Career & Money

Money and career questions come right after love. This page gathers the wealth-and-work signs of all three paths — coins and keys in the coffee cup, dreams of objects and action, and the career meaning of the tarot cards.

In the coffee cup

Lexicon

In dreams

Dreams

An exam / test

In the Oriental-Islamic tradition, an exam is interpreted as an image of a trial in life or a testing of faith and character. To pass it announces success and a raised station; to fail counsels the dreamer toward greater preparation and sincerity.

Being late

In Oriental and Islamic interpretation, being late is read as a call to vigilance: a blessed opportunity or a good deed may pass by if the dreamer hesitates. It is taken as a sign to shed procrastination and sloth, and to do the right thing at the right time.

Climbing stairs

In Oriental-Islamic dream interpretation, climbing a staircase with ease is a favourable omen of rising in rank, standing and faith. To stumble or fall, however, warns of a setback or of a pride that may bring one low.

Crying

In the tradition of Ibn Sirin, quiet weeping without wailing is often a herald of comfort, relief and coming joy. Loud lamentation and wailing, by contrast, are traditionally read as a warning of sorrow or misfortune.

Driving a car

In Oriental understanding, a well-steered car points to reaching one's goals, rising in station, and an orderly path through life. An accident or a vehicle gone out of control, by contrast, warns against haste in a matter that calls for greater deliberation.

Fighting

In the tradition of Ibn Sirin, a fight that ends in victory can announce triumph over an adversary or a hardship in life. A defeat, or a fight without blood, is often read as a call to patience and a sign of impending quarrel.

Flying

In Oriental-Islamic interpretation, flying often heralds a rise in standing, the attainment of high aims, or a journey, so long as it occurs at a measured height and ends well. A flight with no return or into the unknown, by contrast, may serve as a caution against losing oneself in hopes that overreach one's station.

Getting lost

In Oriental-Islamic interpretation, getting lost often calls for self-reflection and warns against straying from the right path in some matter. If one finds the way again in the end, it is taken as a sign of coming guidance and clarity after a time of confusion.

Kissing

In Oriental-Islamic interpretation, a kiss usually promises the attaining of a wish, affection, or a benefit from the one kissed. If it springs from love and purity it is a good sign; if from cunning, it counsels caution in a relationship.

Running

In traditional interpretation, running may point to haste in one's affairs, an eager pursuit of livelihood, or striving after a need. Running toward a good place or a righteous matter is held to be auspicious, whereas a headlong flight may warn of worry and distress.

Searching for something

In the Oriental tradition, searching heralds a sincere striving that, pursued with patience, reaches its goal; finding what was sought promises fulfillment of one's wish and the gaining of good. If the search proves vain, it counsels perseverance and trust that time will reveal what is right.

Swimming

In traditional Islamic interpretation, swimming, especially reaching the shore safely, may point to deliverance from hardship and bringing a matter to a good end. Swimming in deep or turbulent water with no footing, by contrast, may warn against risky undertakings or plunging into uncertain circumstances.

Book

In Oriental-Islamic interpretation the book stands for knowledge, wisdom and the destiny allotted to a person; receiving a book in the right hand is held to be a good omen of guidance and well-ending affairs. A closed or unreadable book points to hidden knowledge or an outcome not yet revealed.

Bread

In Oriental-Islamic interpretation bread signifies lawful livelihood, blessing and assured provision; warm, clean bread heralds prosperity and a good, blessed year. Moldy or spoiled bread, by contrast, warns of scarcity or unlawfully gained earnings, as noted in the tradition of Ibn Sirin.

Car

In Oriental and Islamic interpretation the vehicle points to one's standing, trade and progress in one's affairs. A smooth ride heralds advancement and a blessed journey, whereas a breakdown or accident is read as delay and a setback in the undertaking.

Clothes

In Oriental dream interpretation clothes reflect a person's condition, standing and piety; new, beautiful and clean garments promise dignity, honor and a turn toward good. Torn or dirty clothing points to worries, a damaged reputation, or a difficult phase of life.

Gold

In the Oriental tradition, gold is often a double-edged sign for men, pointing to worry, loss, or a heavy responsibility more than to pure gain. For women, however, it may promise ornament, honor, and joy; in every case the gold of dreams counsels guarding what is entrusted with wisdom and gratitude.

Key

In Oriental and Islamic interpretation the key promises relief after hardship, the opening of closed doors, and the gaining of knowledge, office or provision. To be handed a key in a dream is often read as help in a difficult matter and success drawing near.

Knife

In Oriental and Islamic dream lore, in the spirit of Ibn Sirin, the knife commonly signifies strength, protection and a faithful helper or servant. A sharp, clean knife heralds rights secured and power gained, while a blunt or broken one points to weakness in a dispute.

Letter

In Oriental and Islamic interpretation the letter heralds news, a promise or incoming tidings, gladdening or admonishing according to its contents. A sealed letter points to a secret entrusted or an obligation drawing near, while a joyful letter signals good news and reunion.

Milk

In Oriental dream interpretation milk symbolizes innate purity, untainted faith (fitra), and abundant, blessed provision; drinking it foretells knowledge, wealth and a long life. Soured or spoiled milk, however, points to clouded fortune or a tainted gain.

Mirror

In Oriental and Islamic interpretation the mirror often stands for the state of one's inner self, for reputation, and likewise for a spouse, a child or a turn in one's circumstances. A clear image heralds clarity and good name, while a broken mirror is read as separation, illness or a reversal of fortune.

Money

In Oriental interpretation, money carries many layers: coined money may point to worry, quarrel, or words about to be spoken, while at the same time it can promise provision and gain. Money received is often read as approaching help, or as a trust laid upon one's shoulders that must be borne faithfully.

Phone

In Oriental and Islamic interpretation the phone heralds news and tidings, a bond with those far away and a word soon to arrive. A clear conversation promises good news and reconciliation, while a dropped or static-filled line is read as misunderstanding or an answer that fails to come.

Ring

In Oriental interpretation, a ring often promises power, an office, or the gaining of what one longs for, sometimes marriage or a faithful covenant. If the ring breaks or is lost, it points to a waning of esteem or the dissolving of a promise that is mourned.

Shoes

In Oriental-Islamic interpretation shoes often stand for travel, for a spouse or life-partner, and for the station that supports a person; new, well-fitting shoes promise a good union or a successful departure. Losing a shoe warns of separation, loss, or the failure of an undertaking, as recorded by Ibn Sirin.

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