What does it mean when a person who has passed away appears in your dream?

Dreaming of someone who has passed away can be unsettling. Common beliefs suggest that such dreams may foreshadow unexpected news or significant changes. However, some interpretations claim that the deceased person in the dream has not yet found peace, and religious texts recommend performing rituals to fulfill their wishes.

Psychologically, dreaming of an unknown deceased person may symbolize the end of a phase in your life, relating to “dead” emotions or broken connections. If the person is someone dear who recently passed, it simply reflects your ongoing grief, which is normal.

These dreams might make you feel stuck or unmotivated, as if you’re unable to move forward. The deceased person could represent a part of yourself you wish to let go of.

Interpretations vary depending on the dream’s context:

If the person is alive but plays a minor role, it indicates buried emotions and unresolved love.
If the deceased plays a major role, it suggests you feel something was left unresolved between you two.
If they offer advice, it indicates a need for guidance or comfort in your life.

A 1992 study classified four types of similar dreams:

“Resurrection” dreams (39%) involve seeing the deceased alive, often reflecting denial.
Guidance dreams (23%) occur long after the loss, bringing comfort and acceptance.
Farewell dreams (29%) feature the deceased reassuring the dreamer.
Philosophical dreams (18%) involve reflecting on life while thinking of the deceased.

These dreams help the subconscious process loss, offering wisdom, protection, and sometimes acceptance. Pay attention to what they reveal about your mental state.