We’ve all had those intense dreams that involve earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis and other natural catastrophes. But, what do they mean? Is our subconscious creating scenarios of disasters to get our attention, or are they visions? These dreams are sometimes created from emotional turmoil, physical issues or spiritual transformations. Dreams have a way of significantly getting our attention.

Well known psychologist, Carl Jung said, “The dream is a little hidden door in the innermost and most secret recesses of the soul, opening into that cosmic night which was psyche long before there was any ego-consciousness, and which will remain psyche no matter how far our ego-consciousness extends.”

If you have dreams about natural disasters, this is what it means:

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Are you having a hard time moving through changes in your life?

Changes in our lives can leave us depleted. We can’t see past the issue at hand. Even though we know that life is ever changing, while we are going through the stress we internalize our emotions. Fear takes over, and during waking hours we are too busy to take notice. However, when we sleep, consciousness is no longer in charge. These are the moments that the mind is able to play out stories. The dreams become little riddles in your psyche. If you are having a hard time accepting changes, you could be dreaming about a volcano eruption, which means that you are bottling up emotions.

Are you stress about challenges that keep showing up?

Sometimes, these dreams show up to stir up the storm that has been brewing in the heart. Earthquakes “break things apart.” If you are struggling with challenges or making an important decision, you could be dreaming of these natural disasters. Step back in waking moments and write your dreams down. Try to decipher the meaning of how you were feeling during the dream. Were you in danger or just being a spectator? It’s important to look at all parts of the dream to see if you can determine the emotions behind the visions. Water, wind, fire, and rocks all mean different things. These elements stir us up.

Are you a perfectionist?

The need to be perfect and stay in control is a huge factor in stressful dreams. If you are having these sort of disastrous dreams, where everything falls to pieces, you can be sure that the anxiety level is going to be atrocious when you wake. Trying to be perfect in an imperfect world is impossible. You have no control over anything but yourself, and even that is questionable.

Research professor Brene Brown says, “Understanding the difference between healthy striving and perfectionism is critical to laying down the shield and picking up your life. Research shows that perfectionism hampers success. In fact, it’s often the path to depression, anxiety, addiction, and life paralysis.”

Are you overindulging in drugs, alcohol or other destructive habits?

What you do during waking life affects sleep patterns. If you are using drugs, alcohol, sex, food or any other substitute to avoid your life, it will show up in your subconscious through the dream world. The sense of being out of control is a factor in dreams of natural disasters. These dreams can be signs that your psychological body is in need of help. Tornadoes passing through, hurricanes shattering everything in sight, and tsunamis wiping everything out of view are some examples of fear and losing control. Take a look at your habits. Drugs and alcohol can alter the dream state with crazy dramatic events.

Natural disasters come in different scenarios. Fires in these dreams can relate to social problems. Water, floods, tsunamis, can also represent spiritual issues. Volcanoes and earthquakes can symbolize the physical body and ailments. Dreams with tornadoes, hurricanes or other wind related disasters can mean financial challenges. If you dream with a comet or asteroid falling, it is a sign of a new era in your life. These cosmological events signify the evolving of consciousness and a deep spiritual transformation.

These dreams can also be telling you that major changes are coming your way in a positive light. Not all dreams of disasters mean doom. They can be omens of job changes, moving to a new location, and even receiving wonderful news. The dream world is a window to your emotions and your spiritual body. Only you know how to interpret these dreams because you know yourself better than anyone.

Jung also said, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”