In the Bible, worms are potent symbols of decay, mortality, and divine retribution. Passages such as Isaiah 66:24 and Mark 9:48 evoke worms as agents of relentless corruption—'where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched'—underscoring the consequences of sin and the impermanence of earthly existence. Yet, the biblical narrative also contains subtle hints of hope: just as decay returns life to the earth, so too does repentance open the door to renewal and resurrection, echoing the cyclical nature of spiritual transformation.

In Buddhism, worms epitomize the principle of impermanence (anicca) and the endless cycle of birth, decay, and rebirth (samsara). Their role in decomposition mirrors the Buddhist teaching that all conditioned things are subject to dissolution. Dreaming of worms may prompt contemplation on the futility of attachment to the physical body and the importance of accepting transience, nurturing detachment and compassion for all sentient beings.

Culturally, worms evoke a spectrum of meanings: in many societies, they are associated with decay, impurity, and even disease, often provoking aversion or fear. However, in agrarian cultures, worms are revered for their vital role in soil fertility and regeneration, symbolizing unseen processes that sustain life. Folklore may also cast worms as emblems of transformation, humility, or the hidden forces shaping existence beneath the surface.

Within Hinduism, worms symbolize the impermanence of the physical body and the soul’s journey beyond material attachments. Texts like the Garuda Purana describe the body’s return to earth, with worms serving as metaphors for the dissolution of ego and worldly desires. Additionally, worms can represent the karmic process—where past actions are broken down and transformed—ultimately guiding the soul toward spiritual evolution and liberation (moksha).

In Islamic tradition, worms are closely linked to the realities of the grave and the decomposition of the body, serving as stark reminders of human mortality and the fleeting nature of worldly life. The Qur’an, particularly in Surah Ya-Sin 36:78-79, addresses the question of resurrection even after the body has been reduced to dust and worms, highlighting Allah’s absolute power over life, death, and rebirth. Thus, worms in dreams may evoke humility, the certainty of death, and the hope vested in divine mercy and resurrection.

From a psychological perspective, worms in dreams often symbolize underlying anxieties, feelings of contamination, or unresolved emotional issues that 'eat away' at the psyche. They may point to guilt, shame, or self-doubt festering beneath the surface, undermining well-being. Alternatively, worms can represent the necessary breakdown of outdated beliefs or habits, facilitating psychological renewal and growth—much like worms enrich the soil by decomposing organic matter.

Spiritually, worms embody humility and the cyclical process of death and rebirth. They serve as reminders of the interconnectedness of all life and the inevitability of letting go of the old to embrace the new. The presence of worms may signal a need for spiritual cleansing, urging the dreamer to release toxic energies and embrace transformation, ultimately fostering renewal and spiritual growth.