Cage

Cages, Birdcage, Caged animal

A cage keeps something in, and sometimes keeps something out, so the dream weighs freedom against protection. Seeing a creature behind bars may show something in your life that's being kept safe, or kept small. Being inside the cage yourself moves the question closer to home: who holds the key, and do you actually want out? An open cage door is a hopeful image, since the way out exists and the next step is yours. Building or buying a cage suggests you're guarding something, perhaps a little too carefully.

Dream variations

• Opening a cageYou're about to let something go free, whether an animal, a feeling or a person. Step back and give it room to find its own way.
• An empty cageSomething that once held you, or that you held, has gone. Decide whether to keep the space or clear it out.
• A golden cageComfort is keeping you in a place you've outgrown. Ask what you'd do if the door were open.

Related symbols

Bird · Zoo · Being trapped · Freedom

Dream interpretations are for entertainment.