Headless Horseman
Sleepy Hollow, Headless rider
The Headless Horseman gallops out of Washington Irving's 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,' a ghostly rider who chases a nervous schoolteacher toward a dark bridge. In a dream he's usually a fear that feels bigger than it is, the kind that grows in the dark and shrinks by daylight. In the story the ghost may well have been a rival's prank, so the dream can also hint that someone's teasing is rattling you more than it should. Since he has no head, he may also stand for acting without thinking, or a situation where nobody seems to be using their judgment.
Dream variations
- Being chased by the Headless HorsemanA worry has been galloping after you for a while. Notice that it never quite catches you; most of its power is in the sound of the hooves.
- Racing for the bridgeIn the legend, the bridge was the line he couldn't cross. You're close to the point where a pressure eases, so hold on a little longer.
- Being the Horseman yourselfYou may be rushing ahead without thinking things through. Slow down long enough to use your head, quite literally.
- A Horseman in a Halloween paradeSomething that once scared you has become part of the show. Enjoy the thrill now that you know it can't catch you.
Related symbols
- HalloweenOn Halloween it's fine to be someone else for a night, and that's the key to this dream.
- HorseA horse brings strength, freedom and forward motion into your dream.
- GhostGhosts drift in from the past.
- PumpkinA pumpkin carries the warmth of autumn into your dream: harvest, comfort and plenty.
Symbol of the day
TicketA ticket is a small piece of paper that says you're allowed in, or allowed to go.
Read more →Dream interpretations are for entertainment.