, or fear of social ostracism.

Spiritually, the witch is a liminal figure who traverses the boundaries between the mundane and the mystical. Dreaming of a witch may signify a call to explore intuition, embrace the mysteries of existence, or confront spiritual challenges. The witch's presence can be both a warning against the misuse of power and an invitation to awaken latent abilities. Such dreams often signal periods of transformation, spiritual awakening, or the need to reconcile with misunderstood aspects of the self.